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“It’s owned by a guy who used to play for the Biters.”
I eye his glass. “Huh.” I should probably have known that. “Speaking of…” I look around the room but don’t spot the man in question. “There’s another football player here my dad introduced me to the other week, and I’d like to say hi.”
Luke makes an unimpressed sound.
I nudge him in the side. “Play nice.”
He makes another sound as he takes a sip of his whiskey. “So, how does this go?”
I dropped my hold of Luke’s arm when we ordered our drinks, but as we start to stroll around the outside of the room, he twines his fingers with mine.
It’s sweet.
Intimate.
I take a big swallow of wine as I remind myself about expectations.
“Well, there are silent auction items we can look at. Then we’ll find our table and eat dinner, and then someone, possibly Vincent, will get up for a speech. There will be a show of people donating money, and then we can go home.”
Luke gives my hand a squeeze. “You have one of those giant checks hidden inside your dress?”
A laugh pops out of me. “Um, no. Wag Corp already made our donation, and it was through a wire transfer.”
“Sounds fancy.” Luke hums as we reach the auction tables. “I know I’ve thought it a thousand times already, but I don’t think I said it out loud.”
I look up at him. “Thought what?”
“How fucking beautiful you look tonight.”
There’s no humor in his tone. Just honesty.
“Thank you,” I whisper. “You look rather amazing yourself.”
I mean it. The black on black, with his neck tattoo on display and the…
My eyes move to that damn green pocket square.
“I’m passable,” he says. “You are way beyond that, Princess. And if you don’t want me to ruin this dress when we get home, you’re gonna need to?—”
A throat clears behind Luke.
“Daughter.” My dad’s voice cuts in.
Luke widens his eyes, and I press my lips together, my mouth starting to pull into a smile.
With his back still to my dad, Luke squeezes my fingers as he mouthsOh my god,and I have to try not to laugh at his expression.
“Hi, Dad.” I greet him brightly as I step around Luke.
Luke continues to hold my hand tightly as he turns to face my father.
“Hi, uh, hello, sir.” Luke stumbles over his words, making it even harder to keep my composure.
I know I shouldn’t find this funny. I don’t want Luke to feel uncomfortable around my dad. But… it is funny.
“Luke.” Dad dips his chin.
Neither man attempts to shake the other’s hand, but I let go of Luke’s so I can give my dad a hug.
