Suddenly Luke’s lips are pressed against mine. It’s unexpected but surprisingly welcome. My hands automatically go up into the hair I’ve been longing to touch. It is as soft as I remember. The driver knocks on the limo window to let us know it’s time to board the plane and Luke slowly pulls his lips away from mine.
“I thought you said no expectations?” I say.
“I don’t have any, but that doesn’t mean I won’t go after what I want this time.” Luke flashes me what can only be described as a devilish grin.
Chapter 9
The flight to San Francisco is short and pleasant. I’ve never been in a private plane before and quickly understand why people who can afford it choose this method of travel. A flight attendant offers to bring us whatever we would like. I ask for iced tea. Luke asks for bottled water. He returns with our drinks, along with slippers and blankets. Luke apologizes for having to answer business emails, but I don’t mind. The quiet gives me time to collect my thoughts.
I’m obviously attracted to Luke, but I’m still hesitant about him and where this has the potential to go. If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t be worried about the future on a “first date,” but then again I wouldn’t be on a plane heading out of town either. Nothing about this situation is ordinary, and that makes it difficult for me to know how I should handle it.
I’m deep in thought—or doubt to be more accurate—when Luke finishes typing his last response. He quietly sits next to me and waits for me to speak.
“I’m not sure this was a good idea,” I say after a few minutes.
“Remember, no expectations.” His expression is soft. I appreciate that he’s trying to make me more relaxed, however impossible that may be. “How about we agree not to try to figure anything out tonight? I get to go to a nice dinner with a beautiful woman. It really is that simple.”
I nod and sincerely hope he’s correct.
A car picks us up at the airport to take us to Luke’s home. He assures me I will have my own bedroom on the other side of the residence. I’m curious to see where he lives, seeing as we just stepped off a private plane. He takes a business call during the drive, so I don’t get a chance to ask him about it.
We pull up outside a sleek, modern building made of twisting metal and glass. It’s not what I envisioned when he said we would be staying at his home.
“Thanks Dean,” Luke says to the driver once we’re standing on the sidewalk.
I follow Luke through the large glass doors.
The lobby is primarily adorned with white marble and muted gray textured walls. A free-form chandelier hangs from a high ceiling, somehow adding something to the space even though it doesn’t particularly stand out. Although I would never describe it as homey, the space manages to convey comfort and simple elegance. We ride the elevator in silence up to the thirtieth floor.
We step into another simply decorated lobby, although much smaller than the one downstairs. He unlocks and enters one of the two doors that have 30A on them. We walk down a short hallway, then the apartment opens into an open plan kitchen, dining room, and living room. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors offer a stunning view of city lights and a bridge. It’s mesmerizing.
“It’s the Bay Bridge.” He’s appreciating the view too.
“I know. My mom brought me here once as a little kid. I remember my excitement when she said we could drive across not one, but two big bridges. I’m not sure why I remember that.”
“Maybe it means you were meant to come back here someday.”
“Maybe.”
Luke gives me a mini tour. I’m glad he does, because his apartment is larger than my house, and I’m not sure I would have been able to find my room on my own. The interior is modern, stylish, and very clean. There is a large open living area with leather couches, glass tables, and a fireplace with a glass tile surround. To the right, the kitchen is an impressive display of dark gray cabinets, white marble, and stainless-steel appliances. I’m still trying to take it all in when I realize that I’ve fallen behind. I follow his voice to another hallway on the other side of the apartment. Luke points out a bathroom and his office before showing me to the guestroom. It is beautifully decorated in varying shades of gray, black, and white. Red accents give it a touch of color. Someone once told me red makes them think of anger, but it always reminds me of love and passion. I wonder what emotions it evokes in him?
“My suite is on the other side of the apartment.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll show you where it is later, so you can sneak in if you want.”
“I’ll try to control myself.” I roll my eyes.
“You’ll try.” Luke smiles and changes the subject. “Can you be ready in an hour?”
“No problem.”
“Great. My assistant should have prepared your room and left everything you need, but let me know if I can get you anything else.” He leaves me to get ready.
I had not thought too much about it before today, but between the plane and this apartment, I’m struck with the realization that Luke has money, and a lot of it. It doesn’t matter to me one way or another, but it does make me proud of him and what he’s obviously been able to accomplish.
As promised, clothes are in the closet, and a variety of feminine toiletries have been placed in the en suite bathroom. I’m not surprised to see the sizes are correct.
I select a plum silk dress, though I should probably call it a gown. The price tag is still attached, indicating it cost more than anything I own, including my designer wedding dress from many years ago. I don’t feel entirely comfortable wearing it, but I did agree to come. At this point it would be rude to refuse the dress and not go to the dinner. I select a pair of nude heels, but I don’t touch any of the jewelry laid out on top of one of the dressers. The diamond studs I wore to work today will have to do.
Luke is concentrating on something on his phone when I step into the living room. It gives me a moment to appreciate the sight. He is wearing a tuxedo, and he has the perfect build for it. He truly is a striking man.
