Page 70 of Beautiful Storm

“You will.”

He walks away, only looking back when he reaches the door, hitting me with the most breathtaking yet somehow still cocky smile, and I can’t help but stare at his mouth. He must use that as a secret weapon to get women, because holy shit, it’s something else.

I think he says, “Take care, Joy,” before he laughs to himself and disappears out of sight, but I couldn’t be too sure. At least until I snap out of my daze and pray he wasn’t laughing at me because I have no idea what expression I just gave him, though it can’t have been good.

Fucking Luke.

I didn’t want him to be the father of my child because I didn’t think he cared about me. At all. And now it’s almost worse that he does. Because what happens if he breaks my heart all over again? Or what happens if he breaks the heart of our child?

I shake off my thoughts and continue working, but an hour later, I’m still replaying our strange moments over and over when my phone rings.

I fumble around in my drawer until I find my cell, my eyes widening when I see who it is.Stanton Lawyers.The firm Luke paid to take over my divorce. A firm that was more expensive than my already expensive lawyer was.

I stare down at the screen, unable to answer because I’m terrified of what that will mean.

If they’re calling to tell me it’s done, then I’m all set to get married again.

And I am not ready for that.

“Amelia speaking,” I answer at the very last second.

“Amelia, it’s Richard,” Luke’s lawyer responds cheerfully. “I’ve got great news. Congratulations, you’re officially divorced. I’m going to courier the decree to you tomorrow.”

“Wow, thank you so much. I appreciate your help.”

“Anytime.”Or anytime Luke pays you.“How does it feel?”

“I’m not sure,” I say honestly, and he laughs.

“Well, it’s time to celebrate. If you need anything else, let me know.”

“I will. Thank you.”

I hang up but continue to stare at the phone for God knows how long, snapping out of it when a message comes through from Luke.

Luke: I just got this text from my lawyer

He forwards me a message.

Richard: It’s done

Yep. It is.So what now?

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Luke

Our game is close coming into the final minutes. We may be sitting on twenty-five points against our opposition's twenty, but a stupid mistake means they have possession of the ball as the time ticks away. Miami needs a single touchdown to win the game, and they’ve been chasing our points every step of the way.

We’re currently on four wins and zero losses as we hit the fifth week of the season, so you’d think we’d be favorites coming into this game, but Miami is also four and zero. Not to mention they made the Super Bowl last year. I may be cocky, but I can admit we need to push ourselves to the limits to hold this lead.

I’m on edge as their quarterback throws his pass. I hate watching from the sidelines when the scores are close. I’m not built that way. I much prefer to be in the action. Even if we lose.

Their offense makes it three yards and then four before the first whistle blows and I have to stop myself from screaming at our defense. It’s too late in the game to be fucking around.

My heart pounds in my chest as play starts up again, and just when I think we’ve lost hope, our tackle, Levi, flattens their receiver to the ground, stopping him from making it another few yards.

“Yes. Go.”

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