Page 93 of How Good It Was (Excess All Areas 3)

Thoughts of Luke made her smile. The way he’d taken her that morning. “I’m feeling great. It’s a boy. Everything is healthy. And Luke and I are headed down an unexpected path.”

“You didn’t need the contract?”

“No, I did. But having it gave us time to get to know one another. And that’s been ... more than I hoped for.”

“Listen, I know you are a client. But I find it hard to not want to tell you to be careful with your heart, because too many people have taken advantage of it.”

“I know. You’re right. But this isn’t what you think. The more I learn about Luke, the more I see who he is.”

“And who is he?”

“Someone who just needs to be loved.”

“Maybe it’s the lawyer in me, but that sounds a bit motherhood and apple pie.”

Willow shrugged. “Maybe.” Keys rattled in the lock. “Luke just got home. Did you need anything else?”

“Just another look through all those emails. Perhaps even pop them all into the folder I set up so we can scrutinise them too.”

“Will do.”

“Take care of yourself, Willow.”

She placed her phone down on the coffee table just as Luke came through the door. He looked drawn and windswept. “Hey,” she said, walking over to him.

“Come here,” he said, tugging her to him and sliding his arms around her fully until their bodies were flush. His hands spanned her back as his mouth sought the side of her neck. “I missed you both,” he muttered against her skin before pressing kisses along her shoulder.

But instead of them turning sexual, he dropped his forehead to her shoulder and breathed.

She stroked his back, catching sight of their reflection in the window. His large frame wrapped around her. Their breathing synchronised. Slow breaths in, long exhales.

Finally, he stood and cupped her cheeks.

“How was it?” she asked.

“I feel like I lost a layer of skin, and there’s nothing left holding me together.”

“You don’t need to tell me anything, but I’m here for you if you do.”

His blue eyes focused on hers as if seeking answers she wasn’t sure she held. “I’m glad you’re here. And that I didn’t have to come home to an empty house.” Leaning forward, he brushed his lips against hers. Softly, then deeper.

Was it possible to lose yourself in a kiss?

Yes. It was.

She kept her eyes closed for a couple of seconds after his lips left hers before opening them. “I love the way you kiss me.”

“I love the way you let me. Sit with me,” Luke said, leading her to the sofa. He pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her. “I never realised how depressing this place was before until just now. With the sun shining outside, and the plants in here, and the different spaces, and the cushions and everything. When I said I was glad to come home to you, I meant it. But I also missed the peace I’m finding here now.”

“We did a good job.”

“You’re the ideas woman,” he said, tapping the end of her nose. “I’m just the hired help.”

“You are pretty impressive with a roller, I’ll give you that. And very efficient with paint usage.”

Luke looked out of the window. “Neil said something today, and I’ve thought about it all the way home on the tram.”

“Do you want to share it?”

---