“Five for Fighting, right? ‘Easy to Tonight’ is such a great song. Bands these days don’t make good music like they used to,” I reflect.
“Tell me about it.”
We arrive at my house and he parks. My home is ranch styled, refurbished and new. But none of that matters as we hit the moment of truth of how this night ends.
“Sooo,” I drag out, and my fingers tap my seat belt as I unbuckle.
A faint laugh escapes him as he puts the emergency brake on and angles his body towards me. “I believe last time in this situation I kissed you on the cheek.”
“We are forgetting everything before age twenty, remember?” It comes out one-toned.
“Oh, so I don’t really need a do-over?” He’s trying to rile me up.
“We get a fresh start, does that sound fair?” I offer.
He nods slowly, and his hand reaches for the back of my neck. My heart multiplies in beating and my pulse races. I inch closer to him and he moves in. Feeling the warmth between our mouths that have not yet touched.
But a thought comes to me and I retreat by turning my head away. “Lucas.”
His look is blank and his eyes question.
“I want you to kiss me. Really, I do. But there is maybe onelittlefactor we should wait on…”
Lucas sighs as he sinks back into his seat. “You mean my divorce?”
I nod slowly. “I know everything has been signed and sent, but since you mentioned any day now that you will get the confirmation, then maybe…”
He sighs deeper this time. “…we wait?”
My fingers touch his outer hand, and my fingers circle a pattern on his skin. “I’m willing to wait. You deserve a clean break and the full ice cream sundae with a cherry on top.”
His eyes look sinful. “You can be the cherry.” It comes out rough and sexy.
I have to laugh, and I shake my head in enjoyment as I exit the car.
“Good night, Lucas.”
“Night, Abby. Without pushing my luck, but I’m going to push my luck… will there be another date?” His eyes give Romeo a run for his treats.
“You don’t need luck, Lucas. I’ll be there.”
7
ABBY
Well, this day is not going as planned. My ten o’clock appointment went a little haywire and the Rottweiler decided to bite me before I could even examine him. I’m used to these hazards on the job, and it’s why I am up to date on all my shots. Nips and scratches are normal, but that little beast decided to bite a bit too deep. Now I am sitting behind an exam curtain in the emergency room.
The nurse puts some gauze on my hand between my thumb and finger as I wait. My eyes peer up when I hear the swooshing of the curtain, and lo and behold, Lucas Kade is standing there with his usual swagger and cunning grin.
“Crazy day at the office?” he asks as he steps into the space.
I smile at him. “Yep. Quiet day at the office? Why are you here?” This isn’t his department, and I am a little surprised to see him here.
Lucas grabs a rolling chair and comes to sit on it near the bed. “Well, I was returning from lunch with one of the ER docs, and I heard someone mention your name as a patient. Naturally, my interest was piqued. But I must say that I am a little hurt that you didn’t come to me.” He places his hand on his chest for added theatrics.
My eyes roll and my face stays in an entertained look. “Something tells me an exam from you might be risky.”
“Only if I have to give you a thorough full-body exam,” he retorts with his eyes flashing.
