Making the Cut (Sons of Templar MC #1)(32)

Chapter 6


Amy was right, word spread, like crazy fast. Amy, Rosie and I were run off our feet for the rest of the week with women coming in, some for complete wardrobe overhauls. I was going to have to do a new order soon, a big one. Working out on the floor really helped me figure out what the populace of women wanted so I could get it in, but I had heaps to do so I would need to hire more staff. And luckily by the way things seemed to be going I would more than be able to afford it. I also spent the week trying to evade Rosie’s multiple questions about me and Cade, she seemed itching for us to get together, no matter I hadn’t heard from him since Thursday the morning he left cause he had ‘shit to do.’ It was now Tuesday, the following week. I definitely expected to see him, keen as he seemed. And even though this should have been what I wanted, I found it hard to keep my mind off him. I had been non-stop with the store but Cade was constantly on my mind, and I was kind of hurt, he declared me as ‘his’ one minute then no communication the next.

I did get a distraction with Luke coming in every morning and delivering me a coffee, which had become a bit of a ritual when he discovered I had a substance abuse problem when it came to caffeine. We didn’t talk much, given I was usually always busy, but it was nice, I really liked him, and he was definitely hot, but not like Cade. I told myself I would give him a chance, the next time he asked me for dinner I wouldn’t blow him off saying I was too tired, I would say yes.

I was at the counter, Rosie had gone to get lunch, and I had given Amy the afternoon off, since we were quiet. I was flipping through some look books, circling stuff I thought I might order for the store, when the bell over the door chimed. I looked up, smile on my face ready to greet a customer, and my eyes met Luke’s. As he sauntered up to the counter, I mentally congratulated myself for deciding to go out with him. He looked good. His blonde hair was tousled and swept over his face, and he was clean shaven. He was wearing his uniform and f*ck did he wear the shit out of that thing, he pushed his aviators to the top of his head as he approached the counter and rested his hand of his gun belt, out of habit I think. But man did that make him look even hotter.

“Gwen.” He greeted me, his rough voice caressing my name.

“Luke.” I breathed, glad about my outfit choice. I was wearing short white, tailored shorts with a dusty pink silk shirt tucked in. My hair was up in a messy ponytail and I had multiple gold necklaces wrapped around my neck. I had on my third favorite pair of heels, they were pink with a criss cross of straps rounding my ankles. I felt good, I felt confident. His eyes assessed me, a small smile on his lips.

“Thought we could go outside the store and grab some of your drug of choice and perhaps some lunch?” He asked, eyes twinkling.

I started to tell him I couldn’t until Rosie got back when I heard the chime of the bell. Rosie bustled in, hands full, looking down to make sure she wasn’t spilling anything.

“Hey girl, I got us lemon cake as well, because Dylan makes the most kick ass lemon cake. Seriously its almost better than sex.” She yelled, making her way towards us. She looked up and froze when she saw Luke, red crept up her cheeks. “Um, hey Luke.” She muttered sounding embarrassed.

Weird she didn’t usually get embarrassed, about anything.

“Hey Rosie.” Luke gave her a chin lift. “You’re right that cake is the shit, can’t say its better than sex though.” He teased and Rosie’s blush deepened. She scooted past him handing me my coffee, eyes looking anywhere but Luke.

“Thanks babe.” I said.

“No problem!” She replied with false brightness and the gears started to turn in my head. Shit, did she have a crush on Luke? She was never here when he came in the mornings so this was the first time I had seen them together. My spidey senses were picking something up, the way she avoided making direct eye contact with him and was as red as a beetroot. I bet she was struggling with this crush, considering the mutual hatred Luke and Cade had for each other.

“See you’ve got coffee babe.” Luke’s voice interrupted my thought process.

“Um yeah.” I met his eyes deciding there was no way I’d even think about starting something with him, especially if Rosie liked him. And if I was honest with myself I didn’t like him, I would just be using him to try and quell the hurt of Cade using me and then forgetting about me, although that’s exactly what I said I wanted. God I hated being a girl sometimes.

“Babe?” I heard Luke ask. Damn, that’s twice in a row I had retreated into my mental trance while I was supposed to be participating in a conversation.

“Sorry what?” I replied, sipping my coffee trying to sound alert.

Luke chuckled. “I asked if you wanted to go for a walk instead.”

I looked to Rosie, who was sipping her coffee and trying not to frown, whether it was because of Cade or because of what she obviously felt for Luke I wasn’t sure.

“Sure.” I turned to Rosie. “You going to be okay on your own for awhile?”

“Yeah fine! Take your time!” She replied with false brightness.

“We won’t be long.” I assured her, grabbing my shades and coffee.

Luke put his hand to the small of my back, opening the door, he kept it there, directing me towards the beach.

“So how’s your day going?” He inquired conversationally.