Luke’s profile picture was on one side of the screen, and Brooke’s was on the other. Blinking between their photos was a giant, green number.
Eighty-three percent.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
She needed to tell Antonio about what was happening between her and Luke. She wanted to tell him.
She couldn’t tell him.
Brooke sat on his worn couch, pretending to read but really watching Antonio paint. Light streamed in from the floor to ceiling windows, and she was tempted to snap a picture with her cell phone. The stark white of the canvas and the splattered paint on his jeans against the backdrop of exposed brick held a kind of beauty that almost made her want to take up painting herself. Why can’t I tell him? I should be able to tell him.
The compatibility test meant nothing. She never should’ve run it. She’d had numerous couples ultimately end up with one of their less compatible matches. A computer generated number was only part of what made a match successful.
I have to tell him.
Antonio dropped his paintbrush onto the pallet and turned to face her. “What are you thinking about, my love?”
“You,” Brooke said, forcing a smile.
He grinned, removing his painter’s smock. He sank onto the couch and pulled her into his arms. “Mmm,” he said, squeezing her tight. “You seem troubled, mia dolcezza. Tell me what’s on your mind.” He leaned down and slowly kissed her. “I want to help if I can.”
Brooke turned her face into his chest so he wouldn’t see the tears that threatened. She was as bad as her dad, thinking about Luke while promising her life to Antonio. It stopped here. She had made her decision, and she trusted that choice.
“I think we should move to Italy,” Brooke said.
“Really?”
“Yeah. You were right. It’s the best decision for us.”
Antonio let out a whoop and jumped up, pulling her up with him. He kissed her soundly on the lips. “You won’t regret this. We will have such a fantastico time in Rome. I already know what area of the city I want to look in for an appartamento. Oh, Brooke. We’re doing the right thing.”
“Yeah,” Brooke agreed, forcing a smile. “Please, though, I don’t want to tell anyone yet.”
His brow furrowed. “They’ll find out soon enough.”
“I know. But I want the focus to be on Toujour right now.” She looked down. “I need to find a way to tell Luke. He’s going to be crushed.”
Antonio’s gaze darkened. “Is there something you need to tell me?”
Brooke frowned. “I think he loves me.” I know he does.
Antonio cursed, stepping away. “I knew it.”
Brooke grabbed his arm. “Nothing has happened between us, I swear. I’ve never so much as kissed him. But we need to get away. Please, don’t tell anyone yet.”
Antonio frowned, then nodded. “I can feel us pulling away from each other, Brooke.”
“We won’t let it happen.”
He leaned forward and kissed her again. “I love you. Italy will be our fresh start.”
Brooke smiled too. She wanted to feel elated. Any other girl would be thrilled to move to Italy with her new husband. But all Brooke could think about was Luke, and the ache in her heart that would never quite heal.
Why had he gone and ruined everything?
*
Brooke took a deep breath and knocked on her dad’s door. Antonio’s shoulder brushed against hers, a show of support that she appreciated. She wasn’t comfortable coming here now that Lexi had moved in, but when she’d asked her dad what he wanted for his birthday, he insisted all he wanted was for her to visit.
The door opened, and Lexi let out a shrill laugh. “They’re here, Daniel,” she called over her shoulder.
Brooke tried not to let her annoyance at Lexi’s presence show. Of course she would be here for the birthday dinner. “Hi, Lexi.”
“I’m so glad you could come.” Lexi shut the door behind them. “Let me take your coats.”
Antonio and Brooke both handed over the coats and followed Lexi into the spacious kitchen. Dad stood behind the stainless steel stove. Brooke blinked and set the present she’d brought on the counter.
“Happy birthday,” Brooke said. “If I’d known you were cooking, I would’ve insisted we go to a restaurant. I thought you were ordering in.”
“Hey, Sugar Bee.” Dad stepped away from the stove and gave Brooke a one-armed hug. “It’s good to have you here.”
“I’m not sure I’m in the right place,” Brooke said. “I haven’t seen you in a kitchen in at least twenty years.”
