Page 30 of Sweet Deception

"You're killing me." Bringing his eyes back to my lips, he tugs it from my teeth before focusing back on my eyes. "Stop worrying. We signed an NDA clause for a reason. Anywhere we go, I'm introducing you as my date. You're concerned thechief will talk to your dad, correct?" He waits for my nod. "Do you have an issue with your parents knowing we're dating?"

I lower my eyes to my hands lying on his chest and pick at his shirt.

"It's just … my parents are old-fashioned. You're affectionate—which I love—but they'll view it as us moving too fast. Plus, you're older—not by much, but enough that my dad may not approve. He's going to think I'm too young for you." I gauge his reaction before continuing, "My plan was to keep my parents from knowing about us for a little while for that reason. I also don't want to put any stress on him right now and if we're only going to be together for six months," I shrug. "There's no reason to bring you to my parents' attention."

Then I realize he may not know about my dad's cancer.

"Did Rafael's report tell you about my dad's condition?"

"He did," Luca says softly. "My goal is not to give him any undue stress either, but I also don't want to be a secret. It's understandable why you would initially think to keep this from your parents, but I have no issues with meeting them if the occasion arises." Luca's hold on me loosens. "However, I can lay off some of the PDA in front of our guests, but I'm not slowing things down. I'm not unreasonable, Angel. I want you to be comfortable." With that said, he steps back, dropping his arms from around me.

Why is there a pang in my chest at the loss?

"I'll try to act appropriately." He smirks. Discussion over, he laces his fingers with mine and leads us into the restaurant.

Luca had successfully calmed my nerves until my eyes skate past the hostess and connect with Chief Canton's.

Well, damn.

I plaster a smile on my face before turning my attention back to the hostess just in time to witness her laying a hand on Luca's arm—which he dislodges. He's so smooth about it. I'm not sure she even recognized it for what it was.

A warm sensation spreads across my chest, knowing most men would eat up that kind of attention. I like that he respected my presence. So far, this has not been the experience I was expecting when signing with Sweet Connections.

Luca pulls me forward to where Chief Canton and Mayor Daniels stand as we approach the table.

"Gentleman," Luca greets. Both swing their eyes from me to Luca. He shakes each of their hands, but it's obvious the men are surprised by my presence. "Let me introduce you to my date, but I believe you already know who she is. Kylie, this is Chief Canton."

I gather my courage and extend my hand to shake Chief Canton's hand. "Hi Chief. How are you?"

"Good. Good. Surprised to see you here. How's your father?" He side-eyes Luca with suspicion. Clearly, we caught him off guard, showing here together.

"He's much better now that he's in remission. Thank you for asking."

I turn to Mayor Daniels and Luca introduces us next. "Mayor Daniels. Kylie Davis."

Mayor Daniels is grinning from ear to ear as he shakes my hand. I've met him before, but I didn't expect him to remember me.

"Kylie, it's so good to see you again. You're beautiful, just like your mother." He brings his other hand around to cover mine in both of his as he gushes.

While it sounds like a compliment, it felt slimy. I always thought he gave my mom too much attention, but that was nothing new for her. Now that he's directing it at me, I don't like it. I wonder if this is how it makes my mom feel.

Luca tugs my hand from Mayor Daniels and narrows his eyes at him. The mayor's eyes widen before he looks down and clears his throat, tugging on his tie. I pull my lips between my teeth, trying not to laugh.

"Have a seat. We've ordered some appetizers already and they should be here soon," Chief Canton says, trying to disburse the tension.

To my relief, Luca maneuvers me to sit in front of the chief and does as he said he would—keeping the PDA to a minimum. He's still an attentive date. He pulls my chair out for me. When the food arrives, he takes my napkin and spreads it over my lap. He places the appetizers on my plate before putting any on his own. When I request the only wine I know anything about, he takes the bottle from the server and pours my drink for me.

I've never had a man pay so much attention to me, even as he discussed business with our dinner guests. At one point, he placed his hand on my thigh as he spoke, but I don't think he realized he did it and by then, I didn't mind having the touch despite the chief catching the action.

As we finished our meal and discussed the future of the charity gala, Chief Canton chose that moment to turn the conversation to Luca and myself. I knew it was coming, but I can't say I'm prepared.

"So, how did you two meet? Your father didn't mention you're dating anyone, Kylie."

Patting my mouth with my napkin, I take a moment before responding. "I'm not surprised. I don't think dad would talk about my dates, chief. He's been busy focusing on his health."

Chief Canton flushes at my slight reprimand. Good. He needs to know I won't be a pushover.

Luca's chuckle pulls our eyes to him. He has his elbow on the table with his cheek resting on his fist. His eyes sparkle with humor. With his free hand, he tucks my hair behind my ear before moving his attention back to the chief. "Kylie and I are new, so I have not met her parents yet, but it will happen soon." He winks at me, causing me to flush. He grins before turning back to the chief. "How's Mrs. Canton? I know she likes to help plan the charity gala and I'm hoping she'll like the new location. Once the construction is complete, I'll be glad to show her around the space."

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