Page 32 of Making the Call
Dani
The weekwith my brothers has flown by. I managed to finish another round of edits and make some headway on my latest work in progress. This was cause to celebrate and spend time with my brothers in true Fallon family fashion. We kayaked, binge-watched some of our favorite shows, and just spent time hanging out around our cabin. My older brother Derek and my parents made it out for a long weekend and will return home tomorrow morning, while my younger brothers will stay through next weekend.
Admittedly, a steady stream of texts and phone calls from Luke have also made my week memorable. They were thought provoking, flirty, and kept a smile on my face for hours. Don’t even get me started on the scenes he inspired.
Unfortunately, my brothers completely noticed. They harassed me in their best brotherly brutality. Sometimes I swear they’re still teenagers and can’t let the fact I was talking with a guy go.
As my phone buzzes in my pocket, my heart races as I peek at the incoming text.
Luke: Busy?
Me: Not at all. Have you made it home?
Luke: Yeah. Just arrived.
Me: Do you have to work today?
Luke: Playing hooky.
Me: Everyone needs to sometime. Lol
Before he replies, there’s a knock at my door. Knowing everyone in my family is already here and would never knock, I can’t help but wonder about our unannounced visitor.It’s not like the island has many solicitors. I pull open the door to greet our unexpected guest, and my jaw drops to the floor.
The most penetrating deep-blue eyes darken with delight as a sexy lopsided smile spreads across Luke’s face.Holy shit, he’s here.It takes a moment for my body to catch up with my brain as I register he’s really standing before me.
His hand reaches out to run a finger along my cheek, sending an electric pulse soaring through my veins. “Dani,” he says, almost guttural. I can’t help myself. I launch myself into his arms.
Thank God, he catches me with ease. As I wrap my arms around him fiercely, I draw in a deep breath because he smells amazing. Clean citrus mixed with a scent that’s entirely Luke. As I inhale a second time,because the first wasn’t enough, I reach my hand to his face and pull him to me. It’s as if I can’t get close enough to him.
The second my lips touch his, it’s as if all is right with the world. I hadn’t realized just how much I missed him until this very moment. Hell. I write about these moments in books and could’ve sworn they were simply fiction. This never happens in real life. At least not to me.
I might have started this kiss, but Luke quickly takes control. As I wrap my legs around his waist, he takes one hand and guides me through a searing kiss that leaves me breathless. After all too short of time, I regretfully pull away to catch my breath.Holy Hell. This man can kiss.
“What… are you… doing… here?” I ask in ragged pants. I still can’t believe he’s here, in my living room.
He kisses me swiftly once more before answering my question, “Had to see you.”
A throat is cleared from behind, and I hear Damien chuckle. Shit. I’d forgotten he’d been watching television with me. Everyone else was out back on the deck. “Don’t mind me. I’ll just leave you two alone. Apparently… you know this guy, right, Dani?”
Mortification doesn’t even begin to describe my feelings. How could I forget I wasn’t alone? I’ve never launched myself at any man…Shit! My brother just witnessed everything. And the bastard thinks it’s appropriate to comment. Gah. He has some nerve. I quickly unhook my legs from Luke’s waist as Luke helps settle me on the floor.
Before I can respond, Luke’s body shakes with silent laughter. When I make my eyes meet his, I see pure, unadulterated joy radiating from him. He smirks and says, “God, I sure hope she doesn’t greet everyone like this.” He waggles an eyebrow and waits for my response.
“What?” I stammer in disbelief. How could he think such a thing?
“Relax, Dani,” Luke says as he tames a curl that has fallen in front of my face. “You have to admit. Itisone hell of a way to be greeted. I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone so eager to see me.” Though his words would seem cocky coming out of anyone else’s mouth, they feel almost humble from Luke.
I stare at him to see if my gut reaction is correct. When I realize his sincerity, I reach out for his hand and pull him into the living room so he can properly meet my brother.
“Damien, I’d like you to meet…”
But I don’t get any further because Damien shouts, “Holy shit… Luke Leighton is kissing…you? When did you crawl out from the rock you live under and meet a guy like him?”
I see the tips of Luke’s ears redden, and an unreadable expression fills his face. Fearing he’s offended Luke, I’m about to lay into my brother for being such an ass when what he said sinks in.What the fuck? How does Dame know Luke’s name?I haven’t even introduced them.
“Wait…” I look between Luke and Damien. Damien seems to know Luke, but I can’t say the same for Luke. Luke’s expression is reserved and if I didn’t know better, a flicker of guilt mixed with something else crosses his face, but it’s quickly replaced when his eyes meet mine. “You know my brother?” I ask in disbelief. I know this is a small island, but seriously? How can my brother know him?
He shakes his head as he passes a glance at Damien. “I don’t think we’ve met,” he intercedes quietly.
