Droplets of water cascaded to the floor as he remained frozen in place, 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 secrets 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.

     The rest of the interview was a blur as Jake tried to quell his rising anger.  Just when he thought he had gotten her out of his system, up she popped like a bad habit years later, larger than life.  Or in this case, a live broadcast coast to coast, nationwide, for all the 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 like he remembered her.  Those emerald green eyes that flashed with fire when angry, and glistened with tears whenever she was upset.  Jake closed his eyes and let the memories wash over him. 

     Back to when two lust driven young lovers spent a summer wrapped in each other’s arms, shutting out the world and forgetting everything but the moment.  Nothing would ever be the same again. 

     He jerked back to the television, catching a snippet of her conversation.  What the hell was she thinking?  Whoever gave her the fool idea she could come waltzing back into Harmony like that was about to get an earful of a very pissed off Jake Maxwell.