Why a woman as incredible as Penelope would settle for someone so unsavory as Conrad Swinder is beyond me. But she did. She fell for him hook line and sinker. She’s a free spirit and he’s a wrecking ball. I’m something more like an anchor, steady and grounded. I tried to warn her without getting into the details, but she couldn't hear it. The more I tried to explain, the more she pulled away from me and into his arms until I lost her friendship completely.
Penelope is special. She’s always been this bright light. Every guy in Scarlett Springs was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. But she only had eyes for Conrad. Though, something about the way she’s looking up at me right now makes me hope that maybe everything is different now.
She continues, “You’re staying for the weekend then?”
“That’s right,” Sheriff pipes up from over my shoulder and I resist the urge to shoo him away. “We’re having a team-building weekend.”
I wish I had a dollar for every time he said team-building.
“Right. In that case, I’d like to personally show you to your rooms,” Penelope replies. “We have a wonderful porter who will help with your bags.” She pauses, a slight smile lingering on her lips as she looks at me.
“Thank you, I’ll take a walk with you anywhere—” Sheriff’s voice is low and it sends a pang of jealousy whipping through me.
“That’s good.” I cut him off, narrowing my eyebrows and training my stare on him.
Penelope comes around the counter with keys in hand and puts a hand on my forearm. The heat that crackles between us sends a jolt of electricity down my spine. “And Elijah, I hope you and I will have a chance to catch up. If you find yourself with some downtime.” She winks. “I don’t want to cause any trouble.”
But she’s already in so much trouble.