Page 88 of Lucas
Chapter Twenty-Three
AVA
Isit by the pool, basking in the warm rays, when Lucas walks past me clutching a water bottle, clad in tights.
Holy hell, that’s hot.
I force my gaze away from the tantalizing bulge at his crotch. Shit, those pants are so tight I can make out every ridge and contour of his impressive package. My treacherous body perks up in eager approval.
“Hey, where are you off to?” I ask, striving for a neutral expression.
He pauses mid-stride, glancing over at me. “Mountain biking. I ride every weekend.”
“Oh. I didn’t know you were into cycling.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Wifey.” His lips quirk. “It’s one reason I refuse to live in the city. I like being able to take off at a moment’s notice, get out in nature and eat up the miles.”
I have to admit, despite the tedious commute, I’ve grown rather fond of the estate. The fields and greenery surrounding us are nothing short of enchanting.
“Want to come with?” His blue eyes glint with invitation.
“What?” I jerk upright, almost toppling off the lounge chair. “No. No way. I can’t.”
“Give it a shot. You might enjoy it.” His grin widens. “They say you should try everything at least once.”
“I...” Ducking my head, I pick at a loose thread on my shorts. “I don’t know how to ride a bike.”
“Come again?” His jaw goes slack as he blinks at me. “You never rode as a kid? Not even with training wheels?”
“I tried, but I couldn’t get the hang of it.” I leave out the part about the broken arm and Father’s furious shouting. I never got back on a bike after that.
Lucas studies me for a long moment, something unreadable flickering across his chiseled features. “I could teach you. If you want, that is.”
I wrinkle my nose. “Why would you want to do that?”
“Why not?” He shrugs. “Unless you’re chicken.”
Indecision wars within me. I’ve always regretted never mastering this basic childhood skill. But what if I’m just not capable? What if I make a fool of myself in front of him?
“C’mon, Wifey. I can see you’re tempted. Don’t let fear run your life. What happened to that bravery we were just praising the other day?”
Great, now he reads minds?
Worrying my lower lip between my teeth, I give a slow nod. “Okay. I’m in.”
A huge, boyish grin splits his face, making him look yearsyounger. “Go throw on some activewear and meet me back here. We’ll grab a bite after your lesson.”
“I don’t have any biking clothes.”
“Doesn’t matter. Just wear something comfortable that you don’t mind getting dirty. We’re not hitting the trails on your first ride out.” His eyes dip to my bare legs before darting away. “We’ll take it nice and slow. Like in sex.”
I roll my eyes and fight back an answering smile. Somehow his outrageous flirting has gone from annoying to charming.
“I love you when you smile.”
I freeze, my heart stuttering in my chest.
He loves me smiling?
