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I quickly glance at Franklin, staring at the city lights.
What is he thinking?
Will this be goodbye?
The silence surrounds us.
We finally turn onto my street. Royce double parks, ignoring the car horns behind us.
“I’ll walk Penny inside. Park the car somewhere.”
“No need,” I murmur. Only Franklin frowns, and I know he won’t listen to what I say. I slide out of the seat, and he is right behind me. The wind whips my hair around my face as I brush it out of my eyes.
I place a hand on his chest. “I don’t need a chaperone.”
Franklin takes my hand in his, wrapping it between both his palms. His eyes are apologetic. I swallow hard, ready for whatever he is about to tell me. “I’m sorry about tonight. I promise you that man will never set foot in my restaurant again.”
“That’s heroic, although unnecessary, and not wise for your business.”
“Penny. When you’re with me,youare my business.” His eyes flick over my face. “Mine to protect. Now, shall we head inside out of this breeze?”
I lead him into the small foyer and the glass doors close behind us. My head is spinning, his words touching my heart. I turn to him, ready to kiss him goodbye.
“Are we heading up to your place?”
I step back. “You want to see where I live?”
“If it’s okay, I would like to see you safely home.” He takes my hand as I lead him to the elevator. I have dreamed about making out with Franklin in an elevator, but tonight, we stand apart, yet we’re still holding hands.
He stands behind me as I unlock the door and is right there when I walk inside. “Lily must be out partying.”
He glances around the small living area. “How long have you lived here?”
“A few years. My roommate furnished it, and nothing is mine except what’s in my room. When I get my own place, I’ll fill it with the things I love.” I smile at him, imagining how I’ll decorate my place with a neutral palette and all sorts of things I can restore.
“What’s stopping you?”
I choke out a laugh. “Finances. This place has a great location for work. It’s fine for now, albeit temporary.”
“Do you have a date when you’ll move out? A location in mind?”
“No. I’ve been so busy at work. It’s really just a place to sleep.”
“And where do you sleep?”
My breath hitches.Shit. Did I pick up my dirty clothes from the floor?
There are two doors leading from the kitchen-living room. One is Lily’s bedroom, and the other is mine.
I open the door, and he peers in. “May I?”
“Sure.”
Franklin walks to the end of the bed and stares at the covers. “So this is where Penny spends her nights.” He grins. “At least there is room for two.”
My heart threatens to burst. “You want to spend the night here. In my apartment?”
He takes a step closer. “If it means being with you, then yes.”
