“What?” I ask.

“You don’t have anyone to take care of you anymore.”

“I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time, honey. Even when my parents were still here.”

He briefly closes his eyes and clenches his jaw, as if he’s angry, or frustrated. What did I say?

He leans in and sweeps his lips across mine, slipping me beneath him, and gently, tenderly, makes love to me.

Chapter Thirteen

I wake alone on the couch. A light blanket covers me, and I’m still naked from Luke’s lovemaking. My skin feels sensitive and warm under the blanket. I could curl up and sleep here all night.

Wow. I’ve never had gentle, sweet, loving sex before, and I must admit, there’s a lot to be said for it.

I sit up and stretch, looking around the great room. It’s dark outside now, surprising me. How long was I asleep?

Heavenly aromas are coming from the kitchen, but Luke’s not in it. I stand and wrap the blanket around me and go to find him.

As I stroll toward the kitchen, I can hear Luke talking and look out on the deck. He’s sitting on the loveseat, talking on the phone. I turn to go upstairs and have a shower to give him privacy, but then I hear my name and I can’t help but stop to hear what he’s saying.

“You’ll like her.”

Must be his family?

“No, Samantha, it’s not like that.

She’s different. I wouldn’t be bringing her to mom and dad’s if that were the case. Look, I just wanted to give you a heads up that I’m bringing her with me tomorrow. I’ve already talked to mom and she’s excited to meet her. Do not play the over protective big sister tomorrow. Please.”

I can’t help but smile.

“I’m serious, Sam. Be nice. I love you too. See you tomorrow.”

He ends the call and runs his hands through his hair, standing to come inside and sees me inside the doorway. I give him a small smile, taking in his disheveled handsomeness in his faded jeans and white shirt.

“Overprotective sister, huh?”

“You have no idea.”

“I can hold my own, Mr. Williams.”

He joins me inside and I open the blanket so he can slide his arms around my waist, and I wrap the blanket around his back.

“I know, but she can be ruthless. Sam and I have always been particularly close because we’re less than two years apart in age. She has a history of thinking she needs to protect me, so just don’t be surprised if she’s a little cool toward you tomorrow.”

“She’s never liked your girlfriends in the past?”

“She’s never met anyone from my past.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve never introduced anyone to my family before.”

“Why me?”

He leans down and kisses me in that gentle way he has and I sigh. “Because you didn’t know who I am. And you have gotten under my skin. I don’t think I’ll ever have enough of you.”

“I’d like to know you better,” I whisper, intentionally missing his point.

“Ditto, baby.”

“You know me better than anyone.”

“There’s still a lot to learn.” He brushes my hair off my face and I grasp his wrist so I can kiss his palm.

“How long was I asleep?”

“Just about an hour.”

“It smells good in here.” He grins down at me.

“Stir fry okay for dinner?”

“Mmmm… sounds great. Do I have time to take a quick shower first?”

“Sure, baby. You go shower and I’ll get dinner ready.” He pulls out of the blanket and releases me.

“I could get used to being spoiled like this,” I quip.

I turn from him and head for the stairway when I hear him mumble, “I’m counting on it.”

***

The drive to Luke’s parent’s house is fairly short. It’s a rainy Sunday afternoon, so we’re in Luke’s black Mercedes SUV. How many cars does he have? I look to my left and take a deep breath, trying to fight down the nerves. My stomach is in knots.

I’m flat out terrified of meeting his parents.

This weekend has been wonderful.

After dinner last night we cuddled on the couch and watched old comedies from the 80’s and laughed all night. Then he took me to bed and made sweet love to me like he did on the couch.

Wow, he can be so tender. I can’t help but remember when he slapped my ass the first time we made love, and I wonder when he’s going to do that again.

Variety is the spice of life, after all.

Perhaps we’ll play when we get back to his place later.

He looks so beautiful, sitting here in his black t-shirt and another pair of faded blue jeans. His strong hands are on the wheel, and I shiver as I think of how they feel on me.

“Are you cold?” He reaches for the climate controls on the dash, but I stop his hand.

“No, I’m not cold.”

He glances at me, and then does a double take, raising an eyebrow.

“I love your hands,” I say as I twine my fingers with his. He raises them to his lips and kisses my wrist.

“They’re just hands.” He gives me a wicked smile and my stomach clenches.

“They do crazy things to me,” I whisper.

“Behave, or I’ll pull this car over and fuck you.” I gasp at his words. This is a completely different attitude from last night, and frankly, it’s hot. Desire pools in my groin and I smile as I decide to play with him a little.