Page 41 of Cupid Loves Curves

“Where is this dog?” I ask, shooting Ruby a glance. Clearly, Luke has already fallen in love with a dog, even though he was so sure he wouldn’t.

We follow Luke through the exhibition hall and I can’t help but check out Luke’s ass as we walk behind him.I can’t wait for us to get home, so I can rip off his jeans.

“This is Rufus,” Luke says, standing in front of an oversize kennel.

“Holy cow!” I exclaim as I see what is certainly the largest puppy I’ve ever seen in my life. Rufus jumps and barks in a friendly way, full of energy and life.This is exactly the kind of dog we need.

“He’s a bloodhound. He’s healthy, but needs obedience training, which Claudia has offered to help with.”

I look at Luke and smile. He’s so genuinely happy right now, that I know I could never say no to him when he’s like this. I also know enough about bloodhounds that it will be a good dog to have around if anything goes wrong at one of the safe houses he and Waylon have told me about. It’s rare they have problems, and one of Jake’s buddies over at Ghost Security has helped Waylon with setting up top-level security, but it’s always good to have a not-tech option.

“He looks like a perfect dog, sweetheart,” I say, walking up to Luke and standing on my toes so I can kiss him. “I have no objections.”

“Have I told you you’re the best?” Luke wraps his arms around me and lifts me off the ground, making me giggle.

“I love you, too,” I whisper in his ear. “Go talk to Claudia about whatever you have to do to make Rufus ours.”

Luke kisses me again, then heads over to where Claudia is standing with Glen.

Never did I imagine I’d ever be this happy, but I’m so thankful that neither of us bailed on Valentine’s Day, when we were unexpectedly matched by the matchmaker. It would have beenso easy to take off and try to forget each other, but the matchmaker knew we needed a second chance. How she knew that, we have no idea. As a bonus, she still awarded us the cash prize, which we’ve been using to fix up Luke’s cabin, especially since I’ve been spending so much time there. I practically live there as it is, and we’re just waiting for my apartment lease to run out before I officially move in.

“How’s your new kitchen coming along?” Ruby asks, as if she knew I was thinking about our home.

“Almost done,” I say with a sigh. It’s been a long process getting it just the way we wanted it to be. The prize money from the matchmaking contest has allowed us to build a dream kitchen. “We’re just waiting for the electrical guy from Swinton Construction to come and check a few things, then we’ll be good to go.”

“You know you’re welcome for dinner any time, Ruby,” I say. “We’ve been going to other cooking classes, and we need guests to eat everything!”

Going to cooking classes regularly is now one of ‘our’ things that we like to do for date nights. We love working together, and we’re learning how to make incredible dishes.

“You can count on it,” Ruby smiles.

“You’re welcome to bring a date, too…” I tease.

“Don’t you dare do a set-up at one of these dinners,” Ruby warns, though she laughs. “I’m plenty happy being single right now.”

Ever since we got together, all I can think about is the pure bliss that comes from being in love. The guys Luke works with all rolltheir eyes, because he’s been telling them that there’s nothing better in life than sharing everything with a woman who loves you. Luke and I think that Reggie will be the next man to give up the single life. He goes into King Tap pretty much every chance he gets, even to get a cup of their terrible coffee, if Marian is working.

“But you two,” Ruby says quietly, threading her arm through mine and pulling me close. “You two are definitely getting cozy, especially with you moving up to King Mountain. Who am I going to watch reality TV with?”

I laugh and squeeze her arm. “I’m not yet fully moved, you know. I do also have this little thing called a car and can come to your place.”

“I suppose,” Ruby says, fake-pouting. “Are we going to be choosing a dress for you one of these days?

Ruby looks at me expectantly and I can’t help but grin at her.

“Well, he hasn’t officially proposed – yet – but we’ve talked about it and we’re definitely on the same page.”

“Oh my God!” Ruby’s voice is practically the pitch of a siren and I have to shush her.

“I know!” I whisper. “It’s…I know you’ve heard me go on about how happy I am, but…words can’t even describe how amazing life is now. Don’t tell anyone yet, though. We haven’t made anything official yet – we just know that we truly are a perfect match.” I grin as I look at Ruby. I can’t believe my cheeks haven’t cracked yet, from all the smiling I do because of how much I love Luke. “I really want you to find your man, so you can be just as happy.”

“But I am happy,” she says, somewhat defensively.

“Babe. I’m not criticizing. I was happy, too,” I say, though it’s slightly a fib. “It’s just…next level when you find the right man. I just want you to be as happy as I am.”

“Well,” Ruby smiles, “I’ll be real happy when we can go dress shopping and I can help you plan the best wedding ever.”

“Deal!”

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