by Ramona Gray
All four men stood and Pierre grinned delightedly at Amy before leaning forward and pressing a kiss against her cheek. “We would be honoured, mon ange.”
Julien leaned in and kissed her other cheek. “Tell us the time and place and we’ll be there, ma chérie.”
“Let’s say ten at the art museum on sixteenth avenue,” Amy said. “That way I have plenty of time to,” she paused and her gaze flickered briefly to Mark, “play tour guide.”
“Perfect. We’ll be there, mon ange,” Pierre said.
“Good,” Amy said.
She walked away as Mark slowly sank back into his chair. His hands were in tight fists and he stared at the top of the table as Julien said, “I believe we will call it a night as well. Are you available to meet with us on Monday, Luke?”
“Yes,” Luke said.
“Bien,” Julien said. “We will discuss our possible investment with your company. Say around three on Monday?”
“Fine” Luke said. “Enjoy your weekend and if there’s anything you need, let me know.”
“Oh, I am certain Amy will be able to help us with anything we need,” Pierre said.
Mark inhaled sharply and Jane grabbed his thigh under the table, squeezing as hard as she could, when he started to stand. He glared at her and she subtly shook her head as, with a mild look of distaste, Luke shook first Pierre’s hand and then Julien’s.
“Mr. Stanford, it was a pleasure,” Julien said before holding out his hand.
Mark stared at his hand before giving it a brief shake. “Pleasure,” he muttered as a muscle ticked in his jaw.
Pierre smiled at Jane. “So lovely to meet you, Jane. Perhaps you would care to join the three of us tomorrow and,” he paused and glanced at Julien, “try new things as well.”
Before she could reply, Luke said, “I need Ms. Smith to work tomorrow.”
“What a pity,” Pierre said as Julien grinned at him before taking Jane’s hand and kissing it lightly. “Bonne nuit, Jane.”
“Good night,” she said.
The two men left and Luke blew his breath out in a low rush. “Christ, that was awkward as hell. The way they were hitting on Amy was uncomfortable to say the least.”
He trailed off and then jerked in surprise when Mark slammed his fists down on the table. The silverware rattled and Jane’s empty wine glass tipped over.
“What the hell is going on with you tonight?” Luke said. “You insist on coming to dinner but barely say two words. What’s your problem with Julien and Pierre?”
“What’s my problem?” Mark snapped. “Those two assholes were practically humping Amy at the goddamn table and you didn’t do a fucking thing about it. You’re her brother for fuck’s sake.”
Luke blinked at him. “I didn’t like it anymore than you did but she’s a grown woman, Mark. Besides, she obviously didn’t mind. She’s going out with them tomorrow, isn’t she?”
Mark’s face turned bright red and he stood up abruptly. “I have to go. Good night.”
He stalked away and Luke stared at Jane before rubbing at his jaw. “Mark is acting crazy tonight.”
“Maybe it has something to do with Amy,” Jane said delicately.
“Yeah, probably,” Luke said. “It pissed me off, not to mention grossed me out, to watch them hitting on her. Mark thinks of her as his sister too so I shouldn’t be surprised it pissed him off as well.”
“Right,” Jane said. “That must be it.”
He gave her a curious look as he signalled the waiter for the cheque. “What?”
“Nothing,” she said.
Luke smiled at her. “Have I mentioned how beautiful you look tonight?”
She grinned. “You don’t have to sweet talk me, Mr. Dawson. I’m going home with you tonight.”
He leaned in and nuzzled her neck. “Of course you are. Why wouldn’t you?”
She rolled her eyes before rubbing his thigh. “Reign in the arrogance or I’ll withhold the sexy times.”
He burst into laughter and she shushed him when the couple at the table next to them glanced over curiously.
“You won’t,” he whispered into her ear. “You can’t resist me, Jane Smith.”
He sucked on her earlobe and she shuddered with pleasure. He was right – she couldn’t resist him and didn’t want to.
