by Amie Nichols
“Well, where were you when she had someone lurking outside of her house? Where were you when someone broke into the house?” Jacob snaps putting his hand on my shoulder protectively. This makes Luke’s eyes wild with fury, and takes a step closer to Jacob.
“Stop it both of you!” I yell getting up stepping between them. I place my hands on both of their chests to calm them down. I feel their hearts beating rapidly through their shirts.
“Jacob, I’m fine would you please give us a moment,” I say turning to Jacob looking him in the eyes to let him know that I’m alright.
“I’ll be in my room if you need me,” Jacob huffs and sulks out of the kitchen.
“What did he mean someone broke in?” Luke’s first question out of his mouth shocks me.
“There’s been a couple of ‘incidents,’” I say using my fingers as quotation marks, “but nothing for over a month, so I think whoever it was was scared off by Jacob.” I wave my hand in frustration wanting to get back on the subject at hand.
“What kind of incidents, and I want to know why no one told me. If I had known I would have been here in a second,” Luke says looking pissed, either at Emma or his dad for not telling him, probably both.
“It’s just some intruder creeping around in the timber that’s all. He broke in when no one was home, but nothing was missing,” I tell him annoyed that he is still on this.
“Just an intruder? Dammit!” Luke slams his hand on the counter then takes my face in his hands.
“Lilly, if I had known, I swear to you I would have been here. No one told me, I thought you were safe,” he says intensely looking in my eyes.
“So it’s all right to go on dates with strange men, but some random intruder that was here when I wasn’t, that gets you going?” I blurt out not sure of the difference.
“Emma knew all of them. She assured me you were safe,” Luke says trying to reason with me, but I think he is actually trying to convince himself. “Fine maybe it wasn’t the best idea, but it’s over now and you still have feelings for me, right?” He searches my face for an answer. “I’m sorry. It was Dad and Emma’s idea. I went along with it, but I didn’t like it. It killed me to think of you being with another man,” he says brushing a strand of hair from my face with his fingers.
“Dad and Emma are going to have some questions to answer that is for sure,” Luke breathes coming closer to me. I can feel the warmth of his body as he presses me between him and the counter.
“Yes, from me too,” I mutter just before his lips touch mine, and all I was mad about is gone. Lifting me up and setting me on the counter, I feel his hands as they move up my legs inching under my skirt. His tongue pushes my lips apart and I respond, a low groan coming from deep inside as his hands reach my thighs. I pull myself closer to him my hands running though his hair. His body between my legs, I feel so much heat coming from him I feel flush. He pushes his hips into me and I feel his hard excitement push against my thigh. My breath hitches from the feel of him.
“We have to stop,” Luke says pulling away from our kiss. He steps back leaving me on the counter with my skirt still pushed up to my thighs. I quickly smooth it down not sure what’s wrong.
“You have no idea how long I have waited for this, Lilly,” he explains to me running his hands through his hair. I’m sure that I have a very hurt and confused look on my flushed face.
“Me too, I have dreamt about you every night since before you left me on the lawn that day,” I frown remembering how I felt on that horrible day. “I don’t want you to stop.” I reach for him, but he is just out of grasp.
“I want you so bad it hurts, Lilly, but we need to take this slow,” he says avoiding my reach at first, but then steps up to me and lifts me off the counter. “I want to take you out on a date,” he says with a shy grin that makes him look boyish.
“OK,” I say reaching up to kiss him, but he takes my face in his hands instead, running his thumb along my bottom lip. His eyes light up with amusement. “You are so cute,” he says and leans down. He gently bites my bottom lip before he gives me a light kiss and then straightens back up.
Want and lust is all I feel right now as Luke runs one finger down my cheek. It must be showing on my face. “Me too, baby,” he says reading my mind.
“I’m going to finish this light. You need to leave so I’m not distracted,” he says looking up at the loose wires hanging out of the ceiling.
