TIME GETS THE BEST OF me when Ernie comes into the office to get Gladys to go home for lunch. We've been working diligently learning Maureen's ropes, that I didn't even take time to eat my cereal bar or drink my milk. I am sure it's become warm now. I walk out of the offices through the shop to head to my car.
I look up to notice Luke, resting himself up against my mustang. He has his shirt on today, but it's unbuttoned and untucked from his work slacks. His black ball cap is on forward, and he's wiping his hands on a blue shop towel. As I get closer to him, I notice he is looking at me with a gorgeous smile. Those lips! Ugh, those lips! I cannot believe he is right in front of me.
"Hi," I gush.
"Hi," he replies.
We look at each other and surge into endless smiles. I may have never smiled this much before in my life.
"What?" Luke says with a smirk.
I shake my head, "nothing," then look at the ground.
"Lunch?" he asks.
"Yes, but I'm driving," I babble as I walk past him and get into my vehicle.
Luke opens the door and gets into the passenger side. He closes his door and smiles at me. So far, the day has gotten off to a good start. Luke looks hot as usual. I am trying not to squeal!
I look at him and say, "Where do you want to go?"
"I don't care, anywhere, but Mary's." he says turning on my radio.
We drive a little way before he tells me to turn back to the shop as he forgot something. So, I turn around and head back. He gets out of my vehicle and walks over to his truck. He comes back with a large cooler between his hands. I roll down my window.
"Pop your trunk, please," he shouts.
I pop my trunk, and Luke sets his cooler down then closes it gently before getting back into my vehicle. I look over at him with a confused look on my face. I wonder what he is planning to do with it, but it must be good knowing him.
He looks at me, smiles, and says, "Just drive!"
"Where are we going?" I ask.
"I will tell you when you need to turn," he laughs.
Hmm. I am puzzled, but I drive along. We head a little further out of town then turn off on a dirt road. We go down the dirt road a bit before Luke tells me to stop. He gets out of my car, and I do as well. He tells me to pop my trunk open to grab his cooler and asks if he can take the blanket from my trunk.
I nod, and he hands me the blanket while he takes the cooler. He sets off, walking into the woods. We are walking down a narrow little trail then come upon a lake. My eyes look around in amazement at how beautiful the view is. I wonder what this place is. Luke is full of surprises, the good kind!
"Can you hand me your blanket, please," Luke asks.
I hand him my blanket after he sets his cooler down near a little spot where someone had previously set a fire. I watch as he unfolds my blanket and places it on the ground. He picks up his cooler and puts it back down on one of the edges of my blanket. He looks at me, giggling.
"You can sit, Ali," he smirks.
"Oh," I giggle.
Mesmerized by him, I sit down on the blanket and continue to watch him as he gathers sticks and branches. I look over at the lake for a minute then look back at him. He starts a fire then sits down next to me. He stares off in the direction of the lake. While the scenery is beautiful, my eyes are fixated on Luke; a perfect view all on its own.
I look over at him and study every inch of his face before looking back at the lake. I can feel his eyes on me, and I cannot help but smile.
"What?" I say as I turn to look at him.
In the softest, most heart-pumping voice, he says, "You're beautiful!"
I blush a little. Luke smiles while looking into my eyes and I smile back then look down at my blanket. He gets up and opens his cooler.
"A burger and chips okay for lunch?" he conveys.
I nod politely and look back at the lake. I'm on cloud nine right now, considering that I am on a technical picnic date with the best-looking guy in the world. I look back toward him and watch as he smiles at me and makes burgers for us. His arms are so muscular, and his face is more visible since he has turned his hat backward. Man, he's handsome, and he enamors me.
He hands me a plate, then he sits beside me as we eat our lunch. He finishes his burger in no time, then lays down on my blanket on his side with his arm propped up under him.
He stares at me while I finish the rest of my food. Nothing like being put on the spot and having the guy you have the hots for watching you eat. I put my plate aside and thank him for cooking lunch. He tells me it was his pleasure.
"You have a little mustard on your cheek," he chuckles.
Embarrassed, I quickly slap my hands to my face to remove the mustard. Luke moves closer to me as he reaches his hand towards my face.
"I got it," he says with the most beautiful smile I've seen him give yet.
Our eyes lock, and we stare at each other for what feels like an eternity. Luke breaks our stare as he looks to my
