by Kayla Hensen
Penny’s mouth dropped open and she turned several shades paler. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Sinclair!” She gave Duncan a dirty look as she hurried passed.
“Stop distracting my assistant,” Logan grumbled at Duncan. “But good job today. Good job.” He clasped his hand onto Duncan’s shoulder.
Duncan grinned. He almost had everything he wanted. Almost.
Chapter Twelve
Penny managed to get out of work on time and headed home to get ready for the party. Klous greeted her at the door and looped in a figure eight between her legs. She picked the fluffy cat up and gave him kisses on his head while heading into the kitchen. She filled his fish shaped food bowl and topped off the water dish before rushing into her bedroom.
She turned on her closet light and stared at her color coordinated dresses and outfits. Penny scowled with thought and adjusted the hangers slightly as she considered her options. Let’s see, she thought, the Williamsworths are probably conservative. Maybe a black dress would be best. She pulled out an above the knee black shimmery dress but put it back.
Too outrageous.
Penny was looking forward to seeing Duncan and warning him off of going after Logan Sinclair. To be successful, she’d need to get him on her side, which meant supporting him with his parents and family. So, would he be happy if she blended in or would she want her to stick out? She only need to think about his behavior to figure that one out.
Her off the shoulder purple satin dress would be perfect paired with her rhinestone belt. She rarely got to wear it, which was an equal bonus. Her pair of black pumps with the purple soles would round out the deal.
Too bad she only had half an hour to get ready.
She slipped the dressed on and zipped it up before her phone buzzed. Her mother was back fishing for information about Duncan. Penny sat on the edge of her bed and replied she was seeing him tonight. She didn’t know why she told her or why she was wearing a goofy smile as she did it. There was no denying Penny’s heart felt light and happy.
Crazy. She really needed to get over this schoolgirl crush.
Have a great time, dear. It certainly sounds like your’re dating.
It did, didn’t it? And in any normal situation, that’s what it would be. This however, wasn’t normal. Penny didn’t know what Duncan wanted from her. Maybe he didn’t want anything. Maybe he just liked having a good time and getting her to jump through hoops. This was the last time. After this, Penny would make sure she didn’t play along with his games.
She slipped on her shoes, fastened her belt, and stopped in the bathroom to freshen up her makeup. She added red lipstick and dark smokey eyeshadow. Before long, Penny thought she looked good enough to date.
Not that this was a date by any sense of the word.
Penny grabbed a black satin shrug from the hall closet and slipped it on. Just incase the dinner party was less formal than she thought. Klous sauntered over and swished his tail around her ankles. “Meow!”
“I think I look pretty good, too.” She leaned down and gave his head a little pat.
When the doorbell rang, Penny’s heart leaped into her chest. This was it. The moment of truth. She blew out a deep breath and rested her hand on the doorknob. She could do this. If only she could stop being so nervous. This was the same guy she had been dealing with for days. There was nothing to get all worked up about.
Duncan stood wearing a tux on the other side of the door. Penny went immediately breathless and wasn’t able to speak. For once, he wasn’t wearing sunglasses and Penny wondered why that was. His eyes scanned her outfit before resting on her eyes. His eyes widened, bewildered. “Wow.”
Penny smiled bashfully. “Wow yourself.”
“Together that makes us show stoppers, huh?” Duncan offered Penny his elbow. “What do you say? You ready to blow this joint?”
She thought about not taking his arm and walking to the car herself but she couldn’t resist. Penny slipped her arm right through and stepped outside, closing the door behind her. “Is this dinner party going to have decent portion sizes?” She had been to a few rich galas before and she always ended up hungry and in need of a fast food burger afterward.
Duncan laughed. “The food will be delicious. A lot of finger food before the main course. Stuff mini eggrolls in your pockets and you should be fine.”
Penny laughed.
“I’ll take you out for Chinese food after, how about that?” Duncan slipped her car door open for her. He took her hand as she slid onto her seat.
