“Why do I feel like you’re talking more about you and me than anyone else? Afraid that we can’t act like adults when this fizzles.”
She shrugged and he could see the stress around her eyes. “Maybe I am. I’ve never been in one of these relationships before so I don’t know how they work, but I do know that keeping things in perspective is necessary. You made your motives clear from the beginning. You should be happy that I’m suggesting this. So why can’t you roll with the punches?”
He dropped his hands to his sides. He didn’t want anyone to be put in the middle, and he especially didn’t want anyone to get hurt. He guessed he’d had so many of the ‘fling only’ relationships that he didn’t think of anything outside of the bubble of lust. And yet, why did this feel different? He’d never brought a woman to see one of Brie’s recitals. Or to have dinner on family night. Although Pippa had actually invited Harley, he could have easily told her not to come.
“Are you two coming in for pizza?”
Penn turned his attention to Brie who had her head stuck outside of the door. “Yes, we better before you eat it all.”
She laughed, showing off two missing front teeth. “I ain’t that hungry, Uncle Penn.”
The little girl was a prettier version of a Jericho.
“Come here, darlin’. I want you to meet a friend.” Penn waved his niece outside.
She skipped across the patio and came to stand next to him. Her dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Her sneakers were both untied. “You Penn’s girlfriend?”
Penn smiled and bent to tie her shoes. “First, you gotta keep these tied or you’re going to fall into a hole, only to wake up in a fairyland, and your uncles will have to search the land far and wide to find you. Second,” he stood, touched her nose, which erupted her into giggles, “this is Harley. We’re friends.”
“Hi, Harley.” Brie kicked the toe of her shoe across the wood planks.
Harley bent down on one knee to Brie’s eye level. “It’s an honor to meet you.” Harley held out her hand and Brie stuck her chubby little fingers in for a quick shake.
“You’re pretty. I like your glasses.”
“Thank you. I wanted to tell you that you were amazing in your ballet recital.”
Her eyes widened. “Did you see me do this?” She took a step back and twirled, sending her hair fanning around her face.
“Yes, I did. You have that spin perfected.” Harley stood. “Maybe one day soon, you can show me how to spin.”
She gave her head a jerky nod. “Yup. I can. How about now?”
Pippa stepped out onto the patio. “Brie, come and eat.”
The little girl crossed her arms and stuck out her bottom lip. “I guess I better go eat. I can show you later. Okay?”
“I look forward to that.”
Once Pippa and Brie were back inside, Penn sighed. “Well, you’ve won her heart.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
He shrugged. “Let’s see, my sister in law likes you. My brothers can’t stop flirting with you. And now my niece looks at you like you’re a princess. Not to mention, I’m pretty fond of you too.”
She laughed and the breeze caught the lovely sound. He liked being the reason she laughed. “You’re very lucky. You have a wonderful, loving family.”
“They’ll do, I guess,” he teased.
“Where’s Brie’s mother?”
“She left when Brie was a baby. She couldn’t handle the responsibility so she took off. Wes stepped up and became a damn good single father.”
“It seems like he isn’t alone. I’d say she is surrounded by love.”
He shoved his thumbs into his front pockets. “She was the first lady to wrap me around her finger.”
“The first? Is there another?” Her molten chocolate eyes grasped him in their invisible clutch.
His lungs ceased. “I think you’re doing a damn good job of twirling and wrapping. I can’t seem to get enough.”
Her cheeks flushed. “Penn—”
He shook his head. “Let’s go eat, otherwise we’re going to be bombarded soon. I know my family and they love nothing more than to heckle when they have the opportunity.”
Getting through dinner had been pure torture. Seeing how relaxed Harley was with his family, and in turn, seeing how accepting they were of her made Penn realize just how special a woman she was. And later, when Brie and Harley walked hand in hand into the backyard and his niece proceeded to show Harley how to twirl, he stood at the window and watched, his heart in his throat.
