Chapter Twenty Eight
PENNY
The next morning, I woke up to the smell of coffee. I blinked my eyes open. Spencer was sitting at the edge of the bed, sipping from a cup.
“What time is it?”
“Nine.”
“It’s so late. When are your grandparents coming? Let me just gather my wits.” I got out of bed, looking around for my clothes. “I’ll put them on really quick and do the walk of shame."
"What are you talking about?” Spencer said. He looked even more sleepy than I felt though he had gotten up before me.
"Jeannie and Abe are going to drop off Ben. I don't want to be in the way."
He stepped in front of me, putting the coffee cup on the nightstand before touching my face with both his hands. "You're not. You don’t have to go anywhere."
"I’d feel a bit weird for them to see me like this—my hair is a total mess, and this dress is clearly meant for the evening. They will put two and two together."
"What would make you feel more comfortable? I’d like to see you before you leave with Taylor.”
“I can hang out with her until Naomi is gone.”
“Okay.”
He watched me as I put on my golden dress. I bunched up my lingerie, stuffing it in my purse. It was so small that it wouldn't close anymore, but at least the neighbors wouldn't get to see my kinky underwear.
Spencer groaned. He came close enough that I could practically count his eyelashes. He placed both hands on my back and lowered one to my ass, fumbling it. "Fuck, it feels good to know you don't have any underwear on because of me."
I laughed. "Totally. Fingers crossed that there's no strong wind or something, or the neighbors will have a show."
His eyes flashed. "I'll give you one of my coats."
"What? I’d look ridiculous. And I was joking.”
He growled.
“It's not a fluffy dress. Even if there was wind, it wouldn't blow up.”
"I don't want to risk it."
"Spencer. My God, you're serious.” I couldn't believe it.
"No one can see what's mine."
A shudder went through me. I loved the sound of that. I was his. He saw me as his.
"Jeannie and Abe will be here any moment,” I said. Spencer took my hand, leading me through the house. I put my shoes on as soon as I reached the front door.
He hesitated with his hand on the doorknob.
"What?" I asked.
"I have a jacket that won't look half bad."
"Spencer," I said with a laugh.
He groaned, coming closer. He pressed me against the wall.
Burying one hand in my hair, he dipped my head slightly back before kissing me.
It was soft and probing, and I loved that.
This man was such a contrast. He could be wild and domineering, but he wasn't afraid of sharing this caring side of him either.
I loved all sides of him. Oh God. I loved him.
I owned up to my feelings. I feathered my hands over his biceps, pressing myself against him.
I wanted him to feel my love. I wasn't sure if he was ready to hear it, but I could show it to him.
The sound of a car pulling in front of the house jolted us both. He took a step back.
"That must be them," I said.
"No, they’re coming with Cal. This car made another sound. Probably another neighbor."
"Wow, you know your cars. Okay, you go stand there.” I pointed at a spot two feet away. “So you're not tempted to attack me again."
He laughed but actually took a few steps away. I was that irresistible to him, huh? That did so many good things for my ego. I stepped outside before I could change my mind and nearly walked into Naomi. So that was her car we heard.
"Someone's doing the walk of shame," she said.
I blinked. "You're a bit early."
"Babies wake up early anyway."
“He's with Jeannie and Abe. They are dropping him off, I think, in about five minutes."
"Okay. So, my timing isn't so bad.” She flashed me a weird smile, and I started toward Taylor’s house.
"I can't believe you and Spencer are still a thing," she said after I took a few steps.
I turned around abruptly. "What?"
"You're not his type."
I folded my arms over my chest, and I realized I couldn't do that without risking dropping the bag with the sexy lingerie in it. So I just squeezed it to my chest.
"What exactly is his type?"
She smiled wickedly. "Someone from his world. You know… glamorous with status, money. I love that you try though. That dress could count. Although it’s clearly off-the-rack."
I wasn't going to let her insult me. "I don't know what your deal is, but you can't put me down and think I'll just take it. I'm very confident in my fashion choices, thank you very much. And I'm not trying to impress you or please you."
She took a step back as if I'd actually shouted at her, then held her hands up. "Suit yourself," she said. “But don’t get your hopes up. You two won’t last. He’ll come to his senses and realize what’s best for him. Or… who is best for him.”
I cocked a brow. “Spencer is smart. He knows exactly what he needs. And that’s me.”
She snorted before going into the house. I was fuming as I hurried inside Taylor’s home. The last thing I needed was for Jeannie and Abe to see me dressed like this.
