The minute I see Luke waiting by the curb of the practice center, my heart races. I can’t believe I’ve missed him this much. Though we talk every day, there’s something to be said about seeing him in person. I’m still a block away, because I’m stuck at a light, but it gives me a chance to get my fill of his sexiness.
He’s leaning against the building with one foot propped against the wall, looking into his phone. His inky black hair hangs forward and looks as if he’s run his hands through it a lot during practice. While watching their last game—yes, he’s made me a fan—I noticed when the game got intense, it’s one of his trademark moves.
He’s wearing dark jeans that cover his muscular thighs perfectly and a navy hoodie that fits like a glove over his muscular chest. Damn. This scene. Right here, might need to be in a future book… If only I could write.
Since he left a week ago, I’ve hardly gotten any words written in my latest book. I’m not sure what’s gotten into me. I never get writer’s block, or if I stumble, I’m usually able to write myself out of the block. Maybe it’s the stress of the movie deal. Maybe it’s the fact I miss him. I have no freaking clue. My mojo’s off, and I need it back, as soon as possible. My next book won’t write itself.
The light turns green, and I roll down the passenger window as I pull up to the curb beside him. “Hey, sexy, can I offer you a ride?” I suggestively waggle my eyebrows once I’ve gotten his attention.
“Not sure my girlfriend would approve.” He sighs. “She’s a sexy author with a vivid imagination. She might not approve of me getting in the car with a hot woman, such as yourself.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere, Luke Leighton. Get in, and let’s go meet your parents. I’m nervous enough as it is, I don’t want to keep them waiting.”
“If you insist. Though there are a thousand hotels we could stop at along the way. I’m just not sure I can wait to have my way with you until bedtime.”
“Tisk, tisk.” I shake my finger at him. “Your girlfriend won’t approve of such behavior,” I tease.
He reaches in to give me a welcoming kiss, but of course, I can’t help myself. I kiss him senseless. Well, at least until I hear a horn honk near us and someone shout, “Get a room!”
I pull back embarrassed. I’d lost track of our surroundings. I should know better, especially after the media fiasco.
But Luke’s grin is contagious. “God, I’ve missed you.”
His hand reaches for the base of my neck and pulls me close once more. This kiss is a lot more controlled but just as panty melting. When he ends the kiss, he pulls me in for a tight hug. God, this man smells delicious. His sexy scent invades my senses, and I just want to be alone with him.
Luke’s gravelly voice fills the car once we right ourselves. “We should probably get to my parents’ before I decide staying at the nearest hotel is the better option.”
“That does sound tempting,” I admit. But I know better. I turn on my blinker and merge into traffic. “Lead the way, Luke. Lead the way.”
Of course, we go to his parents’. His mother welcomes me with open arms, literally. From the moment she sees me in the driveway, she rushes out the door, arms spread wide, and pulls me into the tightest hug I’ve ever experienced. Thank God, Luke warned me, or I might not have been able to breathe. He told me the trick was to hug her just as fierce, and I’d survive.
“My, you’re even better looking in person, Danika,” she gushes, causing my face to heat and me to stammer on my words as I thank her. She asks about my flight and about Luke’s day with the team. She must’ve been one of his biggest fans growing up because the way she talks about football is like the way Sandra Bullock portrayed the mom in that movie The Blind Side. This woman keeps Luke on his toes and makes him justify his decisions, like nobody I’ve ever seen. And I think I fall for her, too, right in that moment.
Eventually, she states, “Let’s get you two inside. I have supper ready.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Leighton. I haven’t eaten since before I got on the plane this morning,” I admit as we walk through the door.
“Oh, none of that Mrs. Leighton business. I love my mother-in-law, but every time I hear that name, I look around for her. Please, darlin’, call me Mona.”
Walking into the kitchen, I’m blown away by the smell of a roast cooking. My mouth waters, and I can’t wait to try what she’s fixed.
“Mama, it smells great.” He pats his stomach like he’s just as eager to eat. Then he adds, “Thanks for making my favorite.”
“Like you’d ever have to ask.” She shakes her head and walks behind the kitchen island to the stove, where a giant roast with all the fixings are still in the roasting pan, waiting to be served.
An older version of Luke walks into the room, and Mona asks, “Ken, Honey? Are you ready to cut that roast for us?” Her Southern drawl is slight but still pronounced. Her friendly attitude puts me at ease, and my nerves begin to settle. Not having to meet anyone’s parents in years, I hadn’t realized how worried I was about meeting Luke’s until I feel my muscles relax.