A pure gentlemen, every step of the way. If he could be a little less chivalrous maybe her heart wouldn’t be so confused. “Did I eat that much at lunch?”
Duncan started up the car as he sat beside her. “I like a woman who has a healthy appetite and isn’t afraid to show it. We all got to eat, right? Besides, you’re not the only one who is going to need Chinese food after.”
Penny laughed and Duncan backed up the car and sped away. From the way he gripped the steering wheel, he was more nervous than he led on. She had a feeling it had less to do with her and more to do with his family. He hadn’t said too much about them but he gave enough hits that things were rough between him and his father.
Duncan called himself a screw up, a disappointment, and that usually only came from one place. “You seem better today than you did last night,” Penny said. “More at peace. Happy. It was good to see that today.”
“Yeah about last night… I meant everything I said. Thanks for being there for me. It really means a lot. Most people aren’t going to do that for me. Maybe not even my own brothers but you were there. Just… thanks.”
Penny nodded. “Your welcome.”
“Let’s just keep it to ourselves. My family doesn’t need to hear I told you about our financial situation. I don’t think they want it out just yet.”
Penny could understand that. “They won’t hear about it from me, trust me. I’m going to support you. Plus, what I wanted to talk about.” Her stomach leaped into her throat but maybe it was better to just bring it up now.
“Not yet.”
“You promised if I went with you, we could talk.”
“I did and I meant it. But we’re not there yet. We’re still driving. I can turn this puppy back around you know.”
Penny didn’t think that was really necessary. She smirked. “But we are in the act of going. We’ll be there soon.”
“I can’t argue with that but lets get there first. Let’s have appetizers and mingle. Let my parents see I’m with a nice, kind person.” Duncan took a deep breath. “Seems horrible, doesn’t it? I hope you don’t think I’m using you because that’s not my intent.”
He was kinder than he let on. “No more than I was using you last night. I appreciated you being there.”
“As I do you.” Duncan grinned. “Aren’t we something else?”
They were and that’s what worried her.
******
The Williamsworth estate was modest and subdued compared to the Sinclairs’. It was tasteful, equally elegant and the size of the mansion was no less overwhelming as Penny stood from the car. Bushes by the front walkway leading to the stairs were perfectly manicured and bright lights highlighted the bright yellow and purple tulips growing along side the hedges.
Duncan took her hand. “It’s a mansion,” he said. “Seen one….”
“Seen them all? Hardly. It’s beautiful though.”
“Wait until you see the train that goes through the house.”
“Your joking!” Penny proclaimed as they headed up the walkway. “You are joking, aren’t you?”
“I am.”
Penny would’ve swatted at him if they hadn’t reached the front step. The butler greeted them. “Good evening, Mr. Williamsworth. Welcome home at this auspicious hour.”
“Can’t miss a good old party, can I, Franklin?” Duncan slapped him on the back as they stepped inside.
The ornate ceilings, the light violin music, and the tasteful ivory d�
�cor, made it hard for Penny not to get swept away. There was a certain charm to the mansion that put it in league with a southern plantation. She could imagine what the back porch and yard would be like. Had they sat around drinking sweet tea while the kids played? While they made legendary deals that were now something of Hamilton Springs legend.
Duncan followed her gaze. “That’s where my grandfather proposed to Dotty. Right in the back flower garden while a party just like this one went on.”
“Senator Charles Williamsworth?” Penny asked and she felt excitement.
Duncan nodded. “First Williamsworth in history to marry a commoner.” He laughed. “Things were so different then. I can’t even imagine only dating rich woman.”
“So you’re equal opportunity. That’s good to know.