“I’ll take you home first to grab some clothes and then we’re spending the rest of the weekend in my bed. Any questions, Ms. Smith?”
“No, Mr. Dawson. No questions at all,” she said sweetly.
Chapter 15
“You really didn’t have to come with me, Luke,” Jane said as he drove toward the care home.
“I want to,” he said.
“No, you wanted to spend the weekend in bed,” she said.
“Only if you were with me,” he replied with a wink.
She bit at her bottom lip. It was after three on Saturday and she and Luke had spent all morning in bed together. Luke was sleeping deeply when she had slipped out of bed and had a quick shower. She always went to see Mama J on Saturday and despite her desire to stay in Luke’s warm bed, she wanted to see her foster mother.
She’d only been in the shower for a few minutes when Luke had joined her. As soon as he found out her plans, he had insisted on coming with her. She was both surprised and happy by his insistence.
As he pulled into the parking lot, she said, “Are you sure? You could drop me off and I’ll take the bus back to your place when I’m finished visiting.”
“I’m sure,” he said. “I like Mama J and enjoy visiting with her. Unless you don’t want me there?”
He gave her an uncertain look and she shook her head. “No, I want you there.”
“Good. Let’s go see Mama J,” Luke said.
They climbed out of the car and she didn’t object when he took her hand as they walked to the home. What was happening would be finished by tomorrow night and just because Luke was affectionate and sweet, didn’t change anything. She needed her job.
She tried to let go of his hand when they entered the home but he refused to let go. He smiled at Bev at the front desk. “Good afternoon, Bev. It’s good to see you again. You’re looking lovely.”
The older woman giggled like a school girl. “Nice to see you too, Luke.”
“Hello, Bev,” Jane said.
“Oh, hi, hon. How are you?”
“Good. Is Mama J in her room?”
“She is,” Bev said. “She’s having a good day today.”
Jane breathed a sigh of relief and hurried down the hall as Luke followed her. She knocked on the door and opened it. Mama J was sitting next to the window and she smiled at Jane.
“Hello, my sweet Janie.”
“Hello, Mama J.” She dropped Luke’s hand and leaned over the old woman, kissing her soft cheek before giving her a gentle hug.
Mama J returned her hug before smiling at Luke. “Hi there, young man.”
“Hello, Josephine. My name is - ”
“Luke,” Mama J interrupted. “I remember. Your Janie’s boyfriend.”
“That’s right, I am,” Luke said. “It’s good to see you again.”
“Good to see you too,” Mama J replied. “What are you two kids up to today?”
“Not too much,” Jane said. “How are you feeling?”
“I feel good. My hip hurts a little but Bev gave me some meds earlier,” Mama J said. “Luke, you should take my Janie out for dinner. She spends too much time here. She’s young and shouldn’t be spending all her time with an old woman like me.”
“Stop that, Mama J,” Jane scolded gently. “I love spending time with you.”
“I love spending time with you too,” Josephine said. “But my Walter used to take me for dinner every Saturday night. There was this little diner on Westwood Street and we would go and sit in the last booth. I would order a vanilla milkshake, large of course, and Walter would roll his eyes and tease me because he would always have to finish it.”
She patted J
ane’s face. “I miss Walter.”
“I know, Mama J,” Jane said.
“I’ll see him soon,” Mama J said briskly before wiping away the tears on Jane’s cheeks with her thumbs. “Luke, take Jane out to dinner.”
“Actually,” Luke said. “I was wondering if both of you beautiful young ladies would accompany me for dinner this evening.”
Jane pressed her lips together and tried not to burst into tears as a look of pure joy crossed Mama J’s face. The old woman clapped her hands like a small child. “It’s been so long since I’ve gone out for dinner.”
She paused and then shook her head. “But I can’t intrude on your Saturday night date.”
“I insist,” Luke said. “I’m taking Jane to a little diner on Westwood Street and we would both love it if you joined us. We need someone to tell us what’s good on the menu.”
