Page 100 of At First Smile
“I’m aware. We’re just friends.”
“I think I’d be uncomfortable if my friends looked at me the way you’re looking at Trina.”
“Shut up,” he grumbles and smooths down his black tie as the ladies approach us.
“Gentlemen,” Trina croons, reaching the bar. Pen comes to my side.
If Trina knew my thoughts as I looked at Pen, she’d reconsider calling me a gentleman. All I want to do is whisk Pen away for a night where only I get to experience her beauty. Where I can hold her close as we dance beneath the stars. Then, I’ll spend the night consuming every inch of her until the only sound that passes her lips is my name as she cries it out over and over again before she collapses in a heap in my arms.
I’m greedy for this woman in ways that make me more Neanderthal than Mr. Darcy.
“You’re stunning.” I capture her mouth in a languid kiss.
“Come on, Boy Brontë, buy me a shot. If they’re going to be like that all night, I’ll need to get liquored up.” Trina’s quip is playful.
After a round of Patron shots, we catch our rideshare to Casa Loma. The Gothic Revival mansion resembles a medieval castle but is a private residence turned museum. A maze of gardens surrounds the stone structure with two massive towers. Events like weddings and Landon’s fundraiser are held here.
“It’s like Downton Abbey,” Pen says as we enter the castle.
The fundraiser sprawls out from the first-floor restaurant into the atrium and outdoor gardens. After grabbing drinks, we mosey around the event. I spy a few familiar faces. Eli Silverberg and his husband, Malik, are there. My heart swells as he embraces Pen like they’re old friends despite only first meeting at the MVP Event.
“Did you see Coach is here?” Eli tips his head to where Stefan Carlson stands, his daughter, Liv is next to him, a tight smile that is more of a grimace on her face.
My eyes narrow as Landon crosses the room, an unabashed expression on his face, and seems to head right toward Carlson and his daughter. Stomach knotted, I fix my stare on Landon.
“Looks like Landon is making a beeline to him.” Eli chuckles. “Probably going to try to sweet talk him into the bachelor auction.”
“Well, he is a silver fox,” Malik deadpans, making the small group, except me, laugh.
“Carlson? Is his daughter with him?” Pen asks, her hand tightens in mine.
Brows knitted, Eli tilts his gaze around me. “Yep.”
“Rowan, want to introduce me?” she asks, her thumb strokes across my skin, easing the bristly effect that seized me knowing Landon is approaching Liv.
I lift our joined hands and press an appreciative kiss. “Of course.”
It doesn’t take psychic abilities to know what’s in Pen’s head at this moment. She’s able to read me like nobody else.
“It’s going to be okay, baby,” she whispers, leaning into me as we move across the room.
“Rowan!” Liv’s mouth blooms into a bright grin, her slender arms fling around me like a vise grip.
“Liv!” I laugh, squeezing her back.
She pulls back. “Oh, my word, I cannot believe it. Is this your girlfriend? She’s even prettier in person. I nearly died when I saw the social media posts earlier today. I have to hear all about how you met.” She turns to Pen.
Pen reaches her hand out. “Hi Liv, I’m Pen?—”
“We do not shake hands, we hug.” Liv envelops Pen.
The tension unspools from every inch of me. Seeing that Landon has paused several feet away relaxes me.
“Iverson.” Carlson nods at me.
“Coach.”
“I see you’ve beenbusyon your break.” His gray eyes bounce between Pen and me.
