Page 5 of Luke

“Trying to,” I say.

“Is it some kind of weight loss fad?” She asks. “I love hearing about all those new crackpot ways to lose weight. Some celebrities out in Hollywood eatnothingbut seaweed. Hand to God!”

“It’s for my mother. Smoothies will help her get proper nutrition while she treats her cancer.”

The color drains from Jeanette’s face.

“Of course,” she nods. “We’re keeping her in our thoughts all the time.”

“That’s so nice of you.” If she can tell how fake my smile is, she doesn’t let on. “Have a good one!”

I leave without waiting for change.

“Need a blender?” Luke’s voice sends a shiver down my spine. I don’t even have to see him for desire to start boiling in my blood. How is that fair?

“What?” I blurt like an idiot.

“I heard you asking Jeanette for a blender,” he says. “We have one at the station we never use. Want to borrow it?”

“No thanks,” I don’t like being so curt with him but it’s either that or rip his clothes off. Not sure he’ll respond to the latter well.

I can’t believe Luke is being this nice to me. I’m not proud of how I left Rose Haven. It wasn’t fair to him at all. The least he can do is be mad about it like I deserve.

“So, you’re just going to make your mom suck on frozen strawberries?” There’s humor in his voice. He always sounds like he’s about to start laughing. He has the best laugh.

“I can get stuff next time we go to Denver,” I say.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll bring the blender over tomorrow,” he says. “By the way, your mom sent me a text about Gary’s old truck. I’m trying to help him sell it.”

“Oh, god,” I sigh. “Please, don’t sell it to her. She’s not going to be able to drive a car soon, let alone one like that.”

“Don’t worry,” he assures me. “I know how she is with anything weird and unusual. I told her one of the McLarren brothers already made an offer.”

“Thank you.” Relief mixed with guilt washes through me.

“Do you want to grab something to eat?” He asks.

“Um.” My mind goes blank. His question catches me off guard. It’s already hard enough to think straight while standing so close to him. He’s a good ten inches taller than me, which I’ve always loved. He looks like a superhero trying to blend into a civilian population.

“It’s not supposed to be a brain teaser,” he chuckles.

“My mother’s waiting in the car,” I say. “Another time?”

“Sure,” he nods. “I’ll see you tomorrow when I bring the blender.”

Before I can tell him it’s not necessary, he walks away.

Chapter Four

Luke

I knock on the door to Marie’s home at nine the next morning. A tired-looking Alice answers, though her ever-present smile is in place. Her hair was always thin, but I can see where it’s starting to fall out.

“Luke!” Her smile widens. “I haven’t seen the likes of you here in some time! I should get cancer more often if it means handsome men will come knocking on my door.”

“Mom!” Marie appears beside her mother, looking embarrassed. When she eyes the box in my hands, her eyes narrow. She wears a flattering cream colored sweater and jeans that hug her in all of the right places.

“What’s all this?” She asks.

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