“Lexi taught me how to caramelize almonds for the salad. I wanted to give it a try.”
Miranda had been a professional chef, but Brooke had never seen Dad make the effort for her.
“Have you had a good birthday?” Antonio asked.
“A fantastic one. Lexi and I took the twins to a movie this morning, and tomorrow Shandi’s bringing Jason by. I’ll have gotten to see all my kids for my birthday, which means it’s perfect.”
Brooke looked away, studying the flecks in the granite counter top. She wasn’t sure how her dad’s improved efforts to be a good father made her feel.
Soon they were all eating around the kitchen table. Brooke begrudgingly admitted that Lexi actually seemed like a very nice girl, cheating with a married man aside.
After dinner, they played a few games in the sun room, and then Antonio and Lexi got into a spirited debate about impressionist painters. “Let’s leave them to it,” Dad said, nudging Brooke with his shoulder.
Brooke looked at Antonio, who was still deep in conversation with Lexi. Brooke reluctantly nodded and followed her dad into the living room, sinking next to him on the leather couch.
“How’s wedding planning going?” Dad asked, flinging an arm over the back of the couch.
“Okay.” Brooke swallowed hard, gazing at the print of a Monet painting on one wall. She’d never seen it before. It must be one of Lexi’s. Brooke had told her mom about Italy a few days ago. It was time to tell her dad, even if they were keeping it on the down low for everyone else. “Antonio accepted the position with the gallery. We’re moving to Italy at the end of February. It’s going to make wedding planning a bit more complicated.”
Dad patted Brooke on the knee. “Well now.” He cleared his throat and looked away. “I can’t say I won’t miss you. But if you’re happy, I’m happy.”
Brooke eyes brimmed with tears. She quickly blinked, pushing a few down her cheeks.
“You are happy, aren’t you?”
“Of course.”
Dad frowned. “Antonio isn’t here right now, Brooklyn. I can hear him and Lexi still arguing in the sun room. What’s going on?”
Brooke shook her head. She didn’t want to have this conversation with her father. “Nothing.”
“You can’t lie to me. I know you too well.”
Brooke laughed. “We’ve barely had a relationship since you left Mom.”
“That hasn’t been my choice.” He frowned. “I haven’t always been the best dad or role model. But you’re still my little girl. And I know something’s going on.”
Brooke fiddled with a throw pillow. “Luke isn’t too pleased about the move, that’s all.” Not that she’d worked up the courage yet to tell him they were definitely going.
Dad snorted. “Of course he isn’t. Boy’s been in love with you since high school.”
“Dad.”
“What? It’s true. He loves you the way sugar loves to cause tooth decay.”
Brooke rolled her eyes. “Wow, romantic.”
Dad took her hand in his. “Why haven’t you given that boy a chance?”
She pulled her hand away. “He’s not relationship material.”
“That’s Nadeen talking, not you.” He sighed. “I blame myself for that. I gave your mother plenty of reasons to hate men.”
“You gave Shandi and Miranda plenty of reasons too.”
�
��I know I’m not great at relationships, and I know I’ve given you a lot of baggage because of that. I’m sorry.”
Brooke glanced at her father, surprised to see tears in his eyes. “Then go back to Miranda, Dad. Try to work it out for the twins’ sake. Don’t do to them what you’ve done to me and Jason.”
“That ship has unfortunately sailed. But we aren’t talking about me—we’re talking about you and Luke. And Luke’s been putting up a front so you don’t see how much you’re hurting him.”
Brooke clutched her mug in her hands. Eighty-three percent. “Don’t say that.”
“Brooklyn, I’m only going to say this once—Antonio will never make you happy. Not really. He’s a great guy. But not for you. Luke’s the guy you love. Even the tabloids see it.”
Tears dripped onto Brooke’s pajama pants. “I don’t love Luke like that.”
“Yes, you do. And Brooke—he’s not me.”
Brooke gasped, her eyes flying to her father’s.
