by Dania Voss
How did he still know her so well? “Not completely freaking out, but do I hate to be late. That hasn’t changed.”
Punctuality was one of Abbey’s biggest pet peeves. She’d always prided herself for being on time, usually early for appointments. Chronically late people annoyed the hell out of her. She knew Luke wasn’t normally late either. They’d been pleasantly distracted this morning.
He kissed her on the forehead and headed toward the door. “I won’t take long. I’ll let myself back in when I’m ready.” He left with the suite door clicking closed behind him.
It’s so much easier for a man. All they did was towel dry their hair and throw on a pair pants and a shirt.
She tossed her wedding clothing in the closet and ran to her bathroom to get ready. The spa’s haircare products left her golden-blonde tresses luxuriously soft and shiny. She’d buy some before she left the Fairchild.
Abbey hurried through but didn’t skip her skin care routine. She’d considered applying a little makeup since she had all the products that Angel had given her yesterday. When she examined her face in the mirror, she had to admit she looked refreshed and glowing with nothing on her face at all. This is what happiness looks like. Smiling at her reflection, she applied a little lip gloss and made quick work of slipping into a white satin and lace bra and panty set. Abbey chose not to look at the clock, but instead concentrated on getting ready.
She’d just slipped into a short-sleeved, floral-print sundress that showcased her boobs without showing off too much cleavage when Luke walked into the bedroom. Abbey cinched the waist ties behind her, accentuating her narrow waist and rounded hips. She loved this dress. Sexy without being slutty. Perfect for Sunday brunch.
Luke looked her over slowly, his gaze searing her as it made the journey from her face down to her bare feet. She felt her nipples react and her core slicken. Abbey shook her head. There was no time for that.
He stalked over to her and kissed her so ferociously they were both panting when he finally pulled away. “Damn, princess. You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
Abbey shook her head but still flushed at his compliment. Luke had traveled in the same circles as the most gorgeous women in the world. There was no way she could ever compete with that. Not that she wasn’t pretty, but she wasn’t the most beautiful. She knew that.
Luke frowned at her, shaking his head. “Don’t do that, princess. Don’t compare yourself to who I’ve been exposed to. To me, you are the most beautiful, the most precious person in the entire world. You always have been. Believe it, all right?”
When Luke looked at her with such tenderness, love, and desire, how could she not believe him? She wanted to because he was that to her. Beautiful and precious. He always had been.
Abbey nodded. “Okay, I will. Let me put my sandals on and I’ll be ready to go.” She looked at Luke and laughed to herself. Just like I said, pants and a shirt, although very expensive pants and shirt. He had on a black pair of Gucci Genius jeans and light-blue Gucci dress shirt nearly the same shade as his eyes.
This was Luke’s life now. He could afford anything he wanted. She wondered now that she was with Luke, how her life would change in addition to having their baby. She’d bet he wouldn’t want her to work, arguing she wouldn’t need to. Abbey didn’t have a job at the moment, but wasn’t sure if she saw herself as a full-time stay-at-home-mom kind of woman.
She pushed those thoughts aside. It was still her reboot weekend. There was plenty of time to decide about work and family starting tomorrow.
“So I was talking to my boys while I was getting ready. We decided we’re having two boys then a girl,” Luke announced as they and the two security detail reached the elevator banks. She was thankful no other guests were around.
Boys? What? “What boys? Jake and Heath?” Abbey had no clue what Luke was talking about? Two boys then a girl?
Luke grabbed his crotch. “My boys, my swimmers, my baby makers,” he replied.
Abbey rolled her eyes. “You spoke to your sperm? And what? Put in an order for two boys and a girl? In that specific order?”
If the security detail thought Luke was crazy, they made no indication of it. They stood quietly with her and Luke waiting for the next available elevator to arrive.
He flashed her a smug smile and shrugged. “Yes. We need two boys first then a girl. The order is important.”
An elevator dinged and the doors opened. Thank God, it’s empty.
“First, I don’t think you can order the birth order of children like that. Not yet anyway.” Maybe you could, with technology what it was these days. She’d have to look into that. “Second why is the order so important?” He seemed so determined.
