When we got back to Penelope's car I leaned in to steal a kiss. Those lips had been on my mind every second since our first kiss. Her lips were soft and her body was so responsive. This time proved to be no different. Soft arms around my neck and her fingers glided through my hair. It calmed my nerves.  My arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her plush body into mine.

When we broke the kiss her chest visibly heaved up and down. I could feel her heartbeat against my own chest. I wouldn’t be surprised if she could feel mine too. It felt like my heart was beating to the rhythm of an up beat club hit.

I made sure she was safely in her car. Nothing good could happen if we stayed wrapped up in each other’s arms outside of her car. Well it would be good, but certainly not legal for public places. I watched as she drove off. I stood there until I could no longer see her car. I couldn't wait to see her again.

I had no idea what made me open up to Penelope about my parents. I never talked about them to anyone. I didn't tell her much, but the fact that I didn't avoid the question all together was a pretty big deal. I didn't tell her about Abigail, but I knew I would, eventually. I wanted to open up to Penelope. I wanted to get to know her, and I wanted her to know me. The real me. Not the one that women see as eye candy.

There was way more to me than that. Most of the time people didn't bother to see past my body. Honestly, that was fine with me because I was a bit of a loner. I had my Uncle Dwight. I had some friends at the gym too, but I mostly only saw them at work.

I couldn't explain it and I didn't understand it, but I was drawn to Penelope from the moment I saw her. She was breathtaking. She had a certain aura that oozed a strength that only came from overcoming adversity. That was part of what drew me to her.

I surprised myself when I invited myself to her family's party. She just seemed so vulnerable. I think she needed someone in her corner and I wanted to be that person. If it meant having to deal with a difficult family member, then so be it.

The next week flew by and before I knew it, it was the week of the impending party. On Wednesday Penelope and Noel came into the gym for a class. I spotted her as soon as she came in the door. She was laughing at something Noel said. No surprise there because that woman said some off the wall things. I couldn't take my eyes off of Penelope.

She scanned the room until her eyes fell on me and gave me a little wave. We hadn't made anything official, and we always kept things professional when she came in for her training sessions. We did text a lot, and I called her on the days that she didn't come into the gym.

The pair made their way toward me. When they reached me Noel gave Penelope a not-so-subtle shove in my direction. Penelope stumbled, and I caught her by her elbow to steady her. One thing I had learned about Noel was that she did not do subtle. Even still, I liked her because I knew that she wanted what was best for Penelope.

"Hey, ladies. What class are you doing today?"

"Kickboxing, I think it's one of the few we haven't tried," Penelope said.

"I think you’ll probably like it. It’s a great source of cardio and it helps tone as well."

"I get enough cardio with the runs you force on me."

"You complain, but you know you’re getting better and better."

"Yeah, well doesn't mean I like it."

She still put up a funk about running, but I knew she was starting to enjoy it. I had her start keeping a log of how far she ran and for how long. Her excitement when she increased the time she was able to run was evident.

"Um, hmm," was all I replied.

"We better get to the class before it starts," Noel said pulling on Penelope's arm.

"First you push me, now you drag me. What do I do to deserve this treatment?" Penelope looked at me shaking her head, but there was a smile on her face.

"Hey, I need to talk to you about the party later."

"Okay, I get off before your class is over, but I'll wait around for you."

"You don't have to do that. I can call you."

"You could, but I'd like to see you if that's okay."

A sweet smile played on her lips. "Okay, I'd like to see you too."

I stayed at the front desk talking to my coworkers while I waited for Penelope to get out of her class. An hour later people started to trickle out of the room. When I spotted the duo, Penelope was shaking her head in disagreement to something Noel was saying. As they got closer, I heard Noel say "man up". My curiosity was peaked.

"How was the workout ladies?"

"It was intense," Penelope said.

"Yeah, I sweat my booty off in there," Noel said leaning against the counter for support."

I turned my attention to Penelope. "Did you want to take a walk to the park to talk?"

Noel elbowed Penelope in the rips. She let out an oomph and rubbed her side. Her eyes cut a glare at Noel before turning her gaze back to me.

"I, um, was actually wondering if maybe you wanted to come to my place? I can make dinner. If not that is perfectly fine too. I know it's short notice."

She stammered her way through the request not stopping to take a breath. I was elated inside, but I tried to play it cool. I didn't want to come off as too eager.

"That would be great. I'd love to come."

In more ways than one.

"Okay, great. You can just follow me over if you want."

The two friends said their goodbyes, and I followed Penelope out of the parking lot. Her place wasn't very far from the gym. When we got to her apartment, I followed her to her door. She let us in and I took in the space. It was  homie. There were pictures of her and Noel and I assumed her family on the walls and it smelled of vanilla. Her charcoal grey couch was covered decorative pillows and a plush white blanket.

"I'm going to hop in the shower really quick if you don't mind. You can make yourself at home on the couch. I'll be right out."

I longed to join her in the shower. My mind wondered about what her body would look like under those clothes. I knew it would not disappoint. One day I hoped to see her in all of her beautiful glory.

Twenty minutes later she reappeared wearing a pair of yoga pants and a tank top. Her feet were bare and her toes were painted a deep pink color. Feet weren’t typically a turn on for me, but with Penelope everything was a turn on it seemed.

"So, I have some chicken breast and green beans I was planning to cook. I hope that’s ok. I've been trying to eat better since I started working out."

"That's fine with me. I'll help cook."

When we were finished cooking, we took our plates into her living room. We turned on Netflix and decided on The Office. Turned out we were both huge fans.

Our meals were finished, so I edged closer to her on the couch and placed my arm around her shoulder. She snuggled her body into my side and it felt so right.

"What did you need to tell me about the party?"

"Yeah, that. I wanted to give you a rundown of how it will most likely go and what to expect. First, I would say as far as what to wear I would dress nicely. My mom is a stickler for elegance as she says."

"Are we talking suit and tie?"

"No, not that formal. Maybe just a nice button up and slacks. No need for a tie."

"I can do that."

"My mom's friends are snobs. So is she. They'll pretend to be nice, so no need to worry about that. Just know my mom will probably be rude to me. She may also try to give you the third degree. You don't have to tell her anything you don't want to."

"Why would she be rude to you at a party?"

"It's like her life's purpose or something. I don't know."

I didn't like the sound of that. I was going to make it my goal to protect her from her mother at the party.

"What about your dad?"

"I love my dad. He’s awesome. I think you’ll like him. He's not a snob like my mom. He just goes along with these parties to make her happy."

"Sounds like I know who I'll be hanging out with at the party. Don't worry, I'm sure it will be fine. We'll make the best of it."

"I hope you're right."

"I am."

I leaned my head down and captured her lips in mine. I’d wanted to do it all night, and it felt like perfect timing. I wanted to kiss her doubts away.

I ran my hand over the top of her shirt and cupped her breast. They felt perfect just like I knew they would. We deepened the kiss. Her hands roamed up and down my back. After what felt like forever and no time at all, she pulled back from me. Both of our breathing heavy.

"That was amazing, but I think we better stop for now," she said.

I nodded my head in agreement. "It's getting late I better head home before I do a lot more than that. I want you to be ready and comfortable before things go any further."

She walked me to the door. I bent my head down, and she reached up on her toes to meet me. I was granted one last lingering kiss.