Frankie Morales-Fire

Chapter 3

Frankie has talked me into allowing him to take Nova and I on a little road trip.

I feel, I don't know, not exactly uneasy about it. But I don't feel totally at ease with it, either. Frankie says he knows this beautiful spot about a couple of hours away from our town.

"Nova won't care how beautiful it is," I point out. Frankie just grins, his dimples showing.

I have a confession to make, not that I'd ever let Frankie know, but dimples on a grown man are one of my biggest weaknesses. I don't know why, but I love them.

On Frankie, they make him seem youthful and cute. Not I plan on telling him that.

"Nova will like the water," Frankie says, hefting a big, red cooler into the back of his Jeep.

"As long as it's not too icy cold," I remark. I fold my arms, studying Frankie. He's wearing a black t-shirt and some jeans. He also has a baseball cap on his head. It's a team in California, not that I follow baseball.

"What'd your friends think of you ditching them for the day?" I ask.

"They were pissed." Frankie pauses. "But I don't give a rats ass." I snort.

"Big words coming from a big man."

"You got a real attitude problem, you know that?" Frankie stares at me.

"You're the one who was hell bent on hanging out with me. If you can't take the heat, get away from the fire." Frankie just shakes his head and slams the back tailgate shut.

"You ready?" he asks.

"Not even close."

.....
Frankie drives for two hours straight before we finally reach our destination. I have to admit, I'm not disappointed. The view from the top of this mountain is amazing.

Nova does seem to like it, too. We walk for a while, until we reach a beautiful lake.

"Not bad, Morales," I tell Frankie. He grins.

"That sounds like high praise coming from you." I smile a little.

"Better take what you can get." Frankie laughs.

"I will." We hike a little further until Frankie decides we've found a good spot to stop and have our lunch.

I hold Nova as I feed her some baby food.

"I could hold her if you'd like to eat," Frankie says.

"You're never to touch my baby," I say, low and cold. "Do you understand me?" Frankie frowns slightly.

"I wouldn't hurt her."

"That's not the point," I snap quietly. "I'm not in the habit of allowing strangers, especially men, touch my child."

"Okay, okay, okay. Sorry I said anything." Frankie pops open a beer and takes a long gulp. I eat my sandwich and continue feeding Nova.

Nova is in a great mood. She giggles and smiles and babbles away to Frankie and I in her baby language.

I cuddle her close, kissing the top of her head. Nova squeals with laughter and grabs for my long, loose hair. I grin at her.

"She's a pretty little girl," Frankie remarks. I glance over at him.

"What do you know about babies?" I ask. Frankie shrugs.

"Not a hell of a lot," he replies.

"Smart answer."

"Hey, just because I have balls doesn't make me a complete idiot."

"It doesn't make you a genius, either." Frankie shoots me a dirty look.

"I'm beginning to rethink this whole wanting to get to know thing."

"Why did you want to get to know me?" I ask.

"I thought you looked feisty. And I like'em feisty. But you're on a whole other level of feistiness," Frankie says. I smirk.

"No shit, Sherlock," I snap.

"Is that your favorite swear word?" Frankie asks. "Shit?"

"It's my favorite word, period. It's very universal. You can use it for practically anything and people still know you mean." Frankie laughs.

"I can't argue with that logic."
***
We hang out for a while and then we head back home. Nova falls asleep not long after we head for home. I keep turning around in my seat to watch her.

"Do you do that often?" Frankie asks me.

"What?"

"Watch your daughter sleep?" I nod.

"I do. There's just something about seeing her lying there, all beautiful and peaceful."

"She's a lucky little girl to have a tough as nails mama like you."

"No shit," I say, smirking and Frankie grins.
***
I carry Nova into the house. It's late afternoon and I'm feeling like joining her in, wanting to crawl into bed and sleep for a couple of days straight.

Frankie comes out of the bathroom. He sees me standing there, watching Nova sleep. 

He heads out towards the living room. I place a gentle kiss on Nova's chubby cheek before leaving Nova's room.

Frankie has settled himself on my living room couch, looking like he'd more than comfortable staying there.

I go join him. I slide down, leaning my head on the back of the couch.

"Did I wear you out that much?" Frankie asks.

"No. I'm just always tired. That's the mom life for you." Frankie reaches over to take my hand. I allow this because I'm so damn tired and clearly not thinking straight.

"Would you let me see you again?" Frankie asks softly. I shrug.

"It wouldn't be terrible. Except..."

"Except what?"

"What's gonna happen when you and your friends are finished breaking the law?" Frankie gives me a sideways glance.

"I never said we were breaking the law."

"You don't have to. I can feel it in my bones. And quit avoiding the question!" Frankie lets go of my hand and sighs.

"IF I thought they was a chance for-us, I'd quit that life and stay here with you and Nova." I snort.

"Like hell you would! I can't see you doing that."

"Don't put words in my mouth, Luna," Frankie says sharply.

"Well, I just don't see you wanting out of whatever it is you're doing," I snap. "I mean, clearly you're making some serious cash with it. Do you honestly want to give that up and be stuck with some crap job that pays shit?"

"I'd help you run the bar. We could make it better. By the time I'm through with what I'd do, you'd be taking in three times as much money," Frankie says.

"That'd be great. Except Kayla owns half of the bar. So she'd need to be okay with whatever you do AND reap the rewards, not you." Frankie stands up.

"I'd make sure she got her fair share." He leans down to me, putting his finger under my chin and tilting my head up so we're gazing into each other's eyes.

Frankie gently kisses me. Or tries to. I turn my head. Frankie sighs.

"I'm heading out. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Not if I see you first." Frankie turns around and flips me off. I just grin and flip him the finger back.