Page 136 of Sweet Ruin

“That’syour highlight of the wedding?”

“Oh, and the company, obviously.”

“Uh-huh, sure.”

Luther relaxed into his chair, and a smile pulled at his lips as he watched Anna on the dance floor. There was an adoring look in his eyes as she burst out laughing at the dance moves the twins were pulling. I’d been seeing him look at her like that more and more throughout the year, and I wasn’t sure I could go another night without saying something.

“Are you ever going to admit you have a thing for Anna?” I asked.

Luther’s eyes practically twinkled as he glanced back at me. “And have her hold that against me too? I don’t think so.”

I shook my head. He was so confusing. “So, you do like her?”

“Like her?” He laughed. “That girl’s going to marry me one day. She just doesn’t know it yet.”

My mouth dropped open. “What?”

He grinned at the shock in my eyes.

“How is she going to marry you if you won’t even admit you like her?”

“Perseverance,” he replied. “And it helps that we’re going to the same college next year.”

The music changed and Luther grinned as he glanced at the dance floor again. “That’s my song. I better go see if my girl wants a spin.”

He started to stand but then turned back to me. “Great party, newbie. I’m really glad I came.”

I glared at him but laughed. “Do you think you’ll ever stop calling me newbie?”

“Nah, you’ll always be the new girl to me.” He winked and took off after Anna.

I watched him go onto the dance floor and hold out his hand to her, inviting her to dance. I half expected her to roll her eyes and walk away, but the next thing I knew, she was in his arms. She had a horrified look on her face as he happily spun her around, and it was only after the song ended, when he bowed and walked away from her, that she smiled after him. Perhaps Luther’s perseverance was already starting to pay off.

“You look deep in thought,” Noah said, arriving to sit at my side. Norma had been dragging him around the dance floor for the last three songs, whispering who knows what in his ear. I had a feeling she was probably giving him her latest predictions.

“Just thinking about the future, I guess.”

“Well, I can tell you all about mine,” he said. “It’s got a gorgeous blonde with curly hair and bright blue eyes in it.”

"Really?”

“Yeah. Apparently, we’re going to have incredible adventures, successful careers, and then we’ll settle down and have five kids.”

I burst out laughing. “Is that what Norma’s been telling you?”

“And that we’re getting a golden retriever.”

“I mean, the goldie sounds great. But five kids?” I said. “Is she trying to scare you off?”

“Nothing could scare me off you.”

I smiled because I believed him. Especially after what we’d both gone through with his grandfather. It was a relief to know William was behind bars now, and we’d never see him again.

“Do you want to dance with me?” Noah asked, offering his hand. A slow song had just come on, and I glanced down at his feet.

“Yes, but I should probably apologize to your toes in advance.”

“Apology accepted.” He chuckled and led me onto the dance floor.

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