Banger’s Ride(166)

Before Hawk collided with her world, she didn’t care about having a man in her life, or having a man even touch her. But then he’d busted in, all six feet, three inches of sex, excitement, and badass, and he turned her world upside-down by placing her on a slippery slope of want and need. Closing her eyes, Cara repeated her mantra, I’m with Luke, not Hawk. I’m with Luke. I loved Hawk’s lips on mine and the way his hands and tongue caressed me. I loved the way… Dammit! I’m with Luke. I’m with Luke. I’m with—

“Shouldn’t we go into the ballroom?” Luke interrupted her. “What’s the charity again?”

“It’s Boys Hope. They help at-risk kids stay off the streets and get into loving homes. They started in California and spread throughout several states. It’s something I believe in, which is why I volunteered to be on the board.”

“I wish you would have talked to me about it before you signed up. You know, you’re a very impetuous person.”

“What does that mean? And why would I talk to you about signing up for anything?”

“I meant that I hoped we were growing closer together and would discuss things with each other that could impact our careers.”

Cara looked quizzically at Luke. He continued, “You should have volunteered for something that had to do with the Historical Museum of Pinewood Springs. You like history, and it’s more appropriate. It looks better to be involved with those kinds of people, you know what I mean?”

“Charity is charity. I believe everyone deserves a chance at a better life. I’m grateful I had the opportunities I did, so why not try and help bring hope and chances to others?”

“You’re getting mad at me. I’m just saying that you have to grow up a little and drop the champion-for-the-underdog mentality. It’s time you understood that your dad wants you to be at his firm working with civilized people. The thought of you being in the same room with sweaty, over-sexed criminals is, well… Don’t take this the wrong way, but it’s repulsive.” He grimaced.

Cara glared at him. “I won’t take it the wrong way. What’s wrong here is me being with you.” She turned to leave.

He clasped her arm. “Please, let’s not ruin the night. Your parents are here.”

Cara sighed. “Yeah, let’s not let my dad know you’ve insulted and fucking pissed off his daughter.”

Luke’s eyes widened. “I never thought I’d hear that word come out of your mouth, especially at a nice event like this.”

“Been hanging out with too many of my clients.” Cara smirked. She turned and walked toward her parents with Luke at her heels. He is such a kiss-ass.

All the influential people from Pinewood Springs, and some of the surrounding towns, filled the ballroom. At two hundred and fifty dollars a person, the event was a success.

Cara’s parents embraced their daughter. “You look lovely,” her mother said. Cara’s fuchsia, strapless cocktail dress complemented her gold-streaked hair and green eyes. The crystal beading gave the dress a subtle sheen. Cara looked both elegant and seductive, a combination that was not lost on Luke as he put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to him. Her mother beamed at the gesture while her father waved to one of the district court judges. Annoyed, Cara’s shoulders slumped.

“Hello, Luke,” Cara’s father extended his hand toward him.

“Hello, sir. How are you, sir? Nice event, isn’t it, sir?” Luke gushed as he shook Mr. Minelli’s hand. Making a face, Cara caught her father’s eye, and his look acknowledged that there was nothing worse than a kiss-ass. As they both laughed, Luke, still clueless, joined in, making the duo laugh even harder.

The chiming bells signaled it was time to enter the ballroom and take their seats. At the table were Cara’s parents, she and Luke, and two other couples, the Hughes and the Fitzgeralds, who were old friends of the family. Cara admired the shimmering gold candles in their crystal holders and the red and yellow roses decorating elongated silver containers. Each table setting had a bud vase with a cluster of miniature roses, glittering gold napkin holders, and brilliant, gold-toned chargers. Cara marveled at how the whole room glittered, and it reminded her of a ball from one of her childhood storybooks. Now if I had my Prince Charming next to me, all would be good. She smiled to herself.

“Cara, how’s your practice going?” Mr. Hughes asked her.

“Interesting, as always.”

“Any good cases?”

“Well, I just finished a case with a biker who was my client.”

“Is it finally over?” Luke asked.