“I love you, beautiful girl. Get some sleep. I’ll wake you in a few hours.”
“Okay.” I whisper and close my eyes, enjoying the rhythmic caresses of Luke’s fingers in my hair and drift to sleep.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Tonight is Luke’s parent’s party, and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m putting the finishing touches on my makeup –I’m getting pretty good at this! – while Luke is dressing in my bedroom. Jules keeps coming in and out of the room to borrow something, nag me about something, or just chatter because she is also nervous.
I love her.
I hear Luke laugh and I walk out into the bedroom. He’s on the phone and at the sight of me his eyes darken and get glassy and I give a satisfied nod.
Mission accomplished.
I’m wearing a black dress that hangs off one shoulder. There are rhinestones along the high waist and it falls to my red Louboutin-clad feet. I’m wearing my hair up, thanks to Jules’ handiwork, and my pearls.
I feel sophisticated and sexy.
“Okay, Dad, I have to go. We’ll see you at the club. Just tell her you’re taking her out for dinner. Okay, bye.”
He hangs up and crosses to me.
He’s so handsome in his black suit and white shirt with black tie. His blonde hair is in some sort of order, but I’m sure I’ll make a mess of it before long.
He rakes his gaze over my dress and hair and runs his fingertip under my pearls against my skin. “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
He kisses me, in that way that makes me swoon, and I run my hands down his smooth cheeks.
“Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself, handsome. Are you going to be okay tonight with all the people there?”
“Yeah, I’ll be okay. I’m an actor, remember? I can play the part for one night.”
“I
don’t
want
you
to
be
uncomfortable.” He doesn’t fool me. I can see the nervousness in his eyes and the way he keeps fidgeting with his tie.
“I’ll know most everyone there. My parents wouldn’t invite a bunch of strangers, so it should be cool.” He kisses my forehead and his lips turn up on one side. “Are you worried about me?”
“Of course I am. I love you.”
His eyes soften. “I love you too.”
“Hey, Nat, can I borrow… Oh, God.
We don’t have time for this.” Jules shakes her head in disgust and stomps into my closet, coming out wearing a pair of my earrings. “Can I borrow these earrings?”
“Yes,” I laugh. “That dress is to die for.”
“I know, right?” She flashes a Cheshire cat grin and turns in a slow circle showing off her strapless red dress. She’s stunning in red.
“Are you bringing Nate tonight?” I ask.
“No way, not introducing him to family.” Jules shakes her head adamantly and I let it go. She’s still not talking much about Nate.
“Okay.” I shrug and smile. “Want to ride with us?”
“No, Isaac and Stacy are picking me up. I’ll see you there.”
“Ready, baby?” Luke asks me.
“Let’s go.”
***
The anniversary party is being held at a country club in Bellevue that Luke’s family belongs to. The ballroom has been decorated beautifully, with colorful flower centerpieces, twinkling lights and candles. There is a two-person wooden bench sitting near the entrance with black markers for everyone to sign in lieu of a guestbook. Neil will place it by Lucy’s favorite flower garden at home.
“Luke, this is gorgeous. Samantha and your father did a great job. Your mom is going to be beside herself.”
Luke smiles widely, “She’ll love it.
Come on, let me introduce you to some people.”
He snatches two glasses of champagne from a waiter and hands one to me as we begin mingling about the room. I am excited to see Gail and Steven have already arrived and I hug them both.
“Oh my goodness, you both look so wonderful!” Gail is simply stunning with her short blond hair styled around her face, and she’s wearing a beautiful royal blue evening gown. Steven is dapper as can be in a black suit and tie.
I couldn’t be more proud of them.
“Darling, you are breathtaking.” Gail hugs me close, her eyes shining with love and happiness.
“Thank you for coming, both of you.
My parents will be delighted to see you.” Luke shakes Steven’s hand and kisses Gail on the cheek.
“Thank you for inviting us. You look so handsome, dear.”
“Happy to be here,” Steven responds and winks at Luke.
Huh? I look up at Luke, wondering what that wink was about, but Luke’s face gives nothing away.
The room is filling quickly with people, and Luke sticks close to my side, his hand on my back, introducing me to his family and friends.
Finally, in a moment alone, he hands me a fresh glass of champagne and whispers in
my
ear,
“You
are
unbelievably gorgeous tonight. And you are charming everyone in this room.”
His smile is possessive and loving and I warm at his words.
“You’re the charming one. Are you having fun?”
“Yeah, I’m excited to see my mom’s reaction. In fact,” he looks at his watch.
“Time to get everyone seated.”
He has a word with the band leader who then announces, “Ladies and gentlemen, please find your seats. The guests of honor will be arriving shortly.”
Luke and I are seated at the head table with his parents, Samantha and her date and Luke’s brother, Mark.
“Luke, Natalie, this is my date, Paul.”
Luke shakes his hand while giving him a speculative stare, and I smile to myself.
Overprotective brother.
“Hey, beautiful.” Mark flashes me that signature Williams grin and pulls me into a hug. “Good to see you’re still putting up with my brother’s shit. When you’ve had enough of him, give me a call.” He winks down at me and I can’t help but laugh.
“Stop fondling my girlfriend. Find your own.” Luke pulls me out of Mark’s grasp as Mark grins at him.
Yes,
these
Williams
men
are
charmers.