Page 61 of Searching for Love

ChapterTwenty

Why had he agreed to host a party the night before a big job?

Lucas stood behind the DJ table watching Avery and almost a dozen of her girlfriends dance around the patio, bumping to the music as if they were in a Las Vegas nightclub instead of his newly redesigned patio area. The string lights overhead and the disco ball and strobe lights that Avery had set up made the small space seem like a nightclub.

She’d hired one of her friends to DJ the event and had even set up the karaoke machine. He and his kitchen staff had made small appetizers and specialty drinks for the event.

Avery had been able to get his liquor license pushed through thanks to her contacts at the city building, so his new bartender, Yolanda, was working overtime to keep up with the group of women.

At one point, Avery tried to pull him out onto the dance floor, but instead, he pulled her back into the hallway and kissed her until they were both breathless.

When she tried to get him to dance with her after, he’d pointed out that it wouldn’t be fair to the other ladies, since he’d be the only man on the floor.

She laughed and just then Hannah had rushed in and pulled her back outside before he could change his mind and convince her to skip the party and head upstairs instead.

An hour after they’d arrived, Wyatt and the entire bachelor party joined the group. He didn’t know if they’d just stumbled upon the party or if someone had invited them. Either way, he was thankful since it gave him and his staff the opportunity for a dry run the following evening.

This time when Avery tried to pull him out for a dance, he willingly went since the floor was filled with other couples.

“Thank you,” Avery whispered.

“For?” he asked, holding her closer and enjoying the way her body fit next to his.

The little strapless dress she’d worn that evening clung to her and he was thankful he’d gotten plenty of opportunities to watch her move in it. He wanted her and knew that, after everyone left, they’d head upstairs and he’d get to enjoy her once more.

“Everything.” She glanced up at him with a grin.

He chuckled. “Enjoying yourself?”

She nodded and then glanced over at Hannah and her brother. “They’re happy,” she said with a sigh.

He nodded. “You throw a wonderful party.”

She shook her head. “If not for you, I’d be having this party at a pizzeria.” She laughed. “This is so much more amazing. Everyone in town will want to rent this space out for summer dance parties. We’ll have to come up with other plans during the winter.”

He nodded. “I was thinking about gutting the upstairs and making it more space for the restaurant.”

“That is an amazing idea.” He chuckled and caught her from tumbling over. “Thank you for tonight,” she said again and rested her head on his shoulder.

“Any time.” He held her until the song ended.

Less than an hour later, everyone shuffled into cars and headed home. He was thankful there were a few designated drivers in the mix to ensure that everyone got home safely.

Leaving Rico and his other staff members to clean and lock up downstairs, he helped Avery up to their apartment.

“I like staying here,” she said as she slipped off her shoes. “I’m going to miss it when your mom and Sophia move into their new place.”

“If the paperwork goes through, I won’t be staying here much longer. My closing is set for a month from now,” he pointed out. “You could always just stay here with me?” He held his breath.

She tilted her head and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Lucas Jenkins, are you asking me to move in with you?”

He laughed and, with great fanfare, he knelt at her feet and took her hands into his. “Avery Auston, will you officially move in with me?”

She laughed and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “Yes,” she said before kissing him.

“Avery,” he said softly against her skin. “Since the moment calls for it, I’ll tell you.” He pulled back and looked into her eyes. “I think I’ve fallen in love with you.”