My grimace tries to be empathetic. “The holidays can be heavy.”
Frankie’s grin lacks its usual sass. “Especially for someone who never celebrates.”
“Was that too much?”
I probably should’ve asked sooner, but I’ve trained myself to solely focus on Ronnie. It’s a reflexive habit at this point. More so, this woman has proved to be fiercely independent. If she’s not pleased, I’d be the first to know.
“It’s strange to witness the power of love. The devotion and comfort and affection. I… envy you,” she admits on a whisper.
My brows lift. “I can’t imagine why.”
“Is that hard to believe? There’s so much warmth in your home, embedded in every fiber. The entire town is wrapped around your little finger. You’re worshipped around here. That’s the breeding ground of jealousy for a person like me.”
The persistent ache in my chest makes an appearance, reminding me of everything I’m missing. “Don’t be jealous of me.”
“Easy for you to say.” Frankie drops her gaze, drifting a palm across Greta’s neck. “Tonight was another reminder of what I’ll never have.”
“Who says you can’t have it?”
She shakes her head. “I’m not meant to be a kept woman trapped behind white picket fences. That’s not a secret. But sometimes I forget how far apart we are.”
The despondent note in her voice slashes at me. “Do you want a family?”
A sound of hollow amusement trickles from her. “Can’t you see I’m having a bit of a pity party, stud? Nobody else is invited to attend.”
“Is that your attempt to get rid of me?”
“Stubborn man,” she mutters. “Can’t take a hint if it was stamped on his forehead.”
My boots remain firmly planted on the concrete floor. I smirk at the bold words she wrote in the worn leather. Frankie takes pride in winning and isn’t the type to surrender, but her mood is off. That’s really saying something, seeing as this woman has more sides than a decagon.
I squint at her rigid posture. “Planning to run?”
Her glare is a loaded weapon when she aims it at me over her shoulder. “As if I’d tell you.”
“Didn’t take you for a quitter, menace. Gonna prove me wrong?”
Her sigh is hardly an answer. “I won’t get far in this snowstorm.”
A sudden urgency pushes me three steps forward. “You said I could trust you. Don’t abandon Ronnie.”
“What will you give me to stay?”
“What do you want?”
She licks her lips. “A distraction.”
I don’t move or even breathe. “Such as?”
Frankie turns toward me, giving me the full impact of her dangerous appeal. “Why don’t you date?”
“We’ve been over this.”
“Have we?” She tips her head, studying me closely. “I might need a refresher. It’s been nearly six years since Nina passed. That’s a long time to go without.”
My heart thumps to a hollow beat. “Are you trying to hurt me?”
“More like understand.”