Page 26 of Lumberjack John
"Uh huh." Sharon's skepticism showed plainly on her face. Her lips flattened and she glanced to the side. Finally she turned back, her expression serious. "What if you didn't?"
Frankie scowled. "What does that even mean? What if I didn'twhat?"
"What if you didn't come back to London?" Sharon answered, her voice several decibels lower than its usual level.
Frankie was speechless for a moment. The idea was utter insanity.
Sharon held up a hand. "Just hear me out. WhatIFyou were to stay in Wisconsin with that strapping lumberjack? WhatIFit's your life path to take your environmental passions to America? Let's face it, Frankie. You're floundering here in London. Never dating, never socializing other than with me, always working. It's not a well-rounded life and you haven't been truly happy in a very long time. I haven't seen you as excited as you were when you found out you got this assignment. Maybe you knew deep down that it would change your life forever."
It was unthinkable, what Sharon was suggesting. Completely and totally insane. Uproot herself from her home, family, and career to this beautiful corner of the world? Just to be near a man who set her body on fire?
Absolutely bonkers!
And yet, there was part of her that leapt at the thought, regardless of how crazy it might be.
"Even if I were to consider this," Frankie started. "John has said nothing about me staying here. We literally just met days ago. Even thinking about a move to America is utter madness."
Sharon hummed as she nodded. "It would be yes, if John was not interested. But my darling, I believe your feelings are mutual."
"You can't possibly know that," Frankie whispered. She didn’t dare consider that John felt the same. "You've only spoken with him over the phone for five minutes."
"It's called intuition, ducky. And you really should learn how to tune into your own." Sharon smacked her hand dramatically against the end table. "Would it traumatize me to have my best friend move to the American wilderness to be with a handsome stud who clearly adores her? Absolutely! But would I be thrilled for her? Of course." She pursed her lips, a twinkle in her eye. "Would I also visit frequently to search for an American stud of my own? Hell yes!"
A bark of laughter blurted from Frankie's mouth before she could stop it. "You're outrageous."
"I am, and it's one of the many reasons you love me." Sharon grinned. "Now, you will consider carefully what we've talked about, yeah? But most importantly, you will enjoy the time that you do have." Her grin widened into a wicked leer. "And report every salacious detail back to me."
Chapter 10
John rinsed the last bowl from the sink and handed it to Frankie. He watched as she dried it meticulously and placed it carefully on the rack. She'd been quiet since she emerged from the bedroom, her eyes downcast and her body language slow. Her call with her boss must not have gone well. Plus he had a sinking feeling they had discussed him and how much of a complication their fling created. From the deep inset of her furrowed brow, it was a problem for her. His jaw firmed at the thought.
Well, that's just too damn bad. I won't apologize for how I feel, and I won't hold back.
The only thing he could do was enjoy the remaining time he had with her and be grateful for that.
"There's a special place I haven't shown you yet," he said, smiling when her expression perked up.
"Yeah?" she answered. "Does it have something to do with my grandmother?"
He slowly shook his head. "No. This is all mine—a spot I like to visit when I need to recharge." He ran his thumb down the sideof her face, smirking when he felt a shiver move through her. "Are you up for a short walk? It'll be chilly."
She dipped her chin and flashed a brief smile. "Let me get my jacket," she said as she ran down the hall.
"Angus, you ready for your evening walk?" The old dog thumped his heavy tail on the floor and lumbered to his feet, giving himself a big shake.
"Okay!" Frankie strolled into the kitchen, looking like a teenager's wet dream. Her long, toned legs were encased in warm form-fitting leggings, leaving nothing to the imagination, especially with the way they cupped her delicious ass. She held her arms out. "Will I need anything heavier than this?"
"No, we won't be out too long." They pulled on their boots and he held the door for her. "I found this place by accident one day and was a bit surprised that my dad and grandfather hadn't mentioned it."
"Where is it?" Frankie asked.
He directed her around the cabin to a small dirt trail. They walked quietly together, their steps falling in unison. Angus ran ahead in a sudden energetic spurt, barking at a squirrel. It was a serene and peaceful scene isolated from the craziness of the world. He loved it and was certain he'd never stop feeling that blast of awe every time he strolled this path.
"You'll see." His hand found hers and threaded their fingers together.
She gave him a soft smile. "It's so beautiful. It must be amazing to live here every day."
"I wouldn't trade it for anything," he commented, then pointed up ahead. "Just a little further. You can see the clearing from here."
