Page 98 of Loyally, Luke
Luke:I have a feeling you won’t be visiting Crieff anytime soon, will you?
Her eyes burned. He knew.
Ellie:It will be better if I keep my distance until the banquet.
She slid her fingers beneath one damp eye. She’d never imagined anyone like him in her life. Wouldn’t have even known how to imagine him, but here he was, caring for her with such genuineness and goodness.
Helping her realize how good life could be, how fun.
Luke:I imagine it would.
His simple admission redirected every plan she’d made for the conversation.
Ellie:But I don’t quit so easily on a job when I start one, so I suppose I’ll be a gofer for a little longer.
Luke:A lady who shoots a pistol, watches good movies, and finishes what she starts? Woman, you’re not helping my mind stay on the friendly path at all.
Her grin stretched wide, and the sweet warmth of attraction bloomed through her chest.
Ellie:It’s only a few more days. Hopefully I won’t tempt you over the edge in that time.
Though, judging by her pulse, her heart had already galloped over the edge and right into his arms without one look back.
Ellie:And I’ll really only be there for one of those days since I have other business to attend to.
Luke:Well, at least I can get some distraction-free work done sometime this week. That’s awful friendly of you.
Oh, how she wanted to hold on to this as long as possible. Even if only as friends.
Ellie:I’d rather have your friendship than nothing at all.
Luke:Oh, you got my friendship, Ellie. And anytime you want to tiptoe over into the gray area of kissing friends, I’ll gladly be your friend then too.
Chapter17
Luke walked through Cambric’s kitchen and the adjoining spaces, giving a last check to all the team’s work. Mrs.Kershaw had gone through things with him an hour before, oohing and aahing at all the changes and additions.
The new kitchen would certainly serve Cambric much better than the old. Two new industrial ovens, a massive griddle, an additional sink, a much larger pantry as well as additional storage, and some better insulation would only prove to keep the cooling and heating more efficient than before.
And the soft green wall color paired with the oak cabinets made the space not only functional but pretty too. All Ellie’s suggestions.
He grinned, his gaze moving to a painting here and a light fixture there that they’d added at her recommendation. She really had a gift for adding beauty.
He gave the room a final nod before meeting Gordon and Pete in the hallway.
“Nessa’s expecting you two for supper, you ken?”
“Aye.” Luke imitated Gordon’s usual response, bringing a wry smile to the man’s face.
“Now you’re embracin’ our world, lad.” Gordon placed a palm on Luke’s shoulder. “You ken you are always welcome in Crieff? With us?”
“I know.”
“I’d welcome the opportunity to work with you anytime.”
“And I you.”
“Not me, Gordon?” Pete offered with a wink. “Though, I have to say, I’ve learned enough on this job to whet my appetite for more.”
