Page 109 of At First Smile
“Thank you.” He puffs out a soft chuckle. “You’re feisty. Rowan needs a partner like you. Someone to keep him on his toes.”
“That’s funny.” It slips out without humor or thought.
“That Rowan needs someone to challenge him?”
“No, that you’ve written an apology letter to someone you met for sixty seconds but make no amends to your brother.”No, Pen! What are you doing?
“You don’t know me.”
Eyes closed, I decide that I’ve already stepped in it, so I may as well wade all the way into the murky waters. “You’re right, I don’t know you, but I know your brother. Do you?”
His back remains rigid and turned toward me. He says nothing.
Swiping the chopped onions into the bowl, I continue my work as I speak, “Don’t feel so bad, he doesn’t know you either.” I discard the onion peel and wash my hands. “Do you want to know him?”
“Yes,” he croaks.
“Good, because he wants that too, even if he doesn’t act like it.” Tears drip down my cheek.
“It’s too?—”
“Don’t do that. You know better than anyone that we’re not promised tomorrow with the people we love. Do you love your brother?”
“Of course.” He spins to face me.
“Then it’s not too late. He’s in the other room. There’s time. I think you already live with regrets after losing one important man in your life.”
“You’re a tenacious little bit of a pain in the ass, aren’t you?”
I swipe at my eyes and give him a watery smile. “Some say determined.”
“Shit! Did I make you cry?”
“No. Onions,” I sniffle-laugh as I grab a clean paper towel, lift up my glasses, and dab at my eyes.
“Pen? What’s wrong?” Rowan rushes into the room, his voice drips with concern as he pulls me into his arms. “What the fuck did you say to her, you bastard?”
“Rowan, no.” I yank myself from his hold. “It’s the onions.”
“He’s a bit overprotective, isn’t he?”
“Like an adorable pit bull.” I smile and place my hand on Rowan’s cheek.
“I think I adore you, Pen Meadows.”
“You’re growing on me, Gillian Iverson.”
“I’m sorry I overreacted.” Rowan takes my hand, raises it to his mouth, and presses a tender kiss to my palm.
“I know, baby. It’s been a rough few weeks, and we’ve both been on high alert, but I’m not the one you should apologize to.”
“Sorry, Gillian,” he mumbles.
“It’s alright.”
“It’s more than alright, it’s a start.” With a pat on Rowan’s cheek, I offer a hopeful smile. “I’m going to grab your mom and Finn to go for a walk while you help your brother in the kitchen.”
“Excuse me?” they say in unison.
