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Inside the garage, we park beside another black car—a freaking Lamborghini. Shelves on the side walls are stacked with supplies for an earthquake. My thoughts run away, imagining being stuck somewhere with only Franklin.
Not after an earthquake.
Jesus, what is wrong with me?
But stuck in a cabin or an isolated island on the beach?
Only Franklin would not cope, especially without internet or cell service.
Royce opens the door for me.
Franklin slides out behind me. “Thanks, Royce. I’ll see you in the morning.”
I must have frowned because Franklin places a hand on my shoulder. “I can drive you home after you have assessed my remodeling needs and if you want the contract.” He bites my ear. “Don’t call me lazy again, or I might need to remind you of the last time I showed you my room.” He takes my hand and punches a code into the door. “After you.”
I step inside, and lights automatically illuminate a hallway. Beige-painted walls need a fresh coat and a change from this dull color.
The hall leads to an open kitchen and living room. There’s a balcony out front, and I can already hear the waves crashing. The lights come on with so many recessed lights that the room is lit like Times Square at night.
“Do these have a dimmer?”
Franklin turns half the lights off from a wall switch. “I’d like to access controls from an app. Clancy turns on every switch while she’s here. She informed me there is enough food in the fridge for a week.”
Of course, he has a housekeeper.
“Wait. You’re staying for a week? I thought you didn’t like to stay here?”
“It’s in case I do decide to stay.”
I go to him and take both his hands in mine. “It is a beautiful home, and hopefully, you can relax somewhat because I’m no therapist, but I bet if you had one, she would tell you to take a vacation.”
“You sound like my masseuse.” French doors open to a wide balcony. Franklin holds the door open for me. “I still need something other than a chair to keep it ajar. Otherwise, it will slam.”
“Ever thought about internal cavity sliding doors?”
His fingers tuck the flyaway hair behind my ears from blowing over my face. There’s a beautiful cool breeze, and I inhale the crisp ocean air. “There is much to love, Franklin.”
It’s a home on the oceanfront, dated but still beautiful, and I don’t understand why he is troubled by staying here.
He’s studying my face in a way that sends goose bumps along my arms. “I’m glad you came. I knew you would find the beauty in this home.”
I turn back to the ocean. It’s black, and yet I find it soothing. “The ocean reminds me of home.” I close my eyes and inhale the salted air, willing my heart to slow.
“Where do you call home?” He places a hand on my lower back and turns to stare at the sea. We are side by side, staring at the moody ocean as though it offers us answers.
“San Diego. I left to go to college and decided I needed a new adventure. I thought about New York, but you can’t beat our climate. Perfect for swimming.”
“I haven’t swum here for some time.”
“What?” I turn to him. “You have your own private swimming pool right here. The ocean is amazing for your soul.”
He pulls a face and glances down at his knuckles tightening over the railing. “Why did it take me so long to meet you?”
I’m tingling all over. He pretends not to be romantic, yet that sounded sweet to me. “Because you were never on the beach. It’s where I hang out a lot.”
He pulls me into him. Those dark eyes flick over my face, searching for something.
I place a hand on his chest. “Though, we did meet on a beach when I saw a man, oddly dressed in a suit, walking along the shoreline.”
