One simple word, yet the tone of his voice wraps around me like an invitation for more. And I so want to accept. Thankfully, my common sense overrides the silly romantic in me before I do something foolish.
A young man walks toward us, a friendly smile on his face as he approaches Kinsley. Her grin, however, tells me she sees him as more than just a friend. Her entire demeanor changes from a confident yet sarcastic young adult to a shy and somewhat awkward teenager. “Brandon’s here.”
Luke’s easy expression shifts to a scowl as he studies first his sister, then Brandon. I may not have any siblings, but I recognize an overprotective brother when I see one.
Kinsley gestures to her friend. Or should I say boyfriend? “This is Brandon.”
Luke reaches his large hand out to shake his hand as Kinsley introduces him.
“Good to meet you, sir.” Brandon’s voice holds exactly the right amount of respect and fear.
Luke grunts, then clears his throat. “Good to meet you. Brandon.” He pronounces both syllables of his name succinctly with an underlying threat, which makes Brandon’s eyes widen.
Voice dripping with sarcasm, Kinsley pats Luke’s arm. “He’s just being friendly.”
Luke crosses his arms, but he’s wearing his suit jacket, so it makes his biceps and chest appear larger. I’m pretty sure that was intentional.
He lifts his chin. “What’s the plan?”
Brandon darts a panicked look at Kinsley. “Plan?”
Luke takes a menacing step closer. “Driving straight through or stopping for the night?”
“Straight through, sir. We plan to take shifts driving and sleeping. I have snacks and drinks in a cooler already, and our route mapped out. We should arrive back inNew York by dinner time tomorrow,” he rattles off like a soldier under the gun.
I’m kind of impressed by this guy. He’s obviously a planner and seems trustworthy so far.
The muscle in Luke’s jaw ticks as he considers Brandon’s answer. “Good.”
I give Kinsley a hug. “I guess this is goodbye. Call me if you need help with anything, okay?”
She smiles and nods.
Luke’s eyes are like twin lasers as he stares at his sister. “I want a phone call at every stop.”
“But we’ll be driving all night.”
“I don’t care. Call,” Luke growls.
She rolls her eyes. “And there’s the Lukinator. Yes, I will call you at every stop and give a full report when we arrive.”
Luke hugs his sister, then gives Brandon a menacing look that makes him trip.
I cover my mouth to hide my smile.
Kinsley gets about ten feet away when she turns and points at us. “You two should go out and celebrate.”
Luke lowers his chin, looking rather fierce, and growls, “Call me.”
His sister rolls her eyes again before spinning back around. Brandon has his hands in his pants pockets and keeps his distance as they stride across the parking lot. I think Luke accomplished putting the fear of annihilation in him if he does anything out of line.
We stand there, saying nothing as they drive away like two parents watching their kid leave for college or something. I find the feeling rather surreal.
“Hungry?”
The sudden break in the silence makes me jump. I tilt my face toward Luke, who’s still staring out over the emptying parking lot. I think I saw a couple of fans pointing at him, but I’m guessing hisfierce stance scared them off.
“I rode up on the bus.”
