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I shrug. “I know. The damn words slipped out.”
“Like a rebound remark?” Hugh asks.
“Maybe. To say I don’t have feelings for him would be a lie. I do, and it’s more than lust.”
“You mean great sex,” Zara adds. She is aware of how much I love having sex with Franklin.
“The sex is great. Is it love? I don’t know. I feel happier with Franklin than I ever did with Bernard, and I thought I loved him. This might be the closest version of love I get since I’m aware there is no future with Franklin. He has made it clear he has no time for a relationship as his work comes first.”
“Yet he proposed to Daphne.” Hugh raises one brow.
I let out a sigh. “He thought it was whatshewanted. At the time, he didn’t want to lose her, but he came to realize they were not right for each other.”
My friends stare at me as though I have two heads. “It’s fine. I don’t need protection from Franklin or my stupid brain since I know what it is. It felt right to say it in a moment of happiness. Unfortunately, there’s no dial to take it back.”
Zara looks sympathetic. “Did he look like he was going to say it?”
I stall for a moment. “He frowned at me, a mixture of surprise and… I don’t know. But he kissed me, and I quickly changed the subject.”
Zara places her elbows on the table and leans closer. “When are you seeing him next?”
“This afternoon. He’s visiting his family this morning.”
“I’m curious what you said to distract him from those three words?” Hugh won’t let it go. I know it’s because he wants to protect me from getting hurt.
“We jumped up and sorted the bed. I made light conversation as though I didn’t say it. Then he messaged his driver and told him to go home as he wanted to stay with me until morning.”
“See?” Zara pipes in. “That’s a good sign. He could’ve just left.”
“True. Then we had a conversation about why he always needs a driver when he has half a dozen expensive cars.”
“Only half a dozen.” Hugh rolls his eyes. “I can be jealous of him. Though I won’t hate him… no one else has stuck it to Bernard’s dad like Franklin did last night.”
“He was rather heroic,” Zara purrs.
Heroic.
Warmth blossoms in my chest.
“I didn’t allow it to sink in as I was caught by surprise at him announcing he owned Bloom to Mr. Wagner.” I turn to Hugh. “Heard of any other businesses he might own?”
“One second.” Hugh signals for the bill. “Sorry, ladies, I have to run. I’m running late to meet Sienna. More wedding planning,” he almost sings.
He stands and focuses on me. “Besides HCM, Dricks, and Bloom?” Hugh shakes his head. “Although your man is quite private and dislikes being in the media.”
I didn’t tell my friends the lengths Franklin went to for us to arrive at Bloom at different times.
“Though I have heard whispers of multiple properties, some in other countries. As for businesses, he keeps that a secret. Until now, I didn’t know he owned Bloom.” He blows us a kiss. “Ciao, bellas.”
“I now realize what HCM stands for?”
Zara stares at me bewildered because we all know what it is.
“Hendricks Cliterature Management.” I bite my tongue. “Franklin Hendricks, that is.”
Zara and I burst out laughing.
“Wait. Did he agree to your contract terms?”
