“We’ll be down in a jiffy,” Katie promised.
I folded the clothes I had taken off and stacked them neatly and then Katie and I headed to the stairs. I stopped at the top of them to take in the sight below us. We had transformed the stark banquet hall into a beautiful wedding venue. As I scanned the space, I felt someone’s eyes on me. It was Luke.
He was across the room, standing under the arch of lights we’d strung up. He had changed into a stunning dark gray suit with a white shirt and a blue striped tie that perfectly matched his eyes. I’d always thought that Luke was attractive, but he looked stunning in that suit.
“Damn,” Katie growled in a low voice as she stepped up next to me. “If you aren’t going to date him, can I?”
I hurriedly looked away from Luke and started down the stairs. We still had a job to do and the first guests had just arrived. For the next hour, Katie and I greeted guests and made sure everyone found their way outside where the ceremony would take place. When the bridal party arrived, we split up to keep the groom from seeing the bride. After the bride finished her march down the aisle, I found one of the outdoor space heaters at the back and stood close to it.
I didn’t see Luke at all during that time and had almost forgotten how irresistible he had looked until he was suddenly standing next to me. “You look amazing, Em,” he said in a whisper. His hand brushed against mine.
I stole a glance at him and was rewarded with his killer smile. “So do you,” I said. I felt my fingers sliding purposefully between his and couldn’t believe that I was being so bold. Luke responded without hesitation, threading our fingers together as he squeezed my hand.
“Are you cold?” he asked.
“No.” I looked right into his eyes. “Not anymore.”
The ceremony was quick, which was a very good thing. Even with all the space heaters we’d provided, it was too cold to be outside for long. As the guests moved inside for the cocktail hour, Luke and I went our separate ways to finish getting everything in place for the reception.
Once the toasts were given and the food was served, our jobs were mostly done. The MC would be running things for the rest of the night and we wouldn’t need to do anything until it was time to clean up. Some of us gathered in the kitchen and ate leftover appetizers from the cocktail hour. Eventually, I wandered over by the dance floor to watch the happy couple take their first dance.
“Good work today,” Luke said, handing me a glass of champagne.
“Drinking on the job?” I gasped. “What if my boss sees?”
Luke winked. “He says you’ve earned it.”
“He’s a smart guy.” I clinked my glass against Luke’s beer bottle and took a sip. It was good champagne. “It feels strange to just be standing here,” I said. “Are you sure there isn’t anything we should be doing?”
“Other than basking in the glow of true love? Nope.” Luke was staring glumly at the bride and groom.
“Hey, you don’t get to be cynical about true love. That’s my thing.” I bumped him lightly with my elbow.
Luke smirked. “I wasn’t aware you had a monopoly on jaded hearts.”
“I think I’ve earned it,” I said. “I have a clear history of failing at love.”
“I hope you know that Eric wasn’t your true love,” Luke said with a sudden urgency. “You’re going to find someone better than him, someone that treats you better than he ever did. You’ll find your true love, Em.”
“You sound awfully certain,” I said.
He kept his eyes on the dance floor, but his body leaned closer to me. “That’s only because I know how amazing you are.”
The song ended and the guests around us started clapping. I turned to look at Luke at the same time that he turned to me. What I saw in his eyes was an exact reflection of the feelings I’d been fighting all week. Without saying anything, I took his hand and headed away from the dance floor. I wound my way to the doors that led to the deck overlooking the pond and stepped outside with Luke right behind me.
“What were you trying to tell me this morning, Luke?” I asked him.
He looked at me closely, his blue eyes shining in the moonlight. “I don’t want to just be your friend, Emery. Not anymore. I don’t want to be here with you tonight when you look so beautiful that you take my breath away and not be able to put my arms around you, not be able to kiss you.”
I could think of a dozen reasons why Luke and I shouldn’t be more than friends. I knew I was still damaged and scared and I knew that Luke deserved someone who could commit to him completely. I knew that dating my boss was a very bad idea and that it was an even worse idea to date the only friend I had in Starlight. I knew that one or both of us was likely to end up with a broken heart. I knew all those things, but when Luke was looking at me like that, I didn’t care.
“Then kiss me, Luke,” I said.
His eyes widened in surprise and he hesitated, “Are you sure?”
I nodded, smiling, and put my arms around his neck. “Don’t make me beg.”
He kissed me with a surprising amount of intensity and desire. It was so antithetical to his good-guy demeanor that it took me several seconds to catch up. I was already breathless when his tongue danced over mine, his hand skimming over the skin exposed by my backless dress.
Luke backed me against the wall and started kissing my neck. I lifted a leg and wrapped it around him, pulling our bodies even closer together. His hand slid up my thigh as I curled my fingers into his hair and moaned softly. From the way Luke was pressing against me, I knew that he wanted me as badly as I wanted him, so I was surprised when he pulled back.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Not here,” he said with a rueful shake of his head. “Not now.”
I nodded and lowered my leg, smoothing down my dress. “You’re right.”
“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that,” Luke said with an adorable, boyish grin.
