Page 37 of Cupid Loves Curves

“Whatever it takes, Luke. We’ll face it together.” Her thumbs stroke soothing circles over my knuckles and help calm the chaos inside me.

“Being with you tonight—it feels right, Jessica. Like coming home.”

“Good,” she whispers, leaning in so close our foreheads almost touch. “Because that’s exactly where you are, Luke. Home.”

Heavy desire builds in me. I want nothing more than to close the space between us—to taste the promise on her lips. But I hold back – she has to know this is more than physical.

Jessica gives me a look filled with tenderness and affection, and my impulse takes over. I lean across the table, capturing her lips with mine in a kiss that tells her exactly how I feel.

The kiss breaks, and the moment hangs between us, charged with a new electricity. Jessica’s breath comes in soft pants that fan across my cheek, sending a shiver through me that has nothing to do with the night air outside the coffee shop.

“Jess,” I start, voice hoarse with an emotion I can barely name, “Mack’s wedding is coming up...” My words trail off as I search her blue eyes, looking for a sign of where we stand.

“Y-yes?” She tilts her head slightly, a lock of her black hair falling across her face.

I reach out and tuck it gently behind her ear, the need to touch her an overwhelming force inside me. “Would you... I know you’re probably going already, but…would you be my date?” Thequestion feels monumental, like I’m asking for more than just her presence at a wedding—I’m asking for a shot at something real.

Her lips part in surprise, her eyes widening before they soften with warmth. “Luke, I’d love to.”

“Really?” A stupid grin stretches across my face, and I feel lighter than I have in years.

“Really.” Jessica laughs, a sound that lights up the entire room—even this late-night corner of the world seems brighter with her in it.

“Good, because...” I reach for her hand, and she meets me halfway, her fingers intertwining with mine. “Because having you there with me would mean the world.”

“Would it?” There’s that playful challenge again, but this time, it’s laced with something sweeter—a promise, maybe, or a hope.

“It would be better than perfect. You’ll see.” I stand, pulling her gently to her feet. We’re close now, closer than before, and the space between us is charged with anticipation.

I’m never letting her go.

CHAPTER 9

JESSICA

Jessica!” I pivot on my heel to see Ruby waving from across the room, her red dress a vibrant flame among the pastels. She beams, and when our gazes lock, she raises an eyebrow in question.

I blush and grin in response. “Look at you!” I call excitedly as I walk to her. “You look stunning!”

“Girl, I could say the same about you!” Ruby’s laughter rings out as she pulls me into a hug, making my heart burst with love for her. She leans back, eyes scanning over my shoulder. “He can’t take his eyes off you, Jessica.”

“Who?” I feign ignorance, though my pulse races, knowing exactly who she’s referring to.

“Come on, don’t play dumb.” Ruby nudges me with her elbow. “Luke. He’s smoldering, Jessica. I want a man who looks at me like that. Are you happy?”

Tears threaten to fill my eyes and ruin my makeup. “So happy, Ruby. Truly. We talked, and I think it’s going to work, that wehave a real chance together. There are things to work through, but we’ll do it together.”

Ruby wraps her arms around me and hugs me again. “I’m thrilled for you! You deserve every happiness. It’ll be your wedding I’m dressing up for next!”

“Stop it,” I chide, heat flooding my cheeks while a thrill courses through me. I still can’t get over that things are working out with Luke. Being with him has reminded me why it never worked with anyone else – I’d already met my perfect match, but our timing wasn’t perfect.

My gaze dances across the room, hungry for a glimpse of Luke. Our eyes meet, and the world tilts slightly. I watch him as he stalks toward me, and I know in my heart that I’m making the right choice. No one has ever, or could ever, make me feel as right as Luke.

“Jessica,” his deep voice rolls over me, making happiness and desire tingle over my skin. “Have I mentioned that you look breathtaking?”

“You have, but I don’t mind hearing you say it again,” I smile up at him, standing on my tip-toes to kiss him lightly. He’s mine, and I want everyone to know it.

“Jessica,” his voice is a whisper, a plea wrapped in a single syllable.

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