Duncan winked at her. “All the way. Come on, let’s find some mini egg rolls.” They made their way further into the party, entering through a large living room that flowed into a dining room and then a seating area by the glass patio doors. Fifty or so people gathered, talking and delicately eating appetizers while holding drinks. Everyone dressed to the nines and instead of feeling overdressed, Penny felt the exact opposite. The dresses and suits gathered in that room could probably more than afford to buy her a house. She tensed up and felt Duncan’s fingers brush up against her arm gently.
It relaxed her and brought her back to center.
“Ahh! My son has arrived!”
Heads turned to look at them and Penny stood straight, holding firmly onto Duncan’s elbow. A tall, silver haired man stepped over with wide strides. His smile was friendly and if he was upset, Penny couldn’t read that at all. She’d think nothing was wrong at all if Duncan hadn’t gone rigid beside her.
“Nice of you to make it. We hadn’t heard, so we weren’t sure if you got Matthew’s message.”
“Oh, I got it all right. Dad, this is Penny. I’m assuming there’s nothing wrong with bringing a plus one?”
“Nothing wrong at all! Nice to meet you, Penny.”
Penny shook his hand. “A pleasure, Mr. Williamsworth.”
“Nice grip,” he nodded with approval. “She’s different than the other woman you’ve brought around. I think I like her.”
“Dad…” Duncan whispered and shook his head.
Penny only smiled. She had good practice for dealing with rich men who sometimes threw their weight around. “I’m so happy you approve.”
“You think you can hold your weight with this guy?” he gestured his head to Duncan.
“Oh, I know I can. Like a kitten, eating out of my hand.” Penny winked.
Duncan and his dad both laughed. “Okay, I really like her. Thanks for bringing her. Find your brothers. They want to speak to you.” He turned from them, saw someone he knew, and rushed off.
Penny grabbed two mini egg rolls as a server walked by with a large full tray. She cradled them in her hand. “Well, that went okay.”
“It went better than expected. You really are smooth.”
“I don’t know about that. I just know how to handle men who are used to having power.” She popped an egg roll into her mouth and thoughtfully chewed. The flavors were so robust and the filling so juicy, it was hard not to moan loudly.
“I could watch you eat all night,” Duncan said. “That talk you want to have…”
Penny wiped the corners of her mouth. “Later. Let’s just do what we came to do.”
“Oh yeah? And what’s that?”
“Eat. Have fun. Find your brothers and make an impression.”
“I’m real good at that. Turns out, you are, too. Maybe you’re perfect for me.”
Or maybe they were perfect for each other?
Chapter Thirteen
“Wayward brother, there you are!” Matthew clamped his hand on his shoulder with a wide grin on his face.
Duncan startled at the sudden approach of his brother. He had been enjoying Penny’s attention while standing with his back to the wall. It wasn’t like he thought the giant fern would hide him forever…
But he kind of hoped it would.
“Some of us have to work for a living, Matt.” Duncan chuckled and shook his brother’s hair. He kept his disposition light, grinning like he didn’t have a care in the world but he was very conscious of the fact Penny stood with him. As Matthew approached, she had draped her hand on his forearm.
That at least made him feel a little better.
“Who is the beautiful lady?” Matthews eyes sparkled as he took her in. Duncan felt a rise of jealousy when she smiled back.
“Sorry, where are my manners? Penny, this is my older brother, Matthew. Matt, this is Penny.”
“A pleasure to meet you.” Matthew shook her hand.
“Likewise, Mr. Williamsworth.”
Matthew waved her off. “Oh please, we’re all contemporaries, aren’t we? You can call me Matt. Everyone does. Drinks? You guys need one?”
Duncan shook his head. “I’m fine.”
“Me too.”
“All right then. What do you do, Penny?”
“I work for Sinclair Enterprises. I’m Logan Sinclairs personal assistant.”
Duncan watched Matthew bristle under the news. He shot Duncan a knowing look. “Really? You guys just happen to meet?” His brother stuffed his hands in his pockets and shot a look of accusation.