Luke put his arm securely around Abbey’s waist, pulling her close. “I’ve got four World Series championship rings and three Cy Young awards. I can do whatever I want, princess,” Luke said confidently. “But we need two boys before the girl because our daughter will be so gorgeous I’ll need our sons’ help to protect her and keep all the other boys away from her. That’s why.”
Aww. Abbey’s heart squeezed. He couldn’t say things like that. So sweet. Abbey looked over at the two security detail and saw they were grinning and nodding slightly.
“See? The guys agree, don’t you?” Luke kissed her forehead and smiled brightly.
“Yes, sir,” both the men replied.
They reached the lobby floor and the elevator doors sprang open. Luke didn’t acknowledge the few guests waiting to enter that had recognized him. “So, it’s settled then. That’s the plan.” Luke led her by the hand to the restaurant, determination in his stride.
Abbey just smiled. How could she argue with that logic? This was her Luke. She’d play along with his plan, knowing full well Luke would adore their children regardless of their birth order or gender.
It looked like she and Luke were the last to arrive at the bustling restaurant, not quite ten minutes late, with Leah and Heath just sitting down. Leah looked positively radiant, with Heath a little more subdued but not able to take his eyes off her. Good for them. Abbey hoped the two of them gave being together an honest try. They deserved to be happy.
Luke and Abbey took their seats with Leah, Heath, and Rocco to Abbey’s left and Darren and Maureen to Luke’s right. Across the table from them, the newlyweds sat center stage with Abbey’s parents to her right and Jake’s parents to Abbey’s left, along with Abbey’s grandmother Ruth and Jake’s grandmother Beverly.
“Now that we’re all here,” Jake began and took Cassie’s hand in his, “go ahead and fill your glasses. We have pitchers of Mimosas, water, cranberry juice, and plain orange juice in the pitcher with the white straw tied around the handle.”
As everyone busied themselves filling their glasses, mostly from the Mimosa pitchers, Luke turned to Abbey and whispered, “Cranberry?”
Abbey knew she needed to refrain from drinking alcohol on the chance she could be pregnant already, but she knew Jake and Cassie were watching her and Luke with interest, their brows raised. She trusted they wouldn’t say anything out loud when Abbey nodded and Luke filled her glass with the burgundy-colored juice.
Once everyone had filled glasses, Jake continued. “Cassie and I would like to thank everyone at the table for helping to make yesterday the best day of our lives. No one could ask for a better group of people to call family than the ones sitting around this table. There was a lot of toasting to Cassie and me yesterday, but this afternoon I want to toast all of you.” Jake and Cassie raised their glasses and everyone around the table followed suit. “We love you all and consider you an amazing blessing in our lives. To our family.”
“To our family,” everyone around the table echoed and took a sip of their chosen beverage.
“Make sure you eat and drink up. I was told Luke has already taken care of our bill.” Jake flashed Luke a phony glare and helped Cassie out of her chair. Abbey heard the click of camera phones around them, but no one at thei
r table, including Luke acknowledged them.
This is what it’s going to be like, especially after I become pregnant? “It’s okay, Abbey,” Luke whispered as everyone made their way around the generous brunch spread. “Come on, let’s eat so we can head back to my room.” He took her hand and led her to the carving stations and got them both plates.
Abbey’s mother seemed to notice their interlocked fingers and gestured to her father. Abbey’s father looked over, surprised at first, and then smiled at her and Luke, nodding with approval. Her mother flashed them a huge grin and went to the omelette station. Abbey was relieved but not surprised. Her parents had always been fond of Luke. Everything’s going to be okay.
Luke signed a few autographs and took photos with some diners while Abbey filled her plate with turkey, scrambled eggs, sausage links, country fried potatoes, and sautéed vegetables prepared for her at the omelette station. Abbey hoped she had a good mix of nutrients, just in case. She needed to research the proper pregnancy eating plan as soon as possible.