“Please, Mama J,” Jane said. “We want you to join us.”
Mama J’s smile widened. “I would love to come for dinner. Janie, help me to get dressed and put on my face, would you?”
Luke headed for the door. “I’ll wait for you in the common room.”
“Thank you, Luke,” Jane said.
He paused in the doorway and gave her the grin she had grown to love. “You’re welcome, Jane.”
* * *
“How is the milkshake, Josephine?” Luke asked.
The old woman smiled at him. “Delicious, Luke. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He squeezed Jane’s hand and leaned back in the booth as Mama J stared at the two of them. She hadn’t eaten very much of her burger and fries but she’d drank a fair amount of her vanilla shake.
He studied the diner as Jane urged her foster mom to eat more. The diner wasn’t his usual type of place. The red leather of the booths was old and faded with rips and butt imprints firmly worn into the seats. The restaurant wasn’t very big, the waitress not very friendly and he was pretty certain the place would fail its next health inspection, but the food was surprisingly good.
Of course, he wouldn’t be surprised if he and Jane ended up with food poisoning tomorrow. He grimaced inwardly. Not exactly the way he wanted to spend his last day with her but the look on Jane’s face, and on Mama J’s face, made the possible food poisoning worth it. He’d never seen Jane look so happy and as she smiled up at him, he leaned down and placed an impulsive kiss on her mouth. He could taste the chicken pot pie she was eating on her lips and he kissed her again before straightening.
Josephine was grinning at them and Jane flushed a little as the old woman leaned forward and said, “Your husband is a real sweetheart, Janie.”
“He’s not my husband, Mama J,” Jane said.
Josephine frowned at them. “Why, of course he is. Don’t speak so foolishly.”
Jane took Mama J’s hand and squeezed it lightly. “I think you’re a bit mixed up. Luke and I aren’t married.”
Josephine yanked her hand away and scowled at Jane. “Don’t lie to me. You know I don’t like it when you lie to me!”
“I’m not,” Jane said. “Calm down and - ”
“Don’t lie to me!”
Mama J’s voice was rising and the few other customers in the diner were starting to look their way. “Why would you lie about not being married! I was at the wedding!”
“You’re right, Mama J,” Luke said. “Jane and I are married. You were at the wedding.”
Mama J smiled triumphantly. “I know. For goodness sake, Janie, you shouldn’t be ashamed of being married.”
“I’m not,” Janie said.
Josephine leaned forward and gripped his hand. “You love my Janie, don’t you, boy? You love her and you’re going to treat her well. Right?”
“Yes,” Luke said.
“Say it,” Mama J said agitatedly. “Say you love my Janie right now.”
“Mama J,” Jane said, “Why don’t you have some more of your vanilla shake before it melts?”
“Say it,” Josephine snapped at him. “Say you love my Janie.”
“I love her,” Luke said.
Jane twitched against him as Mama J continued to glare at him. Before she could grow more upset, Luke turned to Jane.
“I love you, Jane.” He kissed her lightly.
Jane stared up at him, her cheeks red and her eyes bright. He kissed her again and said, “I love you.”
It was his turn to twitch when Jane whispered, “I love you too.”
Her cheeks flamed even more and she looked at the table as Mama J smiled at the two of them. “You’re the sweetest couple ever. When are you going to make me a grandma?”
Luke barely heard her. His pulse was pounding in his ears and his head was reeling. Did Jane mean what she said? Hell, did he mean what he said?
“Luke? When are you going to make me a grandma?” Mama J prompted. Her agitation had disappeared and she was sipping contently at her shake again.
“Uh, soon,” he said, making Jane jerk against him again.
“Good,” Mama J said happily. “Janie, eat some more of your dinner. You’re too thin.”
* * *
Jane followed Luke into his bedroom. He’d been quiet and withdrawn since they took Mama J back to the care home. She was very tired and starting to mix up her words and Jane had quickly tucked her into bed before kissing her goodbye. To her relief, Mama J hadn’t asked Luke about marriage or babies again and had just given him a weary goodbye.