“How long?” I asked, fighting away a shiver. Now that Luke’s body wasn’t pressed against me, I couldn’t ignore the cold. It was also starting to snow.
Luke shrugged off his suit jacket and put it around my shoulders. “Since our senior year.”
“What?” I stared at him. “Really?”
“You remember when you asked me why I broke up with my girlfriend?” He grimaced slightly. “I did it because I had fallen head over heels in love with you.”
“You did?” I narrowed my eyes. “But you never said anything, Luke. I mean, you even stopped spending time with me right around then. I thought you were mad at me about something.”
He put a hand on the wall next to my head and leaned closer. “That was self-preservation. You were still inexplicably in love with Eric and it was too hard to be around you. I was afraid you’d be able to tell that my feelings for you had changed.”
“I never suspected anything,” I said, putting a hand on his chest. “I wish you would’ve said something back then.”
“Why? Would you have broken up with Eric?” Luke clearly expected me to say no. His heart was beating fast under my hand.
“I don’t know,” I answered honestly. “I just hate that you had to keep such an important secret from me.”
Luke glanced up at the sky. “I hope the blizzard doesn’t start until all the guests are gone.”
“Blizzard?”
“Em, please tell me this isn’t the first you’re hearing about the big snowstorm headed our way?” Luke chuckled softly. “You are going to be in for a surprise when you look out your window in the morning.”
“How much snow are we supposed to get?” I asked as I looked at the falling snow.
“Up to two feet.” Luke laughed again at my horrified expression. “Why did you think I brought you a truckload of firewood this morning?”
I shrugged. “I thought you just wanted an excuse to see me.”
“You’re not wrong about that.” Luke gave me a soft kiss. “I should go check on the resort and mak
e sure everything is locked down before the blizzard hits.”
“Sounds smart,” I said, tugging gently on his tie to keep him from leaving. I gave him a long kiss. “Do you need any help?”
“I only need you and those lips,” he replied. “If I’m not back before this thing wraps up, don’t go anywhere, okay?”
“You are my ride, Cooper. I couldn’t leave without you even if I wanted to.” I ducked my head slightly and looked at him through my lashes. “And I definitely don’t want to.”
Luke hugged me and then backed away slowly. “Just don’t change your mind, Scott. I’ve got big plans for those lips of yours.”
He was almost inside when I realized I still had his suit jacket around my shoulders. “Wait, Luke.” I started to slip the jacket off, but he stopped me.
“Keep it. I need to cool down anyway,” he said with a smirk.
CHAPTER SIX
The wedding reception was still raging inside, but I was able to start clearing some of the tables. I wanted to minimize the amount of work that would need to be done when it was over. Katie saw what I was doing and came over the help.
“Nice jacket,” she said with a knowing smile.
“I was cold,” I said defensively.
“Well, that’s what happens when you make out with your boss outside in the middle of winter,” Katie scolded me with a smile.
I gasped. “You saw that?”
“Don’t worry. No one else saw. I just happened to be looking out the window at that exact moment.” Katie winked at me. “That looked like one hell of a kiss.”
“Can we not talk about that right now?” I glanced around nervously. The last thing I needed was for all my new coworkers to hear that I was hooking up with the boss.
“Don’t worry. I’m not going to tell anyone.” Katie took a stack of plates from my arms. “I meant what I said. I want Luke to be happy. The last thing he needs is for a rumor about the two of you to circulate.”
We got almost everything cleaned up before the reception even ended. When it was finally over and the last guests had strolled out to their cars, I started folding up the chairs.
“Leave it,” Luke said, appearing seemingly from nowhere. “That doesn’t have to be done tonight.”
“Are you sure?” I tried not to sound too hopeful. It had been a long day and I was tired.
“Yeah, I’m sure.” He brushed a strand of hair from my eyes and quickly dropped his hand. Too many resort employees were still milling around. “I’m going to dismiss everyone. The roads are already getting bad and people need to go home.”
I nodded and asked shyly, “Are you going home, too?”
“I don’t know where else I’d go with a blizzard coming,” he said, sounding confused.
“My place?” I whispered.
He didn’t answer right away and I worried that I’d been too forward. Then he smiled and nodded. “That sounds like a much better plan. You can keep me warm tonight.”
“I should run upstairs and grab my things.” I touched his hand. “Don’t leave without me.”
It only took a couple of minutes to run upstairs and throw my things together. I slipped out of Luke’s jacket and put on my coat before returning to the main room. Luke had already dismissed everyone and he was waiting for me by the door.
“Your jacket, Mr. Cooper,” I said, handing it to him.
“Ah, thanks. I almost forgot.” He pulled it on. “It smells like you.”
“I’m sorry.”
Luke shook his head. “No, that’s not a bad thing, Em.” He opened the door for me and I stepped out into the blustering snow.
After locking the door, Luke said, “Stay right here. I’ll pull the truck over so you don’t have to walk through the snow in those shoes.”
I looked down at my exposed toes. It hadn’t even occurred to me and I was surprise Luke had been so attentive. When I looked up to thank him, he was already jogging toward his truck. I thought about all the nice things Luke had done for me since I had arrived a week ago and the affection I felt toward him only grew stronger.
