Chapter 10- The Epilogue
AN: We've reached the end! Thanks to everyone who read this story. I really appreciate the reviews, alerts, and favorites that show up in my inbox. Makes my day!
AN2:This is dedicated to Rachel, aka Onetreefan, who made the suggestion for this as the epilogue. Hope I did you proud! Love, Kricket
News didn't fly as fast around the tech sector as Penelope had thought.
Two months ago, she'd met with Gavin, explained that there was someone else in her life, and then went on that wonderfully fateful lesson in seducing that brought her and her Hot Stuff together once and for all.
Gavin had taken the news well—almost too well, actually. It was like he'd known before she'd said a word, they weren't meant to be. He'd also guessed that it was Derek Morgan she was interested in.
"How did you know?" she asked, surprised.
Gavin smiled back at her and said, "Because just about every other sentence you say is Derek and me."
"I'm sorry," she said, and she meant it; Gavin was a very nice man.
"I understand," he said. "You have to try."
She'd given Gavin a big hug, and then headed off to Derek's house to seduce him with everything she'd learned, and everything in her heart and soul.
Now, it was the first time she'd seen Gavin since that moment. She was standing in the commissary line, getting a processed veggie burger and some flat French fries for herself, when she looked up and saw him.
"Gavin," she said, kind of surprised. She didn't know why it shocked her; it was bound to happen one of these days, although the FBI employed a ton of people.
"Hi, Penelope," he said with a smile. "You look wonderful."
"Thanks." He was still staring, so not knowing what else to say, she added, "You look nice, too."
"Thank you," he said, with even more of a smile.
He was staring at her rather oddly, like he'd done before they'd dated. It made her uncomfortable.
She turned back to the condiment counter and opened her burger, adding lettuce, tomato, onion (Just a little—she liked to stay kissable!), and a pickle. All she had left to get was the mayo on the back shelf.
"Oh, here," Gavin said, putting his tray down. "Let me get that for you.."
She was reaching for the mayo. At the same time, Gavin reached, too, and her hand brushed against Gavin's.
He quickly grasped her hand, held it, and met her eyes. Then slowly, he smiled at her, a seductive grin he'd never given her before.
That look didn't quite work the way she knew he'd wanted it to work. Instead of turning her on, it made her stomach turn.
"Um...Gavin?" she said, tugging her hand away and turning to face him. "See Agent Morgan, sitting over there in that corner?"
Derek was scowling a thunderous glare at Gavin.
Gavin looked over and blanched, and then began babbling, "Oh, I'm sorry...I didn't realize...I'd heard...someone in the tech sector had said..." He blushed an uncomfortable shade of red.
"What did they say?" she asked.
"There was news that you two were just friends, and it wouldn't work, and well...now, you were finished," he said.
She shook her head and smiled at him, and then held up her left hand with the glittering rock on it. "Actually, we're just getting started."
"Oh...um...congratulations," he said, and then made a quick exit.
Penelope took her tray and sat next to her fiance, giving him a quick kiss. "Hi, lover. Sorry I'm late."
"Hi, baby," he said, looping his arm around her. "Veggie burger?"
"Mmm hmm," she said, taking a big bite. "Typical gourmand cafeteria food."
"Richards flirting with you?"
She'd known that was coming. "Yes, dear. However, I set him in his place."
Derek grinned, and then took a bite of his burger, before saying, "I'm glad you did. His execution was all wrong. Big teeth, overly soulful eyes, grabbing a girl's hand like it's a dinner roll." He shook his head sadly, and took another bite.
"He should take lessons from you," she teased.
"Oh, no," he murmured. "No helping my competition."
She put her burger down, and then wrapped her arms around his neck. "Baby Boy, when it comes to you, there is no competition..."