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Luke
Ifinishrollingupmy sleeves and grip the sink as I stare at my reflection. I’ll be picking Liv up for our date in a few minutes. There’s so much riding on this. I’m even more nervous than on our first date. By some miracle, she’s open to starting again. The kiss we shared on her porch the other night was nothing short of magical. It was like I was sailing an open sea with no headwind, and suddenly the sky opened and I’m back on course.
We’ve spent the past few days flirting non-stop. It’s been a sweet torture, but I’m not about to ruin everything by jumping in too fast. I can feel the need in her more than ever before, plus the dreams I keep having about her have intensified tenfold. I’ve woken up to a mess in my shorts the past two days. When I touch her in real life again, I might combust.
“You’ll be fine. Just don’t spend the entire time apologizing. This is about putting everything behind you and moving forward. Together,” Mark says from the doorway.
I meet his gaze in the mirror. “I hoped I’d get this chance, but I never dreamed it would happen. What if I fuck it up again?”
“You won’t. The hard part is over. Now you just need to reconnect.”
I sigh and move into the room we share. We both dwarf the twin beds, but it’s only temporary. Soon, I’ll take Liv home and we can focus on eliminating the threat so I can give her the life she deserves.
Mark adjusts his collar in the mirror, then follows me out of the room. We walk in silence down the path to Henry’s house. Even though they’ve made it clear I never need to knock, I ring the doorbell anyway.
As predicted, her dad opens the door and meets me on the porch. He scowls and crosses his arms. “What are your intentions with my daughter?” he says, and I bite back my smile.
“I’m going to marry her someday. If she’ll have me.”
He drops his arms and grins. “Right answer.”
“Dad! Whatever you’re doing, stop!” Liv yells as she thuds down the stairs in a hurry.
He chuckles and steps aside to reveal a vision I’ll never forget. Liv’s gorgeous red hair is curled and hangs over her bare shoulders. She wears a black, strapless dress that hugs her curves and falls just below her knees. I grip my heart before I can stop myself and the blush I love so much creeps up her slender neck.
I hold my palm out and she takes it. Her eyes twinkle as I kiss her knuckles.
I offer my hand to her dad and we shake. “I’ll have her home by midnight.”
“Good man,” he says, knowing full well that it won’t happen. He winks and waves.
Liv rolls her eyes and kisses her dad on the cheek. She hugs her mom, who came out with her. I was too busy watching a goddess step onto the porch to notice.
With my hand on her lower back, I guide Liv to the SUV. I reach around her to open the passenger door and lean next to her ear so only she can hear me. “You’re stunning, Liv.”
Her lip curves up in a soft smile. I move her hair to the side so I can see her heated skin. I press my lips to the sensitive spot behind her ear and she shivers. Her citrus scent invades my senses, and I inhale as thousands of happy memories flash through my mind. I take a step back so I can open her door and compose myself.
She climbs up with my help, being careful in her sexy heels that I intend to have on my shoulders later tonight. I walk around the front of the SUV and adjust the bulge in my pants before I climb into the driver’s seat. Mark and Dylan hop into the other SUV and follow us. Liv doesn’t even question it and it makes me smile.
We drive in silence for a few minutes. “So where are we going?” she asks, and I reach over and take her hand.
“It’s a surprise. You’ll love it, I promise.” I kiss her knuckles, unable to stop myself. Goosebumps form on her arm and grin.
“So, what have you been up to? How’s Emilia?” she asks, taking her hand back so I can make the turn up ahead.
“She’s good. She just celebrated her anniversary with Xander. I’ve been staying away from LA. Mark and Dylan think it’s safer. Fox has been with me whenever he’s not helping Dylan with the tech stuff. So, I’m sure he’s enjoying the time away from me.”
“You guys must be close.”
I nod. “Yea, he’s a good guy. Super smart and capable. I trust him with you, too. When we go back home, I’ll assign him to you so Garrett can have some vacation time.”
She twists her lips to the side, and I curse myself. “Sorry, that was presumptuous. If that’s what you decide. It’s an option.”
She smiles but doesn’t comment. “How’s Jeremy? Is he still around?”
“He’s dating Jackie.”
“Front desk Jackie?”
