She stared back into chocolate eyes that were finally showing her something more than icy distance. But when she opened her mouth to speak, nothing came out.
Say something, damn it. Words!
When she didn’t say anything, his expression softened into a frown. “Let’s just forget we did that.”
She had been like a cat in heat, unable to maintain any kind of coherent thought. Maybe that was what happened when you repressed three years of sexual tension.
He wanted to forget it. He’d been the one to pull away, rejecting her just as quickly as he’d kissed her. Unfortunately, she didn’t think she could forget the kiss so easily.
Her shoulders slumped forward and her chin dropped. Her body was still primed, buzzing with need for him, but Cole was right to pull away. She couldn’t bring herself to make her fantasy a reality. She had too much to lose. She couldn’t risk another career move being subject to an affair.
“I’ll wait for you out there.” He pointed to the living area and walked out.
Being horny every minute of the day was not the drama she’d anticipated having to deal with when she’d stepped on the plane for Hawaii.
She was going to have to get her head in the game and off of Cole’s body, if she had any hope of winning that cup.
…
With nervousness in his stomach, Cole sat with the entire Foster clan at the resort steakhouse. All thirteen of them, including baby Hannah.
“So, Cole. Tell us about yourself.” Harold sat at the head of the table, his arm around the chair of his wife who sat beside him.
“Dad, really, don’t you read the papers?” Cathy said as she battled with Penn to take the seat beside him.
Penn let out a heavy sigh and relented, allowing Cathy to lower into the seat to his left. Penn had no choice but to walk around the table and sit beside Ian.
He wasn’t sure if the separation was a relief or a nightmare. That kiss…
Had been a huge mistake. Now that he knew how explosive it was between them, how could he ever go back to just being friends? Every time he looked at her, like right now, he wanted to lower his zipper and sit her down on his cock.
“I read quality publications, dear.” The sound of Harold’s voice was enough to nip his daydream in the bud. “Not gossip rags.”
So noted. Penn’s father didn’t approve of the Madewood notoriety. Cole was going to have to wow him with other skills.
What? Wow? Since when did he have to wow anyone? He was here as a friend, not a boyfriend. He was here to help Penn win that stupid cup. Nothing more.
Then don’t kiss her, asshole.
“Well, sir. I’m a chef. I have my own restaurant in Toronto. I was adopted by a wonderful woman, and I have three adopted brothers.”
“And you’re Pennelope’s boss,” he said.
Cole couldn’t figure out his tone. It was half disdain, half curiosity. But he wasn’t going to let it faze him.
“Not really. It’s the Madewood Corporation that employs her. ” He might be an owner, but Neil was the businessman, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the corporation. Cole just wanted to cook.
He looked over at Penn, who bit down on her bottom lip and picked at her fingernail on her lap. Who the fuck was this woman? He didn’t know if it was her family or the awkwardness between them because of that kiss that had caused her to retreat into herself. Her insecurity twisted in his gut. For the first time since she’d sat across the table, he wanted to reach out and comfort her.
“But Penn always seems to do what she pleases.” He looked over at her and winked. “No matter who’s in charge.”
Dave scoffed. “Pennie disobey orders? Highly unlikely.”
The rest of the table smiled in agreement. Suddenly, her quiet, introverted act all made sense. She was hiding from them. These people had a certain image of her, and she was too afraid to rock the boat. He’d bet she believed her real personality would elicit outright disapproval.
That vibrant light in her eyes, the light he hated and loved equally, dimmed whenever they were around her family. But family was supposed to love you no matter what. It made him angry that they wouldn’t immediately embrace the amazing woman she’d become. And that just wouldn’t do.
“We’ve been to all three of your family’s restaurants,” Ian said from the other end of the table. “All top notch. Delicious food.”