Page 42 of Sweet Deception

A knock sounds at my door as I’m zipping my overnight bag. Taking one last look around my room to make sure I have everything, I pull the strap of the bag over my shoulder and grab my purse and keys before rushing to the front door.

When I swing the door open, my breath catches at the sight of Luca. It’s not like I’ve forgotten he’s handsome, but it’s like my mind forgets he’s on a whole other level of handsome when I see him again.

His hands are in his pockets and he’s sweeping his gaze over me. I take advantage and do the same. He’s wearing a black suit today with a black dress shirt underneath and no tie. He has a hint of a five o’clock shadow, making me wonder if I will end up with a beard rash by morning.

His lips tip up as if he knows what I’m thinking, and it causes heat to climb my cheeks. Trying to ignore the reaction he causes, I pretend this isn’t going to be anything more than just another date.

“Hi.” Tucking my hair behind my ear, I lift my mouth in a shy smile.

“Hi.” He plucks the strap off my shoulder and takes the bag from me before wrapping his free hand around my back to pull me close. When I lift my eyes to his, he leans in and touches his lips to mine. He doesn’t pull back right away, but he also doesn’t deepen the kiss. It's a tender kiss that makes me want more.

Every time I’m around Luca, he throws me off kilter. I never would have expected such a sweet kiss from him. Every time I see him, the drive to get to know him better kicks in. He’s a puzzle I don’t know how to put together, but desperately want to. As I search his eyes, trying to figure him out, he tilts his head, staring right back as if he’s doing the same.

His phone pings with a text, breaking the spell, but he ignores it. “You ready?” He asks, letting me go and stepping back into the hall.

“Yeah.” I follow him out and lock the door.

“I guess we’ll see.” He smirks, taking my hand to lead me outside.

Yes. Yes, we will.

Chapter eighteen

Kylie

Iadmire the three story brownstone situated in Lincoln Park as we pull up to the black gate. The house's traditional trim is painted a beautiful black, giving it a modern look against the Chicago brick.

“Pretty. What floor do you live on?”

I'm admiring the ornate historical details of the front porch when a chuckle has me pulling my eyes away and turning to face Luca.

”All the floors, Angel. It’s a single family home.” He smiles, amused.

“Oh,” is my brilliant reply.

Thankfully, he exits the car before witnessing the red spreading across my cheeks. I want to smack my forehead for assuming he rented. If the man can afford to have a sugar baby, he can afford his own house in this part of the city.

As I follow Luca to the front door, I look over at the garage.

“Why didn't you park in the garage?”

“It's full right now.”

“Oh.” I don’t know why it’s just now hitting me how wealthy Luca must be. Or why I’m suddenly insecure about it all. It should have sunk in with the contract and the new things he bought me earlier today.

I check out the surrounding homes, which are just as luxurious, and the well-maintained park located across the street.

It’s not where I pictured Luca living. I envisioned him in a modern condo located downtown with all the fancy amenities a bachelor would want. Not that a condo downtown would be cheap, but these luxury homes in this neighborhood are on a whole other level of wealthy.

I wonder again what Luca does for a living. Is he only in real estate? I’ve only ever heard the mention of the hotel acquisition from dinner last night.

"How'd your talk with your parents go?" Luca puts his hand on my back, guiding me through the front door.

I'm so busy taking in the beauty of his home that I'm distracted when I answer. "Oh, you know … I only told them I just started seeing someone and there's not much to tell yet."

A beautiful painted black pier mirror sits at the entrance and I can't resist running my fingers over the fine details when I'm whipped around and maneuvered until my back hits the wall beside it. Luca steps into my space and my breath hitches at the promise in his eyes. He leans his body into mine, his forearms lying against the wall beside my head.

"Why does it feel like it's been months trying to get you alone when it's only been a couple of days?" He glides his nose over mine, moving languidly down my cheek and to my throat, where he buries his face.

---