Free One Penny: A Marked Heart Novel by M. Sembera, Margaret Civella Page B

much better than Liv pouncing on top of him.
    "Rise and shine, Lurker!" she announced, patting him on top of his blanket covered head.
    Feeling her push away from him, Seth peeked out from under the blanket at her.
    "I found your keys in the yard, they're on the table."
    Grateful for that, at least he wouldn't have to deal with Marty to get his apartment unlocked. He watched Liv turn and walk to the front door where Charlotte was standing.
    "Thank you," he appreciated.
    Liv and Charlotte looked at each other before teasing in unison, "Anything you want."
    As they left, Seth pulled the blanket back over his head and groaned.
    ~
    Feeling a bit nervous Penny sat at her kitchen table waiting for Seth to come in and get his keys. She knew he was up, she had heard his voice. Since Charlotte and Liv ruined her plan of pretending what was said last night never happened, she wondered if he remembered too and that was what was taking him so long.
    Growing impatient, she felt the need to get all awkwardness resolved so they could go back to normal. Well, normal for Seth. Just as she was about to get up, he stepped into the kitchen.
    "Morning," she cheered at him glancing over his 'just rolled out of bed' appearance, even though he'd been on her couch.
    Taking a step closer, Seth gave a shy smile. There were what appeared to be grass stains on his otherwise white undershirt, his hair was messy and his always perfectly creased slacks were full of wrinkles.
    "Thank you for the ride home."
    Pursing her lips up into a smile, she asked, "How ya feeling this morning?"
    He paused for a moment before replying, "Not too bad."
    Hopping up, she said, "Have a seat," before asking, "Coffee?"
    "Yes please."
    With a sweet smile, Penny was happy he wasn't rushing home as she walked over to pour him a cup of coffee.
    ~
    Watching her sweep her hair over her shoulder as she poured his coffee into a cup, Seth thought about her long hair spilling over her shoulders and falling against him as she looked down at him the night before. He wasn't trying to come on to her, but it was hard to resist the feeling of being close and wanting to get closer. He wanted to wrap his fingers in her hair and pull her in. Kiss her. It wasn't having too much to drink last night that caused him to feel that way. Right now, in her kitchen slightly hung over with sunlight pouring through the windows, he wanted her even more.
    As Penny returned to the table with his cup of coffee, Seth decided he needed confirmation on her part before moving forward. After all, in his intoxicated state the previous night, he could have completely misjudged her reaction to him.
    "Cream and sugar?" she asked, setting the cup down in front of him.
    Thinking of her naturally beautiful complexion and the fact that she was sweeter than anyone he'd ever known, Seth replied, "Yes," as he mentally added 'You are'.
    Penny reached toward the center of the table to retrieve them for him at the same time he did, giving him the opportunity to touch her hand. Running the pad of his thumb against the top of her hand, he glanced over to see her reaction.
    "Hey! Pen-Pen!" startled them both before they heard the front door slam shut.
    Penny stood up straight tucking her hair behind both ears as she gave him a soft smile before turning away.
    Braden walked into the kitchen looking pretty much the same way he did when he showed up at Kieran's the day before.
    Slapping Seth on the back as he pulled out a chair, he greeted, "How's it goin'?"
    Before Seth could answer Penny placed her hand on her hip questioning, "What are you doing here?"
    Flashing a wide smile, he replied, "What? I need a reason to visit my favorite sister?"
    Rolling her eyes at him she said, "Usually, and I'm your only sister."
    "That doesn't make it any less meaningful," he assured.
    Laughing, Penny asked, "Why are you here?"
    Taking a seat, Braden answered, "I'm kinda homeless right now and I was hoping you'd let me crash here for a while."
    With a