Текст книги "Undone"

Автор книги: R. E. Hunter

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Текущая страница: 4 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

6

The next few weeks flew by. Embry’s work load was more than anything she could have imagined, but she somehow kept up. On top of her class schedule and homework, she was working on research for Professor Coleman and trying to make time to see Luke.

They texted almost every day and talked on the phone as much as possible, but with little free time, they had no choice but to slow things down and really get to know each other. Luke seemed reluctant to talk about his family, but from the little he’d said, Embry pictured a well-off southern family. She imagined his parents living in a large plantation house surrounded by weeping willows and gorgeous old oak trees. She had no idea if that was accurate, but she liked to think so.

His father owned some sort of corporation in Georgia, and Luke’s brother, Camden, helped run the company. Luke used to handle the legal side of the family business, but he was taking a step back and focusing on his solo practice . His favorite color was blue—which, coincidentally, had become Embry’s new favorite since it reminded her of his gorgeous eyes. He worked out religiously, lived for Georgia football, and loved southern cooking and country music. The football team and music preferences were something she would have to work on.

Luke hadn’t been around campus much, and when he was, he was almost … stand-offish. They’d met for lunch a few times at his office in Oyster Bay, and Embry got the feeling he didn’t want to be seen around campus with her. Morgan chocked it up to their age difference or him being uncomfortable that he was working with one of the professors and dating a student. Embry thought maybe he just didn’t want to get too serious. Either way, she didn’t want to scare him off, so she left it alone and enjoyed what time she did have with him.

* * *

Embry walked across campus with Jeremy for a coffee break. The café in their law school was pretty good, but she wasn’t human without her Starbucks. Luckily, the student hub had one.

“So who’s on deck for this weekend?” Embry asked, elbowing Jeremy’s arm.

“Don’t you mean ‘what’?” he responded.

She raised an eyebrow. “You know exactly what I mean.”

Jeremy rolled his eyes. “Can’t get anything past you.”

“Well?”

“Fine,” he said, faking annoyance. “Kim, section five.”

“Ah hah!” She pumped her fist in the air. “I knew it!”

“I’ve never seen another girl get so excited about my hookups.”

“Well most other girls don’t have money riding on it. Morgan and I have been betting on who you bang. She thought for sure you’d go for a girl in section three, because they’re pretty much a sure thing. But I bet on section five. It’s like the Holy Grail, and you, my friend”—she pointed at Jeremy—”go for the challenge!”

Jeremy stared at Embry in disbelief.

“You just made me twenty bucks!” she said.

“You realize this is not normal behavior, right?”

“What? Betting on your man-whoring ways?”

“Yes.”

Embry stopped, her hands on her hips. “Are you really going to tell me it bothers you?”

“No. Actually, I was thinking I should get a cut. We can work out some kind of an arrangement …” His eyes crinkled and then widened as though he had just come up with a brilliant idea. “Insider banging!”

“Oh my God.”

“You know, like insider trading! I’ll drop hints about what girls I’m scoping out, and together we’ll take Morgan for all she’s worth.”

“Wow, Jer,” Embry said, shaking her head.

“What?”

“Your indecency knows no bounds. Just … wow.”

“Too much?” he asked.

“Nope, just enough,” she said, laughing.

They reached Starbucks, and Jeremy held open the door. Embry walked inside and froze, her mouth falling open. Sitting in a large, stuffed chair by the window, and looking gorgeous, was Luke. As if he felt her gaze, he slowly turned his head, his eyes flicking up to meet hers. His lips tipped into a small smile.

She lifted her hand to wave as Jeremy collided with her back.

“Whoa,” he said, gripping her shoulders and turning her slightly. “You all right, Bree?”

Flustered and embarrassed, Embry shook his hands off and got in line. “I’m fine.” She hadn’t told Jeremy that she was seeing Luke. She hadn’t told anyone, except Morgan. It was still too new and she wasn’t ready to share him.

They ordered their drinks. Embry chanced a glance back at Luke, but his back was to her. He was packing up and leaving before even giving her the chance to say hello. The insecure part of her flinched, hurt by his hasty departure. Why didn’t he say hello? Was he upset that she was with Jeremy? But her phone beeped a few minutes later, the text from Luke easing her worries.

Sorry had to run to meet a client. Busy tonight?

Nope. 3-day weekend :) Plans?

I’ll pick you up at 4 outside of school.

