“If you two are on something right now, we want in,” Olivia jokes.
“We intend to be on various forms of alcohol shortly,” Lukas says. “Help yourself. The bar is open.”
“Back in a jiff,” Lori says, leading Olivia away by the hand.
I pinch Lukas hard on his biceps. Suddenly a sense of doom overtakes me. Carlton approaches too quickly to avoid. It was only a matter of time.
“Nora!” he says with a wide grin. “So good to see you.”
His arms wrap around me, squeezing me a bit, like we’re old pals.
“Hey, Carlton,” I say as I wiggle myself out of his embrace. “Good to see you, too.”
Carlton looks fresh in his blue suit. His light brown hair is carefully cropped and his eyes are clear and intense. A nostalgic vibe of attraction echoes from my past. I dismiss the feeling just as fast as it arises.
“It’s been what? Three years?”
“Two,” I correct him. He must be willfully forgetting our last encounter.
Carlton’s face turns somber. “I was sorry to hear about your father. I was overseas at the time and unable to get back for the funeral.”
“Thanks,” I say.
He studies my eyes and then briefly glances at Lukas.
“Well, we should catch up some time,” he says. “Grab a coffee or a drink. I’ll be in LA for most of the summer.”
As I struggle to find the best way to turn him down, Lukas comes to my rescue. His arm coils around my waist. His lips brush against the side of my neck, right below my ear. “They’re playing our song, Mac. Let’s dance.”
I’m so grateful that I have a way out of making plans for a catch-up chat with my tedious ex that I’ll let Lukas off the hook for calling me Mac yet again.
Carlton’s not happy with the interruption and even less happy with the way Lukas handles my body like it belongs to him. I make a mental note to let Lukas handle me a little more than necessary if it means keeping Carlton at a safe distance today.
We step onto the slightly elevated wooden dance floor. Lukas gathers me into his arms. I rest my head against his shoulder as we slowly begin to dance. For such a big man he’s light on his feet. He said once he could sing. His keen sense of rhythm makes that boast much more believable now.
With every step around the dance floor, I relax a little bit more. I let go for the first time with Lukas. I melt into his embrace. I’m surprised at how good it feels to be in the presence of my family and, at the same time, safe in the arms of a man I trust. It’s almost as if I belong for the first time since Dad died, so simply and effortlessly, just by being around people who are on my side and not whispering to each other about my father’s crimes.
Lukas rubs my back lightly as we dance. Goosebumps tingle when his lips find my ear. All the sensations and feelings I’ve been trying to suppress roar to life in his arms. “You shine when you’re happy,” he whispers. “It’s the first time I’ve seen you like this.”
“It’s just good to be here,” I whisper back. “And you’re being good.”
“I’ll be whatever you need me to be,” he says with a look in his eyes that makes my ribs and belly ache sweetly.
“That works,” I say as I lay my head on his shoulder.
“I’d like to see as much of you as you’ll let me, Mac.”
I’m not sure if that was meant to be an insinuation or not. No, he was being sincere. Bummer. I kind of wish he was teasing, that he was referring to seeing me naked. I’ve grown used to that Lukas. A sincere Lukas confuses me, makes me dizzy, especially with champagne flooding my head.
Sincerity is a weapon con men use. My father perfected the craft. Lukas overwhelms me so easily. I know it must be an act. I’m not a fool. I’ll pay for this if I let my heart and body enjoy his warmth. But the music and his graceful control of my body turn me on beyond reason. I want to let go completely.
Lukas has his lips at my ear again. “Do you want to go back to the hotel?”
I hold my breath, trying to decide whether I can resist him in this moment when every cell in my body aches to disappear in his arms.
The music stops before I answer. Aunt Sonya holds a microphone.
“May I have your attention, please? Joci is about to throw her wedding bouquet. You know the drill. All you single girls step forward and face your destiny.”
I decide to duck and run but Lukas has other ideas. “No way,” he says, gently pushing me forward. “Destiny is not to be messed with.”
“Seriously?” I say between my teeth, not appreciating the irony.
