Page 14 of The Mistletoe Promise

I laugh bitterly. "Yeah, me too. Just when I thought I was finally getting over everything, this happens. I feel like I’m going crazy, like I’m losing it.”

Frankie's arms tighten around me, his warmth engulfing me like a protective cocoon. "Listen to me," he says, his voice low and intense. "This doesn't change anything about you or your worth. You're still the same strong, beautiful woman I've come to know."

I look up at him, my eyes still wet with tears. "Am I? Because I feel like I'm falling apart all over again."

He cups my face in his hands, his thumbs gently wiping away my tears. "You're allowed to feel that way, Kitten. But don't let this derail all the progress you've made."

I nod, trying to draw strength from his words and his presence. "I just... I don't know how to face them now. How am I supposed to look at my mom, knowing she's carrying my ex-fiancé's child?"

Frankie sighs, running a hand through his hair. "You don't have to face them. Not fucking ever. But no matter what, nothing is going to change how I feel about you."

My heart races and my stomach clenches. "How do you feel about me?" I ask on a whisper, leaning into him.

Frankie's eyes lock onto mine, intense and unwavering. "I think you know, Kitten," he says softly. "I've been trying to show you since we got back."

My breath catches in my throat. Of course I know—the flowers, the constant flirting at work, the way he looks at me when he thinks I'm not paying attention. But hearing him say it out loud makes it real in a way I'm not sure I'm ready for.

"Frankie, I—" I start, but he places a finger gently on my lips.

"You don't have to say anything," he murmurs. "I know you're not ready, and that's okay. I just want you to know that I'm here, for whatever you need. Whether that's a shoulder to cry on, someone to vent to, or..."

He trails off, his eyes darkening with desire. I feel a familiar heat building in my core, my body responding to his proximity despite my emotional turmoil.

"Or what?" I whisper, even though I know exactly what he means.

Instead of answering, Frankie leans in slowly, giving me plenty of time to pull away. But I don't. I meet him halfway, our lips crashing together in a kiss that's equal parts comfort and passion.

I melt into him, all thoughts of my mother, Aaron, and the baby momentarily forgotten. Frankie's hands roam my body, leaving trails of fire in their wake.

I moan softly into Frankie's mouth as he deepens the kiss, his tongue teasing mine. My hands slide up his chest, feeling the hardness of his muscles beneath his shirt. For a moment, I lose myself in the sensation, forgetting everything but the feel of Frankie's body against mine.

But then reality comes crashing back, and I pull away abruptly, breathing heavily.

"Frankie, wait," I gasp. "We can't... I can't do this right now."

He pulls back immediately, his eyes searching my face. "I'm sorry, Kitten. I got carried away."

I shake my head, trying to clear the fog of desire. "No, it's not your fault. I wanted it too, but..." I trail off, unsure how to explain the turmoil of emotions I'm feeling.

Frankie nods, understanding in his eyes. "It's okay. We don't have to do anything you're not ready for."

I lean my forehead against his chest, grateful for his patience. "Thank you," I whisper. "For being here, for understanding."

He strokes my hair gently. "Always, Kitten. I told you, I'm here for whatever you need."

I pull in a ragged breath. "Can you just... stay with me tonight?" I ask hesitantly and quickly shake my head. “Never mind, it was stupid.”

Frankie's arms tighten around me. "It's not stupid at all," he says softly. "Of course I'll stay."

Relief washes over me. The thought of being alone with my thoughts tonight is unbearable. "Thank you," I whisper.

God, I feel like I’ve been through a gauntlet. My eyes are heavy and my body feels weak. Will I ever feel normal again?

EIGHT

FRANKIE

“Morning,” I say thickly as I see her shuffling into the kitchen. She looks utterly adorable wearing my shirt I took off last night. She shocked the shit out of me when I woke her up from sleeping on the sofa while we were watching a movie, and she asked to sleep in my shirt.

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