Can’t wait

Embry spent the rest of the day on cloud nine, excited to finally get some alone time with Luke. At four, she sat on a bench outside the law school waiting for him. She pulled off her cardigan and sat soaking up the sun in a white eyelet dress that hit above her knee. It was unseasonably warm for September, and she was enjoying the Indian summer. She was about to text Luke when Professor Coleman walked out of the law school.

“Hello, Embry.”

“Hi, Professor Coleman. Heading out for the weekend?” she asked.

“Yes, it’s much needed. Any good plans for you?”

Embry saw Luke’s black Range Rover pull into the parking lot. “Nothing special. Mostly studying.” She gathered her things, but Luke drove right by, heading toward the other side of campus. Weird.

“Well, I hope you take some time to enjoy the extra day off,” Coleman said, waving and walking to the parking lot.

Embry’s phone beeped, alerting her to a new text.

Had to run into the Admin building, meet me around the corner?

She had no idea what Luke could have needed in the administrative building, but she gathered her things and walked around the school. Insecurity raised its ugly head once more, making her question his motives. Did he not want Professor Coleman to see him with her? She mulled over the possibility. She had no idea why Luke was so twitchy around campus, but she wasn’t ready to talk to him about it. Their relationship wasn’t serious, and she didn’t want to overreact about something that might be nothing.

In the parking lot in front of the administrative building, Luke sat in his Rover with the windows down. The strains of a country song she didn’t recognize floated through the air. She headed toward the car as he slid out and walked around to meet her. Embry gave him a once-over. In flip flops, worn blue jeans, a black tee that hugged every muscle, and his eyes hidden behind aviators, he looked downright edible.

Luke practically rushed Embry, sweeping her into his arms and nuzzling her neck. “Hi, beautiful.”

All questions and insecurities melted from her mind as his arms tightened around her. “Hey there,” she said, kissing his cheek.

Luke continued to stand in the parking lot, holding Embry off the ground.

“Um, Luke? Can you put me down?

“Nope, don’t want to. I haven’t seen you all week. This feels nice.”

“It’s good to see you, too,” Embry said, wiggling in his arms, “but you’re cutting off the blood flow to my lower extremities.”

“Fine, we need all extremities in working order.” Luke set her down and shot her one of his stunning smiles. He helped Embry up into the SUV before leaning in for a quick kiss. “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks. You do, too.”

Luke chuckled then shook his head and walked around to his side of the car.

“What?” Embry asked, after he hopped in.

“You called me beautiful.”

“Well you are.”

“No, I’m a man,” Luke said. “We’re rugged and burly. You can’t just go around calling rugged, burly men beautiful.”

“Hah, whatever. I’ll pick another adjective so I don’t risk stealing your man card and damaging your burly, manly ego. You look sexy.”

Luke looked at Embry over his sunglasses. “Now that’s more like it. Buckle up, sweetheart.” He twined his fingers with hers and eased out of the parking lot.

“Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“You know how I feel about surprises,” Embry complained.

“Yep. Which makes it even more fun to surprise you.”

Embry let out an exasperated breath, released Luke’s hand, and crossed her arms.

Luke grabbed her hand again and pulled it to his mouth, brushing his lips across her knuckles. He shot her a sideways look. “You really want to know?”

Embry perked up, excited. “Yes, please!”

“Well I guess it’s not really a surprise. I want you to myself for a few hours, so I figured we’d drive around aimlessly. That way there’s no way Morg—”

“Don’t say it!” Embry lunged to cover Luke’s mouth with her hand.

“Don’t say what?” Luke mumbled beneath her hand.

“Don’t say her name. You’ll jinx us! She’s like State Farm. You say her name, and she appears out of thin air!” Embry said through her laughter.

She removed her hand from Luke’s mouth and settled back in her seat. Morgan had a knack for interrupting Luke and Embry whenever they were together. Whether she was inviting herself along for lunch, showing up unannounced, or calling, she always found a way to make herself known. Embry didn’t mind, but she was looking forward to some one-on-one time with Luke.

“That’s how she does it, huh?”

Embry nodded. “You really aren’t going to tell me where we’re going?”

“Nope.”

Embry looked around the interior of the car, searching for anything that might give her a hint.

“If you’re looking for hints, you won’t find anything in here to help you.”

Embry rolled her eyes. “Can I guess?”

“You can. But I won’t tell you.”

