Lucas (Members From Money Book 20)

by Katie Dowe

  “She came to see me this morning and told me she was leaving for a little bit. I tried to talk her out of it but you probably discovered how stubborn she is.”

  “Yes.” Lucas felt the bleakness settled around his heart. “I asked her to marry me and I am afraid that was what made her run away.”

  Bubba looked at the man sharply. “She never mentioned that.”

  “She wouldn’t,” he said with a grim smile.

  “I tried my best to be a father and a mother to her and to some extent I succeeded. Look how well she turned out! But I should have known that she would want to find out where she came from.”

  “I offered to look into her heritage for her. She said she never wants children.”

  “Lord!” Bubba clasped his hands between his legs, his can of beer forgotten. “She is a proud one and she would be thinking about what being with her would do to your reputation.”

  “I don’t care about that,” Lucas said impatiently. “Where can I find her?”

  “Honestly, I have no idea. She travels a lot for work and the only friend she has is Phil.”

  “That cop who looked as if he wanted to shoot me where I stood?” Lucas asked dryly feeling a tinge of jealousy.

  Bubba laughed softly. “One and the same. He fancies himself in love with her and fancied it a long time ago but she never encouraged him.”

  “Where can I find him?”

  “You sure you want to go there?”

  “I will do anything to find her. Turn this place upside down if that is what it takes. I love her more than my life.”

  Bubba looked at the man with new respect and saw the sincerity there. “I believe you do. Let me get you the information.”

  *****

  The little house belonged to one of the editors at the papers. Jasmine had told her that she wanted a quiet place to do some writing and the woman had offered it to her. “The tenant just moved out and I am not renting it for now. Stay as long as you want.” She had packed her things, turned off her phone, and headed east out into the country. She had traveled several miles until she had gotten to the small weather beaten two bedroom house with the charming picket fence and the roses slightly dying in the yard. She had been sitting on the porch swing for the past two hours watching the sun descend. She missed him! The thought jumped out at her and made her gasp! She missed the conversation and the way they baited each other. He was the only one who ever stood up to her and did not care how much she argued and tough it out! She missed the lovemaking! Oh God, she missed how he made her feel and how he would wrap her into his arms and tucked her into him. He made her laugh and not take herself so seriously. He had slowly chipped at the load on her shoulder until it was almost nonexistent! She wished he was here with her right now arguing with her and daring her. But she had done the right thing. It was for his own good and hers. They wanted different things! So why did it feel as if an arrow was piercing her heart?

  *****

  Lucas waited until he was leaving the precinct and about to get into his car. “Phil.” The man turned around swiftly with his hand on his gun. “Lucas Henderson. We met at Bubba’s party.”

  Phil’s lips curled into a bitter smile. “What do you want?”

  “Have you heard from Jasmine?”

  “As far as I could see at the party you two were glued together. Why are you asking me?”

  “Because Bubba told me that you two were close.” Lucas advanced and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Look, man, I am not the enemy here. I am in love with her and I have a feeling she feels the same way but she is scared.”

  “Is that so?” Phil wanted to plug one into him.

  Lucas read his expression and lifted his hands. “I am sorry that you think I am poaching on your property. If I had the slightest idea that she was in love with you I would back away right now but she is not and you have to learn to accept that.”

  “You don’t get to tell me what to do!” he said harshly. “I was getting close to her and then you swoop in with your blonde good looks and your money and take her away from me!”

  “Do you know her at all?” Lucas demanded. “Jasmine is her own person and no one not even me can influence the way she thinks. I asked her to marry me and she has gone missing. I need to find her.”

  “And you want me to help you?” Phil asked him bitterly.

  “Yes.”

  “Go to hell! I hope you never find her!” With that he got into his car and screeched out of the parking lot.

  Lucas stared after him grimly and then went to find his own vehicle. He was going to find her if it took everything he has!

  Chapter 10

  The newest Takahashi restaurant delivered in more ways than one! Kane Takahashi, owner and CEO of the famous eatery, took a step back to allow his wife, former international lingerie model, Kelly Takahashi, to take the initiative showing that she is not just a pretty face! The ambience was perfect and although it was swamped by famous faces it made one feel relaxed and catered for! The food served were mostly delicate and tasty finger foods and had you going back for more! This is a place where you are forced to mingle and socialize and I want to say kudos to Mrs. Takahashi for coming up with this ingenuity! I am going to definitely go to bat on this one and recommend that when you are in the mood to get away from the stuffy social sitting you go right ahead and try ‘Kelly’s Taste’! I guarantee that you certainly will not be disappointed. The crepe salad especially caught my attention and not to mention the tiny chicken bites wrapped into the softest pastry you have ever tasted! Definitely a go!

  From your gal: Jasmine.

  Lucas read the article again, a frown etching his brow. It had been two days since he had been trying to find her and he had been going out of his mind doing so. He had been pestering Bubba with questions of whether or not he had heard from her and the poor man was beginning to get tired of him.

  The Newshound was a very respectable newspaper that got a lot of attention because it reported the news fairly and without prejudice. He now had somewhere to start!

