One Penny: A Marked Heart Novel (15 page)

Twenty Six

Standing in between Charlotte and Liv, Penny stared into the full-length mirror at the champagne gold, floor length gown she was wearing in the fitting room of La Bella Couture.

"I like it," Penny said before adding, "It's just a lot fancier than what I'm used to."

Giving her a pat on the shoulder, Charlotte informed, "The benefit is black tie."

With a worried expression, Penny shared, "I'm going to feel so out of place there."

"Emerson and Amila are going. Oh, and Silvia will be there too."

Making a face at Charlotte in the mirror, Penny asked, "Silvia?"

Laughing, Charlotte replied, "Awe, but she's always so nice to you."

"I know she's your sister but if I have to hear how hot my brother is one more time, I just might throw up on her."

Continuing to laugh, Charlotte teased Penny, reciting Silvia's comments to her while they were being fitted for their bridesmaids dresses a few weeks ago.

"Oh my gosh Penny, Braden is like so... Mmm. He's like so incredibly hot!"

As Penny wrinkled he nose and shook her head at Charlotte, Liv said, "I think he is."

Both Penny and Charlotte leaned their heads toward Liv in surprise.

"What?" Liv blurted.

"I'm going to pretend you never said that," Penny shared as she stepped back behind the dressing room curtain.

Unzipping the gown, Penny could hear Charlotte and Liv, even though they had lowered their voices. At first she tried to ignore them, then her concern got the best of her and she couldn't help herself.

"Really? You think Braden's hot?"

"Don't you?"

"He's a good looking guy but its Braden."

Pulling her jeans back on, there was silence for a moment.

"Have things gotten better between you and Kieran?"

"No."

"I don't understand what his problem is."

"You?"

"Is it still about Braden's tattoo?"

"I don't know anymore. It's been almost six months."

"Y'all haven't had sex in six months?"

"A few weeks ago we almost did."

"Liv..."

"It's cool though, hopefully what I'm wearing to your wedding will do the trick."

"If he's anything at all like Augustus, those heels you got will make him rise to the occasion."

"Hope so, 'cause at this point it's all I can do not too dry hump his leg, I want it so bad."

Hearing them laugh, Penny stepped out from behind the curtain.

Penny held up her gown with a smile on her face. It was hard for her hear what Liv was saying because she loved them both and wanted her and Kieran to be happy. It did seem as though Liv had a plan, and although she thought it was unfair of Kieran to be punishing Liv for something he caused, Penny knew everything would work out between them.

~

Driving out to Kieran's house, Seth could feel Braden staring at him from the passenger seat.

Trying to break the uncomfortable tension that was taking over their car ride, Seth asked, "Are the girls meeting us out there later."

"That's what I heard."

"You have something you want to say?"

"That depends."

With a heavy sigh, Seth questioned, "Is this about me and Penny?"

He could hear the strain in Braden's voice as he replied, "Nah, you're good for her. It's about Liv."

"Liv?"

"Don't get me wrong I'm not into her like that. She's Kieran's wife. It's just... Man, I don't know."

Nodding, Seth said, "I don't know if I'm the right person to talk to about this."

"Are you gonna say somethin'?"

"No."

"Then you're the right person."

Realizing Braden needed someone to talk to, Seth offered, "Alright, I can't promise you good advice but I'll listen."

Braden nodded, then turned, looking out the passenger window.

It took several minutes before Braden started talking.

"The first time I met Liv, Kieran brought her to a party I was playing at. She had this smirk on her face like she knew something I didn't and when Kieran introduced us, she called me a punk, shook her head and walked off."

Seth couldn't help laughing as he thought from the short time he'd known Liv, it sounded just like her.

"It took her a while to warm up to me. Which was weird 'cause most people like me right of the bat, I'm a likable guy."

"Not to rush your story but we're almost there."

"Anyways, last night we were playing a board game and Liv beat the pants off me and Kieran. She was doing her standard, I kicked your ass dance because she never loses, and he made her go to bed."

"And that bothered you."

"It pissed me off."

"Why?"