Abbey had just begun digging into her food when Luke returned the table with his plate piled high with prime rib, ham, country fried potatoes, and a variety of other food stacked on top of each other she couldn’t decipher what was what.
Luke leaned over and kissed Abbey’s cheek, his warm lips searing her skin. Her body reacted immediately. Hold it together, Abbey.
Jake laughed at Luke. “Damn, Luke, you sure you got enough? You didn’t have it pile it on so high. You can go back up for more, you know?”
Luke shrugged Jake off. “What can I say? I’m starved. Had a busy morning, need to replenish my energy.”
Leah snickered beside Abbey and she felt herself blush. She needed to get the subject back to the newlyweds.
“So, are you both excited about your honeymoon in Aruba? What’s it like there in June?”
With the conversation steered to topics other than her and Luke, everyone relaxed into their meals and enjoyed post-wedding chitchat. Although Abbey could still hear cell phone photos being taken, she was thankful no one bothered them.
Abbey was nibbling on dessert when Darren spoke up.
“We’re holding a Cobras press conference Monday afternoon at one o’clock.”
Luke stiffened beside her. She took a hold of his hand and gently squeezed it for assurance. He squeezed back. Everyone around the table stopped what they were doing, all eyes on Luke and Darren.
“That’s quick,” Luke muttered, seemingly not thrilled with Darren’s announcement.
“Is everything all right?” Abbey’s father asked.
Everyone at the table had troubled expressions on their faces. Abbey’s stomach fell to her feet, her heart aching for Luke. Even though she and Luke had discussed the upcoming transitions, it was probably still difficult for him. Talking privately was one thing. A press conference was something different. It made everything real.
Darren nodded, but he had a frown on his face. “Yes, we have a few important announcements to make. They can’t wait.”
Jake looked pissed. “And you can’t at least tell the family? Now?” Everyone at the table murmured in agreement.
“Jake, look…” Luke began, but Darren put a hand on his shoulder.
“Jake, have you noticed everyone around us is taking pictures? Many are recording on their phones.”
Jake’s eyes widened as if he hadn’t considered the possibility. He looked at the surrounding diners, anger flaring from his eyes. “Don’t you people have better things to do? Can’t you see we’re having a private family meal? Back off.”
Some diners walked away embarrassed, while others who were sitting nearby just placed their phones down, trying not to be so obvious. They didn’t fool anyone.
“Jake, it’s going to be all right. You have my word. There’s no reason to get upset. You just married your beautiful bride. You’re leaving on your honeymoon tomorrow. Focus on that. It’s what’s most important.”
Jake blew out a frustrated breath and Cassie reached out and laced her fingers through his. “I’m really tired of this shit, you know? All damned weekend with secrets.”
“Everything’s going to be all right,” Cassie said. Jake nodded sadly and pulled her close for comfort.
“Your bride is right, Jake. I didn’t mean to dampen everyone’s happy mood, but I wanted the family to know before the press conference was announced. It will be later this afternoon,” Darren added softly.
Luke suddenly stood up, surprising everyone at the table. He looked down at Abbey tenderly. “I’m going for more dessert. Would you like more cheesecake, princess?”
Abbey nodded and Luke kissed her lightly on the lips before heading to the dessert tables. She sighed when she heard the click of cell phones behind her. After a little more dessert, I’m ready to get away from all these prying eyes. Abbey wasn’t sure if she’d ever get used to the attention. She wondered how Luke did it. He never seemed too bothered by it.
****
Outside the restaurant entrance, Luke stood with everyone from their table, chatting after they’d all stuffed themselves. He’d been ravenous, but he was still distraught his Uncle Darren had scheduled their press conference for the following afternoon. Too soon. He was pissed that some brunch diners had paid too much attention to their group.
He held Abbey’s hand tightly, comforted by her support. He was eager to get back to his room, not only so he could fuck her until they were both worn out, but for some much needed privacy. He was tired of having his every move watched. He needed a break. He needed to get the focus back on him and Abbey and their plans for the future.
Jake checked his watch. “Well, Darren booked us a couple’s massage, so we really should get going to the spa.”