  *****

  “Are you going to tell me where you are?” Bubba asked her as she called him later that night.

  “No.”

  “Your young man has been pestering me, girl. When are you going to put the poor man out of his misery?”

  “I am sure he will get over it eventually. Are you taking your meds?”

  “I am taking my meds and eating my fruits and vegetables. The time is getting warmer so I am outdoors most of the time. Now it’s you I am worried about. Why did you run away? I thought you were tough.”

  “I am tough and I did not run away,” Jasmine said defensively. “I just needed some space.”

  “I have never known you to run away from anything in your life,” Bubba commented. “And he said he asked for your hand in marriage.”

  “He was not thinking straight,” Jasmine muttered.

  “He went to find Phil to ask if he knew where you were.”

  “Oh jeez!” she exclaimed. “Did Phil shoot him?”

  “I spoke to Lucas just today so the answer is no.” Bubba paused. “Are you in love with him?”

  Jasmine hesitated before responding. “I don’t know what I feel. He is going to want children and I cannot give him that.”

  “Why not?” Bubba demanded.

  “Because of my background or lack thereof.”

  “That’s nonsense and you know it.”

  “Bubba, I stand by what I believe in.”

  “So you are going to make a perfectly good relationship go away because you don’t know who your real dad is,” Bubba said shortly. “I am your dad, little girl, and I know that when the time comes you are going to make a great mom. Stop jerking around and come out of hiding!”

  *****

  He strode into the busy newspaper offices downtown and ignored the stares he was receiving. He had enquired at the desk and was sent to the chief editor by the name of Margaret. “Mr. Henderson! A pleasure to
meet you,” the woman said holding out her hand as he entered her office. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

  “I am looking for one of your writers. Jasmine-”

  “Crichton. Our food critic.” The woman looked at him curiously. “Is everything okay?”

  “Of course.” He used his charms on her. “She wrote the piece on Kelly’s restaurant and I was there for the opening. I just wanted to talk to her about something.”

  “Her identity is supposed to be a secret.”

  “It will go with me to my grave,” he assured her soberly. “We are acquaintances. I was at her father’s social last week.”

  “She has gone off the grid for a little bit.” She looked up as she heard a knock. “Ah, Nola. This is-“

  “Lucas Henderson!” the sprite looking middle aged woman said with her light green eyes shining.

  “He needs to find Jasmine.”

  “Oh, of course. She is staying at my place in the country. Let me get you the address.”

  “Thank you. I would appreciate her not knowing that I am coming. I want it to be a surprise.”

  “Of course,” the woman said with a wink.

  *****

  He saw her the minute she crested the hill. He had arrived half an hour earlier and had gone up the steps to knock on the door without getting an answer. He had gone around the back to check and realized that she was not there. Her car was parked out front so he figured she had not gone far. She had gone jogging! The sun was just setting so the light was behind her and he felt his heart hammering as he stared at her exquisite body that appeared to be poured into the dark blue jogging suit. Her thick hair was in a ponytail that swung behind her as she moved. She was several feet away when she saw him leaning against the hood of his BMW. She stopped short and he smiled slightly as she started running again, stopping only when she was facing him.

  “Are you lost?”

  “Not anymore,” he said softly as he took in the sheen of sweat on her smooth face. Her top exposed her midriff and he could see the outline of her small breasts.

  “What are you doing here, Lucas?” she asked as she stood with her hands on her hips.

  “Let’s see.” He pretended to think. “I asked you to marry me and poured my heart out to you and you bolted like a coward. I never took you for one.”

  She bristled as she looked at him. “I am not a coward.”

  “No?” his eyebrows lifted arrogantly. “Prove it.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Prove that you are not a coward and come home with me right now. We could get married over the weekend.”

  “You are crazy!” She turned and walked towards the gate with him following her.

  “About you.” He caught her by the arm and pulled her around.

  “Let go of me.” She pushed against him but her push lacked power. She was absurdly happy to see him!

  “Never again,” he vowed. “If I have to tie you on to me then I will do so.” His green eyes smoldered as he looked down at her. “Do you know how much I suffered when you were gone? Do you have any idea the lengths I went through to find you?” He did not wait for her to answer but took her lips with his in a kiss that robbed her of breath! Jasmine slid her arms around his neck and leaned into the kiss, her heart racing at an abnormal speed. He lifted his head and looked down at her, his expression unreadable. “Let’s go in,” he rasped. He had noticed her shivering. The sun had gone down and the chill had settled in. She turned and ran up the steps, taking the key out of the pouch she had around her waist and opened the door.

  “Cute place,” he murmured as he looked around the small cozy room. “Is it for sale?”

  “It’s not really your style now, is it?” she said drolly as she went to get something to drink. “You are more into highly expensive and sumptuous.” She handed him a beer and twisted the top off hers to take a deep swallow, trying to get the taste of him out of her mouth.

  “True, but I was thinking that after we are married and we want to get away some weekends this would be ideal.” He had taken off his jacket and hung it over the back of the chair in the kitchen.

