Page 14 of Under His Guard

Luke’s hair is slightly damp, his blond locks ruffled, and he’s wearing a tee and sweatpants.

“I usually say Mr. fucking Shaw, but okay.”

A strangled laugh escapes me, and I have to blink several times to refocus.

“Hi. Hello.” I raise my brows, utterly failing to seem casual. “Um, so how’s the injury?”

You. Are. A. Moron.

Luke grins, and my knees actually wobble a little.

It should be a crime how damn dazzling he is. How it’s even possible is beyond me.

He’s got to be from some other planet, one populated with sex gods. No human is this good-looking.

“It’s still torn, how ’bout that? Life’s a bitch, huh.” He steps back, holding the door open for me. “Come on in, Clara.”

The way my name leaves his lips makes my skin tingle, and I swallow hard as I step past him and inside the apartment.

Which is apparently the entire floor. A penthouse. Naturally.

Opening wide and stretching both left and right, the living room of Luke’s place is massive.

There are deep slate floors in subtle crisscrossing patterns and a floor-to-ceiling window directly across from the door.

It rained all through the night and most of the day, and the water-darkened patio outside the window still has a few drops clinging to it.

There’s also a small bar tucked into the corner by that sliding door, and to the other side is a section of wall with a built-in fireplace.

It’s the only thing separating the open living room from the hall that must go to Luke’s bedroom and bathroom.

“Wow. This place is…”

My words drift off again as I’m distracted by the incredible view. Luke’s furniture is all low to allow as much of the window visible as possible.

The modern gray sectional is bare aside from a lighter gray throw blanket, and a solid black circular coffee table sits before it.

“Eh, it’s all right.”

I snap my attention back to Luke, who stands there smirking. I blink through a head shake and let out a light chuckle.

“You must be doing quite well for yourself, Mr. Shaw, if you live in a place like this.”

He steps forward, following me into the center of the living area. His steps don’t stop until he’s right next to me, and my pulse skyrockets.

“I do okay, owning my own firm and all. And—” his fingers suddenly touch my shoulder as he takes my bag strap and starts guiding it down my arm “—it’s still Luke.”

My mouth dries, and I can feel heat gathering in my cheeks.

Then Luke steps back, setting my bag on the floor by the couch, and I let out a shallow breath when I finally feel like I have room to breathe.

Focus, dammit. You’re only here to treat his injury.

I clear my throat.

“That’s right. You’re a CEO. Well—” I gesture to the couch for Luke to sit “—think I can take a look? I want to see how it’s doing.”

“Sure thing, doc.”

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