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I lean forward with my elbows on the dark wood. “Do you think it’s too late to say no to Franklin?”
“Why would you do that?”
I close my eyes momentarily before meeting his gaze. “So I don’t fail and look like a fool.”
“You’re not going to fail. Do you know how jealous I am that you get to do this?”
I force a smile.
“I am here for you. If you want to bounce any ideas off me, I’ll be honest with you. I mean, you haveMalibuat your feet,” he emphasizes. “Jody has assigned me to a preschool project.” He rolls his eyes.
I smother a smirk. The last project Hugh managed was a little too colorful and flamboyant for the owners, so Jody, our boss, has him toning down his creative flair for a while.
“I’m sure the preschool center will love the bold colors you work with. It will stimulate the kids’ little brains.”
“Penny, I’m the one who needs stimulation.” His brow furrows. “I’m dying to help you.” He holds out his hands as though he is balancing weights. “Preschool versus billionaire’s Malibu house.”
I laugh. “I get it.” Hugh always manages to make me feel worthy. “But if Franklin hates it, then I’m blaming you.”
Hugh rubs his hands together as though he already has a kazillion ideas. “Oh darling, he is going to love it.”
* * *
The following night,I’m dressed and waiting for Franklin to pick me up for dinner. He didn’t tell me anything except to be ready by six-thirty as he has a restaurant reservation. It sounds like a date—no, it’s just a business dinner.I mean, plenty of people have working meals. It’s common, even.
I’m reapplying gloss to my red lips when my cell rings with an incoming call.
My heart misses a beat when I see Franklin’s name on the screen. My thoughts race into how the night will pan out, and I’m already wishing the dinner could be over so I can curl up in his arms, only the two of us in a room. I mean, I’m nervous about tonight, where he is taking me, and if I’ll stick out like a sore thumb in a fancy restaurant. My etiquette is fine. Only I can’t help slipping inside myself when surrounded by high-class wealth, which Franklin is used to associating with.
I hold my breath before answering and stop the thoughts from steamrolling towardwhy me?He could have anyone, so why is he wasting his time with someone like me?
I know the answer.
It’s always the same.
Because he knows it’s just sex while we’re working together.
I swipe the screen before it rings out. “Hey.”
“Hello, Penny,” Franklin says in his smooth voice that has my ovaries sparking to life. “Royce has parked out front.”
“Just give me a minute.” I end the call and stare at my reflection a few seconds longer. “Enjoy it while it lasts,” I murmur. “You have nothing to lose.”
Except your heart.
I clench my eyes shut.
Stop being an idiot.You are worthy. Be with him and enjoy the night.
Running my hands over the navy material of my long, flared skirt, I can’t do anything else to improve my appearance except adjust the plunging neckline of my white top so you can see a little cleavage but not too much. When I reach the ground level, Franklin is standing outside the car, leaning on the door, arms crossed. He is edible in a black suit, white shirt, and a bow tie. His eyes meet mine before the glass doors to my building open. He pushes off the car with a smile that warms my heart. Holding the rail, I take each step carefully in my higher-than-usual heels, and when I’m on the pavement, Franklin is beside me, wrapping me in those biceps and lifting my chin so all I see is him.
“I’ve missed you,” he says softly before his lips are on mine, and for once, I stop thinking and allow myself to enjoy whatever this man has to give.
Royce coughs from behind, and Franklin pulls his lips away, grinning, his forehead resting on mine.
“We have a schedule, sir,” Royce says.
Franklin reaches down for another kiss, only this time it’s quick. “Shall we?” He takes my hand, leading me to the car.
