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I want to tell them both to stop being so melodramatic, only Franklin is possessed, and his mouth has taken on a mind of its own.
“Okay, that’s our cue to leave.” I stand. “You’re delirious and talking nonsense. Enough of the whiskey chatter.”
* * *
Franklin’s excitementhas me laughing.
“Are you sure you want to see the house tonight?” I ask.
“Yeeesss,” he says, exaggerating the word. “I waited until I was with you, and I’m flying out tomorrow.”
“Can’t you stay longer, pleassse? You just got back.”
He groans and rubs at his temple. “I want to, only shit’s going down on the East Coast. Trust me, I’d rather be here with you.”
I glance at him, then set my gaze back on the road, easing my foot off the accelerator.
“FYI, this car has never been driven by a grannie.”
“A grannie? Seriously? You’re not capable of making any sound decisions, so excuse me if I ignore you because I don’t understand this drunken code you’re speaking.” I veer off the road and wait for the garage door to slide open. Automatic lights flicker on to highlight the other two prestigious cars parked side by side. I ease into a space and kill the engine. “Are you ready?”
Franklin is out of the car and tapping the security pad for the door before I’ve even grabbed my handbag.
“You’ve answered my question,” I murmur. This man makes me smile more than I want to admit. “Wait for me,” I shout at him.
Franklin opens the door, steps aside, and sweeps one arm into the air like a gentleman waiting for a lady to walk first. “Should I close my eyes?”
“No, you idiot.” I laugh, feeling nervous and excited about his reaction.
The lights automatically flick on, and pride swells in my chest at how I’ve created a special coastal sanctuary for his home. There are white walls, an expansive kitchen, hardwood floors, and an uninterrupted ocean view.
Franklin’s face lights up. “It’s amazing, Penny. And the remodeling is perfect.”
“Thank you. I want to explain some things to you about how I sourced each piece and the special touches of the house, but I’ll wait until daylight hours and when you’re not so… drunk.”
“I’m not drunk. Only love drunk.” He pulls me into his chest, takes my face in his hands, and kisses me. It’s tender, loving, and not what I expected.
“If this is my payment, sign me up for your next project.” I kiss him again.
“Consider it done,” he murmurs against my lips. “Want to show me upstairs?”
“Saving the best for last.” I walk Franklin up the floating stairs like they’re leading us to heaven. I reveal each bedroom, bathroom, and study before guiding him to his bedroom—the grand finale. He responds to each with praise. He’ll need another tour tomorrow, and I still need to explain the reasoning behind each remodel. “Wait.”
I take the remote from the wall, keep the lights out, and open the ceiling to reveal a clear night sky twinkling with stars.
“You are full of surprises, Poppy.” He stares up to the open air and smiles. “Leave it open.”
“We can close it and just have the glass because the night air is still chilly.”
“You’ll be warm next to me.” He pulls me onto the bed, I scream as I land, and he falls beside me. “What did you say about each piece of furniture?”
I kiss his lips and murmur, “You’ll have to refresh my memory.”
29
FRANKLIN
Penny’sdark hair fans out over the white linen. A sleeping goddess.
