Chapter 21
“Why are you waiting outside?” Lucas asked as he and Cal approached him. “It’s freezing.”
“Seemed safest.”
“There must be a mob in there,” Cal said, looking around Lucas at the Marketplace Main’s entrance. Technically not a mob—Bash didn’t think the well-mannered citizens of Cascade City had it in them—but people were jammed in Get Lost and the hallway, eager to meet Gloria Sebastian. “Parking wasn’t easy. Let’s go.” He slapped Bash on the arm as he walked past him. Cal was new enough to the game that he enjoyed being recognized in public. His good looks and easygoing personality helped, too.
“Wait.” Bash swallowed around the lump in his throat. “I have to tell you something.”
“You’re dying,” Cal said, and Lucas smacked him on the head, giving him a what’s-wrong-with-you look.
“No, but I’ll be dead meat after tonight.” Bash paused to savor the world as he knew it. Once the words were past his lips, it was game over. He’d lose the freedom that came with being Bash Vetter. Everyone would expect more from him and he’d be evicted from the safety of his shell.
Spending time with Penny and her family, and getting to know his teammates and the Tetons staff had taught him he wasn’t the Tin Man. He had feelings, and he cared about people, but he didn’t rush in heart first like other people did. He felt comfortable here and accepted as he was, and it was going to hurt like hell when he told them the truth.
“Gloria Sebastian is my mom.” Their eyes widened.
“Does Penny know?” Lucas asked. Bash shook his head. “She won’t be happy.” He’d be lucky if he got away with Penny only being unhappy. He could recover from that.
“I know, but I hope she’ll understand.” And forgive me.
“Why risk it?” Lucas asked. When Cal wasn’t around, the two of them freely discussed Maggie and Penny. Lucas was crazy for Maggie, and it sounded like she felt the same way. Bash refrained from sharing his feelings toward Penny. He was still sorting through them himself, but he knew he’d never felt this way with anyone before. And for the first time in his life, he saw the appeal of marriage. Of committing to one person. As someone who was interested in multiple things at once, the idea of a commitment like that grated on him. But with Penny? It could be a good thing.
“She was worried about the store, about end-of-year sales.”
“So, you called your mommy.” Cal sounded hurt and pissed, and Bash realized Penny wasn’t the only one impacted by his confession. He and Cal worked well on and off the field, and Bash may have just tanked their friendship, one he hadn’t fully valued until now.
“I did. She hates book signings, and I’ve never asked her to do anything like this before.” He resisted telling them he’d spent a good portion of his childhood begging her not to go to signings. He saw so little of her during the week that to have her leave for a weekend book fest was unbearable.
“You risked the friendships you’ve built so Penny could make her extra partnership bonus,” Cal said slowly, putting the pieces together. He tilted his head from side to side, like he did when Coach suggested a change. Cal might be easygoing, but he was deliberate and thoughtful in his actions and decisions. “What do you need from us?” Bash relaxed at Cal’s question. They had his back, and he hadn’t ruined their friendship.
“She’s going to feel blindsided and hurt, probably mad—”
“Definitely mad,” Cal said.
“I need you to support her. Once we’re in there, you’re both Team Penny, got it?” Cal and Lucas looked uncertain and their loyalty to him was amusing and touching. He’d always preferred respect over friendship, but with these two men, he’d found both. If Penny didn’t turn him into a frog or a goat, he’d find a way to thank them.
“How about if Cal runs interference with Penny and I’ll be special teams? We’ll cover both of you,” Lucas said.
“Fine.” He didn’t need their protection, but he’d agree to almost anything to make sure Penny had support.
Cal nodded and reached for the door, saying, “And here I thought tonight would be dull. Silly me.”
Penny leaned against the tall display shelf and counted the number of people still in line to meet Gloria Sebastian. They’d hosted a ticketed author question-and-answer session in the late afternoon, and the book signing had started almost two hours ago. The ticket sales from the QA—which was pure profit other than the cost of beverages, at a steep discount from Brewster’s, and an assortment of cookies from Maggie—brought their sales to last year’s total.
She slipped her foot from her shoe and wiggled her toes. Wearing heels hadn’t been the best choice for standing on her feet all day, but Penny felt the occasion deserved it. She could pretend she was part of the publishing world and dressed for the office.
The hair on her nape tingled, and she turned toward the door. She still couldn’t read him, but she could always sense Bash’s presence. Cold comfort, she thought as he, Cal, and Lucas moved toward her, all looking a bit on edge.
“Nice turnout,” Cal said, giving her a brief hug.
“It’s been a great day, and Vander Vetter’s asked if we wanted to host a science fiction writer in January, a cozy mystery writer in February, and a historical fiction writer in March.” Penny couldn’t believe their good luck. A first quarter boost like that almost ensured she’d get her partner bonus next year.
“What did you say?” Lucas asked, leaning in for a hug. It was like hugging an overgrown teddy bear, and Penny was happy Maggie had finally come to her senses about Lucas. They made an adorable couple, and he was a perfect addition to the family.