“I’ve never been more serious,” he says. “This is you playing your part.”
Right on cue, Olivia takes my hand. I have run out of options. We squeeze into the middle of the scrum of bright dresses.
“Everybody ready?” Joci says as she turns her back on us. “Here we go! Three, two, one…”
And the bouquet flies high up in the air, slowly shifts into an arching descent as all the girls shove against me from all sides. When I raise my arms up to protect myself, the bouquet lands firmly in my hands.
Destiny. Damn.
All the shoving turns into an assault of giggles and hugs and kisses from the excited girls around me. A man hugs me from behind. I turn with an amused smirk to look up into Lukas’ eyes. Only it’s not Lukas, it’s Carlton.
I immediately feel violated as he hugs me tightly from behind.
“Always a winner,” Carlton says. “That’s how I remember you.”
Lukas slides in and somehow lifts me into the air like a caveman. Before I know what’s going on, he spins us round and round like a cheesy scene in a romantic comedy. What’s next? Chasing each other across the sand?
“It’s the sign I’ve been waiting for, baby,” he says as he sets me gently down onto my feet. When he drops down on one knee, I’m flabbergasted.
He takes my right hand. “Nora, my love, please say you’ll marry me.”
Uh, what the hell? Lukas is proposing to me in front of everyone. I can’t move. I’m frozen in place staring into his pleading eyes.
This is not proper etiquette. This is someone else’s wedding.
There’s a sea of emotion in his eyes. The world is shrinking in on us.
A tight knot forms and buzzes in my stomach. Why is he doing this and how can he make it feel so real?
“Nora,” my aunt urges me. “Give the poor fellow an answer.”
Okay, for better or worse, he’s trapped me. He wants me to play my part. Fine. Here it goes. “Yes, Lukas,” I say, surprised to feel tears welling in my eyes. “Of course I’ll marry you. Yes! A thousand times yes!”
Okay. That last bit might have been a bit much.
The crowd around us begins to clap. Lukas gets off his knee. His lips land on mine and my whole body goes limp as we kiss. It’s a real kiss, tongue and all, and it lingers as he presses his hard body tight against me. There’s so much going on in my head and heart right now. I’m grateful his powerful arms keep me on my feet. I can’t even process this moment. I’ve never been kissed like this. The air from his lungs is so lovely and warm and tasty.
Aunt Sonya gives me a big emotional hug the second Lukas pulls his lips away from mine, but I can’t take my eyes off his eyes. He just keeps staring at me like he’s surprised. There’s a humble quality. It’s kind of like he’s seen a ghost. I’m not sure. I just know his eyes are gorgeous.
“I’m sorry,” I say to Joci when she hugs me. “We shouldn’t have stolen your thunder.”
“Don’t be silly,” she says. “My thunder hasn’t even begun yet.” She moves closer to whisper. “I have a secret…I’m pregnant.”
“Oh my god,” I say, feeling more joy for her than I think I’ve ever felt for anyone. I love my family right now. I’ve felt lost for so long, but today everything’s changing. And I have no idea what tomorrow will bring.
“You can’t tell anyone. That makes it a secret.”
She’s so cute.
; “Cross my heart and hope to die,” I promise.
I steal a glance at Lukas who’s been watching me this whole time. There are actual tears in his eyes. We both have tears in our eyes.
I want to issue a warning to everyone right now. Never mix a real wedding and real champagne with a fake proposal.
Total mind fuck.
Chapter 8
Nora
With the TV remote in hand, I plop down onto the loveseat while Lukas changes in the other room of the hotel suite. I’m trying not to think about anything. We had a good time despite my new fiancé’s incredible stunt. My family welcomed him with open arms, buying every bit of the elaborate lie of my relationship with Lukas.
I push the guilt away with a sigh. I tell myself the whole thing is a necessary evil. I’ll make it up to them someday.
Lukas returns to my room in a tight T-shirt and athletic shorts. He earns one of my cold stares. “Okay, Lukas, let’s hear it. Why did you go off script? You could have ruined their wedding day and we never talked about a public proposal. It could have blown up in our faces.”
