AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She moves her hips from side to side. “Are you taking reservations for next Sunday? Same place. Same time.”
Fuck, I want to say yes.
14
PENELOPE
Sally servesme pancakes after blending Franklin’s protein smoothie.
I’m wearing Franklin’s sweater and boxers.
It’s obvious the clothes are his and highlight my unplanned stayover.
In the short time I’ve sat on the stool at the counter, I have noticed Sally’s salt and pepper hair pulled back in a bun, her slim body under her navy top and trousers, and her pale skin. Sally has barely given me a glance, yet I’m stressing about what she thinks of me.
How many other overnight women does Sally cook for?
Does she feel sorry for me?
Franklin kisses my cheek. “What?”
“Nothing. Just thinking about everything I have to do.”
He rubs my thigh. “Stop worrying about work.”
“Says the workaholic.” I eye his cell on the counter.
He kisses my cheek again. “I’m not thinking about it while I’m with you.” His dark eyes with thick lashes suck me in, and I can’t look away. He smiles, and it’s like the sun has brightened everything around Franklin. I see him and the world in this beautiful light. Only I’m Mercury and orbiting around him faster than I should.
Sally glances up from the sink and smiles at Franklin. Then her eyes dart to mine, and there’s a hint of acceptance. “Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Hendricks?”
He hesitates. “Why don’t you head on home? I can clean up here. Take the rest of the morning off.”
Sally’s face drops. Then she pulls a face, and I can’t help but giggle as I’m sure she’s thinking Franklin won’t know how to do the dishes.
“I can clean up, Sally.” I give her a knowing smile.
Sally nods once. “Okay. You’re both very kind. My grandchildren are visiting today, and I would like to spend some time with them.” She wipes her hands on the dish towel.
“Thank you. It was lovely to meet you, Sally.”
“I’ll see you next weekend, Ms. Penny.”
“I, um…” I stutter.
“Yes, you will. I won’t be here, but I have asked Penny to stay while she works on the house.”
“There will be some changes, and for a while, nokitchen,” I emphasize.
Sally’s eyes widen. “Okay. I’ll see you then.” The side entrance door clicks shut after she leaves.
“Sally has a code to the back gate and a key to this door. I can send you her number so if you need her to visit more frequently, you can call her.”
“I can?”
“I’m going to need your contact details to send her number.” He glances up from his cell, his expression serious.
I give him my number, wanting to sayyou could have asked for it in Oregon. Now he has a business reason to need it, and the thought that this isall businessmakes my stomach tighten. Am I getting myself in too deep?
