Smiling, he reaches out, taking my hand in his large, warm one. Strolling along the sidewalk holding hands feels good, especially as he holds my hand all the way to the door of my apartment.
Luke focuses on our clasped hands as he says, “Cass, I’ve really enjoyed tonight, and I’d like to see you again. Soon.” He sounds a little unsure of himself as his voice cracks.
Smiling back at him, I admit, “I’ve had a good time too, Luke, and I’d like to see you again too.”
His whole demeanor changes as his mouth breaks into a wide smile. “Great. Are you free for lunch on Sunday?”
Wow so soon. "Yes, okay,” I answer cautiously. Damn, he probably noticed my delayed response. I do want to see him again but I'm not about to jump into this thing between us with both feet. “Lunch sounds good. Where were you thinking?”
“I have an idea, but it depends on the weather, so I’ll text you Sunday morning with where and when. If you’re okay with that.”
Sounds perfect to me. I feel like tonight we have reached a level on resolution. There's still a long way to go and more conversations to have but we have made a huge leap forward.
Luke then bends down to place a gentle kiss on my lips before saying goodbye and heading off. Wow, his kiss was good but I'm not happy that it's left me wanting more.
I now know the connection still burns bright between us. I saw it spark briefly in his eyes, felt the electricity in his touch. I like the way he still makes me quiver everywhere. I’ve missed the fluttery feeling in my stomach which only he seems to be able to ignite.
Luke Steele is definitely going to be difficult to resist.
Chapter 15
Cassie
LateSundaymorningandLuke has just sent me the details of where I'm to meet him today. I search up the Deli Diner near Central Park, which according to the website, does the best-grilled chicken sandwiches.
We are to meet there in a little over an hour. Luke suggested to me earlier via text, that we get takeout and then walk to the park to eat, kind of like a park picnic. It’s a lovely sunny day, and I like the unique date Luke has planned. I prefer this simple lunch idea outdoors rather than a fancy expensive place. It also feels a little more casual not like a proper date.
I dress casually in a light gray ribbed sweater, black jeans, and ankle boots, and arrive at the Deli Diner as arranged on time for once. Luke is outside leaning up against the wall of the red brick building, looking at his watch, when my Uber pulls up. He lifts his head, and his face instantly transforms into a broad grin as he sees me.
For a moment I stay rooted to my seat as I watch him stride over to the car and open the door. Nice touch, I think to myself, sliding across the seat and stepping out.
Even nicer touch when he greets me with a “Hi” and a brief kiss on my cheek and I catch the scent of his cologne. He smells so delicious my appetite spikes for something other than a sandwich. He's already making my head spin, and our date has just started. I need to dial down the lust meter.
“It’s good to see you again, Cass.” He says in the sexy, deep voice he now owns. His eyes trail briefly over me, and I get the impression he's not missed a thing from my head all the way down to the tip of my boots. My cheeks flush pink.
I stumble through a hello as lusty thoughts of the man take me by surprise. It’s been so long since any man has sparked my interest sexually.
We walk up to the door of the diner, and he holds it open for me asking, “Are you okay with getting our sandwiches to go so we can eat them in the park, or would you prefer eating here?” Luke’s voice trails off. He seems as unsure of the situation as I am, which puts me at ease.
It blows me away to see this big tough guy appearing anything but totally confident. I’m catching glimpses of the boy I once knew and it’s tantalizing.
“Let’s get them to go, I love walking around the park. It amazes me how such a beautiful green space exists in the middle of this crazy busy city.”
Oh my God, I sound like a travel agent, not a normal person. I try to stop the nervous babbling tumbling from my mouth by putting my fingers to my lips to keep them closed. Before I say something truly embarrassing. I thought I had gotten over this after our dinner on Wednesday night, but I guess not.
We walk into the diner to order. Luke has his hand gently resting on the small of my back, and it has me even more flustered. I try to concentrate on reading the blackboard menu behind the counter as a way of bringing my heart rate under control.
“I think I’ll have the grilled chicken sandwich with extra cheese,” I blurt out. I probably should have waited till I was asked. But standing this close to Luke is making me act a little crazy.
“Good choice, I’ll get the same,” Luke confirms as he steps up to the counter to place our order.
While Luke is busy ordering, I have the perfect chance to check him out. He is dressed casually today in denim jeans that fit snuggly to his ass. Boy, does he fill those jeans out perfectly. He has one fine tight ass.
My eyes travel upward as I can’t continue to stare at his ass, and I note he is wearing a casual wool jacket over a dark blue button-down shirt. The jacket emphasizes his strong, broad shoulders. Luke in a suit the other night was sexy, but I’m also liking this casually styled Luke.
Why couldn’t he have let himself go? Developed a paunch belly or something. Instead, his body is fit and fabulous. This older version of Luke is hard to resist even though my head says I probably should.
Luke turns back from the counter with our bagged sandwiches and a couple of waters in his hand.
