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I have discovered a new artisan we need to visit on the weekend. Talk to you in the meeting.
I pop my cell into my purse as Royce pulls into the park in front of Style Plus Designs.
What the?
All the air leaves my lungs.
My boyfriend is waiting out front with a bunch of red roses so large they partially obscure his face and chest. Before Royce has time to get out of the driver’s seat to open my door, I have pushed the door open and am running to Franklin. I jump and smother his face in kisses. He’s laughing while attempting to keep his balance, his one free arm tight around my waist.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Penny.” He releases me, takes my chin, and presses his lips against mine. “I wasn’t going to miss our first Valentine’s together.”
Taking the flowers, I inhale their unique scent. “They’re so beautiful. When did you arrive?”
“About an hour ago.” He nods to Royce, standing behind him. “Thank you, Royce.”
I spin to Royce. “You knew?”
Royce allows himself a grin.
“Royce met me at six when my flight landed, and we stopped to pick up the roses I ordered last week. I waited here for you. I’m sure some people thought I was handing out roses to people passing on the street.”
I giggle, then push up and kiss him again. Then I hug Royce, and he laughs. “Thank you both for the surprise. My day is already brighter.”
“Tonight, I’ve booked us a private dinner.” Before I ask where, he winks at me. “Call me when you finish work.”
“Should I go out dressed like this?”
Franklin beams his big, beautiful smile at me. “Yes, Penny, like that. You look gorgeous.”
My heart expands with every word Franklin says to me. “Okay. I’ll see you tonight, but Royce needs to go home to his wife, and we’ll find our own way home. He also needs to enjoy Valentine’s Day."
Franklin pulls me into his side. “We are one step ahead of you. I anticipated you’d say that.”
“Really?”
“Yes, Penny.”
I kiss him again. “I love you.”
“And I love you.”
* * *
Eight months later…
Franklinand I walk into the stadium, flanked by security, and we are led to our corporate seats to watch the Sharks. Scanning the crowd near us, I recognize Hollywood film stars and musicians. We are stopped by VIPs to shake Franklin’s hand. I take a seat beside Charlotte and Franklin sits beside Jobe. His father and mother sit in front, along with the important club staff.
“We Will Rock You” sounds from the speakers. Strobe lighting flashes over the court. A huge spotlight angles toward an opening where the players will appear. Every player’s name is announced. When Byron Hendricks’s name sounds, we stand and applaud. I glance at Franklin and Jobe, both of their expressions are of pride.
Brandon Johns is announced, and I sneak a peek at Charlotte’s face. Her chin lifts ever so slightly, and there is a hint of a smile. The night I met them at the gala ball, I suspected they were attracted to each other. Nothing has been mentioned since, yet the clues are there. They joke around with each other less than what I witnessed that night. Plus, I have seen the way Charlotte stares at Brandon. She is in love with him because it’s the same way I stare at Franklin.
I have never said anything to her as I don’t want her to think her secret is threatened. She is the sister I never had, so I’m not going to ruin any trust with assumptions.
“Hopefully, the boys have a good game,” I whisper to her.
She nods while staring at the court. “We need this win. It will keep us in good standing with the top teams.”
“If Byron and BJ play like they did in the last game, we’ll get the win,” I say with confidence because they both played their hearts out and well together. I’m beginning to understand basketball better, especially since it’s a topic often discussed at the Hendricks’ dinners. Though Franklin said his father wasn’t as passionate about basketball as he is now.
