Page 62 of So Right
“So I guess we’ll meet back here tomorrow to finish clean up?” Jamie asked.
Luke stood. “Yep. But don’t expect me before noon.” He went over to Kelsey and held out his hand. “Come on, gorgeous, let’s hit the road.”
She arched a brow at him, probably wondering why he’d called her that in front of everyone. He had nothing to hide. She was a beautiful woman, and he was completely under her spell. And he didn’t really care who knew it.
She put her hand in his, and he pulled her to her feet. She winced, and he had his answer about the shoes.
Grabbing her purse, she cast a smile about the room. “Good night. Thanks for letting me help out.”
“Thankyoufor helping,” Cam said. “We’ll lock up. Night, Luke.”
“Night.” Luke escorted Kelsey outside and then swept her into his arms.
“Luke! What are you doing? Put me down.”
He carried her across the parking lot to his Jeep. “Not a chance, sweetheart. I saw your face—your feet are killing you. No surprise looking at your shoes. Sexy as hell, but not for standing like you did most of the night.”
“Well, I didn’t realize I’d be helping out like I did. But I enjoyed every minute.”
He deposited her into the passenger seat. “I’m glad. Now take those shoes off, and I’ll carry you into the house too.”
He closed the door and rounded the car. Slowly. He wasn’t looking forward to getting home where the hands-off rule was in effect. He was so sexually worked up, he thought he might explode.
Despite his snail’s pace, he made it to the driver door and climbed inside. She already had her shoes off. A minute later, they were driving down the hill toward town.
“I had a really great time tonight,” she said. It was dark, so he couldn’t see much of her face. “I love listening to you talk about the vines and the grapes.”
“Thanks. I loved having you there.”
Silence reigned for a couple of minutes before she said, “I guess it’s pretty obvious we’re dating.”
“Probably.” He let the word out slowly. “Is that okay?”
“Yes. In fact, I was hoping we could talk about that.”
He tensed as he pulled onto Main Street and drove through town. “What do you mean?”
“When I agreed to come stay with you, I was nervous about how it would affect our relationship. Or whatever it is we have going on. I didn’t want it to accelerate things.” She paused. “I’m still…hesitant.”
The tension inside him released, but it wasn’t relief. It was disappointment. Not with her, with himself for stupidly allowing his hopes to get out of hand.
“I understand. You’re still welcome to stay with me as long as you like, and we’ll keep our relationship—or whatever it is—in check.”
He turned onto his street.
“I’m not being very clear. Sorry.”
He tensed again as he drove into the driveway and parked the car. “What do you mean?” He looked over at her, and the porch light cast its glow across her face as she turned toward him.
“I mean I want to repeal the no-sexy-times rule. Immediately. If you’re okay with that.”
The lust he’d worked so hard to quell all night came roaring to a head, making his body thrum with need. Anticipation coursed through him as he looked her in the eye. “I’ve never been more okay with anything in my entire life.”
