Julia could feel her heart race as Luke helped her from the car, eyes glittering.
“I believe this is our evening.”
Chapter 15
Julia barely recollected entering Harry’s House or Luke speaking to the host in quiet tones. Or climbing a winding flight of stairs and being ushered into a dining room for two, the table set with exquisite linen, china, and crystal. Her mind simply wouldn’t function.
For fourteen years, Luke Buchanan had lived in her dreams and in her mind. Her heart. Memories of him were what kept her warm through the stressful time with Charles. She’d refused any anesthetic when Courtney was born for fear she would shout out his name in her delirium. And each time she looked at the perfect baby, visions of their nights together flashed across her mind. She’d never expected to see him again. Certainly not like this, a bombshell dropped at her feet waiting to explode.
He held her chair for her, waiting until she was comfortable before sitting down himself. Glancing around, she noticed a long couch and two comfortable chairs against one wall along with interesting Victorian accessories.
Luke grinned at her, noticing her eyes sweep the room. “They actually use that area for serving cocktails. Gives people a more relaxed atmosphere. Don’t worry, Julia. I don’t plan to ravish you on the couch.”
“Oh. I didn’t…”
“Yes. You did. But rest assured, for what I have in mind I need something far more comfortable.” He reached across the table and took both of her hands in his. “Tonight I wanted someplace private to talk to you and this seemed the best idea at the time.”
“It’s fine.” She trembled, still focused on the words ‘what I have in mind.’ As his hands touched hers, sparks shot through her, firing every nerve ending. God, fourteen years and he still affected her the same way.
A knock on the door preceded the waiter’s entrance and his quiet request for their drink orders. He stood discreetly to one side, pen and pad poised.
“Canadian and Coke for me,” Luke told him, “and amaretto on the rocks for the lady.” He looked at Julia who nodded confirmation. “Make them doubles so you won’t need to come back quite so soon. And one of those little platters of crackers and cheese.”
The waiter bowed, his face a trained, impersonal mask, and left to get their drinks.
“You remembered.” Her face heated.
“Of course.” The deep timbre of his throat vibrated straight through her.
“But d-doubles?” she stammered.
“They last longer.” Luke laughed. “Just sip slowly.”
“It’s a good thing you ordered some kind of food. I barely ate anything at lunch.”
Another knock on the door and the waiter entered with their drinks and the cheese platter. Placing them carefully on the table, he bowed again and left the room.
“To you,” Luke said, raising his glass in a toast.
Julia saw his eyes watching her intently. “Thank you. To you, too.” She took a swallow of the smooth liqueur, hoping to still the trembling in her hands. She was so nervous she had to put her drink down on the table before she spilled it.
“You’re still wearing the charm.” He smiled. “You have no idea what that means to me.”
Automatically she touched it. All these years it had been her only link to him, a talisman that gave her strength on her worst days. “I never take it off.”
“I’m going to take that as a very good sign.” Luke watched her with his hot, penetrating gaze. “I asked Claire if it would be a problem in case you didn’t make it home tonight. She assured me it wasn’t.” He winked at her. “I think your friend enjoys a good fairy tale.”
“Luke!” She felt the blood leave her face and shook her head. “No. I can’t do that.” She started to push back from the table. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be here. This is a big mistake.”
“A mistake?” His hand reached for hers, gripped it, and his eyes bored into hers. “I can’t accept that.”
“Please.” She tried to pull her hand away. “You don’t understand. Among other things, I have a daughter to think of. She’ll ask more questions than I want to answer.”
“Got it covered. Claire’s definitely taking her out to eat—someplace she’s hot to go to—and back to her house for the night. Apparently, this is some kind of special treat for your daughter. Claire said they’d have a girls’ makeup night?” He looked at Julia for confirmation.
Julia bit her lip. “Courtney does idolize Claire lately. It’s a big change in her attitude for which I am eternally grateful. So, yes, this will be extra special for her. B-But—”
“Julia.” His voice held her as if glued in place. “Whatever it is, don’t run away from it. We have so much unfinished business. Please. Just sit down.”
She slowly lowered herself to the chair again, picked up her drink, then swallowed some of it. “Well.” She took a moment to settle the butterflies. “Maybe Claire can pick up where Beth left off and keep it toned down from four layers to two.”
“Sounds like she’s going through typical teenage rebellion,” he commented. “I faced similar challenges with my boys, only theirs didn’t include makeup.” He paused. “I was surprised to hear that you and your husband reconciled.” His voice was even. Uninflected. But beneath it a wave of emotion was cresting.
“How did you know about that?” His comment took her by surprise. She could only imagine what he thought.
“Claire kept me pretty well informed.” He gave her a serious look. “You were never out of my mind. Just because I didn’t see you, didn’t mean I wasn’t thinking about you.” He reached across the table to touch her hand again. “And you? Did you ever spare a thought for me?”
A thought? If he only knew all the nights she’d lain in bed aching for him.
“Charles was sick for a long time,” she waffled. “When he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and given only months to live,