I stand there staring at him for a minute then finally give in. “Okay, so when do we go on this date?”
“In two hours, now scoot so I can concentrate,” he says motioning toward the door as he climbs the ladder.
Chapter 11
I remember the safe as I head into my room, and I think it can wait till tomorrow. I search my closet for something to wear. My eyes land on one of the tops Emma made me buy. It’s a low cut purple halter top that exposes most of my back, and a little more cleavage than I would normally wear. It also flares out at the bottom flowing loosely down to my hips. I decide to wear it with some white Capri's and some lace up sandals. I can’t wear a bra with this shirt, but the top part is tight enough it holds everything in.
I put on a little eyeliner, mascara, and some light pink lip gloss. The sides of my wavy hair are pinned up with some bobby pins. I see that it’s only six, so I pick up my cell to try and call Emma again. It went straight to voice mail. What is she doing? She always answers my calls.
When I walk into the study Jacob is on the computer, and I can tell he’s still pouting.
“Umm, I don’t think I like you wearing that,” he says when I walk in. “Where are you going dressed like that?” He says as protectively as a big brother would.
“Luke is taking me on our first date,” I say grinning from ear to ear leaning up against the desk next to him.
“Am I going to be fired now?” Jacob asks his face sullen.
“No, you are not!” I say firmly. “Luke is just jealous, but he will see there is nothing to be jealous of.” I make a goofy face to get him to smile. It works and I tell him what happened in the kitchen after he left.
I can talk so freely with him. I tell him about everything without being embarrassed. He leans back in the chair listening as I go on and on about Luke.
“I wish you guys could be friends,” I say to Jacob because I don’t want him to leave. Not so much for the protection, as we are such good friends. I have told him, I have asked him to leave his security firm and I would pay him out right, but he has a contract with them so he can’t.
“I think he and I got off on the wrong foot, and we just need a do over,” Jacob says his hands behind his head a lot more relaxed now. “We can have a chat tomorrow,” he says leaning forward placing his elbows on the desk.
I remember the safe and tell Jacob about it. He also tries to move the cabinet, but can only move it a little. We decide that he and Luke can move it tomorrow.
“Do you know what’s in it?” He asks me then seeing my face realizes what a stupid question it was and chuckles.
“What are you going to do tonight?” I ask him as he is studying the cabinet to see how they are going to move it.
“I’m going to go out to a club,” he says leaning up against the wood with one hand and waiting for my response.
“Finally, who are you going with?” I’m so excited he’s going to get out and have some fun.
“Just some guys from the firm, it should be lots of fun,” he smiles at me. “Maybe I’ll get lucky,” he says furrowing his eyebrows.
“Maybe!” I chime walking over to him and giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before I leave the room. “Don’t break any hearts tonight handsome.”
“I’ll try my hardest,” I hear Jacob chuckle as I walk down the hall.
I wait for Luke in the kitchen and notice he finished the light. Leaning my elbows on the counter of the island, I flip through a fashion magazine that is lying there. Not being able to concentrate on anything, I only glance through the ma
gazine. I flip through the pages again when I reach the end, just going through the motions.
After about fifteen minutes, Luke walks through the French doors. I can tell he showered again. His hair is still a little damp and his little curls arranged in an organized mess. He’s wearing khaki cargo shorts and a tighter light blue button up cotton shirt that is tucked into his shorts. The shirt is tight against his muscular chest and abs. My mouth goes dry when I take in the sight of him. He looks so amazing that I want to run and jump in his arms.
“Wow!” He says intensely as his eyes travel from the top of my head all the way to my feet. “You look fucking amazing. I think I could rip those clothes right off of you,” he growls. His tone makes my insides warm and I feel my face flush. He walks to me, leans down and takes my lips with his giving me a warm and loving kiss. “Sorry a little forward,” he apologizes. “But damn girl, you take my breath away,” he says giving me that wicked grin.
