Penny's POV
Andrew's question hangs in the air.
"If I ask you to stay… would you?"
My heart pounds in my chest, my breath caught somewhere between my throat and my chest. His hand brushes mine, warm and steady, his eyes holding me in place. Behind us, Nick groans like a dying man.
"Seriously, dude? Right in front of me?" he mutters, rubbing his palm over his face.
Jess laughs under her breath. "This is the best show I've ever seen. Somebody get me popcorn."
I look at Andrew. His face is unreadable but serious. He's not playing or teasing. He's asking.
And the wild part is I want to say yes.
But I think of Mom calling, Dad probably pacing the living room, and Nick who's already glaring holes into Andrew's head if I even breathe the word "yes."
I swallow, my nerves buzzing through me. "Andrew…" My voice coming out softer than it normally is. "If you're asking me right now... "
Jess squeals. "Oh my God, she's going to say yes!"
"Jess!" I snap, throwing her a look.