Harley was amazingly beautiful. Her long hair flowed through the air. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes lit with joy. How had he not seen that she’d bulldozed straight into parts of him he’d shut down from operation a long time ago?
“She’s a wonderful lady, Penn.”
He didn’t look away from the twirling fest in the yard as Pippa joined him at the sink. “That’s why I couldn’t walk away and not keep her safe.”
“Hmm.”
Hearing the questioning tone, he then looked at his sister-in-law. “Okay, spill it.”
“That’s what Roman told me. He knew he’d fallen in love when he felt the strongest desire to keep me safe. It’s a testosterone thing that grows with love and human nature that is as old as the mountains.”
He chuckled. “Don’t put more into this. She’s a great woman. Beautiful, but the love bug can’t bite through my armor.”
“Yeah, good defense until you wake up one morning and you find that the armor you’ve spent so much time building is chipped. All you Jericho men use the same excuses.”
“You’re not allowed to do that.”
One thin brow lifted. “Not allowed to do what? Point out the truth?”
“Use your relationship guru skills on me.” He tried to stay firm, but he respected Pippa and her opinions. Most of the time, hell…all the time, she was right. Just not on this.
“I’m not. I’m family. I’m only saying you need to be careful. If you keep preaching that you’re not the “settling down type”, you might be successful in convincing that to the one person who I figure is the only one you could see yourself happy with.”
“I’m afraid you’re wrong.”
“Hey, what are you two doing?” Roman stepped into the kitchen. He swung his arm over Pippa’s shoulders and kissed her cheek.
“Your wife is attempting to dissect me,” Penn sniffed.
Roman laughed “Hell, sweetheart, you don’t want to know what’s underneath all of that ugly mug and raw emotions.”
“I always find it funny how you boys pretend to be so rough and tough, and I, for one, know without a doubt that you’re all teddy bears.” Pippa snuggled closer to Roman.
“Did someone say teddy bear?” Wes joined them.
“Yes. Pippa is comparing us to those stuffed, furry things that Urban used to sleep with.” Roman said.
“When did he stop?” Wes laughed.
“Did I hear my name?” Urban popped into the room, stuffing the last bite of pizza into his mouth. He elbowed Penn so he could slide in to see what they were looking at.
“Do we have to all gather here?” Penn huffed.
“Hugh? Come here.” Urban yelled. When the last brother stepped in, Urban pounded Penn on the back. “We’re all watching Penn’s girlfriend spinning with Brie.”
“Really?” Hugh peeked over the tops of their heads.
“She’s not my girlfriend,” Penn corrected.
“Damn, bro. She wouldn’t be here if you didn’t like her.”
“Pippa invited her,” Penn interjected.
“I think he’s got the hots,” Urban said to Hugh.
“She ain’t bad, not bad at all,” Hugh answered. “I find smart women sexy.”
“She’s part of a case. Penn knows his boundaries,” Wes growled.
“There went that rule,” Roman added. “I think it’s about time someone could tolerate Penn.”
“I’m standing right here.
” Penn scrubbed his jaw. “To set all of you straight, she’s not my girlfriend. I know my boundaries. I’m not a child. And I don’t need you yellow-bellied freaks putting your two cents worth in on my life every time I turn around.”
Pippa puffed her bottom lip out. “My feelings are hurt.”
“Well, I’m not referring to you, Pippa.” Penn added.
“My feelings are hurt too.” Urban pretended to cry, rubbing his eyes dramatically.
“When I’m done with you, you’re going to have more than hurt feelings.” Penn put his brother in a shoulder clutch, giving him a noogie. They were laughing and carrying on when a soft voice interrupted.
“Uncle Penn, she had to leave,” Brie said.
Penn pushed Urban to the side as he wrapped his brain around his niece’s words. “Where’d she go?”
Brie lifted a thin shoulder and let it drop. “Dunno. She got a call and then left.”
The room became so quite that the refrigerator sounded loud. Penn’s heart dropped. He knew Harley wouldn’t leave unless something happened. Who had called her? He had a feeling he already knew.
