“Any word on when Marie will get here?” Luke asks his parents. “She said she’s coming with Becca.”
“Well… let’s see…” Mona looks to her watch. “She said Conner has a big project at work due on Monday, I expect her and Becca to arrive anytime. I actually thought you were them when you pulled up. Oh…” she suddenly gasps, “with the two of them coming, the two of you will need to stay in your old room, if that’s okay with you, Danika.”
I glance nervously to Luke. What am I supposed to say? It feels like a red flashing sign shouts to the room, telling everyone our intentions if we sleep in the same room. Not that I’m complaining about spending the night with Luke, but should I really tell his mother this?
Thankfully, Luke responds before I have to. “Sounds great. I’ll just grab her things from the car and go wash up for supper. Want me to call Marie to see when we can expect her?”
“Good. That’ll give us a chance to get to know Danika better.” And as comfortable as I once was, I can’t control the fact that my heart skips a beat. Sure. His parents seem nice enough, welcoming even, but to be left on my own with them, does make me a little nervous.
Luke looks to me and silently asks if I’m okay with this arrangement. My heart pings, and my stomach flutters at the thought of him taking the time to make sure I’m all right. I nod that I’m fine and ask, “What can I do to help?”
“Oh, darlin,” Ken dismisses. “You’re only a guest for the first time in this house. I’d take advantage of it, if I were you. After that, you’ll be pitching in, just like the rest of us.”
Putting me back at ease in an instant, I can see where Luke gets his charm. His dark-blue eyes twinkle and wide smile are so much like Luke’s, it’s crazy. I take in a deep breath to focus my thoughts.Geesh. What has gotten into me?“Okay, if you insist. But I’m from a big family; I’m not used to just sitting around and being waited on.”
“Oh, don’t get too used to it,” Ken teases. “From the sounds of it, you’ll be back soon enough, then we’ll put you to work. Sit. Relax. Can I offer you a glass of wine?”
Feeling dehydrated from the flight, I suggest, “I’ll just take some water, thanks.”
Within seconds, Mona takes a glass from the cupboard and fills it with ice. “Is there anything else I can get you, honey?”
“I’m good, thanks.” I take a moment to look around the kitchen. It’s open and inviting. The color tones are yellow with splashes of red in the art and accents she has decorating her home.
“You mentioned you have a big family?” Mona prompts, and I need little invitation to tell her about my parents and brothers. I quickly fill her in, much like I did with Luke when we first met. Just as I’m telling her how Damien’s finishing his senior year at the University of Washington as a civil engineer, Luke returns, placing his hand at the small of my back as he stands beside me at the island that separates his parents and myself. I’m not sure how he does it, but that simple touch sends a tingle up my spine and calms me at the same time.
“Pops, you’d get a kick out of Damien. He’s a hard worker and has a good head on his shoulders.”
Ken nods in agreement, but I add, “Davis is the brains of the family, wanting to be a doctor and all.”
Luke nods. “True, but I think brains run in the family You have a tremendous way with words, Danika.”
Why is he bringing this up now? We’re not here to talk about me. “Oh, Luke,” I stammer awkwardly, not knowing what to say.
“Well, I’m hooked,” his mother adds to my surprise. “I picked up one of your books after your interview, to know what the hype is about, and I think I’m on book three or four of your first series. I absolutely love them.”
Holy shit. His mother’s read my books… and likes them. Don’t get me wrong, I’m proud of my work. But knowing she’s read the hot sex scenes, and can still look me straight in the eye, is something. Don’t even get me started on the fact she probably knows I’m likely fantasizing doing said things to her son… Fuck, is it hot in here? I push a lock of my hair out of my face as I gulp my water and nearly down the rest of my glass in an instant.
Finally, when I have my wits about me, I remember my manners. “Thank you. I’ve enjoyed writing them.”
“I absolutely love Rhonda and Cameron,” Mona boasts. “They cracked me up with their constant bickering. I love enemies to lovers stories.”
“Their fights were spectacular,” Luke interjects.
“Am I the only one in the room that hasn’t read your books, Danika? If so, then I need to change that. I don’t like to be left out of the loop.”
Oh, God. Please, no. I want to be able to look him in the eye and not know he’s read my books. I never prepared myself for this. I wouldn’t want my dad reading my books, and I certainly don’t want Ken to read them.
Thank God, Mona interjects, “Since you typically stick to non-fiction, these might not be up your alley, Ken.”
“What’s not up his alley?” a woman who resembles Mona asks as she enters the room with a tall, blond woman right on her heels. There’s no doubt who Marie is, that’s for sure. Luke’s family has predominant genes. Every single one of them is gorgeous and confident in their own skin.
“Oof,” Mona quickly dismisses the thought. “Your father says he might start reading romance novels. As much as I love them, I really don’t think he’d appreciate them the way we do.”
“I don’t know,” Luke interjects. “I’ve enjoyed them. But then again, I have a thing for the author.” He pulls me close from the side and grazes a kiss on the top of my head. “Marie, Becca, this is Danika. AKA – Charlotte Ann. But we’ll keep that part between us.”
“Nice to meet you.” Marie holds out her hand to shake mine. “I’ve been dying to meet the woman who’s captured Luke’s attention. Huh… I can’t say I’ve ever said that before. Until you, his life’s been rather private.”
Uh… how do I take that? He’s certainly more famous than me. Sure. I’m known in my author world, but until meeting Luke, no one recognizes me outside of the book world. Now I get recognized at grocery stores… never planned on that happening.
