Luke's head twitched. "So, like... He's gay?"
"Not quite," I corrected. "But he designs lingerie, so he gets that a lot. We modeled together when we were younger. Actually, he's the one that got me into it. God, I was like fourteen? Fifteen? Yeah, something like that. It was after I -"
"Got out of the hospital," he finished, watching me.
It took a moment before what he meant sunk in. When it did, my head jerked up. "How'd you know about that?"
"He told me."
I had to swallow before my throat could work. Having a daughter might be his secret, but mine was a lot darker. I couldn't believe Ashton would just tell him. Not everything. Would he?
"About what?" I asked.
"He said you were getting treated for an eating disorder, and that you still forget to eat. Basically." He leaned closer, resting his hand on the counter by my hip. "And I kinda told him I'd help."
He was leaning right over me, those perfectly green eyes just inches away. I couldn't stop myself from lifting my chin, but I didn't reach for him. I wasn't sure if he was ready for that. Hell, I wasn't sure ifIwas, but my body wanted to. It wanted to so bad.
"Gonna force feed me when I forget?" I asked, hoping it sounded teasing.
He just shook his head. "Nah, I'm gonna make sure you know you're perfect just the way you are. I may have screwed up my chances with ya after that tantrum last week, but you're not getting rid of me that easy."
"You didn't," I breathed.
His eyes dropped to my lips, lingering for a moment too long. It made my heart beat a little faster. I wasn't sure if he was trying to torment me intentionally or if he really was thinking about it, but I wanted him to kiss me. I wanted him to touch me. I wanted him to do anything, so long as it was with me.
"Good to know." His voice was deeper, sounding like velvet. "But this time we're not gonna go too fast. I may want to pin you against this counter, but I'm trying to be a gentleman here, Miss Dawson. I'm trying real hard to treat you the way I'd want someone to treat my daughter, but it's hard as hell."
"Luke..."
He caught my hip, gripping me just hard enough to prove he wanted more. "And I promised Faith she could ride today. No way am I gonna start something with you that can't be finished, so I'm gonna try to be a little old-fashioned. First, we work on the talking."
I was breathless. My composure was long gone, but I didn't even care. "And then?"
"Then we decide if mixing business and pleasure is a good idea, and I figure out where to take a woman like you on a date." His thumb shifted, tracing a circle on the soft skin inside my hip. "And if I impress you enough, I might earn a kiss."
"I'm not an old-fashioned kinda girl."
"Maybe you deserve to be." He leaned in just a bit more until his lips brushed across my cheek. "Violet, you're so much more than all this beautiful, and I want to see it. I want to find out what makes you tick, be trusted enough to listen to your secrets, and..." He shifted over until he was looking deep into my eyes. "You make me want to take care of you. Very good care. So let's make sure we do this right, ok?"
I jiggled my head, nodding. Never before had anyone wanted that except Ashton. This man wanted to know me, not just enjoy me. He wanted what was below the surface, underneath all the glitz and glam. Those words made me feel something I hadn't in a very long time: special.
"Yeah," I agreed. "And I think I'm gonna need someone's permission if I want to date her dad."
He nodded slowly, peeling himself away. For a moment he just breathed, but I could see that his eyes were glistening a little too much. "That," he said, clearing his throat, "would be real damned nice." Then he jerked his head toward the door. "I should probably go get her."
"I'll be here. Make sure she brings a bathing suit, because she's a bit young to borrow one of mine."
Luke just shook his head, backing away. "See if you can find something that covers a little skin?"
"No promises," I called as he pulled the door open, but I noticed that he'd taken not only his hat, but also the Dr. Pepper I'd offered.
He hadn't refused it. He hadn't forgotten, and I had a funny feeling that it wasn't just because he was thirsty. Luke was making an effort - so I could, too. Besides, I didn't get many chances to wear a one-piece. I couldn't wait to see his face.
Chapter Fifteen
It'd make sense to think that driving across a small town wouldn't take long, but it did. Mostly because Cats Peak was nothing but farms. Neighbors were separated by acres, and crossroads weren't easy to come by. The town might not have a lot of people, but it had a whole lot of land, and that meant I had time to think. I needed it.
When I'd gone to Violet's door, I'd expected her to chew me out. I’d acted like an idiot for an entire week. She was supposed to yell, scream, and maybe even cry, pulling out all the womanly tricks to make me feel bad. I'd offer something to mollify her, we'd make out a bit, and she'd decide that meant I owed her. From there, I'd be responsible for all the heavy lifting and all the dirty or undesirable tasks she needed, because that was what a man did for a woman he was trying to sleep with.
