AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No. God, do I really look that scared?”
“Yes, now slow down and take a few deep breaths.” The crowd moves around us, herding us toward the restaurant. “I’m sure it will be fine.” He places a protective arm around my waist.
“Don’t let me drink any more wine,” I tell him.
“Why?”
“Do you remember the handsome guy I created the beach setting for after I did the one for you and Sienna?”
“Yeah, you were really bummed when it didn’t work out for him.”
“Right.” I look around me, relieved when Mr. Brown Eyes is nowhere to be seen.
“But he paid you well, and the woman’s rejection had nothing to do with you,” he emphasizes.
“I was just talking to him, only I didn’t know it was him until he said something, and… those eyes… I’ll never forget those eyes.”
“You were just chatting at the bar? And at first, you didn’t know it was him?”
“Yes.”
“Did he recognize you?”
“No, but his name is Franklin.”
“Pen…” Hugh stalls. “Franklin Hendricks?”
I shrug and lift my arms into the air. “Maybe.” Shit, F.H. “Yes, it’s him. Oh, dear God, kill me now.”
Hugh’s eyes widen, and his mouth falls open. “Jesus, if you happen to meet Daphne Wright in the ladies’ room, do not mention his name.”
“Why would I?”
“Because she hated the setting you created for Franklin’s proposal to her.”
“Heproposed toher,and shehatedit? Are you sure?”
He shakes his head. “I know from social media his proposal insulted her.”
Shit. Shit. Shit. Can the world swallow me upnow?
“You’ll be fine. Just don’t say anything else. No one here knows anything, so enjoy the night.”
Right. How can I when my proposal idea was the trigger to the end of their relationship?
Hugh and I find our places and are seated with his relatives at a round table near the wall. There are ten tables with eight guests at each, and Hugh mentions more guests are arriving tomorrow. I’m feeling safe tucked away in the corner of the room until my gaze fixes on Franklin, positioned two tables away, and he is staring directly at me. Oh God, the heat in his eyes makes my heart thump hard.
“Change of plans,” I whisper to Hugh. “I’m going to needall the winejust to get through dinner.”
“Relax, Pen. What’s the worst that can happen?”
“Heis eye fucking me.”
Hugh chokes on a mouthful of wine.
“You need to make sure I don’t go anywhere near him for the remainder of the weekend.”
“Don’t trust yourself?” His expression is curious.