“You’re impossible.”

“And you’re adorable.”

“Well I hope you plan on doing more than driving around,” Embry scoffed. “There won’t be much to interrupt if that’s all we’re doing.”

Luke let out a hearty laugh then leveled his full gaze on Embry. “In that case, beautiful”—he said, resting his hand on her bare leg—”I’ll have to make sure we do something worthy of interruption.”

Embry felt the heat rise to her cheeks. “I think I’d like that.”

Luke squeezed her leg. He turned up the stereo, and the voice coming through the speakers was singing something about chillin’ on a dirt road. Embry fished her sunglasses out of her purse and settled into the comfortable leather seat. With the caress of the breeze on her skin and Luke tapping on her leg to the beat of the song, she thought she might just like country music after all.

They made their way south to Sunrise Highway and then headed east. After driving for a while, Embry wondered how far he intended to go.

“Where on earth are you taking me?”

“To your favorite place.”

“But my favorite place is—”

“Cupsogue Beach, I know,” Luke said with a smug grin.

“How did you … Morgan?”

“No, you told me on the phone a few weeks ago. You were talking about how much you missed the ocean when you lived in Gainesville and told me all about your favorite beach.”

Embry stared at Luke in wonder. “I can’t believe you remembered that.”

“I remember everything you say, beautiful.”

Embry’s face split into a huge grin.

* * *

Thirty minutes later, they were driving down Dune Road, surrounded by gorgeous beach houses and mansions. The smell of the ocean brought Embry back to her childhood and made her feel at home.

She took a deep breath, sucking in the salty air, and turned to Luke. “You smell that?”

“The ocean?”

“Yeah.” Embry let out a contented sigh and leaned her head back. “It smells like home. I haven’t been here since I moved back. Thank you.”

Luke remained quiet, but Embry saw a small smile tugging at his lips. They pulled into the parking lot, and Luke walked around to help Embry from the car. He pulled her into his arms, hugging her before setting her down. Then he opened the rear hatch and grabbed a blanket, two sweatshirts, and a small cooler.

“Ah ha!” Embry said. “There were clues in the Rover! I just didn’t look far enough.”

Luke shrugged, grinning. “You got me.”

Embry trailed a few steps behind him on their way to the beach, admiring the view. His faded blue jeans fit his ass perfectly, and the muscles in his back flexed as he walked. Luke stopped short, and Embry nearly ran into his back.

“Come on, pokey,” he teased. “What are you doing back there?”

She was totally caught and didn’t mind. “Admiring the view.”

Luke chuckled, shaking his head as he continued toward the beach. It was a gorgeous afternoon. The perfect ocean breeze made it just a bit chilly, but the sun was out in full force. They walked over the boardwalk and took the stairs down to the beach. Embry kicked off her flats and nearly squealed in delight at the feel of sand beneath her feet. Luke spread out the blanket and moved a few things around in the cooler as Embry wandered down to the water’s edge. She let the seawater wash over her feet as she stared out into the blue. She hadn’t had the time to even think about the beach since starting law school.

She couldn’t believe how much had changed in just a few weeks. When she came home for law school, she’d never planned to meet someone. Long Island was the last place she thought she’d find a guy worth her time. But somehow she found an amazing, intelligent, gorgeous man—her “southern sexy” as Morgan started calling him. She had no idea how it happened, but she was glad she had given him a chance.

Embry was startled out of her thoughts by Luke’s arms wrapping around her waist. “Hey, you,” she said.

“Hey, yourself. Deep in thought?”

“Yep.”

“Wanna share?”

Embry turned to face Luke. Looking into his eyes, she saw so much there, but she wasn’t quite ready to share what was on her mind. “Just thinking about how nice this is,” she said, pushing up on her toes and placing a kiss on his lips.

Luke kissed her back and grabbed her hand. “Come with me.” He pulled her back toward the blanket.

Luke sat down, his arms resting on his knees, and Embry settled between his legs, her back to his front. He swept her hair aside and rested his chin on her shoulder.

“Hungry?” he asked.

“Starving actually.”

“Good. I grabbed a few sandwiches before we left.” Luke opened the cooler and pulled out two cellophane-wrapped packages. “Caprese or Pesto Chicken?”

“Mmm, they both sound good.” Embry pouted, trying to decide which sandwich she’d rather have. “Can we share?”

