Page 108 of If Our Hearts Collide

Maybe just a little. Deep in my soul, I feel like Luke is harmless. He has good vibes radiating off him.

And at least now, I won’t be lonely here.

Moving into the kitchen, I see the bouquet of flowers. They are beautiful.

I lift open the lid of the gift box, revealing a beautiful crystal vase. Well, that’s perfect because I would have otherwise had no good place to display the flowers. Filling it up with water, I arrange the bouquet.

When I notice the card attached under the bow of the box, I rip it off and peel back the flap. Pulling out the card, in beautiful script, I see Collins’s elegant but formal handwriting.

I hope this place brings you joy.

-The Bodyguard

I read the card three more times, trailing my finger over the words. I hope this place does bring me joy. Maybe it will, once I finally start settling in and making memories.

Turning my attention to Luke, I ask, “What is your last name?”

“Brawley.”

“Luke Brawley,” I say slowly.

“My stage name, though, is Lethal Luke.”

“Sounds deadly,” I grumble.

“That’s because I”—his hands fly through the air in some type of karate move—“kill the competition.”

“Catchy.”

“It kinda goes with my whole bad boy persona. I know you women love a villain.”

I nod. “That’s actually true.”

If Luke is one thing, he sure is certain of his appeal. I imagine the girls going wild over him. His personality can light up an entire room.

“Penny?”

“Yeah?”

“That man that showed up showering you with gifts and a broody temper… He likes you.” Luke wiggles his eyebrows. “A lot.”

“If you say so.” I don’t give his words much thought. I don’t think Collins likes anything right now—let aloneanybody.

And I’m certain he wants nothing to do with me in the romantic sense.

If the mortifying experience of me asking him for a kiss on the gym mats wasn’t proof enough, then every awkward moment after that incident should solidify my conclusion.

“And if”—he holds up his hands to stop me from speaking even though I haven’t said anything for a few seconds—“youwant to make him jealous, I will sacrifice my body for the cause. You are welcome to use me at any time.”

“Gee, thanks. But no thanks. It’s complicated, but there’s no way Collins and I will ever be a thing. He works for my two overprotective brothers. I’m basically a job for him.”

“Um, you are the benefits package.”

I laugh but allow his description to linger. I wish. But there’s no way Collins would ever make a move on me even if he did want me—which he doesn’t.

Luke holds my gaze. I can tell he’s deep in thought. Shrugging, he walks toward our door. “I’m going to go grab some of my belongings from my car. Just for transparency sake, are we sharing a room, yes or no?”

“No!”

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