Penny shifted uncomfortably and Duncan took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Whatever it is you think this is, Matt, it’s not. I work for Logan now. There’s nothing underhanded going on. Now that I’ve explained myself, please don’t be rude to the lady.”
Matthew raised his glass apologetically. “You’re right. I’m sorry, Penny. I’m just never sure what my middle brother is up to.”
“He had a great first day and made quite the impression. Everyone’s been working well together. You shouldn’t worry,” Penny explained.
“I’m glad to hear that and it was nice to meet you. I’m sorry if I was rude. We’ve just all been on edge. Listen, I’m going to keep making the rounds but I’ll see you at dinner time.” Matthew slapped Duncan on the back and continued on his way.
Penny gazed after him. “Well, he’s kind of intense.”
“He’s under the most pressure being the oldest. This is all his to manage one day. If it survives,” Duncan grumbled. “Come on, I can see my brother Jackson. Maybe we can talk to him and get this all over with then we can skip out for a real dinner.”
“You were serious about that?”
“Weren’t you?” Duncan asked. Hadn’t she been?
“Well, kind of. I think, though, if we’re here for dinner, we actually need to stay and sit. Otherwise its not much of an appearance, is it?”
Duncan ran a hand through his hair. She did have a point and if he was trying to make a good impression…
“All right. We’ll stay and eat but you’re asking for it. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He grinned and in response, Penny crinkled up her nose. Duncan had to admit, she was quite cute when she did it.
“Which one is your brother?”
Duncan pointed through the crowd. “That blond guy in the tux with the half unbuttoned shirt and open jacket.”
“Oh, the one who looks just a little uncomfortable?”
That was putting it mildly. “He’s in a motorcycle club. He rather be anywhere but here I think.”
“So, you’re not the only one who likes to do his own thing,” Penny said.
“I guess not but I’m the only one who takes heat for it.”
“Why do you think that is?” Penny asked gently.
Duncan shook his head. “I don’t really know. I can’t say I’ve ever really stopped to ask and find out before. I figure I was just cursed in the middle, you know? The oldest gets everything and the youngest gets away with everything.”
“And the one in the middle gets it, huh? As an only child, I guess I’ve never really got what it’s like to share my piece of the pie.”
Duncan groa
ned. “I could really go for some pie.”
Penny laughed and slipped her hand through his. “Come on, introduce me to your brother.”
He liked the way she so effortlessly touched him. Most times when women did that, they wanted something. Penny was so different and refreshing from his past experiences. What would Duncan do when the night was over? What excuse could he find next to keep her close by?
“Jackson, hey,” Duncan said. He sauntered more than walked.
His brother turned and clasped his arm. “Hey bro, oh hello. You brought a plus one.”
“He did. My name is Penny.” She extended her hand and Jackson shook it. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise, likewise. I rather be out there,” Jackson nodded his head toward the patio door, “but if I hang with my bro and meet nice people such as yourself…” He gave her a winning smile.
“You can kill the charm, Jackson. I already told her you’re a jerk.”
A burst of laughter escaped Penny’s lips. “He said no such thing.”
“Well, he will. And he’s kind of right.” Jackson shrugged. “At least half the time. Face it, neither of us really want to be here. The only person that does beside Mom and Dad is Matthew. Even the guests would probably rather be eating at Applebees or something like that.”
Duncan snorted. “What the heck is an Apple bee?”
“I’ll school you on it sometime,” Penny gave him flirting eyes. “It’s kind of like a coupon for your mouth.”
“Does it taste good?”
Penny considered it and swayed her hand side to side. “Depends what you’re used to. To you, probably not.”
Duncan made a face. “Well—”
A bell was rung from inside the dining room. “Diner is served! Please make your way to a seat and the first course will be delivered soon!” The cook, Beatrice, said in her usual loud voice as she stood with rigid posture.
“Well,” Duncan glanced at Penny and felt a nervous roll in his stomach, “this is the last chance you’re going to get to run out of it.”