Page 43 of Loyally, Luke
“That I’m well prepared to manage big personalities?” She held his stare, the glimmer on full display, and for one quick second, the desire to kiss her jumped right into his head.
As if she’d read his mind and didn’t like the direction of his thoughts, she looked away and stepped back.
“We ought to get to work.” She moved toward the kitchen door, her smile barely hanging on. “As you said yesterday, this kitchen won’t fix itself.”
Luke released his breath, his shoulders dropping. Whateverbroke the spell of that moment probably saved him from making even more of an idiot of himself. Women like her didn’t fall for men like him, and a woman seven hours away by plane, at that. So despite this crazy magnetism toward her, he needed to keep clear of her.
Do his job. Enjoy this new experience.
And go back home.
***
Text from Penelope to Luke:Pete says you’re working on an orphanage. How perfect for you, Luke! You love kids.
Penelope:And it fits right in with the usual romance trope of “save a business,” “save a homestead.” You really should watch more Hallmark movies to best prepare for your life right now.
Luke:I can think of five million better things to do with my time, Penny-girl.
Penelope:That’s all right. I’ll just keep narrating your life for you because I know you love it so much.
Luke:That threat ALMOST works, but not quite.
Penelope:Well, at least one of us is trying to be prepared for the possibilities of your romantic future.
Penelope:Your orphanage is in a CASTLE???? Luke! It’s... perfect.
Luke:How on earth...?
Penelope:I asked Matt about orphanages in Skymar and told him that you were in the northern part of Ansling. He said there was one rather well-known orphanage in the North Country, so of course I put on my best detective hat and went to work... virtually. I’m even more certain you are in your own romance movie. A castle???
Luke:Penn, even if I were working with someone like Grace Kelly, romance is not in the future. Don’t throw your romance confetti on me. It won’t work. I’m immune.
Penelope:*chime*
Text from Matt to Luke:I had no idea she was researching where you are. But I will add that the North Country has some excellent lakes for fishing, should you get the opportunity. Text Grandfather and he’ll give you more details.
Luke:Thanks for speaking sense. I needed it after the Penelope love-tornado just blew up my phone.
Text from Penelope to Matt and Luke:Just so you know, I’m only being extremely hopeful because I want you to be as happy as I am. I am NOT matchmaking. I don’t possess that skill. I’m only giving you little hints as to what might happen in your life. Just think about how wonderful it all could be!
Matt:I didn’t know I was dating a fortune teller.
Luke:Busybody.
Penelope:It’s not fortune-telling. It’s just excellent social prediction skills. For example, I’m predicting that you’d really like me to make you some strawberry tarts tonight, Matt.
Matt:If fortune-telling is related to your baking, then the answer is always yes. As far as the prophecies into Luke’s love life? You didn’t see our romance coming.
Penelope:That’s true. I should have. All the perfect Maria von Trapp signs were there, but that’s why my predictions are so helpful. We often can’t see clearly when we’re in the thick of it, so we might need outside observers.
Luke:I’d prefer silent outside observers.
Luke:PS: Could you guys continue your cute little lovefest in a private convo?
Matt:Sorry, mate. Don’t worry. I know how to distract her.
Luke:I’m not sure your last text helped with the lovefest ideas, Matt, but thanks for trying.
