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“I was.”
“Then I really am sorry. Not that I wasn’t sorry before, but now I’m even more sorry. That really had to suck.” I felt bad for him, assuming that he would always wonder about what could have been.
“It got pretty dark there for a while,” he admitted, swallowing hard.
I could tell that he wanted to change the topic, so I obliged him. “I think it all worked out. The bar is amazing. You get to work with your brothers and, like you said,” I flashed him a smile, “you love what you do.”
“You’re right. Again.” He winked at me, making my insides flutter.
“Speaking of . . .” I looked around and noticed the handful of people in the bar. “Do you need to get back to work?”
Following my lead, he glanced around. “I probably should.”
I wanted to be disappointed, but told myself not to be. This was his job. “I understand.”
“I’ll walk you out.”
Frank stood up, and I took one last sip of my soda before grabbing my purse. He placed his palm on the small of my back, instantly warming me. As we walked past Ryan, Frank told him he’d be right back.
Ryan grinned. “Night, Claudia.”
“Night, Ryan.” I smiled, knowing I was blushing as a few people turned to watch us leave.
We headed out into the cool coa
stal night, and I stopped and turned to Frank.
“I’m parked right around the corner. You really don’t have to walk me,” I said, trying to give him an out, but hoping he wouldn’t take it.
“I’m walking you to your car, Claudia. It’s late.”
I liked this chivalrous side of Frank. It was just one more thing about him that I found attractive.
“Well, thank you. It’s right there.” I headed for the dark blue Jetta parked at the curb and he walked with me, apparently intending to walk me all the way to the door. I pulled out my keys and clicked the button to unlock the car.
“Thank you for coming tonight,” he said as he pulled open my door for me, keeping an eye on oncoming traffic. “I had a really good time.”
My cheeks warmed with yet another blush, and I looked away from his green eyes for a moment before meeting them again. “Thanks for the invite.”
The street suddenly felt too small, closing in around us.
Is he going to kiss me? God, I really want him to kiss me.
Frank wrapped his arms around me and held me tight. We fell into each other easily, our bodies fitting together in puzzle-like perfection. It was as if my body was made for his, the way it molded to him.
When he slowly pulled away, my mind raced with the thoughts of would he or wouldn’t he. Would his lips be soft? How would he taste? Frank looked like a man who could really own a kiss and, God, how I wanted to be owned by him.
Looking down at me, he reached for my chin and tilted my face up. This was it. He was going to press those gorgeous lips to mine. I held my breath in anticipation and waited for him to make the next move. Frank was completely in control, and for once in my life, I was perfectly fine letting him have it. He squeezed my chin before dipping his head toward my face.
“I’ll talk to you later. Drive safe.” Then he placed a soft kiss on my cheek.
My heart pounded as confusion overtook me. I forced a smile and tried to hide my disappointment. “Okay. Good night.”
“Night, Claudia.”
I lingered a moment longer, willing him to change his mind about the kiss, but he stepped away and I gave up, reluctantly getting into my car. As I pulled away, Frank stood on the curb, one hand in the air and the other tucked in his front pocket. I gave him a small wave as I drove away.
What the hell had just happened? Had I imagined the connection between us? Did I do something wrong, say something offensive?