Luke senses my presence and looks up. He doesn’t say anything. He simply stares at me. It’s a definite bolster to my confidence that I appear to have rendered Luke Taylor speechless. He makes me feel beautiful and appreciated but self-conscious too.
“Ready?” I break the silence.
“Yeah.” Luke’s voice is low and throaty. “But if having people look at you makes you uncomfortable, you definitely chose the wrong dress.”
I answer a couple of work emails during the short ride to the hotel while Luke does the same. The distraction prevents me from overthinking the fact that I’m going on my first date with him in more than a decade.
We step into the ballroom as they begin to serve dinner, and I follow Luke to a table. Aaron and a pretty redhead are already sitting there. It dawns on me that I work with these men, and showing up with Luke does not appear very professional, especially since Aaron still assumes we only met a few months ago. As if reading my mind, Luke whispers in my ear, “I told Aaron about us after the harvest event.”
Aaron and his date stand, and Luke shakes his hand and gives his date a hug.
“Hi, Jessica. We hoped you’d be here tonight. Nice to see you.” Aaron hugs me briefly. “This is my wife, Andi.”
Andi embraces me too. “I’ve heard so much about you. So nice to finally meet you.”
“Same here.” Her welcome is warm and sincere. I instantly like her.
We engage in the typical get-to-know-you talk over dinner. Andi owns her own marketing firm. She and Aaron have been married for ten years and have no children. Apparently, they tried for years at the beginning of their relationship, but it never happened. They decided not to do any fertility testing or treatments and to simply let nature take its course.
After dessert and coffee are served, an elegant gray-haire
d woman steps up to the podium. She introduces herself as the CEO of the organization. Everything happened so quickly this afternoon, I forgot to ask Luke anything about the dinner or the charity. I learn that the organization is named Second Chances, and they work to provide guidance to and opportunities for troubled youth. When she is done with her opening remarks, she begins a video presentation. It features a young man who grew up in one of the rougher areas of town. He started smoking marijuana at age eleven and was experimenting with harder drugs by thirteen. His mother tried to get him to change his ways, but he wouldn’t listen. She reached out to Second Chances and got him enrolled in some of their after-school classes. The opportunity led to the young man discovering a love of cooking. The video concludes with his announcement that, due to the support of the organization, he is currently attending his first year of culinary school.
The video is heartfelt and inspiring. I’m not at all embarrassed that a few tears have rolled down my cheek. I’m already mentally calculating how much I can afford to donate while the audience is still clapping.
The CEO is visibly emotional as she explains how she began the charity after seeing her son struggle to find himself as a young man. She calls up a few board members before beginning the finale of her speech.
“This organization has always depended on the community for support. We have been fortunate over the years, receiving help in the form of time, expertise, and money from numerous members of our community. The need is great and ongoing. This year is no exception. We’re asking you all to help as much as you can, to ensure these children have options.”
The room erupts into applause again and she waits until it dies down before continuing. “We also wanted to take a moment this evening to introduce our newest board member. He has donated his time, money, and heart in numerous ways over the last four years. When I asked him if he would join our board, he said yes without hesitation. I know he is going to be a valuable addition, as he has exciting ideas on how to grow this organization. It is my pleasure to welcome our newest board member, Luke Taylor.”
The room erupts in applause as Luke stands. He approaches the front of the room, where he shakes hands with the other board members. He looks uncharacteristically humble as he steps up to the microphone.
“Thank you, Maggie. Thank you, board. Thanks for this opportunity to make a difference, because that’s what we’re doing here. I want to share with you the story about how I got involved with this organization. About four years ago, I moved to San Francisco for my job. I found early success in business and was already successful by many measures. I had a fancy apartment. I had a nice car. Honestly, I thought I was pretty hot stuff.” Someone in the audience whistles, and everyone, including Luke, laughs.
“I was living a very fortunate life, working hard and making a name for myself in the financial world, but that was all I cared about. I had become a different person, a selfish person. I was lucky enough to have some good people around me though, and they suggested I search for more. My friend Aaron, who is also my business partner, suggested I volunteer with him at Second Chances one weekend. I thought it was going to be a waste of time. I mean, what did I possibly have to offer these kids? I only went with the sole purpose of getting him off my back for a while.” I glance over at Aaron, who is wearing a proud grin. Aaron can’t be more than a few years older than Luke, but now I see he has been a sort of mentor to him.
“I never imagined how much that weekend would change me. I was at the center for about an hour, kind of going through the motions, when I met Teddy. Teddy was a twelve-year-old kid, and when I say kid, I mean it. He was sweet and naïve. His older stepbrother had fallen in with a rough crowd, and his mom was scared Teddy might get dragged into it as well. I remember thinking his mom was probably overreacting and there was no way this kid was gang-member material. I spent some time with Teddy, then his mom came to pick him up. I said goodbye and finished my day hanging out with a few of the other kids. That night I went home and figured I had done my good deed for the year.” Luke pauses, the weight of a memory clearly displayed on his face.
