More than Exist(29)

Chapter 20





I was sitting at the island in the kitchen, notes strewn across the countertop as I made out a menu and a list of ingredients. After I’d unpacked, I made myself a light dinner, then pulled out Ms. Lucille’s notes and started trying to memorize everything. I’d been so caught up that I’d lost track of time, which was a good thing. This being my first night out on my own, outside of rehab, I’d been worried that the pull to drink would be hard to resist, but I’d been so busy I hadn’t even thought about it.

I jumped at the sound of the front door opening, and wondered why I hadn’t heard a car coming up the drive. My eyes swung to the clock and I was shocked to see it was almost one in the morning.

I heard the distinct sounds of boots walking through the house and unconsciously held my breath.

“I didn’t expect to see you up this late,” Luke’s deep voice said from behind me.

I twisted in the high-back stool to look at him, self-conscious of the fact that I was clad only in a pair of flannel boxer shorts and a tank top, and that I wasn’t wearing a bra. I’d fully planned to be in bed long before Luke came back from town.

“Hey,” I replied, tucking my hair nervously behind my ear. “I’m sorry, I guess I got caught up.”

His gaze took in the papers all over the counter and I hurriedly assured him, “I’ll get this all cleaned up.”

It was almost intimidating how clean his house was.

Luke’s eyes remained serious, but one side of his mouth lifted as he said, “I’m sure Ms. Lucille made sure the house was immaculate for your arrival, but I can assure you that the house is usually cluttered. We try to keep on Matty to pick up after himself, but he is ten, and if I’m being honest, Ms. Lucille gets after me to pick up more than she does Matty.”

I smiled at his words, relieved that he was making the job seem a little less terrifying.

Now that I’d realized the late hour, I was suddenly exhausted, so I gathered the paperwork up into a stack and held it in front of my breasts as I stood up. “I’m going to get some sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight, Mirabelle,” Luke replied with a tip of his head as he took his hat off and set it on a side table.

“Goodnight,” I responded as I walked passed him, then I paused and added, “Thanks again, Luke.”

He just nodded as I scurried passed, shutting myself in the refuge of my room. I leaned my back against the door and let out a deep breath, trying to calm myself. I was going to have to get used to being around Luke, and I hoped, with time, that I’d overcome the nervousness and uncertainty I felt when he was near.

As soon as I hit the pillow, nestled into the soft sheets, I slipped immediately into a dreamless slumber.

When my alarm went off at five a.m., it felt like I’d just laid down, but I needed to get myself on the new schedule I was going to be expected to keep, so I padded down the hallway and got into the shower in an attempt to jolt myself awake.

Twenty minutes later, I was trying to figure out how to work the coffee maker. My hair was pulled up in a ponytail and my face was free of makeup, but I felt refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

“Need some help?”

Luke’s warm voice slid over me and I tried to keep my face neutral as I turned to him and replied, “Yes, please.”

When he stood next to me, I looked up, realizing how much taller than me he was. I guess I’d been too distracted to notice in Patricia’s office, and I’d only seen him sitting in Vegas, but here in the soft light of morning I was totally focused on him.

His hair was wet, and I knew he must have gotten into the shower right after I’d gotten out, which struck me as strangely intimate.

His face was clean-shaven, which only highlighted his square cut jaw and full lips. I could only see his profile, so I couldn’t see his eyes, but I knew they’d be as clear as the vast blue morning sky. The spicy, male scent of his body wash was barely noticeable, but potent enough to make my belly curl with delight.

Confused at my body’s strong reaction, I took a couple steps back, needing to put some distance between us.

“You just put the beans in here, to about this line,” Luke was saying, and I realized I was missing the coffee making instruction so I shook myself out of my musings and paid attention. “Then you fill this up with water, press the button to grind the beans, and wait for the coffee pot to fill. It usually takes about ten minutes, so if you get it ready the night before and just press the button as soon as you get up, it’ll be ready when you are.”

“Thanks,” I said, then watched as he went through the steps and stepped back as the grinder began to sound.