“Oh, that sounds so nice,” Abbey commented and looked at Luke with a gleam in her eyes.
He’d get them a couple’s massage since his princess liked the idea. Maybe they could get a private massage in his room so they wouldn’t attract unnecessary attention at the spa.
“Abbey! There you are. What the hell?” Luke and his family turned to find some angry, dark-haired, bad boy wannabe dressed in black jeans, a black Harley Davidson t-shirt, and tatted-up arms storming over to them.
Abbey flinched and that pissed Luke off. Was she afraid of this asshole? He didn’t give a shit who this dude was. No one fucked with his woman.
“What are you doing here, Tom? I told you to I didn’t need you as my date this weekend,” Abbey told the asshole. She had considered this douche as her date for the wedding? No fucking way.
Tom gestured at his and Abbey’s linked hands with disgust. “Oh yeah, I got that after I saw at all the pictures of you posted on Facebook.”
Shit. Luke had hoped very little of their time together ended up on social media. So much for everyone’s word they wouldn’t post anything. Regardless, what business was it of Tom’s if Abbey had refuted his attempts to muscle in as her date? Fuck him and his attitude.
Luke held on to her as she slumped her shoulders. “I had no idea we’re on Facebook. I turned off my phone.”
His family checked their cell phones, including Grandma Ruth and Grandma Beverly. Even in their late-seventies those two were fairly computer literate. They were all probably looking for news or posts about him and Abbey. This was not good.
He hadn’t heard from Brenna since last night. How was this revelation going to affect their Mission Abbey plans? Brenna hadn’t told Luke how she was planning on making the news of their split public.
Tom threw his hands up in frustration. “No shit. Since when do you turn your cell phone off? Your ticketing system was down. Tim and I kept trying to reach you, but you never picked up or responded to our calls and texts. What the fuck, Abbey?”
An angry Grandma Ruth went right up to Tom and poked him in the chest. “Don’t you talk to my granddaughter like that, you jerk!”
An angrier Grandma Beverly was right on Ruth’s heels and in Tom’s face. “Ruth�
�s right. You leave our Abbey alone. She’s a smart, good girl and she doesn’t have to listen to your crap.”
Tom stepped back and put his hands up in surrender. Abbey let go of Luke’s hand and group hugged the upset grandmothers. “I’ve got this,” Luke heard her tell them.
Abbey turned to Tom with anger in her pretty eyes. Good, she’s going to let this dick have it and I’ll be her backup. Unfortunately, their confrontation drew a bit of attention and three of his security detail including Rocco, were at the ready, waiting for Luke’s direction. He wanted Abbey to have her say before he let them get rid of this asshole.
“First of all, it’s not my ticketing system anymore. Tim Webber made it abundantly clear that my responsibilities and skill set were no longer required when he fired me Wednesday afternoon. But I’m sure you already know that, don’t you?” Abbey crossed her arms under her chest, exposing more of her tempting tits in her pretty sundress. Luke didn’t miss Tom the Douche ogling her.
“You got fired?” the entire family, including Luke, asked. Everyone looked stunned. Abbey worked her ass off at that shit hole Office Supply Galaxy. They were too cheap to hire additional people to help her, leaving Abbey with the workload of at least two people. From what Luke understood, Abbey was the only person supporting OSG’s ticketing system. The system was considered mission critical and they fired her? It made no sense.
Tom redirected his gaze to Abbey’s face, looking remorseful. “Abbey and about fifty others were laid off, not fired. And I didn’t know. Not until the system went down Saturday night and Tim called me when he couldn’t reach you. You should have called one of us back. Tim’s really pissed off.”
Abbey shook her head. “I don’t give a shit what Tim or you are. I no longer work at OSG, so the ticketing system is no longer my problem. Let Tim be pissed off. So am I. I worked my ass off for ten years and what did I get for it?”
“Abbey, think about it a second before you ignore Tim. He’s making noise about going to HR…”
Luke’s Uncle Darren stepped up beside Abbey and put an arm around her shoulders. “That’s enough. Abbey, honey, did OSG require you to sign termination documents?”