  “Would you stop throwing the marriage word around?” she asked him in exasperation. “Okay fine. I admit that you have grown on me and the sex is great and yes, I missed you. So here’s the deal: we can shack up together and take it from there.”

  He stared at her and tried his best not to laugh! She was priceless and he was so in love with her that he could not see straight! “I am afraid my father would never agree to that. We are an old fashioned family and we have our reputation to think about. Can you imagine what the investors would have to say about that?”

  Jasmine stared at him in frustration and dumped her bottle onto the counter. “I am not marrying you.”

  “We will see about that.” He got to his feet and came around to her. “How about a shower? I fancy running my tongue all over your delectable body starting from here.” He kissed her forehead and drifted down to her cheeks. “And then here.” He touched her lips lightly and then went to her neck. Jasmine tilted her head to accommodate him. “And then here.” He eased the material away and licked her nipple causing her to moan softly. “And then go all the way down.”

  “Please.” Her breath was choppy as he went to the other nipple.

  “Of course, darling.” He lifted her up into his arms and she clung to him as he headed for the bathroom.

  *****

  “Stop! God please stop! I can’t!” she sobbed as he came out of her and then reentered her slowly going in deep. He had wrung her dry in the bathroom and had wrapped her naked wet body in a towel before putting her on the bed where he had started all over again. He had been without her for three days and no matter what he did to her now he could never make up for the time he had lost but he was certainly going to try! His eyes met hers.

  “Are you sure?” He went still, his penis pulsating like mad inside her wet cavity. He was the first man and he intended to be the last!

  “No. Yes.” She moved her head restlessly, her emotions careening crazily through her. “I can’t think – just give me a minute.”

  “Marry me,” he said softly as he bent his head to nibble at her bottom lip. She moaned and dug her fingers into his muscled shoulders.

  “I can’t think!” She arched her body against his.

  “You think too much,” he whispered huskily, using his tongue to trace the outline of her lip soothing the slight sting his teeth had left behind. “Just feel.”

  “I can’t marry you.”

  “I am not doing this without you and I am not shacking up with you, darling.” His tongue entered her mouth and she opened up to him. She would have agreed to anything just to get to this part. She needed him so much that it was scary! She wrapped her legs around his waist and started moving against him. His body shuddered as he started to thrust inside her, the pace becoming more rapid as her response became more frenzied! His mouth ravished hers and her body trembled against his in absolute surrender!

  *****

  Jasmine eased out of his arms slowly and carefully so as not to wake him. It was almost midnight and they had fallen asleep only an hour ago. They had not been able to stop feeding off each other! She put on her robe and walked silently from the room and went into the kitchen. She put on a pot and made some tea. She was scared and confused. She had never felt this violent away about anyone before and she had no idea what to do about it. She had skated on the surface confident in her ability to tune people out and never letting them get too close. Bubba had been the only one and it had taken years for him to get close to her. With Lucas it had taken a matter of months and he had managed to break through the barrier she had put over her emotions and her heart! She was falling and she could not stop herself! That was why she had run away but it had not made a difference! If she gave in and married him, she reasoned silently, it would mean having kids and that was something she was not sure she could handle, not to mention the publicity of bei
ng married to a man like him!

  “You are overthinking it.” His deep voice at the doorway caused her to jump and almost spilled the tea on her hands.

  “You don’t know what I am thinking.” Her eyes roved over his bare chest hungrily. He had just put on his boxers and she had to admit that as far as bodies went, even though she had never seen a man naked before, his was one of the best with the contoured muscles and the toned stomach.

  “I bet I do.” He came in and sat on the stool next to her. “You want to find out about your biological father just say the word and I will put my P.I. team on it.”

  “You have hardware stores. What are you doing with a P.I. team?” she asked avoiding the question.

  He took her cup and drank from it grimacing at the taste of it. “I investigate those who I employ before I do so. I am very careful that way. Now back to the question. What do you say?”

  She shrugged and stared down into her cup. “Maybe he did not want me so why should I care?”

  “Or maybe he did not know about you,” he said logically. “Either way it will put the question to rest once and for all. I am not taking no for an answer, Jasmine. I am in love with you and I am not going to do without you.”

  She pushed the cup away and got to her feet wandering to the window. He watched as she struggled with the decision and wished she did not have to do that. He wanted to keep her safe. She turned to him. “Yes.”

  “Okay then.” He got to his feet and came over to her. “Whatever or whoever he is I am not taking back the offer of marriage. I am in love with you and nothing will ever take that away.”

  “You are an idiot,” she said tearfully as he wrapped his arms around her.

  “Maybe,” he murmured as he bent his head to hers. “Let’s go back to bed.”

  *****

  “It’s very little to go on, boss,” Mike said as he received the information.

  “You have been able to work on much less and got me results. I expect nothing less,” Lucas told him dryly. “You have her name and it is her real name and her mother was a drug addict by the name of Jacqueline Meade. And Mike?”

  “Yes, boss?”