Page 23 of More Than a Billionaire

Skylar groaned. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“What is it?”

She walked over and held her phone out to show him the article.

“It was only a matter of time before someone took our picture and spun a tale for the tabloids,” he said.

She stared at the photo of the two of them. “I’m really sorry, Franky.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it. I’ve been friends with your brother for a long time. It’s not my first rodeo.” He sidled up beside her to look at the photo again. “Bright side. That’s a really good picture of us.”

She let out a little laugh. “It really is. We look good together.” Once the words were out, she almost wished she could take them back, but Franky made light of things, as usual.

“We’re very attractive people, Skylar. There’s no getting around that fact.”

She elbowed him.

“The tabloids are going to take their pictures and tell whatever lies they want. We know the truth, and that’s all that matters. I’m proud to be seen with you, Sky. I love that we’ve been hanging out.”

“Me too.” She knew exactly where she wanted this conversation to go, especially after their embrace, but she had no idea what he was thinking.

“You make me look good,” he teased.

She smacked his arm playfully.

“Seriously, though, I love spending time with you, and I feel like I can tell you anything.”

“I feel the same way.” Her hopes soared higher than they ever had before, as high as a hot air balloon floating up to the clouds, and she held her breath in anticipation of what he’d say next.

“I’m glad. And I want you to know that if you ever need me, I’m here for you. Anytime. Aside from your brother, you’re one of my closest friends.”

And faster than she could exhale, the balloon popped and sent her hurtling back to the friend zone.

SIX

The latest documents for the Walters case were a blur on Franky’s computer screen. He should’ve been preparing for depositions, but he couldn’t stop thinking about the way Skylar had felt in his arms. Warm, soft curves melting into him. The heat of her breath against his mouth. He’d come so close to burying his nose in her hair and getting lost in the scent of vanilla. But if he had, he wouldn’t have been able to stop himself from kissing her. And where might that have led? His mind wandered, imagining them making out, breathless and horizontal on the pool table. The chime on his computer signaled a new email and brought him out of his daydream. He rubbed his hands over his face and shook his head.

He’d pushed all attraction for Skylar out of his head years ago. For Sebastian. For the good of their friendship and his relationship with their family. He couldn’t think of her as anything other than a friend. And he hadn’t for a long time. But last night, she’d leaned over that pool table the way she had, obviously flirting with him. He was used to their fun and flirty banter. He was not used to that look in her eyes or the way it had set his heart racing.

Thank God for that text from Adelia because that kind of thinking could’ve gotten him into trouble. He really needed to start dating again and put a little distance between them so he wouldn’t do something stupid and selfish and ruin their friendship forever.

On his way out for lunch, Franky spotted Gus, walking down the hallway with Dad and Oliver Wood, a police officer and friend of the Schultz family. Oliver had intervened for Gus on many occasions, including the night he allegedly “attacked” Milton. Now, he was being called in by Milton’s attorney in an attempt to use his testimony against Gus.

“Hey, Gus,” Franky said as he approached them. “Oliver.”

“Franky.” Gus greeted him with a handshake as Dad disappeared into the conference room.

“Nice to see you, Franky.” Oliver shook his hand.

“Here for depositions?”

Gus nodded. “Waiting on Milton and his lawyer. Did you and Sky have fun last night?”

Franky’s pulse stuttered. “We did. Until she hustled me out of a hundred bucks.”

“Good for her.” Gus’s laugh faded abruptly as his gaze fixed on the front entrance.

Franky turned to see two men walking toward them—a short, bald man with a briefcase and a tall, black-haired man with boy-next-door looks, who he could only assume was Milton Hanley. This was the first time Franky had seen the guy in person, and Skylar’s ex was nothing like he expected. Based on the way the Schultzes talked about him, Franky had pictured a greasy sleazebag, not the good looking guy walking toward them now, and it wasn’t hard to see why Skylar had been attracted to him. Franky’s mind envisioned the two of them together, and he had a sudden and violent dislike for Milton Hanley.

---