“So there is no hot shot investor waiting to jump on the first opportunity to put a strip mall or other large business there?” he asked curiously.
“Not that I am aware of,” I lied again.
“Ok, I’ll tell you what. I’ll send some figures over to your office first thing Monday morning. If you like ‘em we’ll make a deal,” he said, not looking me in the eye.
“Do I look like an idiot to you Paul? I know as well as you do exactly what top dollar is for that property. Send me the paperwork. I’ll take it to my lawyer and I’ll have you a certified check by Tuesday morning.” I was giddy inside, but managed to conceal it, feigning disinterest.
“Ok, but promise me that you will get Carmical Construction to clear the timber. I kinda owe the owner a favor,” he replied defeated.
“Done.” I gave him a quick nod and exited the dance floor, just as the song finished.
I joined Lindsey at our table and making a silent toast, drained another glass of champagne. Lindsey smiled knowingly. “So what are the stipulations? I know he had some.”
“Only one, Carmical Constr-.” I froze mid- sentence. Carmical Construction? Surely it was not the same Carmical I was thinking of. My question was answered as a tuxedo dressed Luke entered the room and shook hands with Mayor Kirkley. He was stunning. Dressed in a black tux with a champagne colored vest and tie, he looked nothing like the biker Luke that I knew. No, this Luke was all business and the power and attention he demanded when walking into a room did not go unnoticed by anyone including myself. Even now, he drew the eyes of every woman in the room, and I was immediately jealous. This was my Luke. Well, maybe not this one, but the Luke under those clothes belonged to me and no one else. He seemed oblivious to the women who were gathered in small crowds around him whispering and smiling. It seemed he had eyes for only one woman, and I knew exactly who that was as soon as he turned and looked at me. I could feel the pull that was between us. The chemistry was there, even amongst all of the people I felt as though we were the only two in the room. In what seemed like only a split second he was there, standing in front of me.
“Dance with me?” he asked, holding out his hand. His voice seemed to be heard over everyone in the room. I thought the chatter quieted down somewhat when I took his hand and allowed him to lead me onto the dance floor. My body tingled from the touch of him. I noticed that the band was leaving the stage, but a man sat on a chair with a single guitar and began playing one of the sweetest melodies I had ever heard. “I requested this song just for you,” he said, looking deep in my eyes.
He pulled me close, placing his hand on the small of my back, just above my dress. I rested my head on his chest, closing my eyes and inhaling his scent. Oh how I had missed these arms- that smell-this man. I let the lyrics of Joshua Radin’s You Got What I Need take me away.
I reveled in the feel of his arm’s holding me close. The world had disappeared and it was just us. I sent up a silent prayer, thanking God for the second chance he had given me. I finally had Luke in my arms and I wasn’t going to let him go this time. The song finished and I looked up into his clear, blue eyes.
“Come home with me,” he whispered. It was not a question but a demanding plea. Not being able to find my voice, I nodded in agreement and was rewarded with his breathtaking smile. Placing both hands on either side of my face, he kissed me. I opened my mouth allowing his tongue to slowly caress mine. I had never felt so cherished. This man, who was still a stranger to me, was showing a public display of affection in front of hundreds of people and in that moment, I was happier than I had ever been. He pulled his lips from mine and grabbed both of my hands kissing them, and then led me off the dance floor.
Every eye in the room was on the two of us. I felt a little guilty for stealing the show, but the feeling faded when I noticed Nathalie wiping tears from her eyes and smiling fondly at us. Luke’s truck was parked at the entrance of the building. He opened the door, and assisted me in getting in then walked around to jump in the driver’s side, pausing to receive my things from Lindsey, who was wearing an ear-splitting grin. Luke pulled me across the seat, placing his arm around me and kissing the top of my head.