Finding The 10

27 - The Spark

Eli's POV

We drive in silence for what feels like an eternity. It's dark in the car but Frankie is illuminated by the dash board lights and I can't help but steal glances at her silhouette.

She is staring out the window still wearing my suit jacket. She has pulled it tight over herself as her fingers fidget with the lapel. Her mind is a million miles away and she even hasn't noticed how much I have been staring at her.

She looks perfect.

Her black hair is still in loose curls but she let out all the pins and clips. She has kicked off her heels and pulled her knees into her chest.

I have to keep reminding myself that I am driving and that I can't sit here and stare at her all night. Even though I want to.

My mouth opens and closes a few times before I decide to just let it be. There is no point in breaking the silence if it means I won't be able to bask in the serenity of Frankie.

We pull into the apartment building's car park and both get out of the car. We slowly make our way to my door and I open it for Frankie and she steps inside heading for the lounge room.

I head for the kitchen and straight to the fridge.

"Do you want a beer frankie?" I yell out.

"Sure."

I grab two bottles and open then before making my way to the lounge room. Only I find nothing. Frankie isn't there.

I sigh a little and set her bottle down before taking a swig of my own and loosening off my tie.

"Can I get some help, please?"

I turn on the spot to find Frankie standing barefoot but still in her floor length dress.

"The zip on my dress is stuck and I can't undo it." She says pointing to her back with an embarrased look on her face.

"Sure. I'll help."

She smiles and turns so her back is to me and then moves her long luxurious hair out of the way and holds it over her shoulder.

I inhale a shaky breath and hold it in at the close proximity we are in.

I slowly reach out and let my fingers find the clasp of her dress and struggle for a moment before it finally unlatches, allowing the zip to move. Next, I move the zip all the way down exposing Frankie's entire back.

My hand moves on it's own to touch and trace the tattoos on her back but I stop it before it makes contact. What I would give to undress her further.

Quickly I step back and clear my throat.

Frankie takes this as her queue and moves towards her bedroom without looking back at me. She says a quiet thank you over her shoulder before she closes the door to her room.

I slump down into the couch and continue to drink down my beer.

After a few moments, Frankie emerges wearing an oversized hoodie and black skin tight leggings. Her hair is still a mess of loose curls and most of her makeup has been wiped off but she still looks fantastic.

She makes her way to the couch and grabs her beer on the way.

"Some party, huh?" Frankie says.

"You're aunty sure cooks a lot of food."

"There is always too much food. I'm surprised she didn't force us to bring home some."

"Well actually she did try to give me some but I told her I would grab it before I left and then never went back to grab it."