Page 6 of Falling Hard
"Luke has dateda lotofwomen. Both of us enjoyed our lives. I figured this woman would be no different. I never thought he'd make a permanent attachment to her."
Mei finally spoke. "Clearly, Luke sees something special in her. Have you guys never had any discussion about the two of you?"
There was one night in college, but I was too embarrassed to tell even my closest friends about that. "None. Between Lukeand me, it's always been friendship. It's more important than anything else."
"Well, that will be put to the test," Demetria said.
Alex nodded. "Maybe you haven't realized: He isn’t only hot, Luke Forrester is in the society newsletter as one of New York City's most eligible bachelors. The man is a big-time stockbroker at Goldman Sachs, and I guess he’s ready to settle down and start a family. The guy is a catch with a capital ‘C’!"
Her words sounded similar to the people who warned you the end was coming on the street with those signs that read, “Are you ready for the Judgment Day?”However, in Alex’s case, there was a hint of truth in it. Luke wasn't going to stay single his entire life; I should've been prepared for this. I forced a smile even as my stomach twisted tighter. I spoke calmly. "I'll take Demetria's suggestion then."
All three girls looked at me with puzzled expressions.
"I’ll find out where they’re registered and send a gift."
The once friendly, even sympathetic room turned cold. A scoff, a groan, and the sound of someone sucking their teeth hit me all at once. I noticed everyone's facial expressions shifted. Demetria wavered between frowning and shaking her head. Mei rolled her eyes so hard I thought it would stick. Alex looked ready to slap some sense into me.
There was no point talking about it further. They knew me, once I made up my mind, it couldn’t be changed.
We drank our wine and shifted the conversation to something completely unrelated to Luke.
The doorbell rang, and we heard Dorothy say, "Hello, Mr. Luke."
My stomach felt uneasy. He was here. The once sweet wine now tasted bitter, and I could feel three pairs of eyes watching me.
3
LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO ME
Taking a few quick breaths,I plastered a smile on my face as Luke made his way over. He walked toward us like he owned my townhouse, six foot two and tailored to perfection in a navy blue suit that hugged his broad shoulders as if stitched on by the gods. His blond hair was just ruffled enough to look effortless. It didn’t take very long for our eyes to meet, and when they did, it was as if no one else was in the room. My breath caught. Luke always had that effect on me (and every girl he came across), and he knew it.
"Am I too early? The weekly 'we hate men and nobody can change our mind'meeting is still going on?"
"Yes," Alex teased.
Mei and Demetria chuckled, but I rolled my eyes.
"I hear congratulations are in order," Demetria said, then stepped forward and gave him a hug. Mei and Alex followed her lead. Luke looked at me. Begrudgingly, I went over and wrapped my arms around him.
"Congratulations," I said, my voice sweet enough to pass as supportive, even as my stomach turned. For a second, it felt likemy jaw might actually lock. As I pulled away, I lowered my head to hide the tightness.
Luke wrapped an arm around my shoulder and held me by his side while he spoke to my girls. "You'll all be invited. I want everyone there to celebrate with us."
"Wouldn’t miss it for the world," Mei said flatly.
I flashed her a warning look.
Thankfully, Alex spoke next. She was someone I could depend on. "I always expected you to end up with someone else."
Well at least I thought she was someone I could depend on.What the hell? Didn’t I just tell them the friendship was more important? I wouldn't risk losing him.
"Like who? I'm curious to know who this group thought I’d settle down with," Luke said.
The three looked amongst themselves, and I quickly spoke up. "Anyone you've known more than six months."
Luke looked down at me. "I knew you'd have some reservations; that's why I came to assure you I hadn't lost my mind."
"The thought did come to me."
