Page 90 of Tempting Miles
Gio: Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. Penny and Miles are cohabiting since they decided to manage two crews to finish the ice rink on time.
Manny: Wait, wait. Are you taking her somewhere nice? You better be ready to spend your dough, because that woman is a millionaire! No Hardy’s dates for her.
Leave it to Manny to hammer in the final nail in my coffin.
Of course I’ve thought about one hundred million different ways to celebrate with Penny. Taking her out to one of those fancy restaurants she likes. Finding an excuse to spoil her a little. Hell, I’d love that.
But every single time I’m about to bring it up, reality smacks me upside the head.
We’re just enjoying our time together.
We’re not in a relationship.
And we will never be.
Miles: Nah. Penny and I are temporary. Why should I take her on a Valentine’s date?
I hold my breath as I wait for everyone to start chirping in.
Because the truth is, I already know Penny’s more than temporary.
Even after whatever this thing between us eventually becomes—or ends—she’ll still be around.
At this point, she already feels like family.
Gio: I really don’t want details. I just ask you to please treat her with respect. She’sfamily to me.
I swallow at Gio’s text.
Miles: I know, Gio. She’s family to my family too. Just know that I do treat her right.
Xander: I mean, even if things aren’t steady between you, I’d still take her out somewhere. The fact that this isn’t your forever, doesn’t mean you can’t treat her right and enjoy it while you’re together.
I would never admit it, but Xander has a point. What was I thinking?
I sign off with the guys and try to get back to work.
But taking Penny somewhere for Valentine’s is the only thing I can focus on.
Good thing the bulk of the construction is behind us, and now we’re mostly dealing with cosmetic details.
Because the closer we get to finishing the project, the closer Penny gets to heading back to Charlotte. And I don’t want to think about that.
I want more time with her.
I need more time with her.
“Fuck it.”
Miles: Hey, boss.
Penny: Yes, Miles?
Miles: Do you have plans for next weekend?
I’m such an idiot. I should’ve just told her what we’re doing next weekend. What if she already made plans with that asshat?
Penny: Next weekend is Valentine’s Miles… of course I don’t have plans!
