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

asked, "What can I get ya?"
    Seth gave a nod replying, "Guinness."
    Auggie quickly said, "Good man," before handing Seth a pint and asking, "Pen, ginger ale?"
    Penny noticed Charlotte mouth 'I am so sorry' at her before she took her ginger ale from her brother and gave him a dirty look.
    After finding an empty table to sit at Penny quickly slid into a chair before Seth could pull it out for her. She watched him as he stopped next to her, sighed and then took the seat across from her. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate his politeness, she just didn't want to give him the wrong impression. She wasn't looking for anything other than friendship.
    Sipping her ginger ale, she noticed Seth take two large gulps from his beer.
    Clearing his throat, Seth offered, "I don't have to finish my beer if you want to drink."
    "Oh, I don't drink."
    Appearing perplexed Seth started to question, "Then why..." when Books interrupt him as he walked up and said, "Hey Penny."
    Glancing at Seth first, she looked up at Brooks and replied, "Hey."
    Running his fingers through his shaggy blonde hair, Brooks said, "Haven't seen you," pausing to look at Seth before continuing, "lately."
    Ignoring the fact that it seemed like he was trying to bring up the day he broke up with her, Penny asked, "So why aren't y'all playing at the fair?"
    Without answering her, he questioned, "You didn't think I'd be here?"
    The situation started to grow awkward as Penny answered, "Umm, I wasn't really thinking about you."
    Brooks eyed Seth again before asking, "Can we talk for a minute."
    Penny hesitated before replying, "This isn't a good time."
    Suddenly Seth stood up and shared, "I'm going to go."
    "No wait," she urged but he was already heading towards the door.
    Sliding into the seat Seth had sat in, Brooks raised an eyebrow at Penny and smiled. Penny shook her head at Brooks before hopping up and heading after Seth.
    Right outside the bar doors, Penny looked around and saw Seth walking down the street.
    "Wait!" she hollered at him causing him to stop.
    Seth turned in her direction but stayed where he was at.
    "Why are you leaving?"
    He just stood there shaking his head at her.
    Frustrated, she said, "Well, come on I'll drive you back."
    "No thanks, I'll walk."
    "But it's like ten miles..."
    Shrugging a shoulder at her Seth turned away walking down the street.
    Confused as to what his deal was, Penny started to head in the direction of her car to follow him when a familiar and unwelcome brunette walked past her and into the bar. Penny glanced down the street at Seth then back at The Dog House. With a heavy sigh, Penny headed back into the bar. She'd have to wait until later to see what Seth's problem was because right now, her brother Braden was the priority.

 
    Nine
    Continuing to shake his head at himself as he walked down the street, Seth couldn't believe he could be that stupid. She had to have brought him out to The Dog House to make whoever that guy was jealous. Why else ask him to a bar if she didn't drink?
    The whole thing had been ridiculous to begin with. That must have been her plan all along. No one's that nice unless they want something from you. He should have trusted his instincts and stayed away from her. Liv was right. Penny was nothing but trouble.
    ~
    The second Penny entered the bar, she scanned the main area looking for Braden's ex Lily. When she finally caught sight of her, she was shocked to see her standing in front of Brooks. Marching forward, she wanted her out before her brother even knew she was there.
    The closer she got to them the more Penny felt like Lily wasn't there to see her brother. With a once over the bar again, she figured Braden was in the back since Brooks had come off the stage.
    "You are not welcome here," Penny assured as she stepped next to them.
    Brooks appeared regretful as he started, "Penny, I a..." before Lily spoke up.
    "Relax Penny, your brother's moved on."
    "That's good because you've been moving on since y'all