Page 36 of Gwen's Delta
“No, it’s my fault. I’m a grownup, I could have said I needed to go to bed. I didn’t want to hang up. But if it stays busy, I might not have a lot of time to visit.”
“That’s okay. I could spend hours wandering around in here.” His bright smile warmed his amber eyes and desire sizzled along her skin.
Luke followed her to her desk. It doubled as the checkout area. She could feel his gaze on her and wondered if he was checking out her butt and almost tripped over her feet. As Luke grabbed her elbow to keep her from falling, the heat slid up her neck and into her cheeks.
“Thanks.” Ugh, clumsy should have been her middle name.
“I am happy to be of service, princess.”
Gah. The man drove her crazy. Just hearing his deep voice sent waves of desire to her core.
As she climbed onto the stool, she focused on the screen saver flashing on the laptop—anything to avoid looking at his handsome face and losing herself in his eyes. But he was still close enough to inhale his scent of pine trees and fresh mint.
“I don’t want to be a distraction. Are you sure it’s okay?”
“Of course, it’s okay. It’s a surprise, but a wonderful one. I’m so happy you didn’t have to leave today. Do you still have to go, or is it called off entirely?”
“Yes, eventually, and probably without a lot of notice.”
“Did your boss let you have your time off again?” Gwen signed into the computer and checked the online store. Luckily, there were only a couple orders. Maybe if it stayed slow, she could sneak off to Beans with Luke. Or even to her house.
“Yes, but we can’t go far from post, just in case. I’d like to spend a lot of it here with you. Do you think you can handle dating someone like me?”
“I thought we were already dating?” Hopefully, she hadn’t read him wrong. He’d shown up on his day off, called her, and texted her. It seemed like dating.
“Yeah, I guess we are.” Luke’s big smile warmed her like she’d been standing in the sunshine.
As Gwen met his eyes, she flashed him a bright smile. “Does this mean you’re my boyfriend? Dang, that seems weird to say. What expression do adults use?”
“I don’t suppose lover would work…at least not yet.” His words resonated deep inside, their promise heating her core.
Lovers.Was she ready for that yet? If last night’s dreams were any indication, her subconscious was more than ready. Too bad her brain wouldn’t stop reminding her that they’d only known each other for a few days.
“I’m teasing, princess. You can call me whatever you’d like.”
Just thinking about words to call him made her giggle. Before she could try any on him, her grandparents came out of the kitchen.
“What’s got you giggling? Ahh. Hi, Luke. How are you?” Gramps asked as they shook hands.
“I’m well, sir. How about you?”
“Great, great. Can’t stay away, huh?” Gramps asked with a wink.
“No, sir. I’d hoped to find a rare book when I came the first time, but I found a hidden gem.”
“Ohhh, Gwenie-bee, he’s a keeper,” Grams gushed.
Gwen was surprised Grams didn’t clap her hands and jump up and down.
“I’m glad someone else finally realized it.” Gramps clapped Luke on the back. “C’mon, Becca, let’s leave them alone. I’ll cover the phone. You just visit with your young man.”
“You don’t have to—”
“Nonsense. Nice seeing you again, Luke.”
“Same here, sir.”
Gramps practically dragged Grams into their living quarters. They worked that matchmaker card hard. It was kind of cute but more than a little embarrassing.