“A few weeks later, I arrived at work early and was reading the online headlines. An image of Teddy popped up. It took me a minute to remember where I knew him from.” He inhales raggedly. “Teddy was struck by a bullet and killed.” His voice catches on his last word. There are audible gasps from the audience.
“Teddy was with his stepbrother. The two were walking home with groceries for their mom, and a fourteen-year-old kid shot at them. His stepbrother was hit in the arm. Teddy was struck in the head.” Luke takes a drink of the water Maggie hands him. “His death hit me harder than I would have ever thought possible. I thought about him a lot over the next few days. It dawned on me that if that kid-turned-murderer had been involved with Second Chances, Teddy might still be alive. I returned that very next Saturday, but this time I was doing it for the right reasons. I understood in my heart that these kids needed to be there, and maybe I did too.”
Several people wipe tears from the corners of their eyes.
“I want to close by thanking you for this opportunity, and I want to encourage everyone here tonight to do their part to prevent anymore premature deaths of children in our community. Help with your time if you can. Help with your bank account if you can. We all have something to offer, and we owe it to our community and these kids to help.”
Luke receives a standing ovation for his moving speech. He returns to our table as Maggie gives instructions on ways to donate.
Luke puts his hand on my shoulder and smiles at me when I peer up at him. He sits and takes a drink of his wine before leaning back in his chair. I don’t sense any arrogance from him, only gratitude.
After donation forms have been filled out, conversation at our table resumes. Andi recounts a lively story about a new client who has hired her to develop a full marketing plan for their craft beer business. The owner keeps insisting the slogan should be “We Give the Best Head in Town,” despite her repeated efforts to convince him otherwise.
Our entire table is laughing when the band starts playing. Couples abandon their table conversations and cups of coffee to hit the dance floor. Aaron is the first at our table to stand and take Andi’s hand.
“Let’s get some air.” Luke rises and extends a hand out to me.
I take it and follow him to the three sets of glass doors that lead out onto the massive ballroom balcony. It seems no one else has found this spot yet. The damp autumn air is refreshing as we exit into the night.
“I liked your speech.” We stop near the railing. Luke turns around and leans his back against it.
“Thanks.” He shrugs.
“You didn’t mention what we were coming here for tonight. I should have asked. You’re doing something admirable with this group. You should be proud.”
“I’m proud of the work that Second Chances does. I merely help out where I can. I don’t like to go around talking about it. I guess I’ve always thought that would cheapen it somehow or sound like I’m patting myself on the back. That speech tonight is the first time I’ve shared the story of how I got involved.”
“I’m glad I was here for it.”
“Me too.”
A loud group of men bursts through the glass doors. It appears the secret is out about this spot, so we return to the party. A table of young women whisper and giggle as we walk by their table. Luke seems to draw as much attention in San Francisco as he does in Temecula.
“I need to find the restroom,” I say to Luke as we approach the bar.
“I’ll get you a glass of red wine and meet you back at the table.”
“That would be great, thanks.”
In the reception area, I see a sign indicating the women’s restroom is around the corner. I’m having a better time tonight than I thought I would. I may even be glad I came.
I’m relieved to find no line.
I have just entered one of the empty stalls when my ears are assaulted by the shrieking and giggling of women who have decided to bring their party into the restroom. I continue with my business and pay no attention to their boisterous conversation. I’m finishing up when I hear Luke’s name in their exchange.
“Oh my God, Jackie! You can’t say that!” one of them shouts.
“What? It’s true!” Another is laughing so hard, she barely gets the words out.
“Please tell me he did not do that! Please tell me you did not let him do that to you!”
“Have you seen him? Don’t even pretend that you wouldn’t have let him too!”
“No way. He’s hot, but I’m not doing that with anyone.”
Another one of the hens joins the conversation. “That’s probably why you only had one night with him, Becky. He had to move on to someone more adventurous.”
“Listen, we all know Luke Taylor isn’t boyfriend material. One fun night is what most of us get with him.”
“Well, I’ve had more than one, and they’ve all been hot as hell. Maybe you just couldn’t keep up.”
I pray for a fire alarm to go off so they’re forced to evacuate and possibly even get hosed down during the process. Unfortunately, I’m forced to listen to details so crude, I must remind myself they aren’t talking about a porn movie they saw. Apparently they have all had a turn with the town’s most eligible bachelor. They compare notes on foreplay, positions, length of activity, and props used. I pinch my arm to test if I’m lucky enough to wake up from this nightmare. I’m not.
It feels like time moves in slow motion, until they finally leave. I’m not sure what’s going to be the worst part of this evening, having to listen to multiple sex stories about Luke, or facing him with my new, unwanted knowledge.
Chapter 10
I’ve been in here too long. I reluctantly decide it’s time to go back to the ballroom, even if for no other reason than to retrieve my purse from the table. My mother always told me to never leave my purse unattended. If I had listened to her advice, I would have it with me right now and would be able to escape without having to deal with Luke.
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