Page 12 of The Mistletoe Promise

I nod. "Okay. Then yes, I'd love to work for you." But I have a feeling that he’s not going to give up trying for more. Frankie doesn’t come across as a man that likes to give up control.

"Excellent," he grins, looking genuinely pleased. "You start Monday."

As the plane begins its descent, I find myself both nervous and excited about starting my new job. It’s going to be hard to try and keep professional, but I’m determined. I need this job. I need to start getting my life back under control.

After finding out about Aaron and my mom, my life’s kind of been on a hiatus.

The plane touches down with a jolt, bringing me back to reality. As we taxi to the gate, I can feel the tension building in my shoulders. Going back home means facing everything I left behind—the whispers, the pitying looks, the endless questions about Aaron and my mom.

Frankie must sense my unease because he reaches over and gives my hand a gentle squeeze. "Hey, it's going to be okay," he says softly. "One step at a time, remember?"

I nod, grateful for his reassurance. I feel so stupid sometimes, like how the hell did I get to this point of my life? I was carefree and happy—foolish and happy—but I was livinglife, trying to take everything as it came and then my life came crashing down to a halt.

Now, I’m scared of what could happen if I take the next step. I’m terrified of finding someone just in case I get hurt again. I have no idea how to find who I once was, and right now, I’m just trying to piece my life back together, little by little.

As we disembark and make our way through the airport, I try to focus on the positives. I have a new job to look forward to, and even if things with Frankie are complicated, at least I know he's in my corner.

We collect our luggage and head towards the exit. Frankie stays beside me the entire way, but he doesn’t say much, which is great, as I’m still stuck inside my own head.

"Ready to get home, Kitten?" he asks, his eyes twinkling. Ugh, I have a feeling he’s going to continue to flirt with me even when we’re working together.

I take a deep breath and nod. “Ready.”

And I am, it’s time for a new chapter of my life. I’m just hoping that sometime in the future, I’ll be able to find myself again.

SEVEN

AMANDA

Two months later

Oh, I’m so going to kill Frankie. I stare at the beautiful bouquet of flowers that are outside my front door. I know that they’re from him. Every week since we’ve been home from the Maldives, there’s a big, beautiful, colorful bouquet waiting for me when I come home from work on a Friday, each one of them says.

Ready to take the next step whenever you are - Frankie.

I knew it was too easy the way he readily agreed with me about keeping things professional.

I sigh, picking up the bouquet and inhaling the sweet scent. Despite my frustration, I can't help but smile. Frankie's persistence is both infuriating and endearing.

As I unlock my front door, I hear my phone buzz. It's a text from Cherry.

"Girls' brunch tomorrow? We need to catch up!"

I hesitate for a moment. Part of me wants to curl up on the couch and binge-watch something mindless, but I know Cherry'sright. We do need to catch up, and I've been avoiding social situations lately.

"Sure," I text back. "Where and when?"

"The usual spot, Noon. Don't be late!"

I smile, I’ve missed my girl and not to mention Juniper and Arabella. Those girls have been a lifesaver for me, they’re the best friends anyone could ever have.

A knock at the door has me frowning, I’m not expecting anyone. Hell, no one ever turns up to my house unexpected.

I open the door to find Jaxon standing there, looking uncomfortable.

"Hey, sis," he says, shifting from foot to foot. "Can we talk?"

I hesitate for a moment before stepping aside to let him in, I’m worried, he’s never usually so hesitant, so I’m wondering what the hell is going on? I lead Jaxon into the living room, my mind racing with possibilities. What could be so important that he'd show up unannounced like this?

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