He pulled the truck close and then jumped out. I stared in surprise as he opened the door and held out his hand. “Be careful. Everything is a little icy tonight.”
I let him help me into the truck, speechless. I’d never been treated this kindly in my life. Luke was quiet and tense as he drove us home. The roads were slippery already and the snow was falling hard and fast. Even though we were only going a mile, it felt incredibly dangerous to be on the road. When he got to the bifurcation between our homes, he hesitated.
“What’s wrong? Do you not remember which house is mine?” I teased.
He looked at me. “Are you sure you want me to come over tonight?”
“Yes.” I put my hand on his leg. “I’m sure.”
“Hopefully you won’t find this too forward, but I need to check on my place if I’m not going to be staying there tonight.” He looked embarrassed.
“Sure. Do whatever you need to do. You might want to grab a change of clothes, too. I’m sure that suit isn’t the most comfortable thing you own.” I tried to keep my voice light and not betray my internal nerves. It had been a long time since I’d invited any man to come home with me, let alone someone like Luke.
He gave me a relieved look and took the turn toward his house. After he parked, he turned to me. “You’re welcome to come inside, but I should only be a minute. It’s probably easier if you just stay here in the warm truck.”
“Then that’s what I’ll do.” I was surprised when he leaned over and kissed my cheek. It was becoming obvious that Luke was done hiding his feelings for me.
Ten minutes later, we had parked in front of my house and Luke was helping me out of the truck. My hands were shaking as I unlocked the door and I tried to pretend it was because of the cold.
“Here. Let me.” Luke’s hand closed over mine and he took the key. A second later, he pushed the door open. “One of my many special skills.”
“Very handy,” I said, setting my things on the entryway table. “Do you want anything to drink? I have some beer in the fridge.”
“Yeah, sure.” Luke stood awkwardly just inside the doorway.
I started toward the kitchen. “Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be right back.”
While I was opening the beers, I took a few deep breaths. My heart was racing and I hadn’t felt this nervous with a guy since my first time with Eric. I took a healthy swig from one of the beers before joining Luke in the living room. He was standing in the center of the room, looking as nervous as I felt.
“I said to make yourself comfortable, not stand stiffly like you’re miserable,” I teased, handing him the beer.
“Sorry. This is...a little surreal.” Luke grinned sheepishly. “I’ve never been with a girl in my grandparents’ house.”
“Oh, right. That is awkward.” I laughed. “Should we go to your place instead?”
Luke shook his head. “I’ll get over it. College Luke would’ve killed for a chance to see you in that beautiful dress and those killer heels, bringing him a beer before taking him to your bed.” Luke’s smile turned sexy. “In fact, I may have dreamed this moment last night.”
“I had a dream about you last night as well,” I said, flushing a little at the memory. “You were taking this dress off me.”
“Really?” Luke put his hand on my shoulder, sliding his thumb under the strap of my dress. He slid it off my shoulder and then stroked my skin in a slow circle. “What else did I do in that dream?”
“You kissed me,” I whispered and he leaned close to my lips. I shook my head. “Not there.”
Luke’s eyes widened. “Where?”
“You’ll need to remove the dress,” I said. “And what I’m wearing underneath it.”
“Should we move this upstairs first?” he asked, sounding as breathless as I felt.
I was in the process of nodding when the lights flickered before blinking out completely.
> “Shit,” Luke muttered. “I was afraid that might happen.”
“Maybe we just need to flip the circuit breaker,” I said.
“I think the storm knocked the power out.” Luke took my arm. “There are some flashlights in the kitchen.” We shuffled our way through the dark until we reached the kitchen. After some fumbling around, Luke found a flashlight and turned it on. “That’s a little better. If I remember correctly, there are a bunch of candles upstairs.”
“I already told you we could go upstairs, Luke. You didn’t have to create this elaborate ruse to get me up there.” I laughed when he poked me in the side.
Luke led the way upstairs since he had the only flashlight. He headed straight to my bedroom and it was weird to think that he’d been there before, many times, long before I ever moved in. He found the candles right away and I took over lighting them when he decided we should start a fire. He went down to get the firewood and I scattered the candles around the room. The night was shaping up to be far more romantic than I had planned.
Luke didn’t come back right away and my feet were killing me. I slipped out of the heels and climbed onto my bed. When he still hadn’t returned ten minutes later, I wasn’t too worried. Luke had probably gotten distracted either clearing a path through the snow or checking to see why the power was out. I settled more comfortably into the pillows and the next thing I knew, someone was sitting on the bed next to me.
“Did I fall asleep?” I said, slowly opening my eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s my fault,” Luke said, running a hand up my leg, under my dress. “I got a little distracted. I have no idea how.” Luke’s jacket and tie were long gone and his hair was wonderfully disheveled.
“You’re here now,” I said, sitting up. “You started the fire.”
“I didn’t want you to get cold,” he said, putting his lips to my neck. “You’re only wearing this skimpy dress.”
I started unbuttoning his shirt. “I’d rather be wearing you.”
Home with You (Starlight Valley Book 3) Page 5