29.
Fran brought a glass of water to her lips and tried to appear as if she was staying on track with whatever the hell it was Maxwell was saying; nodding her head and "uh huh"-ing whenever it seemed necessary. He was probably discussing something about the ball... or the theatre... or maybe even the children... and she really should have been listening—hell, he always paid attention to her silly babblings about her mother—but her mind had traveled far elsewhere ever since that surprising encounter with Drake Wilder. He was the last person on earth she would have ever expected to see again, yet there he was in flesh. Willing and ready to be hers again...
She didn't want to think about it—about him! Especially, while sharing an intimate table for two with a person who should be her main focus at the moment instead of an afterthought.
God, why oh why can't I get him out of my head? Stupid rock star ex-boyfriend... always treated me terribly anyway. But oh could he kiss or what? Those gorgeous, soft lips of his would always pull me under.
Fran soon found herself humming a song in her head that just happened to be one that Drake used to serenade her with on her birthday since it was one of her favorites.
She was even more startled when Maxwell's tender hand reached from across the white linen table cloth to gather hers. He then brought it to his cheek to caress. It was a very soothing gesture and she faintly smiled.
Ugh, she was absolutely torn!
But who to choose?
Even though she had told Drake that things were over between them, her heart was telling her otherwise. And what about Maxwell? He was finally acting on his feelings—feelings Fran wasn't even aware he even had for her until now—and showing her that he really was as suave and exciting as the men in her romance novels and soap operas instead of just some regular ol' stuffy Broadway producer.
Wasn't it impossible to love two people at once though? And even if it wasn't, it still wasn't right. Someone was going to get hurt, probably even herself. But not tonight... she wasn't going to make any life-altering decisions tonight. She'd have to sleep on it and think about it for a few days.
Fran gently removed her hand from Maxwell's grasp, using it to pick up her spoon and deposit some delightful spicy Spanish rice into her delicate mouth.
"Miss Fine, you're being awfully quiet this evening," noticed Maxwell, trying to catch her gaze.
Fran swallowed and met his eyes.
"Oh, Mr. Sheffield, I'm sorry!" replied Fran quickly, a bit alarmed, but not showing it because she didn't want him to be suspicious. "I think all that dancing and champagne tonight has made me more than a little exhausted."
Maxwell nodded, understanding.
"Yes, and it is getting quite late isn't it?" said Maxwell, pulling up his suit sleeve to check the time on his expensive gold Rolex.
"Time does fly when you're having fun," laughed Fran, lightheartedly.
That seemed to be the right thing to say and he looked pleased.
"Well, since I've already paid the check, we can leave whenever you're ready Miss Fine."
"Oh, I'm done! Thank you so much for the dinner... I wasn't even aware I was so hungry and I've never even heard of this place before. It's very adorable. Especially, with all the scenic pictures of Europe..."
Her voice trailed off.
"You are most welcome and yes, we truly must go—err, come—again," he replied, the word Europe catching him off-guard too and reminding him of their little rendezvous in London and Paris.
They both had a lot of fond memories of themselves together in Europe after all...
"Will there be a next time... Maxwell?" she timidly questioned, just loud enough for him to hear.
He leaned in close to her neck, his warm, smiling lips just grazing her ear.
"Oh course... Fran," he whispered.
She outright blushed at his use of her first name and let him help her into her stylish wool coat.
When they exited the restaurant and stood outside underneath the awning, Fran made note of the cold air.
"The driver should be here shortly... he said he was only around the corner when he called. I could hold you closer if you'd like, hmm?"
"I would like that very much."
As Fran embraced Maxwell, she looked beyond him to across the street. She was immediately shocked when she recognized the mysterious figure standing beneath a streetlight. Her smile immediately faltered. It was Drake Wilder.
Was he stalking her? Following her and Maxwell around? No... such an idea was positively ludicrous. It had to be a coincidence. It just had to be.
He's staring right at me though. Oh, I have a feeling he's not letting go of me so soon... he seems to be sticking to his words.
Maxwell pulled away from Fran to look at her.
"Are you feeling light-headed Miss Fine? You look a bit ill all of a sudden..."
In truth, she was sick. Sick of Drake Wilder and this madness of the heart he caused her to go through. Drake wasn't giving up and that's what worried her. Part of her loved the attention, but the other part was a bit unnerved by his obvious obsession. He was just dangerous... and not just to her relationship with Maxwell.
"No—no, I'm fine. I'm s-sure it's nothing."
Fran let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding as the limo pulled up alongside the curb and she stepped in.