Page 101 of Green Flag
But my world had narrowed to very few things other than Luca and my job. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to out my dad anymore, despite how furious I was that he’d thrown me into a room with my not-boyfriend.
More than anything, though, I wanted Luca to be happy. And if that meant leaving me at StormSprint… then I guessed I had to be okay with that.
Even if the thought tightened my breath.
A loud, familiar beat filled the road along the canal and I froze as Hollie started to talk about the cocktail she’d had and just how much she hated sweet drinks when the white, low sports car hurled around the corner.
A Porsche.
Booming my song.
The car pulled up right beside us, and as the window rolled down, Luca’s beautiful, grinning face looked me up and down. “Can I catcall you?”
“What?” I cackled, alcohol almost toppling me and my laughter over.
He watched me with humour in his eyes and a half-restrained smile before repeating his question.
“Yes, you can.”
A high-pitched whistle came from his pursed lips as he pointedly looked me up and down. “Damn, Everly Bacque gotback. You’re looking good enough to bring home, eat and take down the aisle. Need a lift anywhere? To my hotel room, maybe?”
Why did I feel like I was giddy? The alcohol, definitely.
“As if I have a choice,” I laughed. “Nice theatrical appearance. I like the backing track.”
“It’s one of my favourites,” he said. “I can sing it to you with my dulcet tones on the way back?”
“Oh, I’m counting on it,” I said.
“Your outfit looks even more edible out in the dark,” he said and breathed out, eyes hovering on the short hem. “Do you know what would have made the outfit even better?”
“I can’t wait for you to tell me,” I said, gesturing to my legs.
“Tights,” we said together and his grin nearly took me out, falling back into the canal where I’d happily drown by how this man’s adorable nature and panty-dropping good looks befuddled my brain.
“I was thinking with your western boots,” he added and then kissed the tips of his fingers.
Hollie cleared her throat.
“Hey, Hol,” Luca said and nodded at her. “Want a lift back to the hotel?”
She nodded. “If I’m not intruding.”
“Of course not,” he said and gestured for her to get in.
In my short dress, I moved faster than was appropriate, heading straight for the passenger seat in case she went to nab it.
She didn’t because she was a woman with etiquette, unlike me when it came to Luca.
Etiquette? I didn’t know her. She wasn’t in my hemisphere.
“Bar tequila?” I asked him as he waited for me to put my seatbelt on. “I’ve had a few drinks, but one more wouldn’t hurt.”
“I could tell by how your writing became more like hieroglyphics with all the emojis. The aubergine must be your most-used by now.”
My mouth dropped open and I half-heartedly slapped his arm. “Ex-fucking-scooze me? Luca, I did not—”
His teasing grin took my breath away.
