Jake stood in the bathroom doorway, his gaze focused intently on the television screen halfway across the bedroom. It couldn't be. But it was. There she sat in all her glory. That mane of long, red hair cascaded over her shoulders as she threw back her head and joked with the hosts.
He remained frozen in place, the droplets of water rushing to the floor, heedless of the mess he was creating.
He watched her lean toward the camera, as if she were sharing her news with only one other person in the whole world. "It's a secret, but I'm sure my secret's safe with you. I'm heading home today to reunite with the love of my life, our town sheriff."
Jake heard the collective sighs from the audience.
Frankie smiled and paused dramatically. "And since the show is on hiatus, we've decided to be married next month."
The crowd went wild with applause.
Jake tried to quell his rising anger; the rest of the interview was a blur. Just when he thought he had gotten her out of his system, years later up she popped like a bad habit, larger than life. Or in this case, a live broadcast coast-to-coast, nationwide, for the whole world to see.
Mesmerized, Jake watched her tap her long crimson fingernails on the guy's arm, laughing that sensuous, throaty laugh he knew only too well.
Frankie Canfield.
Luscious lips and long legs; just as he remembered her. Those emerald-green eyes flashed with fire when angry and glistened with tears whenever she was upset. Jake closed his eyes and let the memories wash over him.
)