“I told them to send me some dates, and I’d see if it worked in our calendar. With Elspeth and me each taking a month off, it might be tricky.”
“But you’ll find a way,” Bash said, reaching for her. She’d hugged the other two. It would look odd if she didn’t hug him, too. But she lingered, drawing from his strength.
“Are you okay?” she whispered. He felt off. Usually, his shoulders relaxed when they hugged, and his heart raced. He smelled a bit like Tiny, the timid Great Dane at the shelter who’d taken a fancy to Bash.
Tiny spent most of her day plastered against the back wall of her kennel. A truck driver had found her wandering near the highway and called the state troopers, who’d picked her up and brought her to the shelter. They’d called Nanna in to examine her, and she’d said Tiny had looked like a criminal riding in the back seat. She was skin and bones, dehydrated, and had a nasty cut on her back leg. She wasn’t chipped, and no one knew where she came from, but they knew it hadn’t been good.
Bash had come to the shelter with Penny a few times to help walk the dogs and socialize with them. Tiny had limped toward Bash during playtime in the exercise room, leaning on him when Bash rubbed her large ears. Bash sat down and the Great Dane sprawled on top of him, sighing. Penny hadn’t known who’d been more surprised, man or beast, but they suited each other.
Tiny’s leg had healed, and her coat looked healthier, but no one had shown a genuine interest in her. She’d overheard one prospective owner say Tiny was too much to take on, and she needed an easier, more malleable dog. But the bigger the challenge, the bigger the reward, Penny thought, hugging the challenge wrapped around her.
“I’m fine,” Bash said, giving her a quick, tight smile. Her hand slid into his and she gave it a gentle squeeze. He wasn’t fine, but she wanted him to know she was here for him.
Cal looked at their joined hands and rolled his eyes. “He told you?” she looked between the two men. Bash had wanted to tell Cal weeks ago, but she’d asked him not to. Until she figured out how she felt, she hadn’t wanted it open for family debate and speculation. And she knew everyone would have an opinion about their grumpy sunshine dynamic. Plus, Elspeth would be unbearable to work with.
“No. It was obvious. But don’t worry, he’s been warned.”
“It’s all good, baby brother,so you can stand down.” Penny hoped Five heard the reassurance and warning in her tone. She wouldn’t let him come between her and Bash. Regardless of the magical challenge he posed, they had something worth exploring and building on. She didn’t know how they would, what with him in New York City and her here, or if he was even interested. But she was, and she needed to tell him. Sometime, but not now. She didn’t want to rock the boat before he left for the Tetons’ extended road trip.
Cal chuckled. “I’m worried about Bash, not you. You have a reputation.”
“Had a reputation,” Bash corrected him, and Penny fell a little more as her heart soared. He sounded like a man who was interested in building a relationship.
“It’s about time,” Gloria Sebastian said, approaching them. Penny felt the dark cloud surrounding her. Gloria’s mood had been bright and upbeat for most of the day, but now it was a dark mix of black and green, reminiscent of Bash’s colors when she’d first met him. “I’d expected you at the Q and A.” Does she know him?
“Practice,” Bash said, and Penny winced at his one-word answer.
“Well, you’re here now,” Gloria said, sounding disapproving as Bash quickly kissed her on the cheek. She wrinkled her nose. “Oh, Sebastian, you smell like a dog. It’s almost as bad as that horrid body spray from your high school years.” Sebastian? She’s known him since high school?
Gloria brushed at his T-shirt. “I wasn’t expecting a suit and tie, but you look like a thug for hire straight out of one of my books.” Gloria smiled, and her colors lightened. She’s torn between amusement and disappointment. Penny inched closer to Bash, wanting to protect him from Gloria.
She didn’t know how they knew each other, but she sensed it was a close but difficult relationship. An aunt would be right. Penny felt tingles up her spine as her magic dialed into the mood. She hadn’t felt this buzzed in months. The only thing throwing her off was the negative vibes coming from Five and Lucas. If not for their Debbie-downer moods, she was sure she could lean into Gloria’s mind and discover the truth. Bash was still closed to her.
“It’s a bit more casual here.”
“I see that.” She turned and smiled at Lucas and Five. “I know Penny, who wasn’t what I expected, but introduce me to your associates before I go back to the table and sign more books.” She knew about me?
Bash took a deep breath, and Penny swore she heard him groan before he introduced them as his friends. Gloria chatted with them, and Penny relaxed. This was the charming Gloria she’d spent most of the day with, not the cold, disapproving woman who’d greeted Bash. Lucas mentioned they were roommates and teammates and shared an abbreviated version of the cooking contest. Gloria smiled at Bash, looking happy and proud. Penny had whiplash from the woman’s mood swings.
“Yes, John and I read about the contest and the fire online. Our son isn’t very forthcoming.” Bash squeezed his fingers against hers, but Penny tugged free, and wrapped her arms around herself. Son? Our son? If Gloria Sebastian is his mother, that would make John Vander Vetter his father. Bash is the heir to Vander Vetter Publishing? None of this made sense.
“In his defense, it was a small fire,” Cal said.
