Page 62 of Penny & Royce

They made it outside and were heading down the street as she attempted to send a text to Royce about the change of plans when she collided with a hard body. Her phone clattered to the ground, and she muttered an apology as she reached for the device, but the person in front of her got it first.

She focused on his boots, then lifted her eyes to his face just as Mathew stopped beside her.

Royce.

Penny pleaded with him using only her eyes. He knew the rules. He knew that in public, they couldn’t show who they were to each other.

He knew.

And yet the slow curve of his mouth told her everything she needed to know.

He was far too tempted to enjoy this.

“Hey there,” Royce said, handing her the phone. His eyes held hers one second too long. “You all right?”

Mathew stiffened beside her.

Penny took the phone quickly. “I’m fine. Sorry about that.”

Royce dragged his eyes from Penny to her brother and back, and a flash of recognition crossed his face. “Penny, right?”

Her stomach twisted.

Her brother took a threatening step forward as if he planned to stand between them. “You know my sister?”

“Not well,” Royce said lightly.

Penny shot him a warning look, and this time, he seemed to catch it.

Mathew’s gaze narrowed. “I think it’s best if you stay away from our family.”

Royce cocked his head, his eyes still holding a bit of mischief. “Oh really?”

Mathew released something akin to a growl. “I’m well aware of the issues you have with my cousins. It’d be in your best interest to steer clear of us and them. We don’t need to add to the conflict between our families.”

“No,” Royce said, the teasing fading slightly. “I don’t suppose that would be wise.”

Penny cleared her throat to draw their attention back to her. “Sorry about bumping into you. My brother and I were just going to lunch.”

She lifted her brows and flared her eyes, praying Royce would understand that she needed him to leave.

Royce’s expression sobered. For half a second, she saw an apology flicker in there. Then he touched the brim of his cowboy hat.

“Enjoy your lunch.”

Mathew opened his mouth, probably to argue, but Royce brushed past them and continued down the street.

This was just great.

Penny wanted to throw up. She had zero appetite after that run-in. But with her brother’s hand at her back, she was forced to continue down the street in the direction of the café where Jason worked.

What she wouldn’t give to gather up the courage to tell Mathew that she didn’t want to go to lunch with him.

This thought only intensified when she noticed who was at the café when they arrived.

She gasped and spun around, bumping into her brother’s chest. “Matty.”

He chuckled. “What’s the matter, sis? Is there a reason you don’t want to have lunch with Emerson, River, and me?”