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“You really like this girl, don’t you, son?” Luke’s Uncle Darren asked after he checked on dinner. Abbey was due any minute, and his signature dish, balsamic chicken with veggies was just about ready. The green beans with mushrooms and au gratin potatoes were set on warm.
His uncle was dressed in a tailored Italian suit. The family resemblance was so evident, they could pass for father and son, and Luke sometimes referred to Darren as Dad.
He couldn’t help but smile. “She’s special, Dad. Gorgeous, smart, sweet. She thinks the team needs to play me more.” That got Darren’s attention.
Darren raised a brow. “Oh, she does, does she?”
Luke nodded. “Yeah.Andshe thinks I should have a song play when I take the pitcher’s mound, like some other pitchers do. Something like AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck’.” He couldn’t wait to hear what his uncle had to say aboutthat.
The doorbell rang, so he’d have to wait on Darren’s opinion on the matter. His heart sang with joy as he made his way to the front door. His dick chose that moment to make its presence known in his jeans.Shit.He adjusted himself. He didn’t want Abbey thinking he’d invited her over to jump her. He really liked her. She was special, and he had every intention of taking his time with her.
Luke sure as hell hoped they ended up in bed, eventually. He recognized it was early in their relationship, but he had a feeling about her. Aboutthem. He had no intention of doing something stupid and screwing it up.
His insides were vibrating, so he took a deep, calming breath, before opening the door. And there she stood. His princess. As beautiful as she was the night before, even dressed in jeans and a summer top. Abbey was his every hope and fantasy come to life, and she was there to seehim. How did he get so fucking lucky?
With a smile that lit up her face and a sweet little blush staining her cheeks she said, “Hi. I’m here.”
Damn, she was adorable. “Great timing. Dinner’s ready.” He grabbed her overnight bag and led her to the kitchen where Darren was waiting.
He wondered what Abbey would think of his place. The penthouse was formal. The prestigious building had been designed by Rosario Candela and built by McNally & Quinn in 1927. He’d left it as it was when he’d moved in, not having the heart to change anything.
“I thought we’d eat in the kitchen, since it’s less formal.” The kitchen was done up with white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a large island with two comfortable stools.
“I like your uncle,” Abbey said once his Uncle Darren ducked out after quick introductions. Luke was more than ready for some alone time with his princess.
“Thanks. He’s a good man. Has taught me so much.” His stomach growled by the time he’d set everything on the island and they were ready to eat. Everything seemed perfect if the look on Abbey’s face was any indication.
“Wow, Luke. This looks and smells so good. I’m starved. You didn’t have to go to so much trouble for me. We could have just ordered pizza or something,” Abbey said as they prepared their plates.
Luke scoffed. “No way. Not on your first visit. Maybe next time.” And there would be a next time. Many more if he had anything to say about it.
Abbey smiled brightly, as if the idea of future visits pleased her. He was relieved, hoping she was thinking the same thoughts as he was.
They sat side-by-side, enjoying their dinner. It was so much better than eating alone like he normally did. Every smile Abbey offered him did things to his heart. Good things.
“This was all so good, Luke. Thank you.” Abbey rinsed her plate when she was finished and placed it in the dishwasher. He followed suit.
His girl liked his cooking. His spirits soared. “Good, I’m glad you liked it. Let me show you around, and after, we can watch ‘Knocked Up’ if you haven’t already seen it. I know it’s still playing in theaters, but I was able to get a copy before it officially comes out on DVD.”
Abbey laughed, causing his insides to quiver. God, he liked her.
“Let me guess, you know Seth Rogen?” she teased.
“Smart ass,” he kidded back. He led her by the hand through the over six thousand square foot penthouse apartment, all the while knowing what she’d think. His place had five bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms, along with three additional full bathrooms. A formal dining room, library, wine room, butler’s pantry, workout room and his favorite room—the media room.
He gestured for Abbey to sit on his leather couch in front of the large screen TV while he got the movie set up. He couldn’t wait to cuddle up next to her for the next two hours before they had to call it a night. Fucking early morning practice.
Once he settled next to Abbey on the couch, her warm, soft little body snuggled against him, he was ready to enjoy the rest of the night. “So tell me what you think. Be honest. Not what you expected for my bachelor pad, right?”
She hesitated, wincing. “Well … it’s beautiful. But it looks like someone much older should live here. You wanted to leave everything as close to original, right?”
Smart girl.“Yeah. It’s just a temporary place for me, I think. We own the building. Most of the buildings on this block, actually.” He shrugged, explaining how Darren lived down the street and had not only made a fortune with real estate in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, but also in Las Vegas where their AAA minor league team, the Windy City Rattlers, was located.
After grabbing the remote and starting the movie, he spent the next two hours barely watching as he stole kisses from Abbey instead. He couldn’t remember ever having such a great time at home. Luke was right where he wanted to be with the person he most wanted to be with. It was perfect.
