The Mistletoe Promise (The Wishing Tree)

6. Amanda

SIX

AMANDA

It’s been an amazing week of fun, sun, and sea. Not to mention sexy times with Frankie, but it’s time to go home and I really don’t want to. It’s been an amazing vacation and I’m sad that it’s ending. I’ve been wrapped up in Frankie which felt good. He’s made me feel as though I’m the only girl in the world and that’s exactly what I need, especially after what happened with Aaron.

“You okay, Kitten?” Frankie asks.

Once again, we’re seated next to each other for the flight. I’m glad, he makes me feel grounded and he’s fun to be around. I love that he calls me Kitten, it was unexpected the first time, but I’ve grown to love it. Especially when he growls it.

“Yeah, just thinking. I’ve a lot to get sorted once we’re back home.”

He gives me a smirk. “Speaking of,” he begins. “I overheard you talking to your dad, you’re looking for a job?”

I nod. “Yeah, I need to get back to normal, there’s only so many times I can lay in my bed staring at the ceiling and walls. Not to mention, there’s a certain number of times I can re-watch The Vampire Diaries before Cherry kills me.”

I see his lips twitch and my stomach clenches. God, he’s so handsome. “So, I have a proposition for you.”

I raise a brow, intrigued by his words. “Oh, and what’s that?”

“My business is expanding and we’re taking on more and more clients as well as staff. I’m looking at hiring a receptionist, something I know you have experience in. What I’m asking is, will you come and work for me?”

I feel my heart skip a beat. Work for Frankie? I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I’m not ready for anything serious, and working with him every day is going to push me to my limit to stay away from him—something I’ve promised myself that I would do. Not to mention, Jaxon works for Frankie, and that would mean working with my brother, I’m not sure that’s a good idea either. But a job is a job, and I need one.

"I... I don't know what to say," I stammer. "Wouldn't that be a bit complicated?"

Frankie's eyes twinkle with amusement. "Only if we make it complicated, Kitten. I'm a professional, you know. I can keep business and pleasure separate."

I can't help but snort at that. "Oh really? You really think that you can act as though you haven’t seen me naked, and we can just pretend that nothing happened?"

He has the grace to look a little sheepish, but that trademark grin is still there. "Okay, you got me. But seriously, I think you'd be great for the job."

I bite my lip, considering it. It would be nice to have a steady job, especially one that could open doors. And if I'm honest with myself, the thought of seeing Frankie every day is more than a little appealing.

"What about us?" I ask hesitantly. "What happens when we get back home?"

Frankie's expression softens, and he reaches out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "Well," he says, his voice low and intimate. "That's entirely up to you, Kitten. I won't lie—I've enjoyed our time together immensely. But I also understand if you need space or time to figure things out."

His words make my heart flutter. I appreciate his honesty and the fact that he's giving me options. It's so different from how things were with Aaron.

"I think..." I start, then pause to gather my thoughts. "I think I'd like to take the job. But we stay professional." I need the distance between us. I don’t want to fall into another relationship only three months after my engagement ended.

Frankie's smile is warm and understanding. "Of course. We can keep things professional at work."

I nod. "Okay. Then yes, I'd love to work for you." But I have a feeling that he’s not going to give up trying for more. Frankie doesn’t come across as a man that likes to give up control.

"Excellent," he grins, looking genuinely pleased. "You start Monday."

As the plane begins its descent, I find myself both nervous and excited about starting my new job. It’s going to be hard to try and keep professional, but I’m determined. I need this job. I need to start getting my life back under control.

After finding out about Aaron and my mom, my life’s kind of been on a hiatus.

The plane touches down with a jolt, bringing me back to reality. As we taxi to the gate, I can feel the tension building in my shoulders. Going back home means facing everything I left behind—the whispers, the pitying looks, the endless questions about Aaron and my mom.

Frankie must sense my unease because he reaches over and gives my hand a gentle squeeze. "Hey, it's going to be okay," he says softly. "One step at a time, remember?"

I nod, grateful for his reassurance. I feel so stupid sometimes, like how the hell did I get to this point of my life? I was carefree and happy—foolish and happy—but I was living life, trying to take everything as it came and then my life came crashing down to a halt.

Now, I’m scared of what could happen if I take the next step. I’m terrified of finding someone just in case I get hurt again. I have no idea how to find who I once was, and right now, I’m just trying to piece my life back together, little by little.

As we disembark and make our way through the airport, I try to focus on the positives. I have a new job to look forward to, and even if things with Frankie are complicated, at least I know he's in my corner.

We collect our luggage and head towards the exit. Frankie stays beside me the entire way, but he doesn’t say much, which is great, as I’m still stuck inside my own head.

"Ready to get home, Kitten?" he asks, his eyes twinkling. Ugh, I have a feeling he’s going to continue to flirt with me even when we’re working together.

I take a deep breath and nod. “Ready.”

And I am, it’s time for a new chapter of my life. I’m just hoping that sometime in the future, I’ll be able to find myself again.