Penned Read Online Free PDF Page B

                                          Renn
     
     
     
    She dropped the note before reading his cell phone number. Her head floated above her body.
     
    This can't be happening. He must be toying with me.
     
    But the memory of his warm hand gripping her hip and his eyes—the darkest blue she'd ever seen—made her wonder.
     
    Maybe he's serious. What do I have to lose?
     
    The answer came to her, and she frowned.
     
    Nothing but my boring, asexual life.
     
    She sighed, a headache starting behind her eyes.
     
     
     
    * * * *
     
                                                                         
     
    By bedtime, she'd talked herself into it. It's just dinner, and I won't wear anything super sexy.
     
    She frowned, pushing her warmed-up diet meal around in its tray. I hope he doesn't think I'm just an easy lay and that writing me again and inviting me over for dinner will be the trick.
     
    Now, what to wear?
     
     
     
                                                                          * * * *
     
     
     
    The next day and a half passed in a blur of work and worry. Finally, she chose a pretty sundress with flowers on it and lacy, white matching underthings for her dinner date.
     
    No garters this time.
     
    Her heels were lower too, so she didn't have to wobble up the driveway.
     
    “Yes?” James's voice came from the speaker box on the locked gate.
     
    “It's Pam.” Nervousness gripped her.
     
    “Of course, miss. I'll open the gate. Drive right in and park where you'd like.”
     
    It struck her that James hadn't had her do that before.
     
    “Thanks, James. Was that Renn's idea?” She held her breath.
     
    “It was, Ms. Smith.”
     
    “Great.”
     
    She walked the short distance back to her car with a big smile and drove inside the now open gates. The size of the house took her breath away again.
     
    I am so out of my league. Renn has to know it, but he wants me here.
     
    Then she realized something.
     
    He's a recluse, and contacting a woman via letter in this day and age is a bit strange. Maybe he has troubles of his own.
     
    Money didn't insulate anyone from hard times, grief, being misunderstood or lonely—or from heartache. Not really.
     
    James opened the front door when she knocked. “Hello, Ms. Smith.” He bowed low.
     
    “Hello, James.”
     
    “Right this way.” He led her back the way she'd come before, and her palms grew slick at the thought of what had happened in the pleasure dome last time around.
     
    I must be crazy. I should have said no.
     
    With every step she mounted, her doubt grew.
     
    When they reached the landing, she stopped well behind James, in front of the heavy, oak door.
     
    “Go right in. He's waiting for you.” James gave her a kind smile.
     
    “Thank you,” she whispered and turned the knob.
     
    “Pam, I'm glad you came.” Renn walked toward her, looking so good she couldn't speak. The room flickered with what seemed like a thousand candles—just as it had the last time she'd been there.
     
    It is romantic.
     
    But the memory of being naked and open to him before made her cringe.
     
    Or should it? What does he really want from me?
     
    He took her hand as if reading her thoughts and led her to the same table she'd eaten dessert at alone on her last visit.
     
    “Thanks.” She pushed the word out and smiled as he pulled her chair out.
     
    “I hope this is all to your liking. I realized I didn't even ask in my letter.” Steaming bowls of soup lay before them along with sparkling champagne and water.
     
    “It's fine. Wonderful, in fact.” She gave him a sideways glance.
     
    The dark blue polo shirt he wore set off his matching eyes, and his wavy, black hair shimmered in the candlelight.
     
    “Good. I hope you feel comfortable here, Pam.”
     
    His voice was