Page 71 of The Wedding Run
I lick my lips and place the cup in the carrier. “My fault. I drank too fast.”
“Was it nice?” He studies my expression.
Another name for it might be ‘The Arnold.’
“As in Palmer? That name’s already taken.”
I shake my head. “Schwarzenegger.”
He laughs. “Hasta la vista, baby.”
He guides us toward the back door. It’s dark in the alleyway. I turn on my phone’s flashlight and tuck it into my front pocket, aiming the beam at the lock. Then, I take the coffee carrier from him. He inserts the key into the lock, but it won’t turn. He struggles with it until his arm bumps into me. With both hands gripping the coffee carrier, I sway on the top step. He grabs my waist and pulls me toward him. We’re only a breath apart.
“You good?” he asks, his voice husky.
I nod.
We stare into each other’s eyes. Our relieved smiles evaporate under the heat shimmering between us. He pulls me closer. I angle my chin, leaning in and anticipating his lips on mine.
Then my phone vibrates.
“'Scam Likely,'” I whisper.
“You never answered my question,” he says.
“What question?” I can’t peel my gaze away from his mouth, the curve of his lower lip.
“If you regret meeting me.”
When did he ask me that? “No, Luke, I don’t regret meeting you. You’ve been the best part of this crazy week.”
His hand cups my jaw gently but firmly, and then I feel his thumb wipe the corner of my lower lip. “You had foam, just there.”
Then he releases me, turns back to lock the door.
I sway like my knees might buckle. That’s it? No kiss? No nothing?
“Luke?”
“Yeah?” He faces me.
“I, uh…” What am I saying? I want you? I need you? Instead, I blurt out, “I’m sorry about your sister.”
As soon as the words are out, I know it wasn’t the right time. But it’s too late. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
His shoulder lifts in a slight shrug. “Difficult to talk about, I guess. Besides, you had enough going on this week.”
I want to place my hand against his chest and pull him toward me, but my hands are occupied with the coffee carrier. “I understand. I’m truly sorry. I know that doesn’t help but…”
He clears his throat. “Thank you.”
Then he steps back, taking the coffee carrier from me and leaving me on the step.
When he reaches the truck, he opens the passenger door for me. “You coming?”
I fumble with my phone and switch off the flashlight, plunging us into darkness.
CHAPTER 36
