She leaned in. “But you do, right?”
“Mrs. Ginocassi—”
“Call me Frannie…please.”
I lowered my voice. “Frannie.” Looking down into my mug, I said, “Your daughter is obviously gorgeous. Of course I find her incredibly attractive. But she’s also…” I paused, trying to find the right words. “She’s real, vulnerable, funny, honest…caring.” I closed my eyes for a moment. “She makes me laugh.” I chuckled. “Every day.” I sighed. “I could go on. But yes, I have found myself wishing things were different, because any guy would be lucky to have Juliette.”
“Wow, it’s even worse than I thought.” She smiled in satisfaction, as if she’d already known everything I just told her. “I commend you for holding your ground. And you’re right on the money. Nothing good could come from her getting involved with one of Vince’s guys.”
“Was that the point of this conversation, to reiterate the obvious?” I scoffed.
She shook her head. “Well, my attitude is a little different than Vince’s. My husband doesn’t give a shit how people feel. ButIrecognize that the people who work for him are still human. I was just curious whether this situation is a struggle for you, like it is for Juliette.”
Pretty sure she shouldn’t have admitted that to me. Clearly, she and Juliette had been talking.
“Still, despite your feelings, you’re doing what you know is best for my daughter,” Frannie continued. “And I greatly appreciate that.”
My hand tightened around the mug. “It’s not just what’s best for her. It’s my damn job. Your husband has made it clear numerous times that he’ll kill me if I ever lay a hand on her. So there’s not exactly room for error. I just…” I looked away, hesitant to continue.
She tilted her head. “What?”
Letting out a long exhale, I said, “I just wish Juliette could somehow escape her ties to him. She doesn’t deserve to live her life in the shadow of evil. She deserves so much more than that. And yeah, maybe as a bodyguard I’m not supposed to care so damn much about my client. But I can’t help it.” I ran my thumb along the mug. “Juliette makes it easy. I’d give anything for her to be able to live in peace.”
“Well, you risk your life for her every day. And I’m indebted to you for that.” She frowned. “And I’m sorry that you and Juliette have to deny your obvious feelings for each other. Even if you’re not admitting it in so many words, it’s clear to me that you’re smitten with my daughter. There’s no greater torture than wanting someone you can’t have.”
I couldn’t help myself as I arched a brow. “Like you and Timothy?”I’m going to hell.
Her jaw dropped open. “Who told you about that?”
“Who do you think?” I chuckled. “It’s okay. I won’t tell anyone.”
Frannie rolled her eyes. “There’s about as much hope for Timothy and me as my husband being sainted.”
I laughed. “Ain’t that the damn truth.”
Juliette entered the kitchen and rubbed her eyes. “Oh boy. The two of you talking behind my back…” Her hair was knotted and wild. She was so damn beautiful.
Frannie beamed. “Good morning, darling. I couldn’t wait to see you. So I decided to stop by.” She narrowed her eyes. “Do you always walk around here with no bra on?”
Shush, Frannie. It’s all I have.
“Where’s Paulie?” Juliette rubbed her eyes again, her voice groggy.
“He’s in the car. He likes his privacy whenever he can get it.”
Juliette yawned and walked over to the coffee machine to pour herself a mug.
Thankfully, as she prepared her coffee, she didn’t ask what her mother and I had been talking about. I couldn’t be sure Frannie wouldn’t bring up my feelings for Juliette again. And that would be so fucking awkward.
“You’re full of crap, Mom,” she finally said as she joined us at the table.
Frannie’s face turned red. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t believe you came by this early just to see me. I think you were torturing Wes.” Juliette turned to me. “Am I right?”
Maybe I’m not getting out of this conversation after all.
I tried to keep a poker face, and thankfully this time Juliette dropped the subject for good.