CHAPTER TEN
“WHAT HAPPENED?”
Harley looked at Penn across the coffee table. She clasped her hands in her lap, wringing them together. “I’m sorry that I took off without saying goodbye.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for, but I was worried.”
“Marshall called me.” She could barely say his name. So much had happened over the last few days that her life with Marshall seemed like years ago instead of just months.
Penn raised a brow. “What did he want?”
“He wants me to sign over the bookstore to him or pay the loan in full. Same ol’ stuff.” Tears filled her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away.
“He’s bullying you, Harley.”
She met his gaze. “A man like Marshall lives for bullying others.”
Penn blew out a long breath from the corner of his mouth. “You need to speak to an attorney.”
“He has money. He could keep this case in legal war for years if he chose. And in the end, he’ll get his way. I saw how unethical his business tactics are, and he’s brought down much bigger and badder people than me.”
“He gave you the money as a gift.”
She swallowed hard. “It was a loan. I signed a contract. He has me over a barrel.”
“What wasn’t written in that contract was if you left him, he’d expect payment in full, right?”
Not saying a word, she leaned back onto the couch cushion, wishing the Earth would open and swallow her. She turned away as a tear rolled down her cheek.
“Harley, don’t cry. Don’t weaken. That’s what he wants. He’s hoping he’ll bully you into coming back to him. He knows you love your store.”
“I’ve dragged you into this, Penn. That wasn’t my intention. Well, I guess I did mean to drag you into this because I was angry with you, but I’m not any longer. I’m upset that this has become a circus. I mean, here I am putting a chink in your life.”
“If I didn’t want you here, I wouldn’t have you here. I’m an adult and have been around these things enough that nothing surprises me. I’ve dealt with men, and women, like Reed. I know his goals. He sees someone less powerful and he’s using everything he has to get his way.”
“I’m confused. I have a lot of thinking to do. Would you mind if I stayed here tonight and slept in the bedroom alone?” She hated to say the words, but until she got a grasp on things, she couldn’t allow herself to sink further into the relationship with Penn.
“Take the time. Tomorrow’s a new day.”
*****
Penn parked his truck in front of Reed Industries and strolled through the glass doors. The secretary, Charlene, greeted him with a friendly smile. As she moved, her large earrings clanked. “Hello, Mr. Jericho. Mr. Reed isn’t expecting you, is he?”
“I don’t have an appointment, but I had hoped he’d take a moment to meet with me. I have something special I’d like to share with him if possible.” He returned her smile and she blushed. He wasn’t the type to use his charm to get his way, but he needed to see Reed, right now.
“Let me check with him.” She lifted the phone and pushed a button, her eyes stayed on Penn. “Mr. Reed, Penn Jericho is here to see you. Can I send him in?” She hung up. “He said to send you in.”
“Thank you, Charlene.” He dipped his hat.
“Would you like for me to show you to his office?” she asked, hopeful
“That’s mighty fine of you, but I can remember the way.” He followed the sleek, wide hall to the last office and opened the door.
Marshal Reed was a man who took great pride in his looks. His silver hair was styled neatly. He worked out in the gym often and had the physique to prove that he ate healthy. The two men had always gotten along, but as the other man got up and rounded his massive desk, Penn swallowed back a groan. He was learning right quick that the face that Reed put out for others wasn’t the same he handled Harley with.
Last night, after going to bed alone, Penn had stayed up for hours, debating and searching for what he could do to help her. It disgusted him that he’d been paid by Reed for a scandalous job. Sure, a PI couldn’t always be sure of the details of a case, but when it came to light that a mistake had been made, it was important that he rectify his wrong doing immediately.
And that’s why Penn had come here now.
“Penn, what a surprise. I’m glad to see you. Can I get you a drink? I have a two-hundred-year-old bourbon I wouldn’t mind sharing.”
“No, thank you. This is a business visit.”
Reed poured himself a drink and took a long sip. “Sure. Tell me what brings you.”