Gloria cocked her eyebrow. Just like Bash does. “I saw the picture of the torched kitchen and the two of you shirtless, so don’t tell me it was a little fire.” Gloria sighed, but her dark mood was no match for Penny’s. She couldn’t read Bash, and she hadn’t seen he was a liar. He’d played her the whole time. Her magic had epically failed her. “I should go, before Elspeth hunts me down and drags me back to the signing table. Will I see more of you in San Francisco?” Gloria asked, turning hopeful eyes to Bash.
“That’s the plan,” Bash said. She said her goodbyes to Lucas and Cal, and she told Cal to point the football toward the owner’s box if he caught a touchdown in San Francisco.
“You mean when I catch a touchdown,” Cal said to her.
Gloria chuckled and looked at Bash. “I like athletes. Maybe we should collaborate in the off-season?”
“So, you can slowly murder a football team? I don’t think so.”
“I’ve always toyed with romance. Maybe I could be the next Susan Elizabeth Phillips and create a world filled with sexy football players.”
“If anyone can, it’s you, but leave me out of it.”
“For now.” Gloria winked, and Bash rolled his eyes.
“Can I get you a cup of mint tea before I leave?” he asked her.
Gloria looked surprised. “That would be lovely, thank you,” she said, kissing him on the cheek, before walking back to the table, clueless as to the disaster about to erupt.
“Do you want anything, Penny?” Five asked.
“Sebastian Vander Vetter’s head on a silver platter,” Penny said, as the temperature around them dropped. She hadn’t looked at him since his mother had outed him, and she risked a glance. The remorseful look in his eyes was a sucker punch to her heart.
“Let him explain,” Lucas said.
“You knew?” she asked, spinning toward Cal. The temperature dropped further.
“Just now, before we came in. You have a right to your cold fury—”he yanked the zipper up on his puffer jacket and glared at her—“but talk to him before you condemn him. And really, Penny, it’s no different from someone using a pen name. He’s still the same lovable prick.”
“Not helping.” Bash said with a slow exhale. “Give me five minutes to plead my case.”
“And then you’ll leave me alone?”
“Five minutes in your office. That’s all I ask.” He hadn’t answered her question, but Penny walked to the office with Bash hot on her heels. The sooner they discussed this, the sooner she’d be done with him. The heavy office door clicked behind them and she walked to the far side of the room. She wrapped her arms around herself as she leaned against the filing cabinet and stared at him.
“Clock’s ticking.”
“I don’t know where to start.”
Penny snorted. “How about the fact that you’re Sebastian Vander Vetter of the Vander Vetters and heir to the Vander Vetter Publishing empire, but you’re masquerading as a football player.”
“I wouldn’t say empire.”
“That’s your takeaway?” Penny’s voice cracked. “I don’t even know what to call you. Do you prefer Sebastian?”
“No. I hate that guy.” His anger surprised her. Sebastian Vander Vetter had everything she wanted, and he hated it. Penny wondered again about the possibility of parallel universes, but Elspeth always claimed it was a myth dreamed up by sci-fi writers.
“But Bash is short for Sebastian?” He nodded. At least that makes sense.
“A guy on my high school team started using it and it caught on. It fit, so I went with it. In college, there was a mess-up with the uniforms. They thought Vander was a middle name and didn’t put it on the jersey. I pointed out the mistake, but the coach said Vetter was better. They’d need to drop the font size to fit Vander Vetter on the back and it wasn’t worth the cost.”
“And that’s how your alter ego was born.”
“It’s like Cal said. Bash Vetter is my pen name. But Penny”—he stepped toward her—“I’m still the same guy. It doesn’t matter what you call me.”
“Ass,” she mumbled, feeling better for the verbal slight, and the jerk chuckled. She hated that his argument made sense. Her anger subsided, but her hurt didn’t. “Why not keep the charade going?”
“I knew I could help.” He brushed her cheek as he tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “Are we good?”
“No.” Unlike him, she was honest. He’d had valid reasons for his behavior, but he should have been forthcoming with her.
“Will we be?” The raw sound of his voice matched her emotions.
“I need time to process.”
“That’s fair,” he said, wrapping his arms around her. Bash sounded disappointed and resigned, and Penny hated how reasonable and understanding he was. He should fight for her. For them. Not roll over like a submissive dog and give her space.
“What are you doing?” she asked as her traitorous arms slipped around him.
“You need a Penny Buchanan hug.”
“I don’t need a hug.” She breathed him in and a part of her settled. “And why do you call it a Penny Buchanan hug?”
“Because with you it’s a full body hug, and there’s always a tiny sigh that escapes when you tuck your head between my chin and shoulder, like you’re doing now. Think about this while you’re thinking about us,” he said before tilting her head and kissing her tenderly. He slipped past her defenses and surprised her with a full press blitz as he fought for her forgiveness with his kiss and touch.
She pushed him away. “You make it hard to think.”
“Welcome to my world.” He stepped back as Penny straightened her blouse. “Can I call you? While we’re gone?” His uncertainty was oddly endearing, but Penny wasn’t willing to surrender. Bash needed to suffer a bit.