“How’d I know you’d ask that,” he teased before kissing her neck. After having lunch together a few times, Luke was used to Embry picking off of his plate. She took forever to order, always conflicted about what she wanted. He started ordering whatever she didn’t so that she could have both. “Of course we can.”

“What else have you got in there?” Embry twisted out of Luke’s hold to peer into the cooler.

“Snacks, drinks, the usual.”

Embry relaxed against Luke’s chest and opened one of the sandwiches. They traded bites until it was gone, then sat in silence and watched people come and go on the beach. The sun sank low on the horizon and the air had cooled down quite a bit. Chill bumps rose on Embry’s skin.

Luke rubbed her arms. “Want a sweatshirt?”

“Yes, please.”

Luke reached for the sweatshirts. “Arms up,” he instructed.

Embry complied, and he pulled the soft, gray material over her head. She slipped her hands through the arms, and he tugged it down until she was cocooned. The sweatshirt smelled like Luke, and she snuggled into it. He pulled a sweatshirt over his own head and brought his arms back around Embry. She looked down as she twined her hands with his.

Then she shot up off the blanket, turning and pointing her finger. “No, you did not!”

“What?” Luke said, failing miserably to suppress a smile.

Embry dramatically pulled the sweatshirt away from her chest, stared down at the red and black “G” on the front, and narrowed her eyes at Luke. He stared at her for a moment before letting out a hearty laugh. Luke and Embry hadn’t yet come to a truce over their fierce love for their college football teams.

“You put me in a Georgia sweatshirt?” Embry yelled. She stalked toward him, pushed him onto his back, and climbed on top of him, poking him in the chest. “You, my friend, are a sneaky bastard.”

“Take it off if you don’t like it, sweetheart. I’ll keep you warm instead,” Luke said, his eyes gleaming.

She watched as his blue eyes burned bright with desire. Embry became aware that she was straddling his lap as she felt the heat of his body beneath her. She hovered over him, her hair creating a curtain around them. Luke gently swept her hair aside and pulled her mouth down to his. A shiver rippled through Embry as their lips met.

Luke’s tongue ran across the seam of her lips, begging for entrance. She opened and moaned as his tongue glided over hers. His hands found her bare legs and slowly slid up and down her thighs as they kissed. Before she knew it, Embry was on her back, Luke poised above her, his hands tangled in her hair. He deepened the kiss, and she lost all coherent thought.

Embry was lost in a sea of sensation as Luke placed hot, wet kisses along her jaw. She raised her hips reflexively, feeling Luke’s hardness against her core, and he groaned into her neck. He pulled back to look at Embry, but she pushed her hands into his hair bringing his mouth back to hers. Their kiss slowed, and Luke brushed his lips across Embry’s cheek as she squirmed beneath him.

He pulled back to look at her again. “Warm enough?”

Embry nodded, breathless.

“Good.” He placed a soft, sweet kiss on the corner of her mouth then sat back onto his knees. “It’s starting to get dark. We should probably head out.”

“Okay.” Embry sat up and began packing up the cooler. “Where to now?” She knew where she wanted to go—back to her or Luke’s place—but she didn’t know what else he had planned.

Luke rubbed the back of his neck, something Embry noticed he did out of nervousness or frustration. “I was thinking I could take you back to my place, if that’s okay by you. Maybe watch a movie?”

“I’d like that.”

7

A while later, Luke pulled into a driveway in front of a large townhouse. “This is me.”

They unloaded the car and headed toward the house. Luke unlocked the door and gestured for Embry to go in ahead of him. The door opened into a large foyer.

“Wow, this place is bigger than it looks from the outside, huh?” Embry said.

“Yeah, it’s not bad. You want the grand tour?”

“Yes, please.”

Luke grabbed her hand and led her into the kitchen to the left of the foyer. He dropped the cooler on the counter. “Kitchen.”

The word kitchen didn’t do it justice. Embry stood in the middle of the room admiring the granite countertops, beautiful cabinets, and one-touch stove top. If she was as good a cook as Luke, she’d love a kitchen like his. Hell, she barely cooked and she’d still love a kitchen like his.

“Wow, you must love cooking in here.”

“Truthfully, I haven’t gotten much use out of it yet.”

“Maybe we can change that,” Embry said, nudging Luke.

“Maybe we can.” He smiled. Luke led Embry through the kitchen and into what looked like a formal dining room, but it was empty. “Dining room. Still waiting on the table to be delivered.”

