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Lucas growled and mock punched his brother in the arm. Of course, they were both athletic and had iron biceps, so it wasn’t as if he could really hurt his darling big brother. Zack was only one year older than Lucas but he looked up to him. They always looked out for each other. Of all the brothers, they loved each other and fought for each other but Zack and Lucas seemed to hang out the most. Their interests were more similar than the other siblings.
***
Later, Lucas pulled up to the offices on Front Street for Dream Weddings, Inc. He had already called ahead of time to speak with security about having access to the private back entrance in case any reporters were lurking about. That way, they wouldn’t see which office he would be going to. Luckily security and he were tight and it wasn’t the first time they’d done favors for his family. Lucas had to always think two steps ahead. That was the blessing, or the curse, of being a Romero.
When he got to the loft offices at Dream Weddings, Inc., Lucas was shocked to see a detective there. “Is everything okay here, officer?” Lucas’s deep voice commanded authority.
Maxine felt as if her limbs were going to give way. Heat rushed through her body. Lucas Romero?
Oh, my God! What is he doing here?
Why was she always captivated by this…sexy Adonis? Oh, no. Not Lucas too-hot-for-his-own-good Romero. Anyone but him.
“Yes, everything is fine, sir,” the officer said to Lucas. “Just a routine report.”
“Oh, good,” Lucas’s voice was edgy and curt as he responded to the officer.
The detective nodded and left. It was evident that somehow the officer knew who Lucas was. There seemed to be that air of respect there. The Romero family was well-known in the city. They were a prominent family for a reason.
Maxine was stumped. She still couldn’t get her head around this.
Lucas Romero?
She knew Toni Romero had said he was going to assist her in helping her secure new software for her company but she had no idea Lucas Romero would be the man in charge. Why hadn’t Toni warned her?
Her mind was mush all of a sudden.
She couldn’t think. She was in a daze. Giddy like a school girl with a massive crush on the captain of the football team.
Maxine stood in the reception area of her office when she caught sight of his tall, lean frame and his broad shoulders accentuated by the expensive looking dark blue suit he was wearing. It looked like an Italian designer cut from what she had studied in that workshop on selecting the best tailored suits for grooms. His dark cropped hair and sexy stubble caught her off guard. The man had a sexually-charged rugged bad boy appeal, that was for sure.
“Hi. Are you okay?” Lucas’s deep, rich voice caused a surprising reaction in Maxine. She was in a momentary trance from the moment he said “hi.” His dark, rich caramel eyes melted her inside like warm butter in a pan. Oh, his eyes were so sexy.
Oh, no. I can’t be around this guy. Not now.
“I’m fine, thank you,” she replied a little more breathless than she intended. Her heart rate must have been climbing by the second. “I’m surprised to see you. Did you have an appointment?” Maxine tried to compose her voice and quiet the internal trembling.
Maxine, he’s just a guy. Just an ordinary guy.
Yeah, one who’s headlining every tabloid in town right now. And he’s here. In my office.
“Well, I’m here by special request. But what was that all about with the police?”
“Oh, I just…it’s nothing. Just some prank notes.”
“Prank notes?” His voice grew dark. Lucas seemed very much concerned. Angered even. Was he that worked up over something that happened to her?
“Um…I’ll go to Starbucks to get some coffee,” Betty interrupted, sounding uncomfortable as she eased out of her chair in the reception area. Maxine almost forgot Betty was present.
“Sure. That would be great, Betty. Lucas, can we get you anything?”
“I’m good. I just want to know if you’re going to be alright.” Lucas's voice was baritone low and edged with steel. His jaw was clenched. He was fired up all right.
She would be fired up too, but his aura and the scent of his cologne was irresistible to her and lulled her senses. Oh, heavens.