“Ah, you must be the Danika?” Since his wife has already put him to work, he nods from the other side of the counter in my direction. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’ve heard great things.”
“Oh, gosh,” I stammer. “Don’t believe everything you hear.”
“I tend to wait and make my own judgements.” His eyebrow cocks, just like Luke’s when he’s teasing, and the family resemblance is even more predominant. Luke will age well, if he’s anything like his dad. And doesn’t that make the butterflies in my belly flop, but for an entirely new reason.
“Good to know.” I laugh in agreement and to cover the thoughts flying through my head.
“Any word on when Marie will get here?” Luke asks his parents. “She said she’s coming with Becca.”
“Well… let’s see…” Mona looks to her watch. “She said Conner has a big project at work due on Monday, I expect her and Becca to arrive anytime. I actually thought you were them when you pulled up. Oh…” she suddenly gasps, “with the two of them coming, the two of you will need to stay in your old room, if that’s okay with you, Danika.”
I glance nervously to Luke. What am I supposed to say? It feels like a red flashing sign shouts to the room, telling everyone our intentions if we sleep in the same room. Not that I’m complaining about spending the night with Luke, but should I really tell his mother this?
Thankfully, Luke responds before I have to. “Sounds great. I’ll just grab her things from the car and go wash up for supper. Want me to call Marie to see when we can expect her?”
“Good. That’ll give us a chance to get to know Danika better.” And as comfortable as I once was, I can’t control the fact that my heart skips a beat. Sure. His parents seem nice enough, welcoming even, but to be left on my own with them, does make me a little nervous.
Luke looks to me and silently asks if I’m okay with this arrangement. My heart pings, and my stomach flutters at the thought of him taking the time to make sure I’m all right. I nod that I’m fine and ask, “What can I do to help?”
“Oh, darlin,” Ken dismisses. “You’re only a guest for the first time in this house. I’d take advantage of it, if I were you. After that, you’ll be pitching in, just like the rest of us.”
Putting me back at ease in an instant, I can see where Luke gets his charm. His dark-blue eyes twinkle and wide smile are so much like Luke’s, it’s crazy. I take in a deep breath to focus my thoughts. Geesh. What has gotten into me? “Okay, if you insist. But I’m from a big family; I’m not used to just sitting around and being waited on.”
“Oh, don’t get too used to it,” Ken teases. “From the sounds of it, you’ll be back soon enough, then we’ll put you to work. Sit. Relax. Can I offer you a glass of wine?”
Feeling dehydrated from the flight, I suggest, “I’ll just take some water, thanks.”
Within seconds, Mona takes a glass from the cupboard and fills it with ice. “Is there anything else I can get you, honey?”
“I’m good, thanks.” I take a moment to look around the kitchen. It’s open and inviting. The color tones are yellow with splashes of red in the art and accents she has decorating her home.
“You mentioned you have a big family?” Mona prompts, and I need little invitation to tell her about my parents and brothers. I quickly fill her in, much like I did with Luke when we first met. Just as I’m telling her how Damien’s finishing his senior year at the University of Washington as a civil engineer, Luke returns, placing his hand at the small of my back as he stands beside me at the island that separates his parents and myself. I’m not sure how he does it, but that simple touch sends a tingle up my spine and calms me at the same time.
“Pops, you’d get a kick out of Damien. He’s a hard worker and has a good head on his shoulders.”
Ken nods in agreement, but I add, “Davis is the brains of the family, wanting to be a doctor and all.”
Luke nods. “True, but I think brains run in the family You have a tremendous way with words, Danika.”
Why is he bringing this up now? We’re not here to talk about me. “Oh, Luke,” I stammer awkwardly, not knowing what to say.
“Well, I’m hooked,” his mother adds to my surprise. “I picked up one of your books after your interview, to know what the hype is about, and I think I’m on book three or four of your first series. I absolutely love them.”
Holy shit. His mother’s read my books… and likes them. Don’t get me wrong, I’m proud of my work. But knowing she’s read the hot sex scenes, and can still look me straight in the eye, is something. Don’t even get me started on the fact she probably knows I’m likely fantasizing doing said things to her son… Fuck, is it hot in here? I push a lock of my hair out of my face as I gulp my water and nearly down the rest of my glass in an instant.
