Page 70 of Charmed By Destiny

“But it is nice to tell your parents that you met your soulmate,” Clark commented.

“You know I have a soulmate,” Richard argued.

“I was talking to your brother.”

Eric rolled his eyes. “You know I have a soulmate.”

“Yeah, I knownow. I just paid for half of the wedding,” Clark countered.

“Anyway,” Richard said, his grin returning. “That wasn’t the only thing Douglas and I spoke about.”

“Let’s not be dramatic, Richard,” Rosalind replied. “Spill the gossip or no dessert.”

Richard chuckled. “Well, according to the latest office rumors flying about, there is a new romance in conference services.”

“Really?” Luke asked. “I wonder who I need to befriend to get the gossip because I haven’t heard anything.”

“Dad, have you heard about the latest couple in my office?” Richard asked.

Clark shook his head. “Not yet.”

“That’s interesting,” Richard replied. “Because apparently several people saw them leave Gabriel and Eric’s wedding reception together. Since then, they’ve been spotted sharing lunch. Not necessarily just the two of them, but their body language speaks volumes.”

“How many people hooked up at our wedding?” Eric asked Gabe.

Gabe shrugged. “I was too busy getting married to notice.”

“Are you going to keep us in suspense?” Clark asked Richard. “Who was it?”

“I can’t tell you,” Richard replied. “I have to talk to Gabriel about it first. Douglas suggested I do so because—”

“Why me?” Gabe countered.

Richard’s mouth tightened. “Because, if you’d let me finish, you’ve recently befriended this person, and we thought you could have a chat with your friend about being more discreet.”

“I don’t have any new friends,” Gabe replied.

“You barely have any old ones either,” Richard muttered. “Anyway, Gabriel, since you’re no help, I’ll tell everyone. The rumor is that Holly has a new beau.”

“Holly?” Luke asked with a smile. “That’s great. She’s really nice. Today, she sat next to me at lunch. Did you know she has three cats? They’re so cute. She showed me pictures. They’re rescues. Holly wanted to have pets, but her old apartment didn’t allow them. The minute she moved, she adopted a couple of adult kitties from a local shelter. Her mom isn’t a fan because she’s allergic and can’t visit now. Holly told me that was a small side benefit. Apparently, her mother can be a pain.”

Everyone was staring at Luke, but it was the glee in Richard’s gaze that had the inspirit’s shoulders drooping and his eyes closing.

“I walked out of the reception with Holly, didn’t I?” Luke asked. He honestly couldn’t recall who was near him as he walked out with Richard’s hotel key burning a hole in his pocket. His entire being was focused on getting his hands on Richard. A vast hole could’ve opened in front of him, and he would’ve used whatever means necessary to get to the other side so he could use that key.

Eric covered his mouth with his hand, but Luke still heard his muffled laughter.

As for Richard, he peered over his fingers with wicked merriment on his face.

“What’s so funny, Dragonfly? Everyone thinks I’m having an affair, and it’s not with you.”

“I want so badly to say something inappropriate about Holly and her showing off her pussycat to you.”

Luke shook his head at his soulmate and poked his side. Richard lost his battle with hilarity and erupted into full-throated laughter. Luke made eye contact with Richard’s parents.

“What if I’ve changed my mind about this soulmate business?” he asked. “Do I get to keep the car?”

Clark nodded. “Yes, please let us know how else we can compensate you for your hardship in the past two weeks of dealing with Richard.”

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