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“You’ve always loved being outdoors, Penny. I’m surprised you work at the library.”
I let out a deep breath. How do I tell him that I stopped doing outdoor activities since he left for the Army? How do I explain that he and my dad were the reason for my love of the outdoors? When he left, he took what was left of the joy I found in them, leaving behind a version of myself that was foreign to me.
I choose to answer by telling half of the truth. “I still love the outdoors,” I shrug. “But in addition to that, books have become another thing that I am passionate about. Being surrounded by books is almost as exciting as being outdoors.”
“Hmm.” Liam narrows his eyes, tilts his head, and purses his lips as if he’s contemplating asking me a question, but instead, he just nods. “Since you didn’t eat breakfast, you must be hungry.”
My stomach takes that moment to grumble, and I place my hand on it and laugh. “I am, actually.”
“Come on then.” He leads me to where the cafeteria is. “Let’s get lunch.”
Chapter 19
Liam
“That will be all for today,” I shout over the ringing of the bell. “See you next week.”
“Bye, Mr. O’Connell.” The kids wave, racing out of the field eagerly to meet their parents. As much as they claim to love camp, they’re always more than happy to go home.
“Looks like you had a very good second half of your day.”
At the sound of Penny’s voice, I turn to see her standing a few feet away, her expression relaxed and happy. Even with her face flushed from the heat and hair stuck to her face, she’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.
Every second that passes in her presence, I feel myself lowering the wall that’s around my heart. Wanting to step over the line of friendship and move into the realm of an official relationship. I know it’s what Penny wants, but until I can be sure, I have to make sure that I keep myself in check.
“Do I have something on my face?” Penny asks playfully as I realize I’m staring at her. “Or am I just pretty?”
“You’re gorgeous,” I reply before I can think to stop the words falling from my mouth.
Her mouth parts slightly, and a pink flush creeps up her skin, causing warmth to spread throughout my chest at how she responds to my words.
“Hi, Liam. Penelope.” Patrick interrupts before I can respond. “Did you both have a good day?”
I notice a smile expand on Penny’s face as I turn to face Patrick.
“Yes.” I glance at Penny.
“It was wonderful,” Penny gushes. “I am completely impressed with the program you have here.”
“I am so glad to hear that.” Patrick’s smile widens. “Thank you for coming. Liam, I’ll see you tomorrow and Penelope, it was great to meet you. Hope to see you again!”
“Have a great night, and see you tomorrow.” We wave, as he heads to the parking lot. “Now, I just have to go pick up Tex.”
Penny and I head over to the kennel area where the instructors' dogs head after they’ve played with the kids. I hear Tex barking and then see Rebecca open his cage and let him run to me.
“Thanks, Rebecca,” I yell, and she waves. Tex runs up to me, wagging his tail. I give him a full-body rub and ask, “Did you have a good day, boy?”
Penny laughs, petting his flank as we head to the car. “What was that?”
“There’s a kennel where the dogs go to rest for a bit when the kids are having their lessons.” I help Tex into the backseat while Penny walks over to the passenger side.
I get in the car, and glance at her. “Are you going to tell me what you thought?”
“About what?” she asks with a raised eyebrow.
“What you thought about your entire day. Did you enjoy the camp?”
Penny curls into the seat. “It was so much fun, Liam.”