I smile back at him wanting to tell him please rip my clothes off, but instead say, “Where are you taking me?” My voice is shaky with the excitement building inside me.
“I’m taking you to my favorite seafood restaurant. They have the best crab boil in Louisiana,” he answers me then steps back a little to look me up and down again. His eyes are dark with lust. This makes my stomach tighten and I feel a tug down deep that makes my knees feel weak.
“I’ve never been to a crab boil,” I admit, my legs feeling a little unsteady under me.
“You’re going to love it.”
“OK,” I say mesmerized by his warm eyes.
“Now let’s go. Can I drive your car?” He asks, voice filled with excitement to drive the $200,000 Aston Martin in the garage.
I smile and nod. He grabs my hand as we head for the garage. Once we are on the road, he tells me the restaurant is about an hour away and it is right on the gulf coast. He looks gorgeous behind the wheel of my car, as if it was made for him. Putting his shades on, he shifts gears and picks up speed. He is definitely in his element. “This car is amazing. A little different than my old beat up truck,” he smiles at me. He leans over, grabs my hand, and runs his thumb along my knuckles as he drives.
“So you’re dad told me your sister is getting married. Are you excited about that?” I ask Luke about Sarah. I know he is really close with his sister. Jeffrey told me she put herself through medical school and is now doing well as a pediatrician.
“Yeah next summer,” he says, but doesn’t elaborate.
“Do you not like her fiancé?”
“I just think she can do better,” he shrugs at my question looking over at me. “I mean, he’s nice and all, but he can’t seem to hang on to a job,” he says turning his eyes back to the road and I feel him squeeze my hand a little.
“Where is she living now?” I pry for more information.
“Shreveport, I stayed with her while I was going to school,” he says not taking his eyes off the road.
“I would like to meet her,” I tell him. I want to know the girl that is so close to Luke, the girl that has known him his whole life.
“You will. She will be down next weekend with her fiancé, Lee,” he says still not turning his head my way at all. He says Lee’s name like its poison.
“You really don’t like him do you?” It’s like pulling teeth to get this out of him.
“No I don’t, okay, can we drop it now?” His voice gets higher and angrier. It seemed like he didn’t want to talk about it, but I never expected that reaction. Making me mad at the way he just shut me down, I wiggle my hand away from his grasp.
This gets his attention and he pulls the car over along the side of the road. As soon as we are to a complete stop, he situates himself so he is facing me. Placing one hand behind my seat, he takes my chin with the other, and moves my head so it is facing him.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you. He’s a lazy piece of shit that is looking for a free ride.” His voice is softer, but still angry as he talks about Lee. “My sister has worked really hard and this guy does nothing but sponge off of her. It’s a sore subject for me.” He looks sad as he explains it to me.
“Sorry I pried,” I tell him sincerely. “It’s just that you guys are so close, and I want to know about her. I want her to like me.” I give him sad eyes.
“Oh, I don’t think you need to worry about that. Does anybody not like you?” He asks cupping my face with his hand, rubbing his thumb on my cheek.
“There are a few,” I say thinking of Jane’s friends who despise me. Luke leans over to kiss me, but in this tiny sports car it’s not easy for him to maneuver his large muscular body. I help by unfastening my seat belt as I lean into his kiss.
Every time our lips meet, I feel so much excitement and intensity. I wonder if he feels the same way. Hearing a low moan come from his throat tells me that he does.
“I’m starving,” I say moving away from his lips slowly after I hear my stomach growl.
“You are so beautiful,” Luke whispers kissing the tip of my nose before he straightens back up in the driver seat to take off again. “Buckle up baby,” he says once he puts the car in motion again.
Chapter 12
When we reach the coast, I wonder where we are going. We seem to be off the beaten path. We pull into the parking lot for a small wooden building. “It doesn’t look like much, but the food is wonderful,” he tells me as I look at him wondering if this is really it.