"I like hanging out with her."

Seth thought for a moment before asking, "Are you jealous that he gets to go to bed with her and you don't?"

There was a long pause before Braden replied, "I think so, not 'cause I wanna go to bed with her though. She's cool as hell and he's always trying to put her in check. He doesn't appreciate how awesome she is."

"So you're looking at this from a friendship perspective?"

"Yea."

"Alright, I think I understand now. You're mad because Kieran has someone like Liv and you don't."

"That's it!" Braden snapped his fingers, sitting straight up in the passenger seat before adding, "Man, you are really good at this."

Not so sure about that but pleased to have helped Braden out, Seth pulled up to Kieran's house.

~

After dinner and a full day of shopping, Penny was happy to give the passenger seat to Liv and sit in the back seat of Charlotte's car. She listened to them in the front seat for a while. Liv was saying how lame it was to hang out with the guys for her bachelorette party while Charlotte insisted she would rather spend the evening with her friends and soon to be husband than to do anything else.

It wasn't long before Penny's own thoughts took over drowning out their voices. She'd been in a lot of relationships, if you could really call them that. No one had come close to saying the things Seth said to her. His words were something she had waited her whole life to hear but the more she thought about his declarations, the more her concern over them grew. It wasn't like she didn't believe he meant them, she just wasn't sure that he always would. The fact that he had already said them and how they made her feel, told her this was something chocolate and peanut butter wouldn't fix when he changed his mind.

Feeling herself actually start to frown as she fretted over the situation, Penny thought about the look in his eyes when Seth said he was in love with her and started to smile.

"Whatcha thinkin' about back there, beautiful?"

Charlotte answered, "Her lover," in a teasing tone.

With a loud laugh, Penny replied, "Oh dear lord."

Adjusting to look at her, Liv asked, "So Lurker's the one, huh?"

"He says he is."

Glancing at Penny through the rearview mirror, Charlotte blurted, "What?"

Noticing the equally crazy look Liv was giving her, Penny corrected herself saying, "The things he says makes me think he might be."

In unison, they asked, "Like what?"

"He said he doesn't see an end to his future with me."

"Damn Penny, that's," Liv started to say before griping, "What the hell?" as they turned onto her gravel driveway.

Penny scooted forward, looking out the windshield of Charlotte's car.

Stopping halfway down the driveway, Charlotte parked her car as Liv swung the passenger door open and leaped out.

"Why is my couch in the middle of the yard?" Liv yelled before hollering, "Is that our mattress?"

As Penny slowly got out of the car, she heard Kieran's voice in the distance inform, "You said you wanted a new one and it's the bed out of the spare room."

Taking in the scene, there wasn't just a couch and a mattress in the yard. There was what looked like a two ladders covered with a tarp and another one strung between two trees. Tires, a tractor and all the chairs from the porch were scattered throughout the yard. Shaking her head, Penny could help but smile.

As she followed Charlotte and Liv up the driveway, Penny was quickly lifted off of her feet.

Before she could register what was happening she heard Seth shout, "I've got a hostage," as he flung her over his shoulder and ran behind the tarp between the two trees.

"She's not a hostage if you're the only one that wants her," Braden shouted, prompting her to gripe, "Gee thanks," in response.

Seth put his finger to his lips and then peeked around the tree.

There was a paintball splatter that just missed his head hitting the tree instead just before they heard a loud pop and Charlotte shout, "Augustus Caffrey!"

The sound of footsteps running through the yard was next before Liv informed, "I got Auggs' spot."

"That was close," Seth whispered, pulling Penny down to crouch behind the tree with him.

There were a few more popping sounds in the distance, then silence.

Appearing cautious, Seth peered through the space between the tarp and the tree.

"Are you having fun?" Penny asked in a quiet voice.

"Fun? We are at war," he whispered back.

Penny placed her hand over her mouth, retraining a laugh.

"You might want to surrender now that Liv's playing," she suggested in a hushed tone.

When he turned back to look at her, Liv pressed her paintball gun to the side his head saying, "Because I don't lose. Now hand it over."

