Shelter Me(26)

After gathering everything from our cars, we walk along the cobblestone sidewalk and up the three steps leading into the house. Luke pushes in a code on the side of the front door and gestures for me to enter after a beep informs us the alarm has been disarmed. I enter and let out a little sigh. This is probably the most beautiful home I have ever seen. I look around, taking in everything with a look of shock and awe gracing my face, I’m sure. I close my mouth and compose myself as if I've been in houses as grand as this before.

To the left of the foyer is a huge family room with floor to ceiling windows and a massive fireplace surrounded by river rock. A giant screen television rests above the fireplace, taking up most of the wall. A staircase that leads to the second level is off to the right. We continue to walk through the downstairs while Luke gives me the grand tour.

Further into the back of the house, we walk into a kitchen. No, not just a kitchen. The Taj Mahal of kitchens. All the cabinets are finished in the same hickory color as the logs on the outside of the house, and every stainless steel appliance you could think to want litters the black marble countertop. In the middle of the kitchen is an island matching the cabinets, and a baker's rack hangs from the ceiling above, a variety of pots and pans dangling from it. A huge stainless steel refrigerator that looks like it could come to life and ask for your drink order rests in the corner. My gaze shoots back toward the dishwasher and elbow-deep double sinks as I whistle under my breath.

“Holy shit,” I mutter. I turn toward Luke and immediately bust out laughing at what he has built into the wall.

“What the hell is so funny?” Luke asks, slightly perplexed by the giggle fit I’m attempting to recover from. I try to compose myself, but it doesn't work. I start into another round as I point toward the wall.

“Seriously... a brick oven?” I manage to get out.

“I like pizza,” he shrugs, and I laugh harder.

“You like pizza?” I roar. He raises his brow at me, not understanding why I find this so funny. I take in a few deep breaths and sober.

“No, Luke. I like pizza and you certainly won't find a brick oven in my house. You... you are a crazy Italian that apparently worships pizza.” I laugh again, unable to control it.

Putting my bag down on the floor by the kitchen counter, he strides over to me with purpose and scoops me up into his arms, sitting me on the kitchen counter. He pushes himself between my legs, gripping the back of my neck, and slams his mouth to mine, stifling the sounds of my hilarity. He plunges his tongue into my mouth and I moan, I lift my hands into his thick hair and ever so gently give it a tug. He claims my mouth, sucking, licking, biting… tongue, teeth, and hands so frantic, so mesmerizing, and so intoxicating. He pulls away, leaving me absolutely breathless and forgetting what was so funny to begin with.

“I absolutely love your laugh, and I want to be the one to make you laugh like that every day... even if it is at my expense.” He smiles, kisses me one last time, and pulls me off the counter. I can't help the smile that tugs at my lips as well.

“Let’s get changed and head out to the pool. You can change into your suit in the bathroom down the hall. I will meet you back here in a few minutes.”

I bend over to pick up my bag and earn a swat on the ass for my effort. I smile over my shoulder and sashay toward the bathroom to change. Reaching in and finding the light switch, I close the door and proceed to put on my bathing suit. I take a closer look around the bathroom and notice how beautifully decorated it is in all dark colors and light wood. All of the accessories seem to be done in a very dark brushed nickel, making it look even more masculine. I place my bag on the counter, grab my bathing suit cover up, and head back out to the kitchen where Luke is standing at the counter packing a small cooler full of fruit, cheese, and a few beers.

“Ready, baby?” he asks as he gives me a swift kiss on my forehead and grabs my hand to lead me outside. We walk onto the massive porch at the back of his house and I am in awe at what lies before me. My mind momentarily thinks of Lucy and how much she would love this pool. Luke pushes my chin up to shut my mouth and shrugs his shoulders like it is no big deal. The pool is Olympic size and completely surrounded by a brick deck and a dark fence. There are chairs everywhere. Luke puts down the cooler and walks to the left side of the deck where he plays with what seems to be a stereo system. Rap music instantly floods from the speakers. I turn and look at him and burst out in laughter again.

“You are an enigma, Schavone. I never pegged you for a rap fan,” I chuckle. “You wanna bust a rap for me? Can I hear your flow?” I tease.