“Luke and I dated in high school then lost touch when he joined the Army,” I answer.
If she didn’t know Luke and I had history, I don’t want to share the details about our breakup.
“That’s interesting. Luke, as you probably know, is not much of a sharer. I’ve worked for him for two years now, and I don’t know much about him outside the office.”
She continues lowering her voice so Luke can’t hear. “I do know he has been happier in the last couple of weeks than I’ve seen him at any other time in those two years. I suspect it has a lot to do with you, given how he has been looking at you tonight.”
Smiling at Bec, I say, “Thanks, that’s good to hear.” I don't quite know what to make of Bec's revelation.
The waiter interrupts our private conversation to refill our glasses of champagne, and when he moves on, we join back into the general table conversation.
Champagne flows freely throughout the announcement of the awards, particularly at our table when Blake and Luke’s company is announced as the ‘Most Influential Company of the Year’ winner. They had some tough competition, so it’s a massive achievement.
I beamed with pride at Luke’s success, kissing him soundly before he and Blake went up on stage to accept the award. He deserves the recognition as it must have been so hard for him to turn his life around after his injury crushed his Army career.
After dinner, when all the awards have been handed out, a band begins playing. When a slow song popular back in our high school days starts Luke reaches for my hand confidently and leads me to the dance floor. Swaying to the music, our bodies pressed close together, I’m reminded of our prom.
Luke whispers in my ear, “It’s been a long time since we did this.”
Sneaking a peek up at him, I agree, “Prom night was the last time, and it feels as good now as back then.”
Luke bends his head to brush a featherlight kiss across my lips. “Better, I think. Are you ready to leave and find somewhere more private?”
“So ready,” I respond eagerly. As we leave the dance floor, I see Blake and Bec are dancing too. They don’t look like they'd appreciate an interruption.
“Blake and Bec make such a cute couple,” I say to Luke.
Luke stops turning in their direction, frowning. “What do you mean? They aren’t a couple.”
“Really? They seem like a couple to me." I drag on his arm eager to leave, "Come on, let’s go. Just text Blake and let him know we're leaving.”
He takes my hand again and we head back to our table to say our goodbyes to the group.
“Someone’s in a hurry,” Luke says with a huge grin spreading across his handsome face.
Chapter 18
Cassie
Turnsouttheprivateplace Luke had in mind is his apartment, which is fine with me as it’s a short journey in the town car from the hotel to his building. Although the way I’m feeling, a quiet hallway of the hotel would have worked too.
Once we are in his building elevator and the doors close, Luke pulls me into his arms. Capturing my lips with his. Our tongues dueling with each other. I’ve been dying to do this all night and I savor the moment. His hands slide over the silky fabric covering my hips then around to cup my ass cheeks in both his hands. Pulling me into his thick hard erection.
A moan escapes from me as I feel his pressing need nestled between my thighs. I’m desperate for this man. Desire is coursing through my veins, heating my blood. I’m ready to strip him naked right here in the elevator. And it feels like Luke is onboard with my idea.
Luckily, the elevator dings our arrival at his floor. Luke takes my hand and leads me quickly down the hall. He has us inside his apartment in seconds. The heavy door slamming shut to the outside world. Finally, we have reached our private place, and Luke’s arms wrap around me again. His lips crushing against mine. This time more insistently.
This is some of what I need from this man.
Right now.
He seems to sense my urgency for nakedness as his fingers find the long zipper running down the back of my dress. Sliding it down quickly, he releases the fabric’s hold on my body. The silky folds slip to the floor, pooling at my feet. Leaving me standing in his foyer in only my black lacy thong and strappy high heels.
His eyes darken with hunger as his gaze feasts on my nearly naked body.
“Fuck, you are so beautiful,” he says, making me tremble in anticipation.
His hands are running all over me.
