Page 32 of Kiss Me Forever

“Yes, Kimberly. She lives in Paris, working at a travel agency. Actually, I think right now she’s in London with Reese and Gran.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful. Are they vacationing in London? I always wanted to go.”

“Not exactly.”

“Then what—never mind. Sorry, it’s none of my business.”

He flashed me a devastatingly charming smile. “I like talking to you, Meg.” After a beat, he added, “Reese’s dad lives in London. He completely took the family by surprise, announcing that he'd remarried, and now we have a new cousin."

"Wow," I said, stunned. "I don’t understand. It sounds like there’s history there."

"There’s a lot of history. My uncle had distanced himself a bit from the family a couple years ago. Many years ago, actually. His wife died when Reese and Kimberly were still young, and he focused on work almost exclusively. My parents practically raised my cousins as well. After they sold the bookstore chain, he moved to London, and they grew even further apart. It's not been easy for Kimberly or Reese. And honestly, it hasn’t been easy for Gran either. Or my parents." The protective way in which he spoke about his family warmed me.

“I bet not,” I murmured. “That has to be tough.”

"We’re going to reach LaSalle soon. Did you decide where you want to have lunch?"

"Oh, sure. There’s this French restaurant about five blocks from the office," I said, showing him the address on my phone.

He nodded. "I know it. I've been a couple times. The food is great."

When we reached the restaurant, I looked to my left and right for any available parking spots—just before I saw the sign with valet service as well as the smartly dressed guy standing next to it.

We got out of the car, and Luke dropped off the key with him. I massaged my neck, tilting it to the right and the left.

“You’re tense,” he remarked.

“I think I was stiff back at Rick’s. I didn’t want to miss anything. But tonight, I’ll take a hot bath in my tub and—”

I pressed my lips together to keep from sharing any more intimate details. I knew I’d crossed a line anyway because Luke’s nostrils flared.

“I’ll send you a bottle of your favorite drink too. I’d suggest one of my brother’s wines, but I know you’re a Lillet woman.”

Oh, no, no, no. He’s playing dirty. Why?

Instead of politely refusing, I decided to do the exact opposite.

“You won’t hear me complain. You’re very thoughtful. I like that.”

“So. A hot bath and Lillet. What else is in your plan for tonight?”

I cleared my throat, hoping that might clear my mind too. To no avail. When he turned on the charm and the flirty voice, I couldn’t help wanting more. We were definitely on thin ice here.

“That’s a secret you’ll never know.”

“You think so, Megan?”

My mouth instantly dried up. His eyes were fixated on my lips.

“Yes,” I whispered.

“Then let’s see what I can do to change that.”

Oh my. Flirty Luke is back for sure.

---