Page 95 of A Hard Sell

“Not until Sunday? But I’m dying to meet him!”

“I think he’s busy.”

“Don’t be silly. We’re going to the market tomorrow, yes? Invite him to come with us!”

Luka chewed his lip, weighing his options. Suffer the embarrassment of Marta fawning all over Thomas for a few extra hours, or endure a solid day-and-a-half of nagging leading up to Easter dinner?

“Fine. I’ll ask him.”

* * * *

Luka had his door cracked open the next morning, peering down the hallway. When Thomas’ wide frame rounded the corner he began whispering in a frantic stream. “Oh my God I’m so sorry, thank you so, so, so much. I owe you so huge. You didn’t have to do this—”

Thomas stepped up to him and put a large, warm finger over Luka’s mouth. He smiled gently. “It’s fine.”

Luka nodded, taking a deep breath when Thomas removed his hand. Then he took in Thomas’ appearance. His hair was half pulled back into a knot this time, the other half hanging loose and brushing his shoulders. It was…so sexy. A huge, bright spring bouquet was tucked under his arm, contrasting with his soft gray T-shirt and faded jeans.

“You look nice. Oh my God, you brought my mom flowers. I hope she leaves you in one piece.”

“What do you—”

“This must be Thomas!” a high voice exclaimed from behind Luka.

“Mom, Dad. This is Thomas.” Luka held the door wider.

“Thomas!” Marta trilled. She pushed past Luka and reeled Thomas in for a hug. “Look at you! Finally, a handsome man for our Luka.” She kissed both cheeks, up on tiptoe.

“Mrs. Moreno.” Thomas smiled. “It’s so nice to meet you. These are for you.” He handed her the flowers.

“Please, call me Marta.” She cradled the bouquet like a beauty queen. “Aren’t you too sweet? Thank you, Thomas. This is Oscar.” She patted her husband’s chest.

“Sir.” Thomas shook his hand.

“None of that ‘sir’ stuff,” Oscar blustered, but he looked pleased.

Luka knew the burst of pride he was feeling was ridiculous. Of course the best man he’d introduced his parents to was a fake boyfriend. Then he realized Thomas was still holding flowers.

“And these are for you,” he said, handing a second bouquet to Luka.

“Oh.” Luka took them, Thomas’ hand lingering on his. He buried his nose in the flowers to distract from the thumping in his chest. “Thank you, Thomas. They’re beautiful. I love flowers.”

“I know. You’re welcome.”

Marta beamed at the two of them. “I’ll put them in water.” She held out her hand to take Luka’s bouquet and bustled into the kitchen.

“How’s the temperature out there?” Oscar offered to fill the silence. “Weather forecast said it would be chilly this morning.”

Luka cringed.Really? The weather?

But Thomas smiled affably. “It’s warming up nicely.”

Marta reappeared, pulling her windbreaker on. “We’re so glad you could join us, Thomas. Luka has told us nothing about you—”

“That’s not true, Mom.”

“—and it’s time we got to know each other!” She took Thomas’ arm. “Let’s go, shall we?”

“Sorry,” Luka mouthed at Thomas when he caught his eye.

---