Handing his gun over, Seth looked at Penny as she smiled an 'I told you so' smile.

Sliding his gun in the back of her pants, Liv asked, "Alright Lurker, where do you want it?"

Breathing out a heavy sigh while curling his arm into his chest, Seth turned his shoulder towards her.

Wincing as soon as the paint splattered against the arm of his shirt, he shouted, "Man down."

Liv winked before silently stepping away.

~

The stinging sensation where Liv shot him was replaced by an altogether different one as soon as Penny started to unbutton his shirt.

Keeping his voice low, he asked, "What are you doing?"

Rolling her eyes at him, she replied, "I'm going to check out your arm. You're going to have a huge bruise."

Even though he had an undershirt on, it felt like she was undressing him.

Stopping her hand right before she reached the last button, Seth leaned closer whispering, "Will you stay at my place tonight?"

Nodding, Penny leaned in and kissed him.

Three loud pops and Braden hollering, "Damn Liv! Alright! Ya got me," interrupted their moment.

Looking at each other, they started to laugh. This was definitely the best bachelor party he had ever been to.

Twenty Seven

Lying in Seth's bed, Penny held back a giggle as Seth stretched her leg high in the air and placed a soft kiss behind her knee.

"And definitely, this spot," he assured before lowering her leg and placing another kiss on her side right above her hip.

After an amazing round of morning sex, Seth was making a point to show her every part of her body that turned him on.

Penny's head swam with delight as she said, "You're determined to replace every single one of my top ten aren't you."

Sliding up eye level with her, Seth smiled sharing, "I'm really hoping to get all around favorite."

Running her fingers into his hair, she sighed, "That's a tall order."

"I am a tall guy," he replied, pulling her all the way against him.

Penny smiled wide at his odd sense of humor as she wrapped and arm and a leg around him.

Seth nuzzled into the side of her neck, hooking his arm under hers and around her back.

His voice was low and serious as he questioned, "Do I make you feel good?"

An involuntary gasp escaped her. It was the sweetest, sexiest most loving thing anyone had ever asked her.

"Like no one else," she softly replied in his ear.

As he held her tighter, she almost said I love you but held her tongue since neither of them had said it again since the first time.

~

Pacing back and forth in his living room, in front of his coffee table, every time Seth would glance at the hospital benefit invitation his chest would constrict. Why was he going and why did he ask Penny to come with him? Being with her was like a dream so what made him think involving her in this nightmare was a good idea. Clearly he wasn't thinking. Spending the last few weeks in his Penny bubble, must have given him a false sense of security.

He was starting to feel sick, visualizing the different possible scenarios of how the evening ahead could play out. The least unpleasant would be the one where they were flat out ignored. The thought eased Seth's mind as he considered, no one would want to talk to them anyway. He was definitely okay with that. In fact, being ignored would be wonderful. They would just keep to themselves and be back under his comforter in no time.

Standing outside Penny's apartment door, Seth checked the inside breast pocket of his Tux one last time to make sure he had his invitation. Looking forward to the calming feeling that would come as soon as she was standing next to him and he could touch her, Seth knocked on her door.

The door slowly opened and Seth was speechless. Penny was always so pretty but tonight she was beauty beyond words. Her long auburn hair was pulled into some sort of an up-do leaving her shoulders completely bare in her gold strapless gown.

"We don't have to go," Seth managed to say feeling like she was an angel and he was bringing her to the demon court.

Giving him a strange look, Penny asked, "Is that your way of saying I look nice?"

Seth nodded, but it was a lie. What he was really saying was, 'Your too sweet and beautiful to be subjected to my family, introduced to Satan, otherwise known as my father, or his mistress, my mother'.

As Penny and Seth walked into the banquet hall, he reached down to take her hand.

Hooking her arm around his instead, she shared, "Charlotte gave me some tips for tonight."

Wanting the security of her hand in his, he replied, "That's good," without feeling good at all about it.

Suddenly stiff the moment he spotted his father, Seth purposely led Penny in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, hoping to find comfort in a crowd of strangers, he mistakenly led them straight to his grandmother.

