She steps back, but only far enough to look at me. “Things aren’t going to be less complicated. Are you sure this is what you want?”
I pull Frankie back into my arms. “We’ll figure that out later. Right now, let’s just get you to the ranch.”
“Okay.” She lets out another staggered breath then smiles softly, lifting her chin in an invitation.
Gently, my mouth meets hers with a relief that’s sweet and slow like we have all the time in the world to fall into this kiss, to discover everything we’ve held back from each other. We don’t have to be careful anymore. Frankie’s back, and I won’t let anything take her away from me again.
“I’ve missed you,” I say, taking my kiss deeper.
“I’ve missed you, too.” Frankie’s voice hitches as I trace my lips across her jaw, and sweet and slow threatens to grow into something else.
“We should really go.” My voice is hoarse as I find her mouth again.
She pulls away long enough to say, “we really should,” before kissing me again.
But we don’t leave until I’ve kissed her hard enough to convince her to stay for good…
I hope.
Chapter 26
Frankie
I've got no clue how long we’re in Flo’s office. But when someone knocks on the door and Cal and I break apart, it’s too soon.
Miguel pops his head around the door before stepping in. “Sorry, guys. Gotta grab something for Flo.”
He scans Flo’s desk, then quickly grabs a random piece of paper before leaving without shutting the door behind him.
Cal and I look at each other.
“Think we’ve worn out our welcome?” Cal asks.
“Well, one of us has. Didn’t hear manywelcome homeswalking in here today.”
“Nobody’s going to stay mad at you,” he says without conviction.
“I was talking about you. Everyone hereloooooovesme.” Now that I’ve stopped running, sarcasm is my go-to when it comes to covering up hurt.
Cal doesn’t fall for it. “I know you don’t have a part in what Wild Coast has done. Everyone else will figure it out soon enough, just like they did with RanchoMirage.”
I nod. “I’m working on fixing it—Archie, too. I promise. I just hope it’s not too late by the time we do get things sorted.”
“If you can fix things with your dad, you can fix anything, Frankie. I don’t doubt that.” He tucks my perpetually loose curl back under my Barry’s hat, then tugs the bill lower. “This looks good on you, by the way. I guarantee Barry’s not mad you’re wearing his merch.”
“Barry didn’t lose a whole crop of endive because of a cancelled contract.” She adjusts the hat and puts on her sunglasses. “We should go.”
“You parked out front?”
I nod.
“Take the long way around or go through?”
The smart answer is the long way, but that feels a bit like running, so I tip my head toward the dining room. “Through.”
Cal smiles and holds out this hand. I take it and we walk out of the office and come face to face with Flo, standing outside the door.
“I’m not hiding you this time, Frankie.” She has her hands on her hips with a big metal spoon in one of them. For a second, I worry I might be in real danger.
