Shane has another conversation with Fletch without using words. Then he slides off the counter and palms my shoulders. I feel Fletch at my back, and I swallow hard. Is this really happening?

“Penelope, you know that we would never let anyone hurt you. I’d jump in front of a train for you. I’d empty my bank account for you. I’d sing a Bruno Mars song in public for you. You’re one of us now. You know that, right?”

I guess I do. It’s nice to hear. Jenna and my parents are really the only people I’ve ever trusted before.

“This is not your best idea, Shane,” Fletch says. But he hasn’t moved. I still feel his heavy presence behind me.

“You let us teach you about cooking, right? What’s the difference? Let us teach you about the wonderful world of dudes who aren’t good enough for you. It’s just spaghetti in the end.”

I’m struck mute, but I don’t say no.

It’s just spaghetti.

I blow out a breath. Jenna can’t help me from California, but Shane and Fletch know about guys. How to get them to talk to me. And kissing. How to do it. And Shane is sweet when he’s not being an ass. And Fletch is basically Prince Charming. I nod. “Okay.”

Fletch sighs heavily behind me. “Penelope—”

His breath is hot on the back of my neck. I look over my shoulder at him. “You don’t have to kiss me if you don't want to.”

“It’s not that I don’t want to. You’re a pretty girl...”

“Sure, Fletch.”

He mumbles “shit” under his breath and turns me into the circle of his arms. Shane is behind me now, and they make eye contact. “This can’t be weird after, okay? Promise me we’re still good after this.”

“I promise,” I whisper.

He cups my jaw in his big hands and leans way down to my level, watching me watching him the whole way. “You going to close your eyes?”

I shake my head. “I’m doing research. I need to note what I see—”

His lips stop mine from moving, and my eyes close despite myself. His lips are firm. And soft. Why didn’t I think they would be soft?

His big hands shift a little, directing me to tilt so he can deepen the kiss.

Oh, wow.