I laugh at her excitement and open my door wider so she can see the dozens of bouquets of roses in the living room.

Her eyes about pop out of her pretty little head.

“Holy shit! Wow. You’re so lucky.

Bye!” She waves and is off.

I take a sip of the coffee – oh God, that’s good. How did he know white mochas are my favorite? – and open the note.

Good morning, gorgeous. Just a little something to start your day off right. Can’t wait to see you. Luke Holy Moses, he’s just so sweet. Jules comes down the stairs yawning.

“Who was at the door?”

“Does Starbucks deliver?” I ask.

“Uh, I wish.” She eyes my coffee and the rose.

“A girl just delivered these.”

“Jesus, this is starting to get sickening.” Jules heads for the kitchen and I laugh, following her.

“I’m going to see him this morning.”

“Good. I don’t want the details.” She starts making her own coffee. “Wait.

You’re the only one getting laid. Yes, I do want details. And pictures.”

I grin and bury my nose in the rose again. “I’m not going to sleep with him.

We’re just going to talk.”

“Right.”

“We are.”

“Okay. Let me know how that works out for you.” She sets the coffee to drip, then smiles over at me. “I’m glad you’re giving him a chance.”

“Just

because

he’s the Luke

Williams?”

“No, because he’s a good guy who finally treats you the way you deserve to be treated.”

“What am I getting myself into?”

“Something fun.” She shrugs. “Stop over thinking it and enjoy it.”

“Okay. I’m going to shower and head over to his place for breakfast.”

“Be safe.” She calls after me.

“I always am.” I call back.

***

I stand at Luke’s door and pause before ringing the bell. Am I overdressed? I glance down at my yellow sundress and strappy black sandals. Summer is hanging on with a vengeance, and it’s going to be warm today. Maybe I should have worn shorts.

Maybe I should stop procrastinating and ring the damn doorbell.

A few seconds later Luke opens the door and before I can say a word he wraps me in his arms and kisses me with a need I’ve never felt before. He runs one hand down to the small of my back, pulling me against him. His other hand cups the side of my head while his mouth moves deftly over mine, back and forth, his tongue pushing into my mouth to dance and move against my own.

Oh God, I missed him! It’s only been twenty four hours, but it feels like I haven’t seen him in days. I run my hands up his back, under his shirt, feeling his smooth skin and moan against his mouth.

He slows the kiss, gently touching my lips with his, and when I open my eyes his forehead is resting on mine.

“Do you always answer the door like this,” I whisper.

“Oh God, Natalie, I was afraid I wouldn’t see you again.” His voice is raspy with anguish, and I grasp his face in my hands, imploring him to look me in the eye.

“I’m here.”

“Thank God.” He steps back and I let my eyes slide over him. His body does amazing things to a white button down shirt, sleeves rolled to the elbows, and jeans. He’s barefoot. His hair is messy and sexy and is begging for my fingers.

“You look fantastic. Come in, make yourself at home.” The smell coming from the kitchen is amazing, and my stomach growls.

“You’re cooking?” I ask, glancing back at him.

“I promised you breakfast.”

“You already sent me coffee, which was delicious and unexpected. Thank you.” I lean up and kiss him chastely on the mouth.

“You’re welcome.” He smiles. “I hope you like French toast, bacon, fruit and coffee.”

“Perfect.”

“It’s all set up outside.”

I follow him out onto his magnificent deck and he motions for me to go ahead of him. Was I really here just a few nights ago? It feels like a long time ago, so much has happened since then.

The table is covered with a white cloth. The food is on warming plates, under silver domed lids. There is coffee and juice, but what catch my eye are the red roses. Three dozen red roses in three separate bouquets set in even distance down the table.

Tears come to my eyes as I feel Luke’s hands on my shoulders from behind me. He’s gone to so much trouble! Even after the way I spoke to him yesterday.

I turn in his arms and look up into his intense, beautiful blue eyes. “Thank you, so much.”

“It’s my pleasure, honey. I told you in the car, we have a lot of catching up to do. Get used to it.”

I don’t know what to say. He pulls me in for a hug and kisses my forehead.

“Come on, let’s eat. I’m starving.”

We sit in the same seats we sat in the other night. He uncovers our plates and I breathe the delicious scents in appreciatively.

“Smells fantastic.” I pour warm syrup over my French toast and take a bite of bacon. “Mmmm… bacon.”

He laughs and takes a bite of his own bacon. “I do love watching you eat, baby.”

“Why?” I ask with my mouth full of the soft, delicious toast.

“Because you’re so honest about it.

Like everything you do, I guess. I love it that you enjoy food.”