Come Away With Me(33)

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.”

“Clearly. Have you seen the size of my ass?”

His eyes blaze as he glares over at me over his coffee mug.

“Don’t ever put yourself down like that around me again, Natalie.”

Holy shit.

I frown and look down at my plate.

“I don’t know how many times I have to tell you or show you how beautiful I think you are for you to get it through your head.”

“Luke…” He reaches out with his long fingers and grasps my chin, tilting my face back up to meet my eyes.

“Look at me. There is nothing for you to be uncomfortable about when it comes to your body. Eat whatever you want. I love watching you eat. I’d love to work out with you, just because I love watching you move. Your curves are beautiful, and I can’t wait to get my hands on them again.”

“Okay.”

What else am I supposed to say to that?

“Are you trying to send the florists kids to college?” I ask, trying to distract him.





Chapter Eleven





Luke laughs at my quip and I relax a little. I really need to watch what I say around him about my body. I’ve never been so self-conscious with other men, but that’s probably because I didn’t really care what they thought of me. They could take me or leave me.

I want Luke to take me.

“Thank you for breakfast.” I pick up my coffee and lean back in my chair, admiring the view of the water and the boats sailing across it.

“You’re welcome,” he stands and holds his hand out for me to take. “Come, let’s get more comfortable and have that talk.”