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More applause.
“Jobe tells me you’re remodeling Franklin’s beach house,” Daphne says from across the table. Her timing is off after Sophia’s speech.
I nod and say quietly, “I am.”
“Are you just starting out?”
Sophia is talking quietly to Jobe. “Kind of.” I take another sip of my champagne. “It’s my first as an independent, but I work for another company.”
She stares at me a little longer before smiling. Only it’s more of a smirk.
Thankfully, Sophia interrupts us and announces the rules of the auction.
She asks everyone to dig deep into their pockets tonight. She stops talking and smiles. Instinctively, heads turn toward the main doors to where she is staring.
I stop breathing.
Franklin has arrived and is standing at the back of the room, his presence like smoke, wafting over the crowd and demanding attention.
As handsome as the Adonis himself, still as a statue, he ignores the crowd only to nod at his mother. I take a few seconds of pleasure in admiring his handsome face and the way he stands—strong and full of importance.
My insides spark to life. Heat is smoldering between my thighs. I turn away before I embarrass myself, only his siblings have noticed how I’m ogling him. The only thing worse is the way Daphne is smiling at Franklin, pining almost.
Shit, she wants him back.
Jesus, what a fun night this is going to be.
Would anyone notice if I slid under the table? My time with Franklin is best when we’re alone and can be ourselves. Well, not just ourselves. We always end up naked, except we are not exactly on friendly terms at the moment. Does he want me here? We have barely spoken to each other. Did he invite Daphne, and I’m here to prove a point not to mess with them?
My mind is filled with crazy assumptions.
“Please take a seat, son.” Sophia offers an understanding smile, and Franklin holds up a hand in apology as he makes his way to his family’s table. His gaze rakes over the guests, and he nods at Byron and Elsa. His face alters ever so slightly when he finds Daphne. Then he places a hand on his father’s shoulder. His father turns and shakes his hand before he stands behind the chair beside Charlotte. He smiles at Charlotte, and then his eyes lock with mine. Everything onward happens in slow motion.
The slight widening of his eyes.
The shock causing his lips to part.
The intensity of his gaze is like an electric shock to every cell in my body.
I feel alive just by his proximity, with a need to touch him. Only he might as well be in New York as I cannot. He places a hand on Charlotte’s shoulder before he quietly says something to her. Pulling my gaze from his, I take another sip of my drink, the one mouthful remaining in my flute.
Can someone please pass me the bottle? I don’t need a glass.
I freeze when his breath is close to my ear. He gives me a quick peck on my cheek. I’m the only recipient of those lips at the table. My shoulders stupidly ease until his voice is in my ear. “You can stop drinking now. I want you to feel everything I do to you tonight.”
I swallow hard. And just like that, the frustration dividing us evaporates. All I can think isyes, please.
Charlotte leans forward to get our attention. “I heard that, you dumbass,” she whispers and frowns at Franklin. “Sit down. Mom is waiting.”
26
FRANKLIN
In a sea of black,I didn’t notice her.
My dick did.
Immediately.
