Incumbent(41)

I took the glass from her hand and set it down on the small table between us. “Yes, I did ask her. Actually, it was one of the first things I asked. The only man she hangs out with is Mason, and he’s more like her brother.”

“I like Mason. He’s a great guy.”

Her eyes glistened, and I was ready to hop in my car and hightail it to Minnesota to kick Scott’s ass if he was two-timing my sister.

“It’s not like Scott isn’t,” she said quickly. “You know how much I care about him. We’ve been together since senior year in college. I just wish he was around more.”

Before she could say any more, Mom called us for dinner. We both stood, and she wiped a tear from her cheek as I grabbed her glass.

“You’re a great woman, Gretchen, and if Scott doesn’t make you happy, then do something about it.” I handed her glass back to her.

“Thank you. Are you happy?” She looked at me with hopeful eyes. “I mean with Lucy. She makes you happy, doesn’t she?”

“She does. Very much so.”

She tilted her head, examining me. “You love her.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. We’ve only known each other a few weeks.” But did I?

Gretchen gave me a sad smile. “Just remember, our hearts don’t come with a clock or calendar. Love isn’t a planned event. It just shows up unannounced, even when you don’t want it to.”

Impressed, I stared at my little sister. “Thank you, Yoda.”

“No problem, Obi Wan.” She laughed. “Come on, enough of this mushy stuff. Let’s go eat.”

Was Gretchen right? All I knew was I wanted to know more about Lucy than where she was born and what college she attended.

Conversation was lively around the dinner table, although since it was a Friday, it was a smaller group than what showed up for Sunday dinners. Tonight it was just Gretchen and me with our parents, but we enjoyed ourselves.

When the conversation turned to the Memorial Day weekend and Dane’s golf tournament, they were happy that I asked Lucy to join us.

“Lucy is such a sweet woman.” Mom smiled as she passed a bowl of salad to my father. “We had a wonderful talk the last time she was here.”

“Yes, you two looked cozy in the library.” I said it more as a question than a statement, because I never did find out what they talked about. When I’d asked about it, the only response I’d gotten from Lucy was, “Girl time.” And this time wasn’t any different.

“That poor girl doesn’t have a family. I’m sure you know that, though.” Mom looked at me and my dad, and Gretchen didn’t say a word.

“I don’t know the entire story,” I said, “but you’re right. She said she doesn’t have anyone.”

Gretchen glanced around at us, compassion on her face. “I couldn’t imagine that.”

My father cleared his throat. “I know I’ve only seen you two together that one time, but you seem happy when you’re with her.”

“I am.”

Mom smiled at me, and Gretchen winked from across the table.

It was the truth—I was truly happy, and I had Lucy to thank for that. For once in my life, I was thinking about something else other than my career.

No, not something. Someone.





CHAPTER 13


Lucy



It had been way too long since I’d seen Drake, over a week, but we were going to rectify that tonight. Just when I became available, he was called out of town for a few days, but tonight he was coming over. I couldn’t wait to see him again.

After I dressed in my best jeans, a cute floral top that dipped low in the front, and my navy sandals to finish off the outfit, I checked myself in the mirror for a final inspection. We were going out to a small Italian restaurant in Herndon that I loved.

When my doorbell rang, I practically pranced across my living room. I swung the door open and Drake scooped me up in his arms to spin me around. I couldn’t contain my giggle.

I finally swatted him on his shoulder. “You’re making me dizzy!”

He chuckled and set me down. “Let me look at you.” He took my hands in his and stretched them out to the sides. “I think you’re even more beautiful than the last time I saw you.”

Drake’s deep voice ignited something so deep inside me, I couldn’t help but throw myself at him. Literally. I jumped up and wrapped my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck. Our lips crashed together, and I couldn’t get enough. I was starving for him.

With his hands under my ass, he walked us over to the door he’d just come through and pressed me against it. In a flash, my hands were above my head, my shirt was off, and he was pinning my hips with his. His teeth lightly grazed my nipple, which was already straining beneath my bra, and now it wanted to burst out of confinement and straight into his mouth.

“Let’s skip dinner.” His warm breath tickled my already sensitive skin. “I need you, Lucy.”

All I could do was moan in response, so he carried me into my bedroom, stripped me naked, and laid me out on my bed.

“You’re overdressed,” I grumbled, practically panting by this point.

His gaze raked over my body. My breathing sped up and became ragged with each piece of clothing he took off. First his shirt, giving me a good look at his glorious abs that rippled with each move he made, and then his pants and boxers, which he took off in one fell swoop. His erection sprang free, and all I wanted was a taste.