Seth watched his grandmother's overly superior expression fall on him before scrutinizing his date.

"Grandmother," he greeted with a short nod.

"I appreciate you joining us this evening," she replied before chiding, "I am aware this is not your circle of people," as she turned her nose up at Penny.

Instinctively, he tightened his arm around Penny's before turning and walking in the other direction.

As Seth headed to the open bar on the other side of the room, he felt her stroking the top of his arm. There was a light sting from the bruise Liv left on him, but it was also a reminder of the vast difference between her family and his.

He looked down at her sparkling hazel eyes just in time to hear her comfort, "It's okay, my Nana is kinda mean too."

It wasn't okay, not in the slightest, but her attempt to make light of his grandmother's rudeness made him smile anyway.

They were almost to the bar when Seth heard a squeal and Penny's name, loud enough that everyone around them turned around.

A young brunette wearing a hot pink sparkly dress and way too much mascara practically ripped Penny away from him as she blurted, "Oh my gosh! You look amazing!"

There was a pleasant expression on Penny's face as she greeted, "Hi Silvia."

"Charlotte said you were coming. Mom and daddy are just over there," she announced, pointing behind them before waving her arm in the air and basically yelling, "Penny's here," across hall.

Fighting the urge to throw his hand over Silvia's mouth, to shut her up, Seth watched Mr. and Mrs. Roberts head in their direction.

Before her parents reached them, Silvia gushed, "I'm so excited, in one week, I get to walk down the aisle with Braden."

In a teasing tone that was lost on Silvia, Penny replied, "Well that's what I'm most looking forward to at the wedding."

"I know right! Braden is so hot."

Smiling at the way Penny scrunched up her face at Silvia's response, Seth noticed the Roberts' had joined them.

Mrs. Roberts closed her eyes and shook her head at Silvia having overheard her comment about Braden at the same time Mr. Roberts extended his hand to Seth.

"It's good to see you again Seth."

"Thank you sir."

Penny's tone was soft as she stood up tall greeting, "Mr. and Mrs. Roberts."

"You better give me a hug," Mrs. Roberts fussed at Penny.

With a slight giggle, Penny hugged her saying, "Hi Amila."

Mr. Roberts leaned closer to Seth warning, "I would keep my arm around her if I were you. Otherwise someone might steal her away."

Seth noticed Penny blush as she replied, "Emerson."

With his nerves already on edge, Seth felt his pulse quicken at the mere thought of that happening.

A stinging sensation radiated down the side of his arm as Mr. Roberts gave it a good smack, assuring, "Relax, I was only joking."

Seth forced a smile, but it quickly faded as Ellis Montgomery joined them.

Chairman of The Society and the granddaughter of The Society's founder meant Ellis Montgomery came from money. Old money. She was graceful, elegant but tolerated little. Her position allowed her the privilege of making or breaking anyone who was interested in climbing the ladder of high society.

Immediately greeting Mrs. Roberts first, she gave her a short embrace.

"Amila dear, you are absolutely lovely this evening."

"Ellis," Mrs. Roberts replied back with a genuine smile and a friendly tone.

She then greeted Mr. Roberts, "Emerson, you are looking as handsome as ever."

Giving her a nod he replied, "Always a pleasure to see you."

Waving him off as if his compliment was unnecessary, Mrs. Montgomery informed, "I am afraid the two of you are needed at the auction table."

Departing smiles were given as the Roberts' stepped away.

Mrs. Montgomery turned to Seth and Penny almost smirking as she extended her hand toward Penny.

"Ellis Montgomery."

Lightly shaking it, Penny replied, "Penny Caffrey."

Nodding as if she already knew who his date was and was just going through the proper formalities, Mrs. Montgomery released her hand stating, "I adored your father."

Penny's face beamed at the compliment.

"And Seth, have you spoken to your parents yet?"

"No ma'am."

"Well, it appears as though your luck has run out."

Seth gave her a confused expression before hearing, "Mrs. Montgomery."