It’s right on a dock and we are seated on a deck outside overlooking the water. There are boats everywhere, and Luke tells me that most of the boats are seafood boats. The deck is crowded with picnic tables full of people having a good time drinking and eating. In the middle of the tables, are piles of crab strewn directly on newspaper. We are seated at a table with two other couples that have recently arrived and are just getting their drinks. We greet them and Luke tells them this is my first time.
“Oh honey, you’re going to love it,” the young woman sitting next to me says as she takes a sip of her beer.
The waitress comes over to us and she stares at Luke batting her eyelashes. “What can I get you guys to drink?” She asks never taking her eyes off Luke. “I’ll have a Bud Light,” he says then looks at me to put in my order. She doesn’t take her eyes off Luke when I tell her I want a sweet tea. I am not of legal drinking age. There are small wooden hammers and some other interesting utensils on the table. I think to myself, this is going to be very fascinating, not having the slightest idea how to eat a crab.
All the picnic tables are close together on the small deck. The table directly beside us has a family with two teenage boys. The one appears to be around fourteen and the other maybe eighteen or nineteen. The older of the boys keeps glancing my way. I see Luke noticing the attention I‘m getting from the boy that is my age. I start to feel self-conscious from his stares thinking maybe I have something on my face. I try nonchalantly to rub my hands around my face to see if there is something on it while I look away from the table so no one can see my face.
“Hey,” Luke gets my attention and I turn to face him. “He’s staring at you because you are drop dead gorgeous,” he grins at me. I feel my face blush as I realize Luke knew what I was doing. He leans off his seat stretching across the table to give me a quick kiss, and then another. He gives me one last kiss then leans back with a satisfied look on his face. I’m still blushing as a few of the patrons around us stop and look our way.
“Now he knows your mine,” he whispers over the table to me. I look toward the boy who now looks extremely annoyed, but still keeps glancing at me from time to time.
We make small talk with the couple next to us while we wait for our food. Before long, a waiter comes out with a huge steaming pot and pours the crabs. It is mixed with corn on the cob and little red potatoes on the newspaper covered table. Luke shows me how to open the shell and take out the meat. The lady next to me helps me as I struggle with the one. We are laughing hysterically at my troubles. I’m cl
early not the crab shack kind of girl. It takes me ten minutes to get one little bite.
“She’s going to waist away to nothing before she gets that crab open,” the man sitting next to Luke says. They all laugh at my attempts to get into the crab, but I don’t care. I’m having a great time, and Luke laughing is the best sight in the world, even though it is at my expense. I finally give up and Luke starts handing me pieces of crab. We continue to make conversation with our picnic tablemates, finding out they are from Houma and they come here a lot. They have two young children at home with a babysitter, this being their date night.
“So are you guys married?” She asks us looking our direction.
“First date actually, but we’ve known each other a while,” I answer and she seems very surprised.
“No way! You guys seem so in tune with each other. I would have never guessed,” she shakes her head. “Well, I think you guys make a gorgeous couple and I can tell there will be more dates.” She raises her beer and toasts us. “So what’s your name honey, you look so familiar to me?” She asks. I realize we have been sitting talking with this couple for over an hour and none of us know each other’s names.
“I’m Luke Hansen and this is Lilly Sumnor,” Luke introduces us. Her husband coughs and almost chokes on a piece of crab looking surprised.
“Lilly Sumnor, as in Ted Sumnor’s daughter?” He questions me. I nod my head.
“You’re the one who threatened to kill that lady, what was her name…Adeline Grace.” The woman says looking at me with astonishment.
“What are you talking about?” Luke demands the woman. We still don’t know their names. She looks at me with confusion. I know what she’s talking about, but I have no idea how she knows this.
“It was in today’s paper, The State Wide Register. Honey, pull it up on your phone,” she orders her husband. You’re no more than 110 soaking wet, how could anyone be scared of you,” she adds still staring at me in amazement.