“He’ll be great for you, darling. He’ll fuck Colin right out of your system. And he famously doesn’t do relationships so you don’t need to worry – he’ll be at your beck and call whenever you want to tick something off the list.”
I manage a weak smile and a nod. This is exactly what I signed up for, so why does my stomach feel like it’s been filled with stones?
“I’m going to head to bed,” I say with a yawn and she blows me a kiss as she putsBake Offback on.
“I’m really happy for you babe,” she says as I walk to my room. I blow a kiss back and she snatches it out of the air and presses it to her mouth with a grin.
It’s only later, once I’m alone in bed, that the fear settles under my skin. What if I’m too vanilla for him? What if he loses interest in me? And why does the idea of him performing on stage with stunning sex goddesses make me feel like I want to hurl?
Just as I close my eyes, my phone vibrates on the bedside table. It’s a message from Luke.
Luke
Did you get home safely?
Yes, all tucked up in bed now. Thanks for a great night!
Luke
Great. Glad you’re safe. Speak soon, ok? Night.
There’s a pause, then:
Luke
xx
xx
I lay my head back on the pillow. Am I being an idiot? Nick needs Luke in his life. He’s his anchor. Am I playing a dangerous game by demanding a piece of him for myself? I blow out a breath, the worries flittering around my brain now that the afterglow of our evening has dissipated. In the harsh light of day, is this really a good idea?
The self-doubt swirls around me but as I take myself back to the moment where Luke just held me in the shower, I fall asleep with a smile on my face. I’ll deal with the guilt tomorrow.
CHAPTER 22
Luke
“Luke? Are you listening?”
“What?” I look up and Jessie raises an eyebrow at me.
“You’ve been in your own little world all morning,” she says, tilting her head. “So? Did you finally seal the deal with that gorgeous brunette you practically mauled at the bar?”
I swallow but don’t reply. Emmy and I agreed to keep this discreet but I know Jessie will smell blood in the water if I try to fob her off. She knows me too well.
“You know I don’t kiss and tell, Jess,” I say evenly, giving her a look.
She snorts and pulls a chair up to my desk. She’s settling in for the long haul and I know she won’t budge until I’ve thrown her a bone.
“Come on then, what’s her story? She’s stunning but she doesn’t look like our usual customers, if you catch my drift. Far too innocent. No wonder she’s been popular with the regulars.”
I frown at her words. I don’t like the thought of her being approached like prey. Even if I was the one watching her on CCTV like a predator.
“She’s an old friend,” I reply. “Not a lot to tell.”
“Sure.” Jessie smirks and stays in her seat, waiting me out. Fuck, I need some new friends.
“She’s been through a rough break up. Her husband cheated on her. I was… looking out for her,” I try. Jessie snorts. “Fine, she’s Nick’s little sister, ok? It’s… complicated.”
