Page 91 of Loyally, Luke
“Which is why we’re all here, isn’t it?” Ellie added, matching his lighter tone. “Through service and love to these children, we encourage a better future for them and for Skymar. They are the future, aren’t they?”
Maxim’s smile failed to resurface, which only teased Ellie’s wider.
“Or they’ll only end up moving away as many others have,” Maxim challenged.
“If you knew your current news, Mr.Tatem, you’d realize that trend is subsiding due to many of the programs my parents have initiated, as well as growing interest in Skymar across the globe.” She gestured toward Luke. “And Mr.Edgewood has suggestions to advance those ideals further.”
The light left Luke’s eyes, and he merely nodded in agreement.
Maxim’s doubt splayed across his features without any subtlety.“It should be interesting to hear what you bring from your experience, Mr. Edgewood.” He bent his head toward Ellie. “Princess.”
Ellie turned to him as soon as they were out of earshot. “Luke, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Christopher.” At Luke’s confused look she clarified, “The Duke of Styles. We are friends, but presently I’ve made it clear that I have no other feelings toward him.”
“This guy on the list?”
“One of several.” Her shoulders drooped a little. “I didn’t mention him because I didn’t want you to think—”
“I knew about the duke.”
Her bottom lip dropped. “You did?”
His knowing look took a sympathetic turn. “Ellie, I googled you, remember? Your life is pretty available to see. I think the duke may have taken you out for Italian on the last date?”
“That particular instance was not a date; it was a coincidence.” She winced, searching his face. “I hope you know I’m not as I was, and even now, what they publish, it isn’t the real me.”
“Except when it has to do with what you love.” He looked around the room. “I think the real you is mixed up in things like this a whole lot.”
All her worries deflated with his one sentence. Maybe he did see her still. The real her. And perhaps he saw her even better than she fully understood. Was that one of the reasons she felt so drawn to him so quickly? He saw and still wished to keep seeing?
“You are marvelous, Luke Edgewood.”
“I don’t know about that.” He shook his hands at his sides. “Right now I’m sweating like a ten-year-old sitting outside the principal’s office.”
She covered her mouth to cloak her laugh. “Spoken like someone who is well acquainted with that feeling.”
He grinned. “More than I plan to admit.” Then he looked around the room and released a sigh so large his broad shoulders sank a little.“How on earth do you do this all the time? I can’t even imagine meeting after meeting, people always watching you.” He shook his head. “No wonder you just wanted to be Ellie for a while.”
“I wouldn’t mind it so much if there were more opportunities for respite. And, I suppose, if there were people like you to allow me the freedom to just be me.” Her sigh matched his. “But one does get used to wearing a public face, I’m afraid.”
“To reference our earlier conversation, I’m not great at pretending. Never been good at it, really.”
“I’m glad you’re so genuine.” She scanned him from top to bottom. “But no one would think you’re uncomfortable at all. You were the very model of charming to Maxim the Monster.”
Luke’s attention shot back to themonster, who had made no secret of his continued observation of Luke and Ellie. She could only imagine what scenario he conjured up in that maniacal head of his, plotting some next headline or talk-show selling point.
“Hmm...,” came Luke’s response, which sounded more like a growl, then he turned back to her. “I’m glad I’m faking it so well, but my heart’s beating like a ping-pong ball inside my chest right now.” His grin inched up. “And it only has a little to do with your presence.”
“At least I’m in there somewhere.”
“If we were alone, then you’d be the full reason.”
And yet again she fought her grin and the rising warmth in her cheeks. “Luke, you can’t keep saying such things, you know? It only makes things harder for both of us.”
“But it’s date talk.” He raised a brow. “And as I recall, we are on a date.”
He rushed on before she could interrupt. “So, since we’re on a date, and you kind of owe me a favor, I was hoping you would be willing to present my ideas today.” He reached for his pocket. “I wrote everything down.”
“What?”