He raises an eyebrow and scratches his cheek. “I know, but I got caught up in the moment, Mac. I felt it. I trust my instincts. It just felt right.”
“Well, I saw a few people filming it. That might not be a bad thing. They’ll probably send me the video files. And because you gave the performance of a lifetime, if needed, those videos could help verify us.”
“My performance? Jennifer Lawrence has nothing on you. You were fucking gorgeous with your misty eyes,” Lukas says, sitting next to me.
“You can stop acting now,” I say. “I’m tired of your instant charm. Can’t you just be tired and petty and whiny like the rest of us? Give yourself a break sometimes. Really, Lukas, it will be a long year for you if you keep trying to separate me from my panties.”
Fuck, I drank a little too much.
“That’s where you’re wrong,” he says, but doesn’t elaborate.
“Okay, enlighten me, where was I wrong exactly?”
“The long year bit,” he says.
I sigh heavily again. “Fine. If you don’t want to explain, don’t.”
“You’re no fun.” He squeezes my thigh briefly as he stands. “The only way it will be a long year is if I don’t separate you from your panties.”
I bite my lip briefly, trying to keep my eyes off those athletic shorts. “Is that all you need then? A place to wet your wick?”
He laughs. “Wet your wick? That was awesome. Tell me your grandmother used to say that. I love the way you talk. It’s a trip.”
“My mom, actually. And it’s not something she used to say. She still does. And I am mortified that I’m saying it now, too.”
“No, it’s cool. I always had a thing for Nanny McPhee.”
“Now I’m Nanny McPhee? Like two minutes ago I was Jennifer Lawrence. Time can be so cruel.”
He stares at me hungrily. “You’re a funny girl. No, I don’t just need to wet my wick. You think so little of me. Have you ever considered the possibility that I like you, Nora?”
Now I laugh. “And you’re a funny boy. I don’t even like me. I just lied to the last family I have left. I’m my father’s daughter, I guess.”
He reaches down and takes my hand. “Listen, you’ve had a lot to drink. You’re being melodramatic. Get in bed, close your eyes and I’ll give you a professional massage.”
I let him pull me to my feet. I suddenly feel almost naked next to him in my strapless pistachio dress. “You’ve had classes and stuff?”
“Many,” he says. “I promise. No funny stuff, but you’ll have to lose the dress. I brought some oils.”
“Hah!” I say, quite inappropriately.
He grins. “I’m a professional. I will not cross the line.”
“Yeah, whatever, Romeo! I’m not going to get naked and what? Just be victim to your premeditated massage?”
I pull away from him and spin so that my dress twirls up.
“I like that,” he says.
“That wasn’t for you, Lukas Dupree. I just like to twirl. Especially when I’m a little drunk.” I walk a couple of steps and toss the remote onto the bed.
“Well, I like it, too. So, please, don’t stop.”
“You’re the one who needs to stop,” I say and immediately get a little dizzy. Too much champagne and too much twirling. I hurry to sit on the edge of the bed.
“It’s the bubbles,” he explains as he sits so close to me our legs press together. “The carbon dioxide speeds the flow of alcohol.”
“It went straight to my head,” I say weakly. It takes everything I have not to pass out right onto his chest.
“You need a little hydration before you sleep,” he says as his arm wraps around my shoulders in an almost brotherly fashion.
“I can’t be hung over. I agreed to brunch with Aunt Sonya tomorrow. She likes you. I don’t think she ever really liked anyone I dated.”
Lukas lifts my chin gently. “Like Carlton?”
I knew the question was coming eventually. “Oh, Carlton. Yeah. He’s one of my exes. I have more.”
“I’m sure you do, Miss Showoff,” he says, amused.
I shove him and he doesn’t budge. He’s so strong, like a wall of muscle.
He grabs both my hands. “Behave,” he says and then bends over me so his ribs brush past my breasts.
I’m about to panic until he sits back with the TV remote in his hand
“Let’s find something boring.” He turns on the flat screen. “Best way to fall asleep. One of my tricks.”