Dad nodded, his own eyes sparkling with tears. “I know I hurt you badly. And I know your mother and I turned you sour on relationships. And then me and Shandi. And now me and Miranda. But don’t let my past rob you of your future. Talk to Luke. Give him a shot.”
The talking in the sun room stopped, and Brooke quickly wiped at her eyes. “Sounds like they’re done arguing,” she mumbled. “I’d better go check on Antonio.”
Dad grabbed her hand as she rose. “Don’t write Luke off. And don’t make your choice out of fear.”
Antonio and Lexi appeared in the living room, both laughing. Brooke quickly went to his side. “Have a good conversation?” she asked.
He nodded, leaning down to kiss her. “I think I’ve finally convinced Lexi I’m in the right.”
“Hardly. I agreed to disagree on the subject.”
“Ready for dessert?” Lexi asked. “I made Daniel’s favorite.”
Brooke nodded. But all she could think about is the conversation with her father.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Luke sat on the floor outside Brooke’s apartment door, nervously tapping the box against his leg. This is a stupid idea. I should leave before she sees me.
If he wanted to give her a meaningful gift, Christmas would’ve been the appropriate time. But he hadn’t thought of this idea until after the holiday.
He heard the ding of the elevator, saw the number for Brooke’s floor light up above the elevator door, and tensed. It could be someone else on this floor. But it could be her. If he took the stairs, he could still leave before she saw him. Then a horrifying thought occurred to him—what if Antonio was with her?
He was about to stand and disappear into the stairwell when the elevator doors pinged open. Brooke stood there in her white peacoat, her pink Birkin bag slung over one shoulder. Alone. Luke blew out a breath and rose. “Hey,” he said awkwardly.
“Hey. What are you doing here?”
He held up the package. “I brought you a present. Sorry I didn’t call before dropping by.” He’d been afraid she wouldn’t answer, or would tell him to stay home.
Brooke’s brow furrowed. “Oh.” She shuffled her feet awkwardly. “You already gave me my Christmas present.”
“This is different.”
“Okay.” She stared into his eyes, and he could feel her studying him, trying to figure out his angle. She unlocked her door. “Want to come in?”
“Sure.” He followed her inside, looking around. The small living room was tidy, the throw pillows neatly arranged and coffee table clear. “Where’s Zoey?”
“On a date, of course. Relishing her day off.”
“Right. So … how was dinner at your dad’s yesterday?
“Great.”
He took her hand in his. “I hate how things are between us.”
She pulled away. “You made them this way, Luke.”
“I don’t regret my choice.”
She closed her eyes, digging her palms into them. “And I don’t regret mine.” The words were soft, but sliced like a dagger.
Luke shook his head. I’m not giving up. He held out the package. “Here. Open it.”
She took it cautiously, sliding a finger under the tape and unwrapping it. She set the box on the kitchen counter and lifted the lid. Her brow scrunched together. “Um … thanks.”
Luke chuckled, stepping up behind her and lifting an item out of the box. “This is a ticket stub from the first movie we saw together.” He dropped it on the counter and removed another item. “This is the first draft of the ‘rules.’ And this is the wrapper from the candy bar I bought Chris when you fake-laughed so he could win a bet.”
Brooke laughed, her fingers eagerly combing through the contents of the box. “I didn’t laugh so he would win the bet, I laughed so you would lose it. I can’t believe you kept all this.” She picked up a brittle, dried rose. “Is this the boutonniere from winter formal junior year?”
He nodded. “Our first date.”
Brooke dropped the boutonniere back into the box like it had spontaneously ignited. “I seem to recall we went with other people.”
“But we ended up leaving together.” Luke motioned to the box. “I’ve kept everything from the very beginning. What I feel for you—it’s not going away. It’s been building and growing for eight years. And in eight years, I’ll have an even bigger box, full of more moments from our life together.”
Brooke set the lid on the box. “Whatever you’re doing, it won’t work.”
“Why are you so afraid to try?”
“Because I don’t trust you!”
