“No, it’s ok,” I said mindlessly, trying to tug him back to me.
Luke laughed softly. “No, we have to stop. We’re in the parking lot at Roy’s Tavern. We don’t want to do this here.”
I laughed too, breathless.
We looked at each other. “Can I see you tomorrow?” he asked.
I nodded. Then I smiled, and laughed again out of pure happiness. He could see me any time.
“I want to follow you home, ok?”
I nodded again.
“Did I kiss the speech right out of you?” Luke asked, nuzzling my neck.
“Mmhmmm,” I answered, grinding against him again.
“Emily, Jesus, we have to stop.” He took a deep breath, put his hands on my shoulders and took a step back. “Let’s get you to your car.”
I was like jelly. He put his arm around me and I snuggled against him. Happiness was surging through me, making me almost lightheaded. Luke and I were sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.
Luke watched me buckle my seatbelt, hands on the top of the car. Then he leaned in and kissed me again. I was grinning like a fool, but so was he. “I’m glad I came home,” he said, and kissed me on my nose.
I checked about a million times to see his headlights behind me. My cheeks were starting to hurt from smiling.
And then I saw Nana’s house. Every light seemed to be on, and there was a green Jeep parked in the driveway.
Mike was home.
Chapter 7
Igot out of the car slowly. “What’s going on?” Luke asked, stepping behind me and sliding his hands around my waist.
“Mike is back. Cassie told me he was coming. I guess I didn’t completely believe her.” He tightened his grip and pulled me closer. “I should go in.” I didn’t move. It felt so good, leaned up against him. He was so solid and warm.
I sighed, and pulled away to face him. “Don’t look so worried,” I said. “This could be a good thing.”
Luke nodded, unconvinced. I felt the same way.
After a quick glance back up at the house, I leaned up to kiss him. “I’ll talk to you…” I hesitated.
“I’ll call you tomorrow,” Luke told me. “And I’ll see you tomorrow night at the dinner at Annie’s house. If you need me sooner, let me know. Ok?”
Again, a warm flood of happiness ran through me like a river. “I will.”
He watched me go up the steps to the back door, and I turned to wave when I got there. Then I squared my shoulders and went in.
Mike was sitting at the kitchen table, a large portion of thecontents of our refrigerator spread out in front of him. The air was thick with his cigarette smoke. Cassie sat next to him, looking so pale and fragile that I immediately walked closer to her. I was afraid she would fall out of the chair.
“Emmy Lou,” Mike drawled. Man, I hated that nickname.
“Mike,” I said through gritted teeth. “Are you smoking in here with Cassie?”
“No ‘welcome home?’” He leaned his chair on the back two legs.
“Welcome home. Are you smoking in here with Cassie?”
“Emily, why are you such a flaming bitch?” Cassie demanded.
