Page 19 of The Sweetheart Dance
Just as the words leave my lips, I hear the shower running in the ensuite connected to Raina’s room. I fight the carnal instinct to go in there. It is difficult but I know it isn’t time for that.
“Dude.”
I shake my head to clear the onslaught of naughty ideas. “What?”
Karl chuckles again. “All I’m saying is, you got it bad. Just like that Usher song.”
“Shut up.”
He knocks into my shoulder before making his way over to the couch to plop down in front of the television. “I’m not saying it is a bad thing. All I want you to do is be careful. She isn’t like the girls you’re used to. She’s a real one with feelings and you can hurt her.”
I take his words in and consider what to say next. I can’t argue with him because I know it is true. Raina isn’t like the girls who are wanting a big-paid boyfriend to cash in on the notoriety. Raina is wanting someone who will just love her.
Chapter Fifteen
Raina
Like a coward, I took myself to my room and away from Luke’s smoldering looks. He looked at me as if he wanted to kiss me and I wanted him to. I wanted him to wrap his huge hands around my cheeks to kiss me more than I care to admit.
He wasn’t lying with his assessment of my being a romantic. We are in one of the most romantic places to me and someplace that has held a special place in my heart given I lost my virginity to Luke all of those years ago.
I took myself to my room because I didn’t want to have another heartbreak. Sure, we will have fun for these couple of days. We will convince our families we are together but what about my heart? I’m already feeling something flutter inside of me.
“I’m stupid,” I mutter to myself as I lather the loofa up with body wash.
I take a shower most of the time before going to bed because the hot water relaxes me and I like the way it feels. My job can be very stressful and any relaxation is a plus.
I can hear my phone ringing outside of the shower but I choose to ignore it. Instead, I throw my head forward to let the hot water beat against my neck.
Maybe I should just go for it and enjoy this week for what it is meant to be. Or maybe he is feeling something for me, too?
Gah!
When my phone rings again, I aggressively turn off the shower to run and grab it. Whoever is on the other side of the phone call could be someone who needs me.
I see it is my mother.
“Raina!”
I pull the phone away from my ear as she is singing my name. “Yes, mother?”
She giggles. “Why didn’t you tell me you were dating Luke Willows?”
“Mom, it kind of just happened. There isn’t much to tell just yet.” Or ever.
“I think you guys make a beautiful couple. I’m glad to see you happy, darling. It is a wonderful thing to see your daughter so happy.”
I smile. I feel a slight twinge of guilt but then remember she is just being herself.
“Anyways, I was calling to see if you and Luke wanted to take your father and my massages tomorrow at eleven?”
My tired body is begging for this attention. “Are you sure? Why aren’t you taking them?”
She is a generous person but she is being strangely too generous right now. “No reason. Your father and I have another engagement to get to. It is at eleven! Make sure you are there!” She hangs up before I can say anything more.
I feel like she is up to something. I don’t know what it is just yet, but it is something.
I quickly dry off, slather on some lotion, secure the bun I pulled my hair into and slip into some pajamas before asking Luke if he wants to go. I take one last look in the mirror before checking. I look okay.
