Love In Between(34)

Charley walked up to Sam. “What are your plans for tonight, Uncle Sammy?”

He bent down and looked at Charley square in the eye. “Well, little one, if you must know, Gretchen’s coming over, and we’re going to grab some chicken fingers and fries for dinner; then we’re going to go for ice cream and maybe play a little miniature golf.”

Charley’s eyes widened. “Can I come?”

“You sure can!”

“Thanks, man. I owe you,” I said to him.

Maddie motioned for me to follow her into my room. “I’m so happy for you. I can’t believe you actually asked her out.”

“Me neither, but both of us still have a lot of personal issues that we need to work out.”

Maddie hugged me. “It’ll be ok, Luke. You’re a great guy, and from what I can tell, Lily’s a great girl. Charley loves her.”

We walked back to the living room, and Maddie kissed Charley goodbye. “Thank you, Sam. It’s a school night, so I’ll be back by 9:00 p.m.”

“We’ll be here, waiting.” He smiled.

“Uncle Luke, where are you going that you can’t watch me?” Charley asked.

“I’m going on a date with Lily.”

A beautiful smile graced her face. “I hope you have fun.”

“We will, peanut. Make sure you give Uncle Sammy a hard time.”

“Stop being silly, Uncle Luke.” She giggled.





17

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Lily

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I was on cloud nine. Luke left me breathless with that kiss, and for the first time in a very long time, I was happy. Nothing was on my mind except Luke and our upcoming date. I walked to the bedroom to change. As I stood at my closet and stared at the clothes hanging on the rack, I picked up my phone from the bed and sent Luke a text message.

“Hi, casual or dressy?”

“Hi right back. Which do you prefer?”

“Casual?”

“Casual it is then. Actually, it was always casual.”

I smiled and replied, “Good. See you soon!” I heard a soft knock on the wall.

“Did you just knock on the wall?”

“Yes.”

“LOL, why?”

“I just wanted you to know that I’m right on the other side if you need anything.”

“Thank you, but I need to get ready, or I won’t be ready when you come to pick me up.”

“Pick you up? Why don’t you pick me up?”

“You asked me out, remember?”

“Of course I do, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pick me up.”

I laughed. “Fine, I’ll pick you up.”

“Good. I’ll be waiting.”

I smiled and shook my head as I pulled out a pair of black Capri pants. The floral print maxi dress I bought was hanging there, with the tag still attached. I haven’t had the chance to wear it yet, so I put the pants back and pulled out the dress—it was casual enough. I picked up my phone and sent another text message to Luke.

“Are we taking your motorcycle?”

“Do you want to?”

“Not really. I needed to make sure because I want to wear this dress I bought.”

“I thought this was casual.”

“It is causal; it’s a casual dress.”

“Then maybe we’ll take my bike. I’d like to see you get on it in that dress.”

I smiled as I bit my bottom lip. “Bye, Luke.”

“Bye, Lily.”

I took the tag off and slipped it on—it was perfect. I walked into the bathroom and decided to wear my hair wavy. By the time I was done, it was already time to leave. I slipped on my flip-flops, grabbed my purse, and walked next door to Luke’s. I knocked on the door and gasped when he opened it. He was wearing dark jeans with a white, button down cotton shirt that he left untucked. Once again, he took my breath away. He smiled at me, grabbed my hand, and turned me around.

“You look amazing,” he said.

I smiled as he pulled me into him, and we shared a small kiss. “You’re looking pretty sexy yourself, Mr. Matthews.”

“I try.” He winked.

He shut and locked the door; then we headed to his Jeep.

“Do you like Mexican food?” he asked.

“I love Mexican food.” I smiled.

“Good; then Mexican it is.” He smiled back.

I found myself no longer being nervous around him. He was such an easygoing guy, and he made me feel safe, unlike the first time I met him when I thought he was an ass. We pulled into the restaurant and got out of the Jeep. Luke grabbed my hand and held it. I looked at him and smiled as we made our way to the entrance. We sat outside on the patio for dinner. I ordered a margarita, and Luke ordered a beer. We talked a little bit about Charley, and he asked me how I got into teaching, so I told him how much I loved kids. Just as we finished our drinks, he touched on a taboo subject—my family.

“What was it like growing up with Johnny Gilmore?”

“You want to know the truth?”

“Of course I do,” he said as he gave me a weird look.

“It was like living in a whore house.”