Chapter Eight
Luke whistled as he dressed in a suit for the business meeting the next afternoon. Thoughts of the kisses he’d shared with Mar last night had him grinning from ear to ear. He’d never felt a kiss like what they experienced together. It far surpassed the out-of-control physical desire he’d felt for Tracey. Yet it wasn’t just the physical with Mar. They could banter playfully, they could talk seriously about business and life, she made him laugh and smile, and she was willing to do anything with him.
Their hike this morning had been a lot of fun, and he wanted to spend every spare minute with her. He was glad she was going to this meeting with him. Afterward, he’d take her to a fancy dinner and then a walk around downtown. He’d find a great spot to kiss her. Everybody needed a kiss under the elk arch, right? He chuckled as he remembered how she’d laughed about the arch. Okay, maybe a more romantic spot than that.
He knotted his tie, checked his reflection in the mirror, and then strode out into the hallway. Mar’s bedroom door was open and there was no movement inside, so he strode across the balcony and down the stairs. Halfway down, he spotted her waiting in the foyer for him. She was wearing a fitted pale blue dress that set off her dark coloring. Her legs looked incredible showcased by those high heels she liked to wear.
She turned his way with a welcoming smile on her full lips, and he missed a step. He righted himself quickly with the help of the railing and let out an embarrassed laugh.
Mar started toward him, her expression scrunching with concern. “Are you okay?”
He reached the foyer and nodded. “Yes. I was just so stunned by your beautiful smile I tripped on my own feet.”
Mar’s smile returned. “You’re such a tease.”
He shook his head and moved in closer, wrapping his hands around her waist. “I’m not teasing. You take my breath away, Mar.”
Sliding her hands up his chest, she murmured, “Do you want me to really take your breath away?”
“Yes, ma’am.” A quiver of anticipation ran through him.
She wrapped her hands around his neck and pulled his head down to meet hers. Mar might have been small in stature, but she was huge in personality, accomplishments, and kissing ability. She truly did take his breath away, for several wonderful minutes.
Pulling back, she pumped her eyebrows. “How was that?”
“Amazing.” He lifted her off her feet and held her tightly against him. “I wish you could just take my breath away the rest of the day, but we’d better go to this meeting.”
“That is a bummer.”
He set her on her feet and took her hand. They walked through the foyer and the great room area, out the mudroom, and into the garage. He loaded her into the Audi and followed the directions that Siri chirped. All the while, he held Mar’s hand with his free hand and listened to her ooh and ahh over the beautiful scenery as they drove. This was amazing. Why had he waited so long to let himself date someone seriously?
Luke glanced askance at Mar and realized that he’d been waiting for her. He was content to simply hold her hand and smile at her exuberance over the scenery, and he wouldn’t have felt that with any other woman.
“What?” She caught him looking at her and tucked her long hair behind her ear.
“You’re perfect,” he said.
“That’s really sweet of you to say.” She smiled at him, but it was tremulous, and he saw her eyes brighten.
“Your destination is on the right,” Siri chirped, rattling off the address.
Luke pulled the car up to the gate, and a guard strode out to meet him. Once Luke showed him his driver’s license, he was cleared to drive through. The lengthy drive was lined with pine trees. When the large cabin-style mansion came into view, Luke finally stopped the car and turned to Mar.
She stared at him and blinked quickly.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing.” She shook her head and reaffirmed, “Nothing. I just … really like being with you.”
“I feel the same. Let’s get this meeting done quickly. I want to take you to dinner, kiss under the elk arch, take you back home and swim, kiss in our swimming suits, cuddle up on the couch, kiss instead of watch a movie …”
She laughed. “That elk arch seems like a really romantic spot to kiss.”
“Anything would be with you.” He leaned over the console and kissed her. It was too quick for him, but he really did need to get this meeting over with.
Jumping out of the car, he rushed around to open her door and help her out. The top of her head only reached his shoulder, even when she was wearing her heels, but there was so much substance to Mar that he could spend a lifetime getting to know her. She smiled up at him as they walked hand in hand up the walk, a glorious summer’s afternoon sun shining down on them. Luke felt like everything was right in the world, especially with Mar by his side.
A butler got the door and escorted them into a spacious office on the right, where huge windows showcased the driveway, front flower beds, and many trees. They stayed standing, waiting for Selena to make her appearance.