From the dining room, they headed into the living room. A large sectional couch, with what looked almost like a bed at one end, took up most of the room. The couch was a warm brown that matched the entertainment center and other furniture. What had to be at least a fifty-inch flat screen hung on the wall opposite the couch.

“This is really nice, Luke. Did you decorate it?”

“Thanks. Nope, this is a perk of having an interior designer for a sister-in-law. I just gave her an idea of what I wanted, and she picked out and ordered everything.”

“That’s right. I forgot you said Lori was into interior design.”

“Come on, let’s go throw some popcorn in the microwave. It’ll be done by the time I show you the rest of the house. Then we can pick out a movie.”

Embry nodded and followed Luke into the kitchen. He pulled a package of popcorn from the pantry and put it in the microwave, then led Embry through the rest of the lower level. They headed up the stairs that sat off the foyer.

Luke pointed at the three doors to the left. “Those are the guest bedrooms and bathroom.” Then he grabbed Embry’s hand and led her through the door on the right. “My bedroom.”

Embry walked into a huge room with a gorgeous bed. It was so large, it had to be a California king. The bed frame was a rich espresso, the headboard padded in matching leather. Embry looked toward the right of the bed and saw two doors.

“Master bath and walk-in closet,” Luke provided, coming up behind her. He gave her a sweet kiss on the cheek. She turned to the left and saw French doors leading out to a balcony.

Embry turned to Luke. “It’s beautiful, Luke. Thanks for the tour.”

“Anytime.” He winked.

Heat rushed to her cheeks. She felt the pressure of being in Luke’s bedroom, the gigantic bed within reach. They stared at each other, the weight of it all freezing them to the spot. Embry chewed on her lip as Luke stood close enough to touch. Just when she couldn’t take a minute more, a loud beeping from the first floor startled them out of their moment.

“Saved by the bell,” Luke said with a sheepish grin. “That’s the popcorn.”

Embry stared at Luke, not sure what to say.

“Come on, beautiful. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.” Luke gave her a knowing look.

Taken aback, Embry shook her head. “No, I’m not uncomfortable. I’m never uncomfortable with you. It was just …”

“Intense. I know.”

That was exactly what it was. She thought about the beach and how much she wanted him. Being in Luke’s bedroom somehow made it more real, and suddenly Embry wasn’t sure if she was ready for everything that meant.

* * *

Luke dumped the popcorn into a large bowl, and they settled on the couch with it between them. Embry didn’t like that set up, so she picked up the bowl, placed it on her lap, and snuggled into Luke. He slid his arm around her and dropped a kiss on the top of her head.

“So what are you in the mood for?” Luke asked, scrolling through a list of movies on Netflix.

“I don’t know. Something light and funny?”

“Sounds good to me.”

They settled on a movie about a priest and rabbi who were best friends. Luke placed the popcorn on the couch next to him, grabbed a blanket from the back of the couch, and wrapped it around them.

“Comfortable?” he asked.

Embry snuggled closer, resting her head on his chest. “Perfect.”

* * *

“Wake up, beautiful,” Luke whispered.

Embry blinked then nuzzled farther into Luke’s arms. “Mmmm, I’m tired.”

“Clearly,” Luke said, his chest vibrating with laughter. “You slept through most of the movie.”

“Oh crap. I did it again.”

“Again?”

“Yeah, sorry, I should have warned you. It’s kind of impossible for me to stay awake when I watch movies at home.” Embry said, stretching. “I don’t know why, but I almost always pass out.”

“I just figured you were exhausted from a long week.”

“Well, that too, I guess.”

Luke yawned, and Embry followed suit. “I should probably get you home.”

“What time is it?” she asked.

“After midnight.”

“I’m too tired. I don’t even want to move.”

Luke stayed quiet for a moment. “You can stay if you like.”

Embry was exhausted, and she saw how tired Luke was. She didn’t want him driving her home and then making the long drive back. She wasn’t ready to examine her other reason for wanting to stay. Embry nodded. “As long as you don’t mind.”

Luke wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her hair. “I don’t mind at all. But are you sure?”

“Yes,” Embry said, looking up into his beautiful blue eyes. “I’d like to stay.”

Luke smiled and dropped the sweetest kiss on Embry’s lips. “Okay, baby.”

Baby.

Just like that, everything changed. That one word sealed the deal. She was falling for Luke Brody.