SPENCER
This morning refused to end. Naomi arrived before my grandparents and stayed for over an hour. The good part was that my grandparents decided to hang around.
"I'm glad that Spencer is trusting us enough to leave our great grandson with us overnight. He was a darling," Grandmother said.
My grandfather looked like he was about to doze off midconversation, so I had a hunch that everything hadn't gone as smoothly as my grandmother pretended. It was insanely hard to sleep in increments of one or two hours.
“Spencer is very lucky to have you,” Naomi said. "It's one of the reasons why I figured it would be better if he had full custody.”
My grandmother had a stony expression on her face as she sipped coffee. I’d never seen her try so hard to control her reactions.
"Right, okay, I'll be going, then," Naomi said finally, standing up. My grandparents did the same.
"Yes, I think we've encroached on Spencer enough," Grandfather said.
My grandparents left the house first.
“I’ll take him upstairs to put him to sleep,” I said.
“Okay. I’ll wait for you here. There’s something I need to talk to you about.”
Naomi kissed Ben's forehead, and then I carried him upstairs. He conked out minutes after I put him in his crib—more proof that he probably didn't sleep too much last night.
When I came downstairs, Naomi was pacing the living room.
It dawned on me that she’d never—not once—asked if she could have Ben stay the night.
I was raising my son and was grateful for the opportunity.
Naomi could be in his life in any capacity she wanted, but I wasn't going to force motherhood on her.
And the more I was around her, the more certain I was I had absolutely no interest in her.
The only woman I wanted was Penny.
“He’s asleep,” I said.
“That was fast.”
“What did you want to talk to me about?”
"I ran into Penny when I came in. I might have upset her."
My blood pressure skyrocketed. "What the hell?"
"I might have let slip that she's usually not your type, and she… well, overreacted a bit. I hope that won't cause any troubles between the two of you."
I didn't like the glint in her eyes. "What's your game, Naomi?"
"No game."
"You’re not allowed to say shit to Penny. Do you understand me? You don’t know what the fuck my type is, so keep your mouth shut."
She rolled her eyes, coming closer. “Don’t tell me you’re serious about her.”
“I am.”
She froze in her steps for a few seconds. Then, her entire expression changed. She plastered a smile on her face and batted her eyelashes. What was that? “You’re just saying that to spite me.”
“I don’t care what you think, Naomi.”
“Don’t you? Because I remember how much fun we had together. How about you?”
“I don’t.” She was sickening me.
“Mmm… Why don’t I believe you? Just think how great it would be if you and I were together. Ben would grow up with his mom around. You’d have someone at your side who’s worthy of a Whitley. I’d have all the comforts I deserve.”
“Listen carefully, Naomi.” My jaw clenched. I was furious, but for Ben’s sake, I was going to keep my voice even. “You can visit Ben whenever you want. But if you ever—ever bring this shit up again, this conversation will go completely differently.”
She put her hands on her hips. “Why are you so up in arms about this? I’m not asking you to love me. Lots of people get married because it’s convenient. And we have a son too.”
“Who is always an afterthought for you.”
She shook her head. “I’m being practical. My photography thing isn’t panning out, so I’m looking to make some changes in my life.”
“Get out. And from today on, I forbid you to talk to Penny unless I’m around.”
"Whatever, Spencer," she snorted before stepping out. I took in a deep breath, trying to calm down. I needed to talk to Penny right now.
I immediately called her. I was of two minds to go to Taylor's house myself, but I didn't want to wake up Ben and take him with me. He'd just fallen asleep, and I knew the little guy needed it.
She answered right away. “Hey!”
“Everyone’s gone. Are you still here?”
“Yes, but Taylor really wants us to get going so we can avoid traffic. I can drop by really quickly.”
“That would be great.”
"I'm on my way," she chanted.
I opened the door and watched her practically run from Taylor’s house to mine. She smiled from ear to ear. She was wearing a pink dress that suited her perfectly. I searched her face for any signs that she was upset about Naomi.
I closed the door once we were both inside the house.
"Where's the little guy? I've missed him.”
“He's asleep."
She pointed at the baby cam on the coffee table. "I think he grew an inch or something."
I laughed. "That's not possible." Although, what did I know?
"Hmm, he seems to be super tired. Think we can bring him downstairs and keep him in this crib? Or will he wake up?”
“He’s so tired that even if he woke up, he’d probably fall asleep fast. But it’s better if he stays upstairs. We'll have to whisper otherwise."