Luke’s tanned skin couldn’t hide the pink on the tips of his ears. Brock laughed and slapped him on the back. “Dude, you’ve got it bad. What are you waiting for?” He continued, as if completely oblivious to the mortification he was inflicting on Luke. “You know, Natalie and I have been wanting to go on a double date with Luke, but we can’t ever get him to commit. You should come, Adri.”
My throat tensed. My voice box felt like a locked chest, and someone had just thrown away the key. Luke’s expression was pained, and I gave a subtle shake of my head and moved toward the kitchen. “I’m in a hurry,” I squeaked and dashed into the other room.
What were the chances I would see Luke here? I pawed through the drawers looking for a lighter and then stopped with a groan. Grabbing a paper towel, I soaked it in cold water and then wrung it out, lightly dabbing my hair line. I turned around and yelped when Luke sauntered into the kitchen.
“I’m sorry.” He held up his hands. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
I fumbled with the paper towel. “Just startled. I’m a little frazzled today.”
“Sorry about Brock. He’s pretty gung ho about love lately, if you haven’t noticed.”
The imported granite countertops had my complete attention.
Luke cleared his throat. “I heard about what happened. Are you okay?”
My head snapped up. “It already made the news?”
He nodded and took a step forward. “I could tell it was the watered-down version, but it mentioned an attempted kidnapping and assault.”
“I wish I could give you more details, but everything’s under investigation, so please don’t ask.”
Luke nodded. “I can’t believe you’re working today.”
I lifted my hand to touch the bruised cheek that I had covered generously with concealer and foundation. “My parents came up to help me. My mom has been a lifesaver.” I swallowed the nervous lump in my throat. “Thanks for the roses. They’re beautiful.”
“I’m glad you liked them.” Luke gently traced two fingers along my cheek. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
It was a struggle to keep from flinching, but when I saw the look in his eyes, any fear zipped out of my system, replaced with fireworks. “Yes, thank you.”
“If you have a minute later, I’d love to talk.” His voice was low, and his smile looked inviting.
“I’ll be here late, cleaning everything up.” Heading for the door, I struggled to ignore the curiosity welling up inside. He’d seemed embarrassed moments ago when Brock put him on the spot. What did he want to talk about now?
Luke followed me out past the pool and grabbed my hand. “Adri, this is new territory for me. I’m trying not to think about you, but you keep popping up despite my best efforts.” He sighed and stepped closer. The breath of space between us was charged with electricity. “Think about it before you go too much further down that other road.”
I scrunched my eyes in a question.
His brow creased, but I could see a twinkle in his eye. “The road that leads to Dallas Reynolds. There’s something about him—I don’t think he’s the right guy for you.”
“And how would you know anything about who is the right guy for me?” I tugged at my hand, but he held it, interlacing my fingers with his.
“Because I want to see you, Adri. I want to get to know you. Will you think about it?”
“I need to get back.” I couldn’t answer his question with my insides shaking like the creamed custard we were about to serve.
He released my hand. I shelved my feelings. There simply wasn’t time to conquer the jungle of emotions Luke elicited.
Natalie glowed with happiness the entire evening. I managed to stay focused, and Luke and Brock were gone the next time I made a run to the house. A double success.
During the shower, my mom received a phone call from Wes. Jenna had been throwing up for more than twenty-four hours and couldn’t stop, so her doctor wanted her to stay overnight in the hospital. They were putting her on some stronger medication to combat the morning sickness and help her recover from severe dehydration.
“You have to go,” I told her.
“But I don’t want to leave you,” Mom said.
“I know, but Lorea will help me, and you can come back, right?”
Mom nodded and hugged me fiercely. “Please be careful.”
She and Dad headed back to my house to grab their stuff so they could leave to take care of Bryn and help Wes with his work on the farm.
Lorea and I cleaned up everything after Natalie’s bridal shower in record time. Dad returned to help us haul it all back to the shop before my parents headed back to Rupert.
“Sweetie, are you sure you don’t want to come home with us?” Mom asked.
“I can’t, Mom. I have so much going on this weekend, and I’m already behind. You go and take care of Jenna.”
My dad hugged me. “I’ll be back soon to complete your honey-do list.”
“Give Brynnie a kiss for me, and thanks for cleaning up my garage.” I kissed Dad’s cheek.
Mom patted my arm. “I wish I could’ve met Dallas. Have fun tomorrow.”
I didn’t tell her I was grateful there hadn’t been time to meet him, but I was. I knew Dallas probably wanted to meet my parents, but he wasn’t about to push the issue. A part of me wondered if he knew I didn’t want him to meet them.
So much had happened so fast. Only a week ago I had sat across from Luke for Thursday specials at Smokehouse BBQ. Since then, Dallas had moved me down the relationship path at lightning speed. It was a path littered with uncertainties that I wasn’t sure I was ready to travel.
After my parents left, I drove home. It was almost nine-thirty, and I felt a sense