“You’re a tricky dicky,” I say, immediately regretting my word choice.
He thankfully ignores me as he flips channels. “I have a confession. I sometimes enjoy cheesy movies more than the serious ones.”
“I get that,” I say. I really do. Bridget Jones’ Diary is my jam.
“You get a lot,” he says, not paying much attention.
He reaches a ridiculously muscled leg out to use his toes to pull the coffee table closer to the bed. He rests both legs on the table. My eyes slowly study his ripped legs from his toes up to his hot calf muscles to his powerful thighs to his tight shorts that stretch to contain his deliciously robust package.
Lukas has a comment about every show. The black rhino documentary panders to sentimentality, the news on CNN is so stilted, Pretty Woman is a totally unhealthy fantasy that no little girl should ever watch.
He stops on Game of Thrones, watches it for a while, bends his face. “This show, I know I should like it more than I do, but I think it’s overrated.”
“You need to shut up,” I say.
He laughs. “Oh, I found a vulnerable spot. Okay, you tell me. Why do you want to follow forty characters all over the map? I’m just too damn busy to keep up with it.”
“You know what?” I say. “If this was a real engagement, this is the point where it would be off. Totally. Game of Thrones is a deal breaker.”
“You’re being serious?”
“Totally,” I repeat.
“I’ll give it another shot,” he says and I have no idea if he means it.
“You better,” I warn him.
He turns off the TV. “I’d rather just talk.”
“Perfect,” I say. “I’ll definitely fall asleep now.”
“Ouch,” he says and puts his hand to his heart. “But seriously, you looked so breathtaking at the wedding,” he says, locking his eyes on mine. “I kind of fell into a spell there for a while. When I proposed, I was actually, I don’t know, possessed by the moment or the music or the champagne.”
Lukas is entirely too liberal with compliments. He must feel obligated to slather them all over me. “Or maybe you were just hungry and my pistachio dress did a number on you,” I say, rolling my eyes.
He chuckles. “Maybe. I mean, yeah. That dress likes your body.”
I nod. “I love this fabric. It’s so unique. Pistachio crepe.” It’s a short strapless dress I found
at Macy’s of all places. Jules would have a fit if I told her I bought the dress at the mall after wasting two of her lunch breaks searching for just the right dress in Beverly Hills.
“Good choice. It just flows with your energy. I think every man noticed the magic of you and that dress tonight.”
There’s something in the way he speaks that gives me pause. An overwhelming sense of urgency, a desire to be understood in his ragged voice.
“You are completely insane,” I say quietly.
He moves closer, just an inch or two, but there is definitely a shift. “Nothing wrong with being a little crazy,” he says with a voice deeper and more hoarse than usual. “I want to kiss you.”
My heartbeat accelerates dangerously. “You did kiss me,” I remind him. “Quite aggressively. After your outrageous proposal.”
One more imperceptible nudging of his body toward mine. “You call that a kiss? That was just level one. There’s much more where that came from.”
Fuck, I’m curious and I need not to be. I have no doubt that every level of his game gets a little bit more breathtaking than the last.
It seems my pistachio crepe dress was some kind of cheat code.
Lukas slides his hand slowly to my shoulder. I take a deep breath before I turn to face him. “What do you want, Lukas? All these things you say...”
His other hand lands lightly on my knee. The tips of his fingers sneak a tiny smidge under the hem of my dress. My heart races. I lose the ability to breathe. He brushes his fingers on my pale thigh like a paint brush moving back and forth on a canvas.
He removes his hand just when I think he will let his fingers climb too high and discover my wet secret. My eyes close from relief when his hand instead finds my neck. Every nerve tenses then tingles as he places his lips on my ear.
“I want my hands on you,” he whispers as his hand traces the side of my breast. “Is that too much to ask?”
His confidence should be offensive, but it’s so fucking sexy. He knows I loved the way he kissed me. I almost fainted. I realize now that moment revealed everything about the incredible effect he has on me.
Lukas lowers his face to mine. His hand supports the back of my neck. His lips find mine. I do not resist. His tongue forces its way into my mouth.
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