Page 5 of Luke

His smile grows wider. “Okay. I’ll hold you to that.”

“I hope you do.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them, but I’m not going to take them back. Yes, I’m probably rushing things. Yes, I’m probably—definitely—going to be thinking about him at least a million times between now and tomorrow night.

But honestly? I kind of like this fluttery, floaty feeling in my stomach. I liked being in his arms and hearing him tell me he wasn’t going anywhere.

I likehim, and I want to see more of him.

* * *

After the craziness of yesterday and then spending most of today wondering how tonight will go, I’m surprisingly calm as Luke shows me around his old house on the outskirts of town. It’s been renovated from top to bottom, with fresh paint, siding, and shutters outside and crisp fabrics, hardwood floors, and classic, neutral tones indoors.

“You got here at the perfect time,” he says as he finishes showing me around and ushers me into the kitchen. “Those veggies you brought should be done steaming right about now, and…” His voice trails off as he walks over to open the oven. “Yeah, the chicken is ready, too. You couldn’t have timed it better.”

“Oh, good. I was worried I might have been too late to get the vegetables cooked in time. Mom insisted I bring extra broccoli for whatever reason, so I had to go out and pick some more, then rinse it and… well, anyway, I’m glad it wasn’t a problem.”

His hand is at the small of my back as he pulls out a dining chair for me. “No problem at all. I wasn’t even sure the oven worked until tonight, so that feels like a win. I’ll bring over the plates if you want to have a seat?”

I’m already feeling warm and fuzzy from his touch, but it’s also super hard not to be distracted by the nice surroundings as we sit down to eat. He has brand new, gleaming stainless steel appliances, quartz counter tops, even a built-in butcher block.

Basically, my dream kitchen.

“Everything okay?” he gives me a curious look from across the table.

“Just taking it all in. I can’t believe this is the first time you’ve used this amazing kitchen.”

“Well, that’s not entirely true,” he grins. “I use the microwave almost every day.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help laughing a little. “I’m pretty sure the only reason my parents let me stay at their house is because I take care of the garden and cook most of the meals for them.” I catch myself looking around again. “But wow, if we had a kitchen like this… I don’t think I’d ever leave the house at all.”

“I guess I’ve never had anyone to cook for until tonight,” he says, giving me a look that makes those butterflies in my stomach instantly spring back to life. “And when I’m by myself, I just reach for whatever is easiest. But spending time cooking with you tonight has been really nice.” He points with his fork to the steamed vegetables on his plate. “And these fresh veggies? Damn. You seriously have me considering planting a little garden in my back yard.”

God, could he be more perfect? A man who is interested in gardening and doesn’t mind spending time in the kitchen? If he picks up his laundry out of the floor and makes his bed every day, my panties might actually fall off all by themselves.

“I can start you out with some seeds if you’re serious about a garden,” I offer. “I’d be happy to help you get started with it. It’s the most relaxing, rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”

Talking to him feels easy and natural, like we aren’t even on a date—or maybe like we’ve already been on a few dates. Not only is he the nicest, most considerate guy I’ve ever met, but everything about him, including his house, is inviting and stable, warm and safe.

I’m honestly not surprised at all that I feel so comfortable around him, but I do wonder how a seemingly perfect man hasn’t already found the perfect woman.

“You make it all sound so good,” he says. “I love how passionate you are about everything you do. Are you that way about skating, too? I think you mentioned that the other day when we talked.”

“Oh my God, I love to skate,” I blurt out, proving his point. “I was so excited when the roller rink opened up in town, and they really do a good job of catering to all ages. There’s a senior citizens night, a margarita night, disco night—and of course they do kids' parties and stuff like that, too.”

He takes a bite and looks thoughtful for a moment. “I’m trying to remember the last time I went roller skating. Probably not since I was a teenager, so… a few years.”

“We should do something about that,” I say, reaching over to touch his hand in my excitement. “Sorry, I guess I do get a little passionate about my hobbies.” I move my hand away, but he stops me and laces his fingers with mine.

It’s a simple gesture. Insignificant, really. But I can’t deny that his touch sends an electric jolt running straight through my body. “Don’t be sorry. You don’t have anything to apologize for. I love your enthusiasm and your openness. I’ve never met a woman like you before.”

“That’s a good thing, I hope?” I’m only half-joking, since I think we both feel the same way about each other. Still, Denny has told me a million times before that I can be too loud, too excitable, just… too much.

Luke rubs his thumb in a small circle over the back of my hand, making me melt a little as his gaze locks onto mine. “It’s a very good thing, in my opinion. I’ve gone on plenty of first dates over the years, but I’ve never felt this instant connection with someone. There aren’t any nerves. No anxiety. This chemistry we have makes it feel like we’ve known each other for a long time—at least that’s how I feel. I hope I’m not wrong about that.”

“No,” I shake my head, nibbling at my lip because lord, the way he’s looking into my eyes right now isintense. Overwhelming, but in the best possible way. “No, not wrong. Not at all. I was just thinking to myself how comfortable I am with you and how crazy it is that you’re still single when you seem so perfect.”

I can feel my eyes go wide as the words fall from my mouth. Maybe I’m getting a littletoocomfortable around him, because I definitely didn’t mean to say all of that out loud.

He doesn’t seem to mind, though. Little crinkles appear at the corners of his eyes as he flashes me a thousand-watt smile. “I know it’s going to sound cliche, but I just don’t think I ever met the right woman. Nobody who has held my interest like you do. Earlier today, I found myself daydreaming at my desk, wondering what you were up to and how your day was going.” His cheeks flush a little. “I probably shouldn’t admit things like that, but this has been a first for me.”

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