Page 78 of Twisted Revelations

36

Beverly

The surprising update that Luke would be joining Dax in escorting us back to Texas had me grinning from ear to ear. If I didn’t fear killing myself in the process, I’d turn a few cartwheels.

The man had spoken a handful of words to me and had barely touched me, yet here I was excited about his presence. In all honesty, I didn’t even know if he was interested in me or even attracted, but it didn’t stop me from hoping.

Although I was certain I’d never get it, I wanted what Megan had with Aaron. The way one gazed at the other, you could sense the chemistry stirring in the air. His willingness to jump into the flames of hell for her. It was the most amazing thing I’d witnessed in a couple. Observing them together erased years of abusive, unloving, and adulterous relationships I’d grown up watching.

I’d convinced myself I wasn’t going to cry, but the waterworks started as I witnessed Megan marry the love of her life. We’d spent the rest of the day with them, talking and joking and enjoying each other’s company.

It saddened me we had to leave the next day, but we’d promised to link back up. Besides, Megan had mentioned that she and Aaron were going on a honeymoon.

* * *

After our tear-filled goodbyes,the next day, we loaded back into the SUV and prepared to head back to Texas. I took a leisurely glance at the bright California skyline before I clumped up the steps of the plane.

I loved Laura with all my heart, but I was elated Dax had taken the seat next to her despite her protests. It meant I was left with a chance to sit next to who I wanted to.

Luke stepped onto the plane, and a sigh of relief swept past my lips as my gaze latched on him. He gave a polite nod in my direction before he turned and helped the flight attendant close the door. My body rose, sitting higher in my seat, taking him in.

Luke’s structure was broad with enough muscles to keep a girl staring. He was a stylish dresser for a big guy. His crisp green button-up was rolled up to his elbows and his dark slacks were draped impeccably on his tall, strong frame. At the right angle, his pants brushed the corded muscles of his thighs that enticed my tongue to reach out and touch my lips.

Every time he bent his arms, I yearned to wrap my fingers around his biceps. My gaze lingered on each of his steps as I swallowed the urge to run my fingers up his thigh muscles to learn how they would feel rippling and gliding under my fingers.

Those eyes, so light and mysterious, looked like they hid an ocean of secrets I wouldn’t mind uncovering. I still found it difficult to believe that a group of men who barely knew us were willing to volunteer to put their lives in harm’s way to preserve our safety.

In learning and piecing together facts about this group, I was discovering most of us had suffered through our own personal hells. I believed our tortured pasts were the foundations that stood under us all.

A slow, easy breath eased past my lips before I allowed my gaze to drop. Verging along the lines of creeper, I’d been eyeing Luke way too hard. Once the door was secured, the flight attendant gushed and smiled before her hand groped one of the biceps I’d been drooling over.

Luke bent before taking a step forward, obviously used to ducking under low-hanging ceilings. After making a quick scan of his choices, he moved forward, my eyes following him. He decided on a place in the front of the plane like me. Unfortunately, it was the window seat across the aisle from mine.

Damn it!

My curiosity about him was starting to overwhelm me, so I allowed the boldness I used when running the center to take over. I unstrapped myself from my seat at the window and sauntered across the aisle. Luke had me setting fire to the vow I’d made with myself about men.

“Is someone sitting here?” I pointed at the plush aisle seat next to Luke’s. His crystal blue gaze met mine before falling to the seat in question.

“No,” he replied before a flash of a smile glided across his pale pink lips.

“May I?” I offered as I took the seat without giving him a chance to say yes or no. There was a spark between us I wanted to explore. If I were making a mistake, so be it. This wouldn’t be the first time. At least this was one of those times I believed the mistake would be worth it.

I didn’t know Luke, didn’t know a thing about the man other than he was a friend of Megan’s husband, Aaron, and they’d been in the military together. However, there was something about him that called to me. Perhaps, it was his positive energy that ignited my compulsion to gravitate to him.

I adjusted myself in the seat, my elbow brushing his arm and soaking up some of that relaxing warmth he emitted. Although he filled it out, the wide, plush seat was a perfect fit for his tall, well-built body. My stalking gaze traveled the expanse of his long legs stretched out before him before stopping at his crossed feet and freezing. Jesus.

“If you don’t mind my asking, what size shoe do you wear?” My curiosity was uncontrolled as my mind latched onto the crazy notion Megan had convinced me and Laura was true about a man’s foot size.

“Fifteen,” he answered, his tone low as his gaze raked up my jean-covered legs and stopped where my hand sat in my lap. A knowing smile crept across my lips. I wasn’t the only one curious. This wasn’t the first time I’d caught his eyes roaming over me with a lingering interest that mirrored my own.

My gaze panned back up his body, my shameless eyes stopping in the area they didn’t need to go. Thankfully, I couldn’t tell anything by the way he sat. Despite Megan’s proclamation, I’d met men who had been given the height, but when it came to their lower member, it had been neglected.

Stop it, Beverly!

I was being way too fast and thirsty and needed to temper my behavior and act like a lady.

Damn, he smells good.

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