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“I’m not going to date Luca.”
“Maybe not, but you’ll find someone someday, and he’ll be the one you spend all your time with. You won’t even think about little old me anymore.”
“What if I don’t want to spend my time with anyone but you?”
His heart skipped a beat at her words, and he swayed. Maybe he did have a little too much to drink.
“Are you okay?” Skylar asked.
“My head’s spinning a little. Probably from that kiss.” He winked, trying to make light of the whole thing, but she wasn’t having it.
“You need some water and a place to sit down.” She took hold of his arm and led him toward the steps. “Sit here for a minute.”
He started up the stairs. “I’m fine.”
“Franky.” She tugged gently on his arm.
“Really, Sky. I’m okay.”
She didn’t look so sure, but she followed him. When they reached the main floor, she straightened her dress and took a deep breath in and out before walking across the lobby.
Franky took hold of her wrist to stop her from returning to the party. “Are we okay?”
“Of course.” She gave him a smile. It was weak, but it was a smile nonetheless. And it filled him with hope that maybe things wouldn’t be horribly awkward between them after this.
Skylar walked with confidence, but he could tell she wasn’t over what had happened. And honestly, neither was he.
“I have to say …” He glanced over at her. “You are a really good kisser.”
She smacked his arm.
“Too soon?”
The old reliable mask of humor was back. It felt easier to divert than to deal with what he’d done. He hadn’t been joking about the kiss, though. It was going to take him a long time to erase the memory of kissing Skylar Schultz.
FIFTEEN
Skylar’s body was still tingling from the kiss while her heart was simultaneously crumbling in her chest. Knowing the kiss had been fueled by all the wine Franky had consumed sent her previously blissful mood spiraling downward into despair.
She had lied when she told him she’d had too much to drink too. She hadn’t. She’d barely had a glass. But what was she supposed to say? He obviously didn’t feel the same way she did.
Maybe she should’ve just been honest. Maybe he would’ve seen her differently if she had. Or maybe it would’ve ruined their friendship forever. That was the last thing she wanted. She needed him in her life.
“Where did you two run off to?” Sebastian asked as they walked across the foyer toward the banquet room.
Skylar’s cheeks warmed. “I showed him the wine cellar.”
“In the middle of your party?”
“Yep,” Franky said. “I had to see those barrels.”
Sebastian eyed them before turning his attention to Skylar. “Mom was looking for you. It’s time for the cake.”
Skylar started toward the door, but Franky gently took her wrist. She looked over her shoulder at him.
“Are you sure we’re okay?” He asked quietly so that only she could hear. He looked nervous, as if he was truly afraid he’d ruined everything.
She turned, summoned up all the courage she could, and hugged him, even though she was dying inside. “We’re okay.”