Dani
The minuteI see Luke waiting by the curb of the practice center, my heart races. I can’t believe I’ve missed him this much. Though we talk every day, there’s something to be said about seeing him in person. I’m still a block away, because I’m stuck at a light, but it gives me a chance to get my fill of his sexiness.
He’s leaning against the building with one foot propped against the wall, looking into his phone. His inky black hair hangs forward and looks as if he’s run his hands through it a lot during practice. While watching their last game—yes, he’s made me a fan—I noticed when the game got intense, it’s one of his trademark moves.
He’s wearing dark jeans that cover his muscular thighs perfectly and a navy hoodie that fits like a glove over his muscular chest. Damn. This scene. Right here, might need to be in a future book… If only I could write.
Since he left a week ago, I’ve hardly gotten any words written in my latest book. I’m not sure what’s gotten into me. I never get writer’s block, or if I stumble, I’m usually able to write myself out of the block. Maybe it’s the stress of the movie deal. Maybe it’s the fact I miss him. I have no freaking clue. My mojo’s off, and I need it back, as soon as possible. My next book won’t write itself.
The light turns green, and I roll down the passenger window as I pull up to the curb beside him. “Hey, sexy, can I offer you a ride?” I suggestively waggle my eyebrows once I’ve gotten his attention.
“Not sure my girlfriend would approve.” He sighs. “She’s a sexy author with a vivid imagination. She might not approve of me getting in the car with a hot woman, such as yourself.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere, Luke Leighton. Get in, and let’s go meet your parents. I’m nervous enough as it is, I don’t want to keep them waiting.”
“If you insist. Though there are a thousand hotels we could stop at along the way. I’m just not sure I can wait to have my way with you until bedtime.”
“Tisk, tisk.” I shake my finger at him. “Your girlfriend won’t approve of such behavior,” I tease.
He reaches in to give me a welcoming kiss, but of course, I can’t help myself. I kiss him senseless. Well, at least until I hear a horn honk near us and someone shout, “Get a room!”
I pull back embarrassed. I’d lost track of our surroundings. I should know better, especially after the media fiasco.
But Luke’s grin is contagious. “God, I’ve missed you.”
His hand reaches for the base of my neck and pulls me close once more. This kiss is a lot more controlled but just as panty melting. When he ends the kiss, he pulls me in for a tight hug. God, this man smells delicious. His sexy scent invades my senses, and I just want to be alone with him.
Luke’s gravelly voice fills the car once we right ourselves. “We should probably get to my parents’ before I decide staying at the nearest hotel is the better option.”
“That does sound tempting,” I admit. But I know better. I turn on my blinker and merge into traffic. “Lead the way, Luke. Lead the way.”
* * *
Of course, we go to his parents’. His mother welcomes me with open arms, literally. From the moment she sees me in the driveway, she rushes out the door, arms spread wide, and pulls me into the tightest hug I’ve ever experienced. Thank God, Luke warned me, or I might not have been able to breathe. He told me the trick was to hug her just as fierce, and I’d survive.
“My, you’re even better looking in person, Danika,” she gushes, causing my face to heat and me to stammer on my words as I thank her. She asks about my flight and about Luke’s day with the team. She must’ve been one of his biggest fans growing up because the way she talks about football is like the way Sandra Bullock portrayed the mom in that movieThe Blind Side. This woman keeps Luke on his toes and makes him justify his decisions, like nobody I’ve ever seen. And I think I fall for her, too, right in that moment.
Eventually, she states, “Let’s get you two inside. I have supper ready.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Leighton. I haven’t eaten since before I got on the plane this morning,” I admit as we walk through the door.
“Oh, none of that Mrs. Leighton business. I love my mother-in-law, but every time I hear that name, I look around for her. Please, darlin’, call me Mona.”
Walking into the kitchen, I’m blown away by the smell of a roast cooking. My mouth waters, and I can’t wait to try what she’s fixed.
“Mama, it smells great.” He pats his stomach like he’s just as eager to eat. Then he adds, “Thanks for making my favorite.”
“Like you’d ever have to ask.” She shakes her head and walks behind the kitchen island to the stove, where a giant roast with all the fixings are still in the roasting pan, waiting to be served.
An older version of Luke walks into the room, and Mona asks, “Ken, Honey? Are you ready to cut that roast for us?” Her Southern drawl is slight but still pronounced. Her friendly attitude puts me at ease, and my nerves begin to settle. Not having to meet anyone’s parents in years, I hadn’t realized how worried I was about meeting Luke’s until I feel my muscles relax.
“Ah, you must be the Danika?” Since his wife has already put him to work, he nods from the other side of the counter in my direction. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’ve heard great things.”
“Oh, gosh,” I stammer. “Don’t believe everything you hear.”
“I tend to wait and make my own judgements.” His eyebrow cocks, just like Luke’s when he’s teasing, and the family resemblance is even more predominant. Luke will age well, if he’s anything like his dad. And doesn’t that make the butterflies in my belly flop, but for an entirely new reason.
“Good to know.” I laugh in agreement and to cover the thoughts flying through my head.
