Page 23 of Penny & Royce

“Really?”

“Absolutely.”

“Would you listen?”

He grinned. “I’d try really hard.”

That shouldn’t have charmed her.

It did anyway.

He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the crown of her head, and warmth scattered through her before she could talk herself out of feeling it.

This was weird, right? Bizarre. There was part of her that was screaming she shouldn’t be this comfortable with him. He was still mostly a stranger.

And yet the thought of pulling away from him made her heart ache a little.

Royce was right. She felt this connection. It was strong and unsettling, but not in a way that scared her. More in a way that made her wonder if she’d been standing still so long that any movement felt dangerous.

For a split second, logic broke through the haze, and she stared at him. “You’re not a serial killer, are you?”

He stared right back. Then he tossed his head and laughed.

“You’re not instilling much confidence in me,” she said. “You realize most sociopaths are incredibly charming. Ted Bundy, for instance?—”

“I can assure you I have no intention of hurting you.” His laughter faded, and his expression turned serious. “But you don’t have to take my word for it. We can go meet someone you trust before we leave. Or you can share your location with them from your phone. They can track you all day.”

She chewed on her lip.

That would be smart.

She didn’t want to tell anyone every detail of what she was doing today. This whole experience felt special, and giving anyone too much information would invite questions she wasn’t ready to answer.

But special did not mean stupid.

Penny pulled out her phone. “I’ll share my location with Shelly.”

Royce nodded without hesitation. “Good.”

She glanced at him. “Good?”

“Like I said earlier, I’m glad you have people willing to look out for you.”

That settled something in her chest.

Penny sent Shelly a quick text, keeping the details light.

Going out for the day. Sharing my location just in case.

Shelly’s response came almost immediately.

WITH ROYCE????

You better tell me everything later.

Location received. Have fun. Be safe. Pet Daytona for me when you get home.

Penny rolled her eyes despite the warmth spreading through her.