Page 75 of Charmed By Destiny

Clark left the foyer, and a sound on the stairs had Luke turning his head. He beamed a smile at Richard as he set one heeled foot on a step. Instead of a sensible boot, he wore sparkly heels that complimented the wide stripe down the side of his flowing trousers. A large silk bow rested below his collar, but the rest of his shirt was a lovely sheer that gave glimpses of the muscles Luke loved to kiss.

“You’re stunning, Dragonfly,” Luke said approvingly as Richard curved his red lips. His makeup was dramatically smoky with a hint of glitter. Something glimmered in the hair curling away from his forehead. Richard had made a considerable effort for their date, and Luke loved it.

“Thank you, you’re pretty handsome yourself.”

“These are for you,” Luke commented as he handed Richard the bouquet and bussed his cheek since he didn’t want to do anything yet to muss that tempting slick lipstick.

“They’re gorgeous.”

“You’ll want to save the card.”

Luke had snooped plenty in Richard’s room and discovered the first note he’d written to the necromancer in an otherwise empty decorative box. Someday, Luke would ensure Richard needed an entire pile of boxes to house keepsakes.

With a sly look, Richard plucked the card out of the flowers. A heartfelt smile bloomed on his face, and he held it to his heart.

“You’re right. I’m saving this. You would’ve been my choice too.”

“No one else for either of us.”

“Absolutely not.” Richard waved a hand to his eyes. “I didn’t wear waterproof mascara, don’t say anything else nice to me or I’ll ruin my makeup.”

“I promise to treat you like shit for the rest of the night.”

“You’re the best, thanks.”

Chapter 26

It was tempting to throw himself into Lucas’s arms, but Richard could do that later. He would do that later. For now, he clutched the gorgeous flowers in one hand and slipped the card he wanted to reread a hundred times safely into his pocket. To his surprise, his father walked into the foyer with a goblet of wine that he handed to Lucas.

“Ah, Mr. Wynnter, I assume your date has decided not to keep you waiting any longer,” Clark said, plucking a fat marker from his pocket and using it on the front of the clipboard in his hands.

“What is going on?” Richard asked.

Luke bent his head conspiratorially toward Richard. “We’re dining atLa Belle Femme.”

“What isLa Belle Femme?”

“Do you live beneath a rock, sir?” his father exclaimed. “It is only the most famous restaurant on the planet. Named, of course, forla belle femmeherself, Rosalind Marwood.”

“I don’t know what’s happening, but I’m concerned,” Richard said.

“Follow me, gentlemen, your table is ready,” Clark commented.

Lucas took Richard’s hand, and they followed Clark out of the foyer. Tears once again threatened as they stepped into the dining room. The finest china gleamed on the table along with fat candles that added lovely ambiance as they burned. Low classical music flowed from hidden speakers.

“Please have a seat,” Clark insisted. “Sir, would you allow me to put those flowers into water for you?”

“Do you know how to do that?” Richard asked.

His father glared. “Someone in the kitchen will aid me.”

“If someone named David is in there, his floral arranging ability is unmatched.”

“What a coincidence, we have a David on staff. I’ll place these flowers in his capable hands. Can I bring you a glass of wine, sir?”

Lucas had pulled out a chair for Richard, so he thanked his soulmate and settled into it. Grinning at his father, he folded his hands together. “Do you have a wine list? I’d like to see my choices.”

“Unfortunately not. Madame Marwood selects the wine for our guests.”

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