Page 49 of Keel

Frankie shook her head. “No, that’s how I hit my lows. I lived that with my ex, and it was awful. Everything was about selfishness and partying. I want more from life.”

“I do, too,” Ansley said.

Garnet nodded. “Same.”

“Can I help you fix breakfast?” Frankie asked.

“No, sit and drink more coffee. I’ve got it.”

“Thank you.”

“Of course,” Ansley said as she cracked an egg into a bowl.

She could tell these women would remain friends even if she didn’t stay with Keel. But she wanted to stay with him. She just wasn’t sure she would measure up. He needed someone worthy of him, and she had a lot of work to do to measure up.

After breakfast, they cleaned Ansley’s house, even vacuuming, and it only took them twenty minutes. Frankie headed home, waving at Sonja, who was staring out her window.

The alarm had no alerts, no warnings, so she felt safe going inside. She locked up, then showered before making a grocery list. Keel kept a clean house, but there was dust she needed to clear from the surfaces. It didn’t take long, and a little after noon, she decided to head to the store.

The taxi picked her up ten minutes later. On the drive to the store, she watched for Forest, but didn’t see him. No way would Forest be caught dead in anything other than a flashy ride, so it would be easy to spot him.

She felt guilty spending the cash Keel had left for her, but she would be able to pay him back. The money still flummoxed her. How could she have even half of what that woman told her she had? No way would she spend it, at least not like it was her own. She would make sure to manage the money well. Her goal was to provide help to others. Who exactly, she wasn’t sure, but she would figure it out and become someone worthy of having the money.

When she was almost done shopping, the chime on her phone sounded. It was the alarm warning her that someone was on her front porch. Panic hit, and her hands shook as she opened the application to see who was invading her peace.

Chapter 28

Keel yawned as he stepped onto the porch, pulling the keys from his pocket. He was a little surprised Frankie hadn’t come to the door.

The alarm started beeping as soon as he pushed the door open. He punched in the code as he listened for Frankie. The place felt empty. Worry hit him and he looked for signs something was wrong.

“Hello. Frankie, where are you?” he called out, hoping she answered.

Was she asleep? He set his bag down, then locked the front door before going through the house looking for her. Had she taken off?

Normally, he wouldn’t go through her things, but he was worried. Where had she gone? If she left, it would hurt. He knew better than to give his heart away.

He stepped into the guest room and placed his hand on the closet door, wondering if he should open it or just leave well enough alone. Was he crossing some boundary? He hoped she didn’t see it that way.

Trust was something he didn’t give out for free, but he’d given it fairly fast to Frankie. It wasn’t like him, but there was something about her that drew him to her. She was like a breath of fresh air, and it was more than just her looks.

He had to know if she was gone, but he didn’t want to break her trust. He was in a weird spot when his phone vibrated with a text. He stared at the screen, seeing a text from Frankie.

I took a taxi to the store to pick up food. I’ll be back in a bit.

He texted back, asking her which store. She replied by sharing her location.

Don’t leave the store. I’ll be there in about ten minutes.

Keel grabbed his keys and headed out. He would put away his stuff when he got home with Frankie. He didn’t speed on the way over, but he didn’t take it at a lazy Sunday afternoon pace.

When he entered the store, he spied her in the pasta aisle. One of his ball caps obscured part of her face, but he knew it was her. He stepped closer with purpose as he closed the distance.

“Frankie.”

She spun, shock making her eyes wide. Then she jumped at him, and he caught her. Her body shook with laughter as she held onto him.

“You’re home,” she said after a moment.