Page 97 of Penny & Royce

“She’s still avoiding you?”

A curt nod was all he gave.

“Good luck.”

Another nod.

Then Royce watched Bentley head back toward the house.

Royce lookedup at the window.

He didn’t know what he expected. Penny hadn’t stood in her usual place since everything about their lives had changed that horrible morning. He wasn’t ashamed to admit he’d hoped he would catch her staring down at his usual spot where he’d been caught looking for her before.

His heart still believed she’d give in to the turmoil that plagued them both and accept that they were meant to be with each other.

Nothing was supposed to keep them apart.

Nothing.

Sighing, he gripped the bouquet of flowers tighter in his hand. If he could just get her to talk to him, to see his side, to understand that he wasn’t going anywhere—not just because he was stubborn, but because he loved her—then maybe they could fix this.

Bentley’s question still unnerved him, but he chose to push those thoughts away.

Penny needed time.

And maybe she needed him too.

He strode toward the building and marched up to the second floor where her office was located, only to be blocked by a man he didn’t recognize.

Royce looked the guy up and down. He wore a security uniform. Penny didn’t have security.

“I’m here to see Dr. Klein.”

The man folded his arms, blocking his path. “Do you have an appointment?”

“Well, no, but…” Royce glanced past him toward the suite of offices. “Look, this town isn’t exactly heavy on crime. Can I ask what you’re doing here?”

“Dr. Klein requested that I only allow those with an appointment into her office.”

Royce’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding.”

“I’m not, sir.”

“I’m her husband.”

Something flickered across the man’s face, but he didn’t move.

“And you can speak to her at home.”

The guy was only doing his job. At least that truth managed to make it through the haze of Royce’s muddled brain.

Penny was putting up not only emotional walls, but physical ones too.

Desperation kicked into high gear.

Royce dragged a hand over his face and stepped back, forcing himself to breathe before he did something stupid. “Can you at least tell Shelly I’m here? Please.”

The security guard hesitated, then looked through the glass door toward Shelly’s desk.