Page 73 of Reluctant Chemistry

CeCe stood and picked up her clutch from the table, feeling her skin heat under the molded fabric of her dress. No other man had ever had that effect on her in public. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, do you?”

His lips curled a fraction more, reminding her of the heat they once shared. “I think it’s a great idea. But your call.”

She shook her head. “Goodnight.”

Making her way through the crowd, CeCe felt Luka’s stare track her across the ballroom as she searched for Mitch and Tayla to say her goodbyes. When she glanced back, hersexy as fuckex-teacher sat in the same place, still watching her. His eyes held a knowing smile, and in that moment, she ached for him, longed to kiss him with passion and breathtaking urgency as she had years before.

35

Girlfriend Interrupted

Luka had known she’d be there. Mitch had warned him, so he’d at least be prepared. But would he ever be prepared where CeCe was concerned? Because when she’d entered the ballroom, the cut of her dress holding her tight and lips slicked with red, he couldn’t believe his eyes. He’d never been interested in restraining a woman during sex, but there was something about the choker collar and straps of CeCe’s gown that had him rethinking it.

In the end,rather than grabbing an Uber,his parents had dropped him off at their townhouse. On the drive there, he’d expected his mother to mention CeCe, but she hadn’t, and Luka was thankful for that. He didn’t want to talk about her. Not with his wits dulled by too much alcohol. His mother always wanted answers, but when it came to CeCe, he had none.

Although they often stayed with Luka in town after a night out, they’d wanted to get back to the Valley, so he’d walked through the front door to a silent house. After opening the double doors onto the deck, he went to the kitchen for a glass of water and two painkillers, removing his bow tie and unbuttoning his shirt on the way.

Luka settled in one of the leather chairs flanking the fireplace, the glass of water in his hand and CeCe dominating his thoughts. The way she’d smiled when she walked in. That sexy dress with its choker neckline. Those red lips shining like a beacon from the sea of the curls framing her face.

And as he reflected on the evening, other snippets floated into his head. Her shy hello and interrupted goodbye. His inappropriatesexy as fuckcomment that had her flushing a crimson pink.

He’d stayed on for another half hour after CeCe left, downing shots with Mitch and a couple of guys from their touch rugby team. As a result, alcohol still blurred his senses. He picked up his phone and unlocked it, wrestling with the voice of reason that echoed in the back of his mind. It was after one in the morning, and he knew he shouldn’t contact her. Not when he was hammered. Besides, she’d be home at Lime Tree Hill by now, or maybe she’d stay with her parents overnight.

And yet, there seemed so much to say.

When the doorbell rang, Luka thought he must have drifted off, and the sound was a distant part of a dream. Until he heard it again. For a moment, he wondered if kids were playing a prank, but when it rang for the third time, he jumped up to answer it.

Luka couldn’t see anyone through the glass panels on either side of the entry from the hallway, so when he reached the door, he checked through the peephole. He closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath.

She’d stepped away by the time he’d unlocked the deadbolt, her shoulders hunched as she walked toward her car parked on the side of the street.

“CeCe?”

She hesitated, making a snap decision in her head perhaps, then turned slowly. She stepped toward him, her expression apprehensive.

“I thought you said it wasn’t a good idea.”

“I did.” Her gaze flicked back to her car. “Sorry, I should go. I…”

He reached for her hand, cold and small in his. “Don’t go, please. Come inside.”

CeCe lowered her head. Stepped past him. Turned. “I couldn’t sleep,” she whispered, her eyes filled with invitation.

Fuck!

“How come?” He closed the door, his hands unsteady on the lock.

“I have too many thoughts jumping to conclusions in my head.”

Luka stared without restraint. Just like the night of Mitch’s party, this CeCe was all brand new. And while the lips had lost some of their shine, the dress certainly had not. Those straps, the collar, the fabric molding her curves—he struggled to take his eyes off her. “So what was the upshot?” was all he could manage.

She gave a little one-shouldered shrug. “That I should stay home, go to bed, and forget all about you and your ‘sexy as fuck’ comment. That I’m too busy for this complication and don’t want a case of morning regret.”

His hands still unsteady, Luka lifted her wrap from where it rested over one shoulder. “And yet, here you are.”

CeCe smiled coyly, her fingers raking through her hair as he hung the wrap on the coat hook. “Yes. Is that okay?”

“Only if you promise no regrets.”

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