Page 20 of Tempt Her

That woman?He won’t even say her name.

I open the door to the mudroom. “Yes. I invited Cade and Silas. I don’t know about his parents yet.”

“Call that woman and make sure they come,” he commands. “I’m on the yacht tonight. I’ll be home late tomorrow.”

He ends the call, and I exhale, relieved.

But the only way I’ll keep the peace is to do “my job.” I’ll never hear the end of it if Silas Van de May comes to our party without his powerful parents.

The doorbell chimes on time as I set my stuff down in the kitchen before answering it.

It’s only Luke this morning, waiting like a puppy on my front step. A big, sexy, eager golden puppy holding two Starbucks coffees.

“Good morning,” he answers before whispering, “Stacey.”

“Good morning,Luke.” I smile, not keeping my voice down, signaling to him we’re alone... and safe.

He steps inside as I close the door behind him. “Where’s Mateo?”

“Another job went sideways—long story.” He grins. “One that involves red paint everywhere. Ford and Mateo are putting out that fire, so it’s just me, but I got this. I’ll finish the dining room, then start on the parlor.” He offers me a cup. “Got this for you. Caramel Brulée Latte.” His gaze drops, shy. “For the holidays and all.”

Stunned by a man being so kind, I mutter, “Thank you,” taking the cup. I sip, stifling my moan at how yummy it is,and Luke.

He casts his glance around. “You ever think about refreshing the whole house? Beige is the color of misery.”

“Lots of miserable things need changing around here.” The truth falls from my mouth, and he makes me curious. “How’d you get this job anyway? You look young but paint like a pro.”

I rarely get to talk to someone without Gentry scrutinizing my every word.

“I did it through college, working with Ford to earn some cash. I just graduated this past May; now I’m working full time and taking the year to train.”

“Train for what?”

“The Army Rangers. I go in next summer, and Ford’s helping me prepare.”

“That’s a dangerous job.”

“Sure is. My dad was a Ranger. It’s all I ever wanted to be.”

“Is your dad helping you train too?”

“Nah,”—his smile drops—“he was killed in Afghanistan when I was four.”

“Oh, Luke.” It’s sudden; my sympathy. “I’m sorry. I lost my mom, too, when I was young.”

He nods, grief almost reaching his happy eyes as his grin slowly returns. “My mom and sister serve. They’re in the Army too. It’s a family thing.”

“I bet you make ‘em proud.”

He shrugs. “That’s the plan.” The way his bright eyes cast over me next, I feel caught in his happy web. “What about you? Miss South Carolina and all. That took training, and you had to do it in heels and hairspray.”

“Please,”—I roll my eyes—“you give me too much credit.Myservice is taking care of my dad. He’s got Alzheimer’s, and that’s all I do.”

His eyes won’t leave me while he sips again, making a flush crawl up my cheeks, realizing this young man is arealman about to risk his life in honor of his father and country. It’s beyond humbling.

“So,” he lowers his cup, “you don’t give yourself enough credit then, do you, Stacey?”

“Credit for what?”

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