“Yes, though, once you move, I hope you’ll travel to and from the office with Richard and me. I work hard to ensure my family is as safe as possible, and you’re now included on that list. Gabriel and Rhonda arrange everything for us, and they’re the best in their field. Now, tell me about your dream car.”
“Sure, I’ll ride with you,” Luke responded, his thoughts completely muddled. “Oh, I don’t have a dream car. I was going to buy something serviceable and in my price range. The car I have now was bought by Foxe. I haven’t purchased a car before, so I was hoping to get help from the dealer on the best option for my budget.”
“I’m glad I rescued you when I did,” Clark said, horror in his blue eyes. “Between you, me, and Rhonda, we’ll get you an unsurpassed deal on a vehicle that suits you perfectly. Rhonda?”
“I’ll make some calls and get some options sent over from local dealerships,” Rhonda replied.
“Luke, can I get you anything while Rhonda gets us some choices?” Clark asked.
Overwhelmed, Luke shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Clark nodded and grabbed his phone as Rhonda stepped out of the office through a connecting door.
“Richard, would you mind coming up to my office?” Clark asked. Luke wasn’t sure how Richard responded, but Clark’s brows raised. “Of course I haven’t done anything to Lucas. He’s fine. I’m helping him.” Clark set the receiver down. “Richard hung up on me. Apparently, I’m a menace.”
“Thanks for inviting Richard,” Luke said.
“You’re looking a little dazed, so I figured my son would be a welcome diversion. Be prepared. He’ll take me to task when he arrives. I’m not sure what he envisions I’ve done to you, but Richard has never been one to allow anyone to come to harm on his watch. My son was born a warrior.”
The way Richard sprang into action at every conference to ensure it was exactly as the client wanted sprang to Luke’s mind, and he smiled. He also relaxed, knowing Richard was on his way and had jumped to his defense.
“I’ve seen him in action,” Luke said. “Every guest at your resort is treated like royalty or the staff faces Richard’s wrath.”
“I wish I could clone my son and have a Richard at every property we own,” Clark mused.
The door whipped open, and Richard glared at his father. “Why did you drag Lucas up here?”
“Relax, we’re buying him a car,” Clark responded.
“Why can’t you wait until Lucas asks you to help him with something?” Richard asked, racing over to rest his palms on Luke’s shoulders. His heartrate finally returned to normal, and Luke found a smile.
“Thanks for coming upstairs,” Luke said to Richard.
“Dad, stop scaring my soulmate.”
Clark rolled his eyes in almost exactly the same way Richard did. “Help him pick something fancy and beautiful. He deserves the best.”
“Of course he does. But be mindful of his budget,” Richard demanded.
“Do you want to argue now about who is going to pay for it or wait until after I purchase it?” Clark asked.
“Wait, what?” Luke managed.
The smile Clark gave Luke was unnerving. “You wouldn’t refuse a gift from the parents of your soulmate, would you?”
“This is why Eric kept his relationship with Gabriel a secret from you and Mom,” Richard accused. “You’re being a pest and a bully.”
“I’m buying the car, Richard,” Clark stated firmly.
“Do I have a choice?” Luke asked, though he wasn’t sure if he was asking Clark or Richard.
“No,” Richard responded with a heavy sigh. “Unless you can distract Rhonda so she won’t stop me from killing him.”
Clark’s only response was laughter. Luke hoped for a chance to talk his way out of allowing Clark to buy his car, but he wasn’t sure where to start.
“How can I pay you back for such a generous gift?” Luke wondered aloud.
“Easy. Be a good soulmate to my son,” Clark replied.