She kept filming, mouth open in surprise.
His grin went ear to ear. “All right, gang, we’re off to explore these ruins and see if we can find a jar of that moonshine. Wish us luck!” He winked at the camera and waved. “See you in the kitchen!”
She knew that was his signoff. She tapped the button to end the filming, then put the phone down. “I didn’t know you were going to mention me.”
He shrugged as he walked over to her. “You earned it. And it just came naturally. You’re not mad, are you?”
“Mad? No, not even close. I’m really grateful.” She handed him the phone.
“I hope it brings you more business. You’re too good not to be turning people away.”
“Wouldn’t that be something.” She could dream.
He put his arm around Frankie and held the phone out. “Let’s get a picture, just for us.”
“Okay.” She liked his arm around her, even if she dreaded seeing herself in a photo.
He hit the button and took the pic, then showed it to her. “Nice.”
She thought it was just all right, but he looked great. “Yep.”
He looked at her. “You don’t like it? Want to take another one?”
She shook her head. “Won’t make any difference.”
He tucked his phone away. “Frankie, I don’t know what you see when you look at yourself, but I see a beautiful woman.”
“Did you already find some of that moonshine?”
He made a face at her. “I’m serious. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes.”
“I don’t know how to do that, but I’ll take your word. I’m not great at accepting compliments, either. Mostly, I guess, because I’m not used to getting them.”
“This can’t be about your sister, because she seems so supportive.”
“She is. And you’re right, it’s not about her. It’s about…” She sighed, not totally wanting to put into words the truth of her past.
“Your ex?” Lucas guessed.
She nodded.
“You’re not really going to give that much weight to one idiot’s opinion, are you?”
She smiled. “Hard not to after so many years.”
He leaned in and kissed her again. “Why don’t you pay attention to my opinion then? Because I think you’re amazing. Sexy and creative and funny. You’re the whole package.”
“Lucas,you’rethe whole package. The fact that you want to be with me is…I don’t know how that’s possible.”
The dogs circled them like sharks, eager for attention.
“I guess I’ll just have to show you. Tell me if I’m not, okay?”
She nodded. He was actually doing a pretty decent job.
He grabbed her hand. “Ready to have a closer look at these ruins?”
“You bet.” She would have gone anywhere with him.
