Diesel flashed a quick grin and nodded at Francine in greeting. “How was your trip?”
“Wonderful!”
“I’m glad to hear it. What did you think of Lava Rock World?”
Her eyes brightened even more. “It was awesome. I’d love to go back and explore other places we didn’t have time to visit.”
“Good to know. Juliana wants to go,” Diesel said. “I promised to take her in a weak moment.”
Francine laughed. “You might like it.”
“I don’t know about that, but I do like to see my wife happy.”
Raphael cracked a smile at how obviously in love Diesel was with his wife and the lengths he’d go to make her happy. He would certainly do the same for Francine. “Let me take Francine home and I’ll come back and be miserable with you.”
“You don’t have to take me home. I can get there all on my own, I promise.”
“Are you certain?”
She glanced at her wristwatch, a ceramic bangle bracelet with a digital clock embedded in it. “Of course. It’s not too late to get a few chores done.”
“Chores?” he asked.
Francine looked amused. She was so beautiful. “Well, I’ve got to go and let Mrs. Greenstone know I’ve returned. I will probably have to clean up whatever trouble Angel has gotten into while I’ve been gone. Then I need to call to see what my work schedule is next week. Lots to do before it gets too late. No worries. I’ll see you later, okay?” She kissed his cheek, sent a finger wave to Diesel and disappeared into the mass of travelers spilling into the basement shopping area.
He watched her leave, easily able to follow the bright color of her hair. It was visible even in a throng as she moved through the energetic basement area. Memories of sifting his fingers through her soft cinnamon locks while she slept or when he kissed her overrode any other thoughts in his head. The urge to follow her rose up so fiercely he took a step in her direction.
“Francine is very sweet.”
Diesel stating the obvious shook Raphael from his reverie. “She is.”
“You’re a lucky man.”
“I am.”
Diesel cleared his throat. “I heard a rumor you might be staying on Earth or at least making it the home base for your bounty hunting business.”
Raphael took in Diesel’s hopeful expression and said, “Yep.”
“Because of Francine?”
“Yep.”
Diesel grinned. “Good news for us. There will definitely be some more work for you on our trips north to Suspicion, Minnesota.”
“Still working things out with the Secret Keeper?”
Diesel pushed out a sigh. “Indeed. A tough nut to crack, that one. More trips will definitely be coming. Wheeler is going next time.”
“Oh, yeah?” Raphael narrowed his gaze.
“He’s less volatile than Cam in any discussion.”
“That has also been my experience.” Wheeler was definitely calmer in temperament than Cam with regard to security issues. Last time Raphael had escorted Cam up to Minnesota, he’d had to act as the voice of reason when the Secret Keeper wasn’t as forthcoming as Cam demanded. He’d had to physically hold Cam back at one point during the meeting.
Raphael lost sight of Francine and gave Diesel his full attention. “Good to know. I’m happy to have regular work here on Earth whenever I can get it. Cam mentioned that might be a possibility before I left.” He sent his gaze back down the length of the Big Bang Truck Stop basement, wondering if he should have gone ahead and escorted Francine home.
It wouldn’t have taken very long. Then again, she’d been doing fine on her own without him for months. She wasn’t some shrinking flower he needed to protect and guard every second of every day. Although, if she did ever need that, or just want it, he was ready.
