Hold Tight (For You 2)

“Why?”

“I don’t know. I guess because I thought he was just another rich guy in a suit—someone Henry hired. I was taken aback by the attraction. He just went for it, but not in a way I was used to.” I’ve never felt this way about someone, and I don’t know if this is what I want.

“How so?” She studies me.

“He was aggressive, but not. Well, not at first. I knew he wanted me, but he didn’t ask me out or anything. I kept trying to give him the cold shoulder, but he would still try to talk to me.”

Penelope is full-on smiling now.

“What?”

She gives a little shrug.

“What? Tell me.”

“He can tell you’re like a skittish cat. You’ve got claws like Mom does, and he’s slowly trying to move close to you. He’s trying not to spook you too much, but he keeps coming.”

I shake my head while a lump forms in my throat. “He stopped coming,” I admit, and watch her eyes go soft. Then they harden and narrow. “What’s his name?”

I can’t help but laugh at the sound she makes. “You really should have your husband teach you how to growl better.”

“Hey, I can still kick some ass. Don’t let the belly fool you.”

“There’s more,” I confess, and then proceed to tell her everything about the night at the bar.

“That doesn’t mean he’s done chasing.” Penny glares at me. “He wants you.”

“I guess, but still, it’s been days, and the only time he talks to me is when he has to. I mean, I’ve run into him, like, five times a day, and nothing. He stares at me with those eyes I can’t get out of my head.”

“Does he work on your freaking floor or something?”

“No. Why?”

“Because that building is so big that no one is running into each other five times a day. Not unless they work in the lobby or on the same floor.”

I think about what she’s saying, and I suspect she might be right. “He’s running into me on purpose,” I say, and the realization makes me smile.

“Yep. He’s trying to get you to finally admit you want him. He’s giving you chance after chance to make your move.”

I let her words sink in, and I bite my lip, thinking it over. Why does the idea of him softly stalking me make me happy?

“Oh my God, you’re blushing.”

“Shut up,” I scoff.

“Why are you running, Pan? You’re not a runner. In fact, if I remember right, you’re a secret cuddlebug.”

“I am not a cuddler,” I lie. I had every intention of coming in here to cuddle with her.

“Who do you think you’re talking to? I slept with you for more than half your life.” She gives me a look like I’m crazy.

“You’re different. You’re my twin.”

She shakes her head at me. “I love you, so I’m giving it to you straight.” Her face goes serious, and reminds me of Dad. “You’re running because you’re scared of a challenge that you might fail. That you could get hurt.”

“That’s not true,” I say, cutting in. “Look at where I’ve gotten in life. I worked hard for this.”

“I never said you don’t work hard. You always have. The problem is, you know you’re going to win. It’s why when things might have been hard, you pushed because you knew you could do it. You knew you wouldn’t fail because it was all on you. Nobody pushes like you do, Pan. You’re a warrior, and we all know it. Anyone in a room with you for a few minutes knows that.”

Her words start sinking in.

“You love on us, your family, because you know we love you. There’s no failure in us loving you back. You let us have the soft side that no one else sees because we are safe.” She reaches out, cupping my face. “This guy isn’t safe, because you don’t know what he’ll do with your heart. When I thought Ivan didn’t want me, I was a mess. You remember?”

I nod. I do remember seeing her in pieces. I also remember thinking I’d never let that happen to me.

“Love is scary, Pan. It’s hard and unpredictable. But I can tell you it’s worth every second. Step up to the challenge. I know you, and I know you want it. Go and get it.”

Her words rain down on me. “You’re right. Fuck.”

Her hand drops from my face. “Pan, I meant like right now. Why are you still sitting here?”

I laugh and pull her into a hug. “Okay.” I jump off the bed. “I love you,” I tell her, going for the door.

“Love you, too.”

I’m not shocked when I open the door and see Ivan standing there with a smile on his face. I smile back and head to the backyard to say my goodbyes. When I get to my car, I see Henry, in a suit, leaning against it. Only he would wear a suit to the family barbecue.