“Most definitely. I will need to show you over and over again just how much I missed you. In fact, it will probably take me all night long. I would plan on taking Thursday off from work if I were you, because I’m imagining a sick day for both of us.”
“I see.” I put my hand on his chest right over his beating heart and felt the pulsing rhythm. “I will remember to be well rested on Wednesday afternoon, then.”
Teasing was the only way I could get through sending him away without crying. Of course, now was not one of those times I burst into unexpected tears or laughter. Thank God. I did feel like I was finding myself again, though. I’d lost my sense of fun with Marcus. It was as if he’d turned off the light within me, which I’d never allow anyone to do again. I was strong, able, and tough when I needed to be, and now I was finding joy again, too. And all because of the gentle, attentive, loving man who I would miss terribly during the next seven days.
Accept it, fool. You’re already in love with him.
LUCAS gave it three days before he called.
I was delivering the last boxes of Nan’s things to Herman’s house and feeling more than a little emotional, so his timing was perfect. “Brooke, can I invite you to dinner tonight? We can talk about politics, religion, and money to make each other awkwardly uncomfortable before we bond over embarrassing childhood stories about Caleb.”
I laughed at his teasing, knowing I’d say yes for a couple of reasons. I knew it would make Caleb happy, and I was curious about his family. “Well, Lucas, when you tempt me like that, I have no choice but to accept. I’ll be over by six o’clock, and I like my wine on the sweet side.”
LUCAS had a glass of sangria waiting for me and a collection of delivery takeout menus to choose from when I arrived at his house. I accepted the delicious, fruity wine and vetoed the takeout. Instead, I asked to be shown to his kitchen where I found two aprons—one for each of us—and announced we would be cooking something much better than anything we could order in. Making myself at home in his pantry, I rummaged through ingredients and fired off some questions about any possible dietary restrictions until we settled on a salad and chicken fettuccine Alfredo.
By the time our dinner was ready, we’d progressed to well past the getting-to-know-you stage and were down to being best buddies. When crying over chopped onions and minced garlic together, those walls go down quickly. The only reference he made to his scarring was to tell me his hearing was impaired in his right ear, so to speak to his left side if possible . . . and not to take it personally if he seemed to ignore something I said. I told him not to take it personally if I suddenly started weeping or laughing for no reason . . . and pointed to the scar at my hairline. He nodded in understanding, and I would bet Caleb had already filled him in on me, because he didn’t question my bizarre statement in the slightest.
In that moment, I knew I’d made a true friend in Lucas Blackstone, because we had clicked. For whatever reason, we just sort of bonded in a way that was easy and very comfortable. I felt that our friendship would stand regardless of wherever Caleb and I ended up, and that was something meaningful. I didn’t have a great many friends, but the ones I did have were very precious to me, and it was always welcome to make a new one.
Lucas spent the remainder of the evening teaching me to play iInVidiosa, the game he’d created. I sucked at video games, but he sucked at making dinner, so it all evened out in the end. I made him promise that our next dinner would be at my place before I left. Lucas made me promise to call him as soon as I made it home to let him know I’d arrived safely.
It just went on like that until we were both laughing as I backed Woody out of his driveway, him signaling me with the hand to the ear gesture for “Call me.” The Blackstone men had a strong protective streak, and I felt very fortunate to be at the center of their care. My life had been rather bereft of male presence for a long time, and this felt good.
The time difference between Boston and Abu Dhabi was nine hours, which made calls with Caleb difficult, so we texted mostly. After I got back to the cottage, I dutifully called Lucas before getting ready for bed and bringing my phone with me. Once I was settled under my covers, I calculated the time in Abu Dhabi to be seven thirty in the morning, which was actually a good time to catch him if I was going to have any shot at all, because he would probably be up and starting his day.
B: I had dinner with Lucas tonight so you can stop worrying about me.
C: I already told you that would be impossible, baby. But do you miss me?
B: Always, Caleb. <3
C: I bought you something today I can’t wait to give you.
B: I have something I cannot wait to give you, too. blushing
C: Is my Brooke sexting me? Please say yes, and send me a picture of your naked tits so I can make it thru this dreadful day.