The words sliced through Luke like a knife. Brooke covered her mouth, as though horrified to have let her true feelings escape.
“I wish I could take back the past. But I’m trying to show you I’ve changed. I’ve got Ryder Communications back on track. I’m helping you save Toujour. I’ve quit drinking. How else can I prove to you I love you?”
Brooke shook her head. “I’m moving to Italy.”
The words stole the breath from Luke’s lungs. The door opened, and Zoey stood there, her eyes wide in surprise. “Oh. I didn’t expect anyone to be home.”
Brooke quickly wiped at her eyes. “I thought you were on a date.”
“I left early. He was a serious jerk.” She motioned back and forth between them. “Want me to leave you two alone?”
“No,” Brooke said.
Luke brought a hand to his eyes. Italy. That was it then. She’d made her choice. “I’ll see you Monday.” He had a date tonight with Andi, and Monday he’d have to return and report.
“See you,” Brooke said, her voice empty.
Luke turned and left.
*
“I’m losing,” Luke told Andi as they sat in their box, waiting for the basketball game to start. The chairs were cushioned and comfortable, and a counter behind them held an array of tasty snacks. A television set in one corner, in case they wanted to watch the game on television while at the stadium. He felt confident the paparazzi could only see and not hear them behind the glass partition. “She’s moving to Italy. She’s made up her mind.”
Andi gave Luke a sympathetic smile. She looked gorgeous, with her hair spilling over her shoulders and a half-eaten pretzel in one hand. But Luke hardly noticed.
“She really said she’s moving?” Andi asked.
“Yeah.” He sat back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. “I pushed too hard, and she wasn’t ready.”
Andi ripped off a chunk of the pretzel and plopped it in her mouth, chewing thoughtfully. “Why is she with Antonio? What does she get out of that relationship?”
“I have no idea.”
Andi gave him a pointed look. “If you want me to help, you’ve gotta answer my questions.”
“Okay, fine. I think she views him as safe. A security blanket. She likes that he sought out a matchmaker, and she’s always talking about how compatible the computer system says they are. She loves how his parents and grandparents and s
isters have all been married for forever.”
“Your parents were married for a long time, weren’t they?”
A roar came from the crowd as the team mascot shot T-shirts out of a gun. “Almost thirty years.”
“So why doesn’t she see you as stable?”
Luke grabbed his Dr. Pepper and took a swig. He’d given up alcohol completely the last few weeks. “When we first met, I was kind of a player. I was all about the chase, and once I caught the girl, I quickly lost interest. When Brooke didn’t return my feelings, I kept pretending to be the player so she wouldn’t see how much it stung.”
“But you’re not a player.” Andi smiled. “Not anymore.”
“How do I show her that I’ve changed? How do I convince her I’m worth taking a risk? I don’t think she loves me enough to leave him.”
“There has to be something you can do to convince her. A grand gesture or something, like I told you on our first date.” The buzzer rang, and the crowd let out a collective sigh.
Luke held out his hands, palms up. “Do you have any ideas? Because I’m fresh out of them.”
Andi shoved the rest of the pretzel in her mouth, chewing. She tapped a foot in thought while she finished eating, and it reminded him so much of Brooke his heart physically ached. “Is there something from your past that’s especially meaningful? Maybe the moment you first realized you were falling for her?”
And that’s when it hit Luke. “I know exactly what to do,” he said.
“Tell me about that.”
As Luke spoke, ideas started to come together. Andi asked questions and offered suggestions, and soon they had a fully formed plan.
Andi smiled. “Not too shabby, Mr. Ryder. Let’s get to work.”
“Don’t you want to watch the game?”
Andi made a psh sound with her mouth. “This is way more important. She’s moving to Italy next month, right? We’ve got to act fast.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
Luke took a deep breath, staring at himself in his bedroom mirror. Today was the official relaunch of Talia. His team had worked beyond hard over the last month and a half, and they were finally ready to celebrate.
A knock came at the door, and Mitch opened it. “Ready?” he asked.
Miss Match Page 20