Finally, when I have my wits about me, I remember my manners. “Thank you. I’ve enjoyed writing them.”
“I absolutely love Rhonda and Cameron,” Mona boasts. “They cracked me up with their constant bickering. I love enemies to lovers stories.”
“Their fights were spectacular,” Luke interjects.
“Am I the only one in the room that hasn’t read your books, Danika? If so, then I need to change that. I don’t like to be left out of the loop.”
Oh, God. Please, no. I want to be able to look him in the eye and not know he’s read my books. I never prepared myself for this. I wouldn’t want my dad reading my books, and I certainly don’t want Ken to read them.
Thank God, Mona interjects, “Since you typically stick to non-fiction, these might not be up your alley, Ken.”
“What’s not up his alley?” a woman who resembles Mona asks as she enters the room with a tall, blond woman right on her heels. There’s no doubt who Marie is, that’s for sure. Luke’s family has predominant genes. Every single one of them is gorgeous and confident in their own skin.
“Oof,” Mona quickly dismisses the thought. “Your father says he might start reading romance novels. As much as I love them, I really don’t think he’d appreciate them the way we do.”
“I don’t know,” Luke interjects. “I’ve enjoyed them. But then again, I have a thing for the author.” He pulls me close from the side and grazes a kiss on the top of my head. “Marie, Becca, this is Danika. AKA – Charlotte Ann. But we’ll keep that part between us.”
“Nice to meet you.” Marie holds out her hand to shake mine. “I’ve been dying to meet the woman who’s captured Luke’s attention. Huh… I can’t say I’ve ever said that before. Until you, his life’s been rather private.”
Uh… how do I take that? He’s certainly more famous than me. Sure. I’m known in my author world, but until meeting Luke, no one recognizes me outside of the book world. Now I get recognized at grocery stores… never planned on that happening.
Thankfully, I don’t have to say anything because Luke says it for me, “Well, Marie… I’ve never had anyone worth going public for. Not that either of us planned the shitstorm with the media. That took on a life of its own.” He laughs lightly then adds, “I had no idea helping Dani would get so much attention.”
“It wasn’t that bad, Luke.” Marie sighs. “Though, I never thought your abs would go viral… Your face maybe… but having my friends going gaga over my brother’s sex appeal? That’s just weird.” Marie makes a face as if she’s sucked on something sour, and I school my features to not show my reaction. I’d probably feel the same, if one of my brothers had that happen to them, but damn, she’s hilarious. It’s evident she loves her brother, but she can give him a run for his money, that’s for sure.
“Gee, thanks.” Luke rolls his eyes dramatically then deadpans, “When do you leave, again?”
“Oh, hush.” Marie bats the air between them. “You know you love me.”
“That doesn’t mean I have to like you,” flies off Luke’s tongue before anyone bats an eye.
I cover my mouth in my best attempt to stifle a laugh, but when Ken grumbles, “Children… company,” I lose it.
Through laughter, I manage, “Don’t stop on my account.”
“Or mine.” Becca giggles. “This is getting good.”
“Becca,” Luke growls. “Don’t encourage her.”
Becca’s eyes roll as she shakes her head. “Luke, I’ve known you all for years. When has anyone been able to stop Marie?”
“True.” Luke shrugs. “She’s a force to be reckoned with, especially when she gets on a roll.”
Becca places a finger on her chin as if she’s contemplating her response. “True.” She nods in agreement. “It’s like raking leaves in a hurricane. You might as well let her say her peace, because there’ll be no stopping her.”
“Uh… I’m standing right here,” Marie interjects, hands pressed to her hips defensively.
Mona steps between them with a plate filled with roast. “That’s enough, you two. Let’s eat supper and call it a truce.” When she places the food on the table, she turns to Luke. “Luke, baby. I love you more than chocolate, but please stop showing the goods for the world to see. The girls at my book club were having a heyday. I had to walk out with my ears plugged because some things are just plain wrong for a mother to hear.”
“Christ,” Luke grumbles as his face reddens. “I so didn’t need to know that.”
Humble Luke’s adorable. We walk to the table, and I reach out to squeeze his hand for support. Then I whisper so only he can hear, “I don’t mind seeing the goods.”
He bends down to brush a kiss to my cheek as he pulls out a chair for me. Then whispers, “Promises, promises.”
My heartrate spikes as my cheeks heat. Maybe I should have taken him up on the offer of staying in a hotel?