The corner of his mouth twitches. “Even though I’m not John Stamos?”
“Actually,” I say, smothering a smile, “if you must know, I am more of a Bob Saget girl.”
He throws back his head in laughter and the sound makes my whole body tingle. God, I missed him.
“Luke…” I look around the apartment in disbelief. “I can’t believe you finally redecorated. How did you get it done so fast?”
“When I came back from the cabin to this empty, miserable apartment, I kind of lost it. I couldn’t stand the sight of this place, the way it made me feel. I started ripping things out and called contractors in the next day. When I had to fly out to New Zealand, Andrea offered to oversee the work.”
“It looks amazing. Like a totally different place.”
Luke nods. “Good. That’s what I wanted. I should have done this a long time ago, but I needed you to help me see. Not just with the apartment, Harri, with everything. I thought working on this place would take my mind off you, but the more I tore out, the more I realized what a mistake I’d made by walking away from you at the wedding. And then when Mike called…” He lowers his gaze in shame, then brings it back to mine, resolute. “I will never let you down like that again. I want you to know, I’m all in.”
Those words send happiness rolling through me like a wave. “I am too,” I murmur. His hands are still resting on my waist and I reach down, pushing his sleeves back. Then I slide my fingers over the warm skin of his forearms, squeezing the muscle. “I missed these arms.”
He chuckles. “I missed your everything.”
That might be the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. “Me too,” I say, stepping forward to kiss him. But before I can, he cocks his head.
“Why did you come back to the city? Was it for me?”
I nod.
“But I wasn’t here. So why did you stick around?”
“Um…” I chew my lip, trying to play it cool. I don’t want to tell him, not yet. I want to show it to him when it’s finished and looking amazing. But that will be weeks away and I can’t wait that long. “I rented that space Isaac showed us.”
Luke’s eyebrows spring up. “Seriously?”
“Yeah.” My mouth pulls into a ridiculous grin. I am sonotplaying this cool.
“Oh my God, Harri!” He beams, practically vibrating with excitement. “That’s amazing! You’re doing the cafe?”
“I am. It’s because of your help, Luke, and your encouragemen—”
My words die away as Luke hauls me into his arms and covers my mouth with his in a hot, ravenous kiss. “Fuck, I love you,” he says against my lips, and I let out a blissful sigh. As he kisses me, I forget everything but the feel of his hands on my back, the sweep of his tongue over mine, the way he makes my heart feel full and happy.
Then he picks me up and carries me into the bedroom, and we make love under the stars as if the world is ending and we’re the only two people alive.
43
Luke slips his hand into mine, squeezing gently. “There’s nothing to be nervous about.”
“I know. I just hope everyone loves it as much as I do.”
It’s been three weeks since Luke arrived back—three weeks of living at his place and finishing off my cafe. I’ve worked my butt off and I’m so pleased with how it’s turned out. The exposed brick wall behind the counter looks really good, and the solid oak countertop has been polished to a fine finish. The hardwood floors are gleaming with a stain and polish, and the wall opposite the counter is painted golden yellow, lined with heavy wooden shelves that are packed with games. A row of warm, low-hanging bulbs run the length of the space, and with the leather sofas at the back, it feels like someone’s living room. It’s exactly the vibe I imagined when I scribbled on that napkin, believing this could never be more than a fantasy.
Tonight we’re having a soft opening, inviting friends and family to celebrate before I open the doors to the public. After all my hard work, all my dreaming… Gah, I’m about to crawl out of my skin with nerves. But Luke, bless him, has been doing everything he can to keep me calm.
He drops my hand and cups my jaw, tilting my face up to his. “They’ll love it,” he murmurs, smiling, and the certainty in his tone relaxes me. His gaze tracks over my face, dipping down to my dress. “You look gorgeous. I wish I’d gotten here earlier so we could have celebrated privately.” There’s a raw edge to his voice and his eyes flash with heat, sending a shiver of desire through me.
“Ugh, no thank you.” Alex sashays past, setting down a tray of nibbles. “I know I wasinstrumentalin getting you two together”—she gives a self-satisfied smile—“but that doesn’t mean I’m used to seeingthisyet; my sister and my—”
“If you say ‘my brother,’ I’m going to kill you,” I mutter. It’s nice that Luke and I don’t have to hide now, but Alex thinks it’s hilarious to joke about our unusual situation.
She smirks. “You said it, not me. But it is nice to see you both so happy.” She squeezes Luke’s shoulder, then pulls me into a hug. “I still can’t believe you’re staying in New York and that you’ve made this place! It’s awesome, Harri. I’m so proud of you.”
I smile, hugging her tight. I’ve never felt closer to my sister.