Glancing to the side, he noticed the fake smiles plastered across his mother and father's faces as they approached.

Feeling Penny's hand make its way around to the inside of his elbow, a knot formed in the pit of Seth's stomach.

"Linda," Mrs. Montgomery replied, sounding put out by his mother's presence.

Sneering down at Penny, Linda greeted, "And you are?"

"Penny Caffrey," she replied with a smile on her face while tightening her hold on his arm.

Looking unimpressed, Linda turned to Seth's father reminding him, "The one that works at the tattoo parlor."

Mrs. Montgomery quickly broke in questioning, "Do you now?"

"Yes ma'am. I am apprenticing at my cousin's shop, Legacy Ink."

Leonard turned his head away in disgust admonishing, "A deplorable and filthy profession that causes infection and spreads disease."

Before Seth could think of a way to get them away from this insulting situation, Penny stated, "That's not true."

Appearing angry, Leonard barked, "I beg your pardon."

There was a light smile to her expression as Penny explained, "Our needles come prepackaged and sterilized. They are disposed of after each use to prevent the spread of disease just like in hospitals and doctor's offices." Leonard's face grew red at the comparison as Penny continued, "And since the needle of a tattoo gun only breaks the third layer of skin, which is around one sixteenth of a paper plate deep, you actually have a better chance of getting an infection from a paper cut than you do a tattoo."

Seth's father appeared livid as his mother stood there in shock.

A tall man made his way up to Mrs. Montgomery, placing his hand against her back as he leaned close to her, privately speaking to in her ear.

She gave him a nod as he stepped away before sharing, "If you will excuse me."

Penny cheered, "It was nice to meet you," before Mrs. Montgomery replied, "It was an absolute pleasure, dear."

The knot that had formed in Seth's stomach twisted as Mrs. Montgomery stepped away leaving him and Penny with his parents.

Even though Seth was a few inches taller than his father, he felt like he was shrinking under his domineering stare. Beads of sweat formed at his temples while his collar started to strangle him.

"You have invested nothing in this family and now you're intent on publically embarrassing me?"

Leonard's words came in less of a question and more as a statement of fact.

A suffocating feeling started to overtake Seth as he choked out, "No sir..." before Penny replied, "I wasn't trying to be rude."

The polite smile returned to her face as she rambled, "There are many common misconceptions about tattoos. For instance, did you know..."

"Why are you still speaking," Linda coldly stated with a smile to keep up appearances.

Seth looked down at Penny seeing her face flush with embarrassment as her hand loosen from around his arm before falling to her side.

He could tell Penny was working hard at keeping her composure as she tilted her head down, glancing off to the side, when Leonard demanded, "Keep your distance this evening."

"Yes sir."

The air around them lifted slightly the moment his parents stepped away. That was until he turned to Penny and saw the expression on her face.

Seth watched her chest rise and fall in a rapid rhythm as she kept her head down. He felt low, dirty even. He had let his parents talk down to his sweet beautiful Penny. Like the coward that he was, he allowed them to make her feel lesser than them with no defense. When the truth was, he was the lesser of the four and his lame, 'Yes sir' was all he needed to prove it.

As the night went on, Penny appeared to recover while Seth did not. In the car on the way back to his apartment, he tugged at the knot of his bowtie. When he finally broke it free from around his neck, he unbuttoned the first two buttons of his shirt, hoping to breathe easier.

Penny had been very quiet until they entered his apartment. Following him to the kitchen she remained next to his table while he continued to get himself a bottle of water from the refrigerator.

"Maybe if I invited your parents over for dinner..."

Spinning around in shock Seth griped, "Are you out of your mind?"

Her expression bordered on being insulted as she answered, "I knew going into it that tattoos aren't something everyone is comfortable with. It's something some people look down on and worse for me because I'm a woman, especially around here. That's why most of my family doesn't know."

"You think that's what this is about?"

With a thoughtful smile, she replied, "You saw how my mom reacted when she found out I had one. She doesn't know I work there. Auggie doesn't even know I'm apprenticing, he thinks I'm just there to sweep the floors or whatever."