Dani
TeasingLuke is definitely becoming one of my favorite pastimes. His laugh sends electric jolts to every sensory spot in my body. Between the amazing sex, his cooking, and his beautiful homes, he might never get rid of me. After cooking me a delicious midnight snack, we make our way to his sitting area in the open floor plan of his loft, and I can’t help but be impressed with the gorgeous view of Tacoma from his floor-to-ceiling windows. Of course, there’s a ginormous television along one wall, surrounded by comfortable dark-leather couches, like his home on Anderson Island, but Luke’s loft is more modern with exposed brick and hardwood floors.
As I’ve become well acquainted earlier this evening, his bedroom’s off the living room with a comfortable king-sized bed, a master bathroom suite with a waterfall shower I could live in. I haven’t used it yet, but I’m intrigued. It might also be something I need to put into a book some time. The sex that could be done in there alone could fill up pages. He’s mentioned there’s an office with a spare bed, so I assume it’s the other door off the living room.
As I tuck my legs under me and curl up onto the couch, Luke plops down beside me. He pulls me against his chest, and I instinctively take in a deep breath. He smells delicious with the perfect mixture of pheromones and masculine cologne. I seriously wish I could bottle this scent to take with me when I leave. I didn’t know I would miss his smell of all things while he’s gone. I trace my fingers along the planes of his chest, and his body tenses.
“Ticklish?”
“Just caught me off guard.” He pulls me closer and sighs. When I glance up to his face, his expression’s pensive.
“What’s on your mind?”
He takes in a deep breath and releases it slowly. “Just wondering how others do this.”
“Cuddle?” I tease in an attempt to lighten the mood.
“No, smartass. I meant how do they juggle a relationship and this job.”
“Who is thisTheyyou speak of?”
Luke lets out a deep breath and his body relaxes which is confusing. Where’s he going with this? “Normally after a game, I immediately start watching film to review. I spend countless hours prepping for our coaches meetings and work around the clock.”
I stiffen and start to pull away. “Am I keeping you?”
He immediately pulls me back to where I’d been resting my head on his chest. “No. Not at all. I don’t have to be anywhere until noon tomorrow. I’ve cleared my schedule, and you’re right where I want you to be. I’m just trying to figure out a way to see you more often.”
“I can always come to the city,” I suggest. “I know you can’t make it out to the island often. That is… if you want me.”
“Don’t doubt for one second, Dani, how much I want you. I just thought aloud, since I’m trying to figure out a way to spend more time with you. My travel schedule until January is chaotic, and I’m afraid I won’t be what you need.”
“Luke, I was perfectly content with my life before you came along.” His body gets rigid and before he has a chance to say anything, I continue, “What I mean is… I didn’t have much of a social life. I ate, slept, and wrote. Rinse and repeat. I enjoy your company. I don’t have any expectations for you to change your life, just to fit me in it. As you know, if I get into a writing zone, I’m lost to everyone at nearly any given point in time. I’m a pretty independent person. My family hates it. Heck. You might, too, eventually.”
“Doubtful.” He grimaces. “We have two back-to-back road games, then a Thursday game. I should have the weekend off. Are you busy the last weekend of September?”
I groan. Of course, he picks theoneweekend I scheduled a book signing. “I’m attending a book signing in Seattle all day Saturday. But I’m free Sunday? Want to get together then? I can cancel my hotel reservation. I’d planned to get together with Damien. But I could meet up with him Friday instead.”
“What do you say to me joining you in Seattle? We could go to Pike Place and hang out on Sunday.”
“I’d love that. But I might upgrade my room. I have a cheap room, not wanting to waste the money.”
“Where’s your signing being held?” Luke asks in interest.
“Sexy in Seattle is at the downtown Hilton. Though, I’m not staying there because I like to stay closer to Damien in the University district.”
“Would you be opposed to staying at the Hilton? We could make a weekend out of it,” he hedges.
Like I’d turn that down.The convenience alone as well as time with him. Even though I’m suddenly feel giddy at the thought of having more time with him, I somehow keep my features free from emotion. “I think I can manage.”
“Good, I’ll make arrangements in the morning, when I get to my office.”
“Are you sure you can handle that? Your secretary’s off for the week,” I remind him with a bit of sass. I can’t help myself. Then remorse sets in for being such a pain in the ass. He’s the friggin’ head coach of a major football team; he doesn’t have time to make hotel reservations for us. I quickly add, “I can do it if you’re busy.”
“Danika, you have little faith in me.” His voice is light and full of feign hurt. “I can be trusted to get a great hotel room in Seattle for the weekend. I’m not helpless. I may have a secretary that acts as a personal assistant at times, but I’m not an invalid when it comes to making travel plans.” He nuzzles into my neck and kisses it softly.
“Okay. Okay. I believe you.” I laugh lightly. “I’ll be heading to Seattle on Friday. Just let me know where I should go.”
“If you’re free Thursday evening, wanna go to the game?”