“I think you should know that I’ve been hired by Harley Tate.” It was best to get it out in the open right away.
Reed lowered his glass, all hints of his smile fizzled, exchanged for one of surprise. “Is that so? Isn’t that a conflict of interest?”
“If I was still working for you, sure.”
The man placed his glass back on the table and rubbed his hands together as if he was digesting the news. “What reason would Miss Tate have to hire you?”
“I’m afraid I can’t go into detail, except I can tell you that the surveillance photos I gave you mysteriously showed up on her doorstep. Would you happen to know anything about that?” Penn was good at keeping a poker face, but because he was pissed, it took a lot more restraint and control to remain unbiased.
The tension became so thick, if a match was lit, Penn guessed the place would catch on fire.
A second passed and Reed smoothed his beefy hands down his designer jacket. “Wouldn’t have a clue, my friend. Must have gotten into the wrong hands.” He went back to his desk and took a seat. “Have a seat, Penn.”
“No, thank you.” He felt better standing,
“Suit yourself.” He eased his body back into the chair, steepling his fingers as he looked at Penn. “Did she hire you to question me?”
Pen shook his head. “No. And like I said, I can’t get into detail. I did come to deliver you something that should make you happy.” He reached into his back pocket and withdrew the thick envelope, placing it on the desk in front of a curious Reed who stared.
He finally opened it and fumbled through the stack of cash. “That’s quite a bit of money.”
“It’s exactly what Harley owes you. Paid in full, with the understanding that you two no longer have any communication.”
A sneaky grin covered Reed’s face, more wrinkles appeared around his mouth and he showed his age. “She doesn’t have this kind of money. Where’s it coming from?”
“That doesn’t matter. Money’s money.” Penn just wanted to get out of the office.
Realization sparked a shine in Reed’s gray eyes. “Well, well…I understand completely. She managed to convince you of my wrong-doings. Let me ask, Penn, did she convince you with her words or that sexy little body?”<
br />
Penn clenched his hands into his fists, reminding himself to remain calm. A man like Reed enjoyed hitting people where it counted. “Will you accept the money?”
“She isn’t worth it, I assure you, my friend. Yet, I’m afraid I’ll have to reconsider the work I’ve given you and your brothers. I’d have to question the morals of you boys over there. I wasn’t aware that you were accepting sexual favors for service.” He laughed then placed the envelope inside of his desk.
Penn kept a straight face. “I’ll be sure to tell Harley that her debt is paid in full and there will no longer be any contact between you two. As far as the SCS contract, you do whatever you see fit.” He dipped his hat in farewell and marched out of the office. He barely heard Charlene saying goodbye because he was so livid.
Just as he figured would happen, he was barely inside the door of SCS before Wes poked his head out of his office. “Get in here!”
Penn knew this was coming and had prepared himself, at least as much as he could without knowing exactly how pissed Wes would be. Walking into the office and seeing the strain on his older brother’s face, he could, without a doubt, see that Wes was ready to shoot bullets from his mouth. Roman was sitting in a chair off to the side, his legs stretched and he didn’t meet Penn’s gaze. Yeah, he was about ready to get his ass kicked into tomorrow. Oh well, he could take it. He wouldn’t change a damn thing.
He dropped down in one of the chairs. “It didn’t take Reed long to contact you.”
Wes scooted his chair closer, eyeing Penn with a mixture of disappointment and anger. “What the fuck were you thinking? Or should I ask what body part were you thinking with?”
Penn shrugged. “I didn’t walk into Reed Industries before thinking things over carefully first.”
“Oh, is that right, bro? If you took plenty of time to think things through, why the hell didn’t you fill me in first? Why the fuck did I get a call from one of our top business clients telling me that he has to withdraw his company from this agency because he is concerned about our policies and ethics.”
Penn removed his hat and laid it over his bent knee. “I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d try to talk me out of it, and that wasn’t happening.”
Penn's Fortune (Saddles & Second Chances Book 2) Page 14
