Thankfully, I don’t have to say anything because Luke says it for me, “Well, Marie… I’ve never had anyone worth going public for. Not that either of us planned the shitstorm with the media. That took on a life of its own.” He laughs lightly then adds, “I had no idea helping Dani would get so much attention.”
“It wasn’t that bad, Luke.” Marie sighs. “Though, I never thought your abs would go viral… Your face maybe…but having my friends going gaga over my brother’s sex appeal?That’s just weird.” Marie makes a face as if she’s sucked on something sour, and I school my features to not show my reaction. I’d probably feel the same, if one of my brothers had that happen to them, but damn, she’s hilarious. It’s evident she loves her brother, but she can give him a run for his money, that’s for sure.
“Gee, thanks.” Luke rolls his eyes dramatically then deadpans, “When do you leave, again?”
“Oh, hush.” Marie bats the air between them. “You know you love me.”
“That doesn’t mean I have to like you,” flies off Luke’s tongue before anyone bats an eye.
I cover my mouth in my best attempt to stifle a laugh, but when Ken grumbles, “Children… company,” I lose it.
Through laughter, I manage, “Don’t stop on my account.”
“Or mine.” Becca giggles. “This is getting good.”
“Becca,” Luke growls. “Don’t encourage her.”
Becca’s eyes roll as she shakes her head. “Luke, I’ve known you all for years. When has anyone been able to stop Marie?”
“True.” Luke shrugs. “She’s a force to be reckoned with, especially when she gets on a roll.”
Becca places a finger on her chin as if she’s contemplating her response. “True.” She nods in agreement. “It’s like raking leaves in a hurricane. You might as well let her say her peace, because there’ll be no stopping her.”
“Uh… I’m standing right here,” Marie interjects, hands pressed to her hips defensively.
Mona steps between them with a plate filled with roast. “That’s enough, you two. Let’s eat supper and call it a truce.” When she places the food on the table, she turns to Luke. “Luke, baby. I love you more than chocolate, but please stop showing the goods for the world to see. The girls at my book club were having a heyday. I had to walk out with my ears plugged because some things are just plain wrong for a mother to hear.”
“Christ,” Luke grumbles as his face reddens. “I so didn’t need to know that.”
Humble Luke’s adorable. We walk to the table, and I reach out to squeeze his hand for support. Then I whisper so only he can hear, “I don’t mind seeing the goods.”
He bends down to brush a kiss to my cheek as he pulls out a chair for me. Then whispers, “Promises, promises.”
My heartrate spikes as my cheeks heat. Maybe I should have taken him up on the offer of staying in a hotel?
