Page 88 of Operation Sunshine
Ben kissed him then, slow and deliberate, pouring everything he couldn’t say into the press of his lips. It wasn’t a plea or even a goodbye.
It was living in the moment.
He rolled Franco gently onto his back, covering him with his own, their bodies aligning with practiced ease. His hands skimmed bed-warmed skin, mapping every inch he already knew, relearning it so he’d never forget. Franco arched into him, responding in kind, but Ben set the pace, measured and unhurried.
If this was one of the final times, then he was going to make it last, make it stretch.
It would have to be enough.
The lunchtime rush blurred past in a flurry of tickets and sizzling pans. When things had quietened, Franco retreated into the kitchen to help with the dinner prep.
When he felt eyes boring into the back of his head, he turned to find Raj staring at him, his sharp eyes focused on Franco.
“You’ve been stirring that sauce for six minutes too long,” Raj said, deadpan.
Franco blinked down at the pot. “Shit.”
Raj snickered. “Lucky for you, it’ll still taste fine. But your head’s clearly somewhere else.” He tilted his head to one side. “Florence, hmm?”
Franco rolled his eyes. “Can younot, please?”
Raj’s expression softened. “I’ll miss your chaos. The place won’t be the same without you.”
It was the closest Raj came to saying something sentimental, and Franco’s chest tightened with both affection and dread.
He managed a smile. “Someone will come along to replace me.”
Raj sighed. “And they might fill the spot, but they won’t come close to filling your shoes.”
Franco’s throat seized.
Any more of this, and I’m going to be a wreck by the time we close.
“Now go grab a coffee. You’ve earned it.” Raj’s eyes glittered. “Besides, you’ve tortured that sauce long enough.”
He laughed, put the spoon down, and headed for the coffee machine. He’d gotten as far as filling a cup when Willow cornered him, her bright smile slightly forced.
“So… you excited?”
“Terrified,” Franco admitted. “Excited too, but mostly terrified.”
Her gaze grew fond. “That’s how you know it’s worth it.” She hesitated, lowering her voice. “Don’t forget us when you’re rich and famous, okay?”
“Pfft.” He snorted into his coffee. “As if you’d let me.”
“Anyone seen Lexie?” Raj called out from the kitchen.
Franco recalled seeing her going toward the pantry. “I’ll find her.” He pushed the door open and found her reorganising shelves with uncharacteristic focus. Franco arched his eyebrows. “You hiding from Raj, or from me?”
“Both.” She didn’t look at him, but her voice cracked a little. “It’s weird, you know. You drive me mad half the time, but…” She finally turned, her eyes shining. “It won’t be the same without you.”
Franco swallowed, his throat tight. “You’re making it sound as though I’m never coming back.”
Lexie gave a brusque shrug. “Three months is a long time. People change. Just… don’t forget us, okay?”
That iron band around his chest constricted again. He wanted to blurt out he’d be back because of Ben, because this place had somehow become home, but the words stuck.
“Raj needs you,” he croaked.
