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Luke takes a step closer to me and slides a hand around my bare waist as he leans down to speak into my ear. “It’s alright, sweetheart. I like doing things for you.”
I turn my face to hide my blush and catch eyes with Devon, who’s analyzing us. “Well, thanks,” I stutter out awkwardly to Luke before reaching for a box in the truck bed.
The heat makes the task of unloading the truck twice as daunting, but between the four of us, it goes decently fast. Luke takes the lead, and much to my surprise, Devon lets him. After his truck is unloaded, he hangs around to help get everything placed, genuinely happy to help.
“Luke, you saved me today,” Devon says to him as we’re heading to our cars. “Truly, thank you.”
“No point in having a truck if I’m not willing to use it,” he says.
“Are you free tomorrow night?” Bea asks, shooting me a conspiratorial grin. “We’re having a grand opening party. You should come.”
My eyes grow wide, but I try to hide the surprise on my face. It’s the right thing to do, inviting him.Didn’t we just decide he’s my friend? Why am I so nervous? I see him every damn day.
Luke slides his hands into his front pockets, and his familiar cocky half smile appears across his face. “I’d love to come.”
Chapter 21
Luke
“Same as most things, kid. Don’t rush. This works better if you take it slow.”-Grandad Ernie to twelve-year-old Luke after he cut himself while learning to shave.
Hector and Brian find me the moment I walk in the door of Devon’s party, Hector wrapping me in an unexpected, but appreciated, hug before I have a chance to look for Allie.
“Well, doesn’t Mr. Motorcycle clean up nice?” Hector says half to me half to Brian, who nods in agreement behind him.
“Is that my nickname?”
“No, I just tried it out for the first time and I don’t like it. It’s officially retired. You deserve better,” Hector says, making all three of us laugh. “I’ll come up with something in time. Or not. Luke suits you. Anyway, I’m thrilled the girls invited you.”
“It’s good to see you outside of Station 19,” Brian adds.
“Love the name of your shop, by the way. Don’t think I ever told you,” Hector adds. “Voyeur Motors. Very sexy.”
Brian moves past Hector’s comment. “I’m sorry I haven’tpicked up my dad’s motorcycle yet. I’m afraid it’ll just go back into the garage for another thirty years.”
“It’s a gorgeous machine. I don’t mind keeping it around,” I say, scanning the room behind him for a chestnut ponytail. “I could help you sell it if that’s what you decide you want to do. It’s worth quite a bit.”
“Oof,” Brian says, putting a hand to his chest, “It’s probably the best idea, but it hurts to consider.”
“You don’t have to part with it. There’re motorcycle shows you could submit it to.”
Hector interjects, waving a hand between our faces. “This is a party. Let me show you the bar.” He squeezes my shoulder once before leading the way across the room.
Following Hector through the packed crowd, we pass a couple of people I recognize fromTurbine, but still no Allie.She must be here somewhere.
“The line for the bartender is right here,” Hector says. “We’ll see you in a bit.” Brian taps my shoulder and points to the far corner of the room before he and Hector walk away in the opposite direction. Following the line of where he pointed, I finally lock eyes on Allie.
Her body is turned, showcasing her profile. Chestnut hair styled in loose curls falls around her face. No ponytail tonight. She throws her head back in a laugh that I can hear all the way across the room, hair sliding away to reveal bare shoulders. The crowd between us blocks my view of what must be a strapless dress.
“Sir?” The bartender’s voice grabs my attention. “What would you like?” His tone implies this isn’t the first time he’s asked me this. After apologizing, I order both of the event’s specialty cocktails. Drinks in hand, I find an empty space against the wall with a view of Allie talking with some people I don’tknow, her laughter repeatedly echoing throughout the room.
She looks over her shoulder toward the door, trying to be discreet, but obviously waiting for someone to arrive, which I take as my cue.
Once I’ve cut through the crowd, the full sight of her from head to toe nearly steals my breath. Her strapless pink dress has a straight neckline that sits low on her chest. The bottom of the dress lands just above her knees, which would make it seem modest if it weren’t for the slit that runs up the front of one leg. It’s much tighter than her usual clothes and shows off every one of the lush curves that I’m dying to run my hands over.
Steep, tan high heeled shoes lengthen her exposed legs, and a gold necklace lands in the divot between her collarbones. Most days, Allie strikes an adorable balance between casual and put together. Tonight, she’s all sex and power.
She looks over her shoulder, checking the door again, and I step closer, so I’m standing beside her when she turns back.
