Page 70 of Making the Call
“Well, I’m sure it will go well. From what I’ve read, you’re pretty talented.”
“Luke… You’ve readonebook. For all you know, the rest of my books could suck.” When I hear Luke suck in a quick breath and before he can say anything, I stop myself from letting self-doubt creep in. It has no business occupying my thoughts, so I take in a deep breath and change my course. “But thank you for the vote of confidence, it means a lot.”
“I… uh, happen to be onto book two now, for your information.” I can see the smile play across his lips as his admission is saucily stated.
“Seriously? Since when do you have time to read? You’ve been in non-stop meetings and traveling with the team.”
His voice lowers, “Well, I picked it up this evening to read before bed. Sinceyou’renot here to keep me occupied, maybe your words will.”
That is the sweetest thing ever. Leave it to Luke to melt my heart further. “If it makes you feel any better, I’d rather be there.”
Another heavy exhale is heard through the phone. “I know. But it made sense for you to head home for the time being. We’re traveling to Boston and staying back East until we play in Nashville the following week.”
“I know…” I groan into the phone. The thought of being without him makes my heart ache.When did this man become so important to me?To lighten the mood, I tack on, “Adulting sucks, doesn’t it?”
Chuckling, Luke agrees, “Yes. It does. But speaking of adulting, do you have plans for the week after next?”
“Uh…” I mentally play through my schedule. “Not that I know of.”
“What would you say to coming to our game in Nashville?”
Not looking forward to being away from him for nearly two weeks, I jump at the chance. “Sure. Just let me know when, and I’ll make arrangements.” I think aloud. I’ve traveled quite a bit, so it shouldn’t hit my pocketbook too hard. “I should have enough air miles to make the trip affordable.”
“Danika.” Luke stops my rambling. “I’m taking care of the arrangements right now.” Now that I’ve stopped talking, I can hear him tapping away on his computer. “Want a window or aisle seat?” Holy shit, this man’s efficient. I should’ve known better than to doubt him.
“Uh, window.” Who wants to be bumped every five minutes? “But you don’t have to do this,” I assure him. “I can get my own ticket, Luke.”
“Already done. I’ll arrange for a rental so you can come and go as you please. I’ll just need some of your information.”
I give him what he needs and within minutes, I’m apparently traveling to Nashville. My heart thumps out of my chest with the thought of spending more time with him. After being with him this week, I know his schedule’s grueling. How the man even made the time to spend with me was impressive. I guess I should be grateful.
“I hope you don’t mind, but Mama will kill me if we don’t stay with her, at least one night. After talking to her this afternoon, she insisted I do everything necessary to get you to visit her ASAP.”
“Wait… You’ve been talking with your mom about me?”
“Uh… the interview yesterday wasn’t just for local affiliates. It’s a nationally syndicated show. I called and gave my family warning that we’re dating, or I’d never hear the end of it. Trust me. Mama may be tiny, but she knows where to hide a body, if need be. I wasn’t about to tell the world we’re dating, before I told her.”
As he talks about his mother, his Southern drawl slips out a bit. It’s fucking adorable and sexy as hell. I hadn’t heard it much before now. “And… she’s okay with you bringing me home?”
“Oh, Danika, you have no idea.” He chuckles as if I should know better. “In her mind, we’re already getting married and ready to bring her grandbabies.”
“Seriously?” I ask in disbelief. That’s not at all scary.Yeah, right.
Though, it’s not hard to picture having beautiful, dark-haired, blue-eyed babies that resemble Luke. He’s a handsome man and is bound to make gorgeous babies. Whowouldn’twant to be the mother of his children? Throw in the fact he’s the kindest man I know? Yeah…
“Dani?” Luke’s voice interrupts me from my rambling thoughts.
What the fuck?Why am I thinking about babies? We just started dating, for crying aloud. But butterflies make their presence known in my belly, and my denial’s evident. Fuck. I’m so screwed when it comes to this man.
“Did you hear what I said?” Luke asks, clearly expecting an answer to an unknown question.
Hell no, I didn’t. I’m too busy fantasizing about babies with beautiful blue eyes to have heard a word. Shit. I really need to get it together. “Uh, sorry. No, I didn’t.”
“Mama wants to spend the day with you while I’m at practice with the team. Since we’re staying on the East Coast, I’ve arranged for us to practice a few times that week. I don’t want to put any pressure on you, so if you’d rather not go, please feel free to say so.” For the first time, Luke’s confidence waivers. I can tell it’s important to him for me to meet his mother. Hell, he’s already met most of my family. It’s the least I can do.
“It shouldn’t be a problem, Luke. If they’re anything like you. I’m sure I’ll love your family.”
Did I just say love?Yep. I think I did.