“Luke?” She said as he stared out the window of his bedroom.
“Yeah?” He didn’t look at her.
“Thank you for tonight. I know the diner isn’t your type of place but it meant a lot to Mama J to go there again.”
“You’re welcome.”
He didn’t say anything else and she chewed on her bottom lip for a few minutes before crossing to the bathroom. She gathered her toiletries and carried them back into the bedroom before dumping them into her suitcase. She zipped it up as Luke said, “What are you doing?”
“I’m going to head back to my place,” she said. She kept her voice upbeat. “Thank you again for tonight. I’ll see you at work on Mon - oh!”
Luke had taken her arm and he pulled her into his hard embrace before scowling at her. “Why are you leaving?”
“You’re upset with me,” she said.
“I’m not upset with you. Tonight was just,” he hesitated, “weird.”
“I know and I’m sorry. I know it was awkward when Mama J made you say, uh, what she did, and I apologize for that. Thank you for playing along. It helps when she’s starting to get agitated like that.”
“Why did you say it?” He asked.
She blinked at him. “I – what?”
“Why did you say it back? Josephine didn’t tell you to say it.”
“Well, I – because I thought it would help calm her down,” Jane whispered.
He studied her closely before releasing her. “Right. Well, it worked.”
“It did,” she whispered. She rubbed a shaking hand across her forehead as Luke turned and walked back to the window.
She stared at her suitcase for a moment. She should have told him the truth. The moment the words “I love you” had crossed her lips in the diner, she knew they were true. She groaned inwardly and chewed again at her bottom lip. She was in love with Luke.
She took a deep breath and picked up her suitcase. Best to get the hell out of here before she made a fool of herself and did tell him the truth. She could only imagine the look on his face if she told him that she really was in love with him. He didn’t love her. He liked her a lot and obviously wanted her but he wasn’t in love with her. Why would he be? They came from two different worlds and she was certain part of his fascination with her was because she was so different. But the fascination would eventually wane and he’d find someone who was in the same damn social class as he was. Lust wasn’t love. She’d learned that the hard way with Jeremy. She wouldn’t make the same mistake again with Luke. Not when Mama J’s life depen
ded on it.
“Thank you again, Luke,” she said. “I really enjoyed our time together.”
He turned and stared at her. “You promised me until Sunday.”
“I know but - ”
“I don’t want you to leave,” he said.
The naked and raw pleading in his voice had her dropping the suitcase and crossing the bedroom to his side. “I don’t want to leave either.”
“Then don’t. Stay with me, Janie,” he said as he put his arms around her and buried his face in her neck.
“Okay,” she whispered.
He lifted her up and carried her to the bed. He stood her next to it and they undressed each other before climbing into the bed. He stretched out on his side next to her and stroked his thumb across her cheekbone. “You’re so beautiful.”
“So are you,” she said.
He smiled at her and kissed her sweetly, tasting her mouth as she clung to him. When his big hand cupped her breast, she arched into him and he smiled against her lips.
“I love your reaction to me, sweet Jane.”
“I want you so much,” she moaned.
“I want you too,” he said. He teased her nipple with his thumb and trailed kisses across her upper chest. She reached between them and wrapped her fingers around his thick cock, rubbing urgently as he groaned into her ear.
“Keep doing that and I’m going to fuck you right now,” he muttered.
“Yes,” she said. “Please.”
He studied her for a moment before pressing his hand between her legs. She widened her thighs and he cupped her pussy.
“Please, Luke,” she said and tried to urge him between her legs.
“You’re not ready yet,” he said.
“I don’t care. I need you!” She was suddenly dying to have him inside of her.
He shook his head. “No, I don’t want to hurt you. Patience, Jane.”
She glared at him and he gave her a sweet smile before beginning to rub her clit with slow, firm strokes. “When you’re nice and wet for me, then I’ll fuck you. It won’t take long.”