Irresistibly Yours (Oxford #1)(57)

“Friday, actually.”

She blinked. “This Friday?”

“I know it’s last-minute, but figured, why wait, and…”

“Are you coming alone?”

There was a brief pause, and Penelope squeezed her eyes shut at what the question betrayed. “I mean, is Caleb or anyone coming with you or…”

“Oh.” He cleared his throat. “No, just me. Been getting used to my alone time now that I’m single again.”

Boom. There it was.

Evan Barstow was single. And coming to New York. And wanted to see her.

And…

She didn’t care.

Did she?

“Well, it’d be nice to see you,” she said. “Maybe we could grab dinner on Friday when you get in?”

“Absolutely,” he said. She didn’t think she was imagining the relief in his voice, and it warmed her a little to think that he might have been nervous about calling her.

“Look, I’ve got to get going. I have a lunch meeting, but text me your flight details, ’kay?”

“Absolutely, will do. And Penelope—”

She stilled.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing you.”

She squeezed her eyes shut and muttered an awkward goodbye before hanging up the phone.

Penelope gathered her bag to go meet Julie in the lobby, when all of a sudden she skidded to a halt.

Evan was flying in Friday.

He’d be here all weekend.

Except weekend days were her and Cole’s time, which meant…

She didn’t know what any of it meant.

“Freaking great,” she muttered to herself. “Well done, Pope.”

How was it that she’d gone from a chronic state of no men to all of a sudden having two to contend with?

A minute later, Penelope was scanning the lobby for Julie, when inspiration struck.

Julie…She would definitely know what to do.

“Whoa,” Julie said, holding up a hand as Penelope came to a stop in front of her. “Can we talk about your scowl for a second?”

“Sorry,” Penelope said with a sheepish smile.

“Don’t apologize. Tell me everything,” Julie said, linking her arm with Penelope’s and pulling her toward the door. “I know that scowl. It’s about a man. And considering I saw you wearing Cole Sharpe’s T-shirt at five-thirty in the morning…”

“Um…”

“Hold that thought until we’re sitting down,” Julie said.

Penelope let Julie lead her to a nearby Italian restaurant, and true to her word, Julie waited until they were seated and sipping iced tea before she dove in.

“Mitchell gave me explicit orders not to bug you about this, but since I never listen to my husband, I’ve got to ask…what is going on with you and delicious Cole? Are you going to have his babies? Can I be godmother? Or at least come to the wedding?”

Penelope searched Julie’s face for any sign of incredulity. Any hint of disbelief that someone like Cole would be interested in someone like Penelope.

Instead she saw only girlish curiosity.

“Come on, Pen,” Julie said, reaching for a piece of bread. “I’m an old married woman. Give me something juicy to work with.”

“Uh-huh,” Penelope said drily. “You forget that I’ve seen you and Mitchell together. The two of you set off fireworks every time you come into contact.”

Julie dunked her bread in olive oil before popping it into her mouth and chewing happily. “It’s a burden I must bear, being married to a gorgeous man I adore.”

Their server came by to take their order, and both women opted for the mushroom ravioli special with truffle butter sauce, because, as Julie pointed out, the only thing better than truffles was butter, and vice versa.

“Okay,” Penelope said, taking a deep breath when they were alone again. “You want to know what’s going on with me and Cole.”

“I do,” Julie said plainly. “But only if you want to share. If it’s private, just say the word and I’ll never breathe another word about it.”

Penelope appreciated that Julie was giving her an out, and was on the verge of taking the other woman up on it…but then she surprised herself. Because suddenly she did want to talk about it. Wanted to talk about how he made her laugh, and how great the sex was, and how sweet he was around his brother….

Julie’s smile was slow and happy. “You like him.”

Penelope sighed. “I’m pretty sure it’s impossible not to like him.”

Julie nodded sympathetically. “Cole’s always been one of those guys. I doubt he can even get on the subway without someone falling in love with him. Lincoln too.”

Penelope nodded, although, much as she liked Lincoln Mathis, gorgeous smile and all, she didn’t have a problem avoiding falling in love with him.

Cole, though…

“See, that’s sort of my problem,” Penelope said, fiddling with her napkin. “Everyone falls in love with Cole. I don’t doubt that. But, um, see, nobody ever falls in love with me.”

“Penelope!” Julie’s voice was half shocked, half chiding.

“I know, I know. Believe it or not, I do hear myself. I hear the pathetic, poor-me thing I have going on, and I’m not proud of it. It’s just—”