Page 42 of Charmed By Destiny

“Don’t be so modest, you worked hard, and it showed tonight. I’m grateful to you. All of us are.”

Douglas ducked his head. “Stop complimenting me, please. I didn’t do it alone. I came over here to tell you I was heading out…unless you wanted me to stay for any reason.”

Shaking his head, Richard embraced him again. “No, you deserve to put your feet up and relax. Have a glass of wine. Maybe a hot bath. Don’t think about anyone but you.”

“I may take your advice.”

“Good, pamper yourself. And hey, drive safe. I don’t want anything to happen to you. I can’t imagine my life without you, okay?”

“You be safe too, Richard.”

The inspirit scurried out, and Richard watched Douglas race for the door.

“He’s still here,” Maribeth said. She’d crept up to Richard, and her voice made him jump.

“What?”

She lifted an elegant hand and pointed to where Lucas was standing with a glass of something in his hand. “Lucas hasn’t left.”

“Quit pointing, what is wrong with you?”

Maribeth dug something out of her tiny purse. “Give him this.”

“Your room key?” Richard asked as he studied the card in her fingers.

“My extra key to your room, you dope.”

“Mari—”

“Give it to him, Richard, or I will, and he’ll be waiting for you either way when you go upstairs.”

“You’re diabolical,” Richard said, wishing he could be upset. But all he could feel was a mixture of excitement and glee. Despite the reasons he shouldn’t consider going to bed with Lucas, he desperately wanted to. But could he?

“Weird way of saying thank you, but you’re welcome anyway.”

Richard plucked the card from her grasp, and his mouth twisted. “Should I really do this?”

“Yes. Hurry before he leaves.”

Richard was eager, but he was also scared. His heart was thumping wildly, and his feet were glued to the floor. “I’m terrified.”

His best friend lacked redeeming qualities. Instead of comforting him or giving him a pep talk, she put her palms on his back and gave him such a hard shove that he nearly landed on his face.

“Go,” Maribeth ordered.

Glaring, Richard straightened, and with his pulse pounding in his ears, he headed for Lucas.

Am I really doing this?

Richard swallowed thickly as Lucas turned and smiled at him. How embarrassing would it be if Lucas told him no?

“Hey,” Richard said in an attempt at casualness when he was a few feet from Lucas.

“Hey, are you okay?” Lucas asked, his eyebrows furrowing with concern.

“Yeah, why?”

“I don’t know, your eyes look a little wild and your face is flushed.”

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