And I’m his girlfriend!
I stand and move to him, wrapping my arms around his waist. He puts his arms around me, linking his fingers at the small of my back, and we just gaze at each other for a minute.
“Please don’t be mad at me,” I whisper.
“I’m not.”
“You were.”
“Yeah, I was.” He kisses my forehead. “Don’t you have any real clothes in here?”
“Yeah, it got hot in here, so I took them off.”
He narrows his eyes again, and they go cold. Shit.
“Don’t freak out on me. It happens no matter who I’m photographing. I don’t have AC in here.”
“Why not?”
“Well, honestly, because a sweaty body is sexy on film.”
“Oh.” He furrows his brow.
“Hey, stop it. You have nothing to be jealous over, honey.” I run my hands down his face, loving the roughness of his stubble against my palms.
“I love it when you call me that.” He leans into my touch and closes his eyes.
“You do?”
“Yeah, you usually just call me by my name.”
“You’re a terms-of-endearment kind of guy, huh?” I stand on my toes and kiss his lips gently, and his eyes warm up.
“Obviously, baby.”
“I love it when you call me baby.”
Now his eyes light up like it’s Christmas. “Why?”
“No one ever has before,” I whisper.
He sighs and hugs me close. “I forget how inexperienced you are when it comes to relationships.”
“Yeah, so cut me some slack. There has to be a learning curve.” I pinch his tight butt, and he laughs.
“Okay, okay. Just do me a favor.” His face is serious again.
“What?”
“No more single men. Please.”
I frown and want to argue with him.
“Please, Natalie. For me.”
“What if we have a chaperone?”
“Talk with me before you book another single man, and we’ll discuss it. I don’t like feeling like this. I’m asking you to respect how I feel.”
Well, when he puts it like that.
“Okay, I’ll talk with you first.” It’s a concession, but I can’t help but think about what he said about love scenes, and I know I’d go out of my mind with jealousy if I were in that position.
“Did you do any love scenes in your movies?” I ask and search his face.
“Why do you think there was a butt shot?” He grins down at me.
“I don’t ever want to see those movies, Luke.”
“Fine by me, baby.”
“So, I’m your girlfriend, huh?”
“Absolutely.” He kisses me deeply, and I grip on to his shoulders, pulling him down to me.
When he pulls back, I can’t resist running my fingers through his hair. “Okay, let’s go get lunch. Fighting with you makes me hungry.”
“You’re putting on some decent clothes first.”
***
I leave Luke with Jules in the kitchen and run upstairs to get dressed. I smirk to myself, remembering the look of apprehension on Luke’s face when confronted with Jules, but she was cool as could be, and I’m relieved that her adolescent behavior where he’s concerned has subsided.
I throw on a pair of blue jeans that hug my ass, a green top and matching green heels. It may just be lunch, but I never get to wear my heels, and Luke’s tall enough that I could wear them all the time.
So I think I just might. He seems to like them.
I brush out my brown hair, leaving it loose so it frames my face, and apply some eyeliner and mascara.
I’m good to go.
I find Luke and Jules still in the kitchen, talking about all things cooking.
“I bake my bacon,” Luke is saying. He’s standing with his back to me so he doesn’t see me enter the room. “That way there’s less mess on the stove top.”
“I don’t care how it’s cooked.” I wrap my arms around his middle and press my nose between his shoulder blades, breathing him in. He smells of fabric softener and body wash, and his shirt is soft against my face. “As long as it ends up in my mouth,” I mumble against him, and I hear him chuckle.
He turns to look at me and grins wide. “You are gorgeous in green. It matches your eyes.” He runs his fingers down my face, and I sigh.
“Thank you. Is this better than what I had on earlier?”
“Much. Do you have any more sessions today?”
“I have one tonight around eight.”
He frowns. “Why so late?”
“A lot of people work during the day, so I have to schedule evening sessions sometimes. It doesn’t happen often because I prefer using the natural daylight rather than my lighting equipment, but sometimes it’s necessary.”
“Who is it?” He eyes me speculatively, and I sigh.
“Just a girl who wants some pretty photos for her husband for their anniversary.”
“Oh, okay.”
I run my hand through his hair. “Don’t worry, babe. There are no single men on my books right now.”
“Can you let me know when there are?” Jules pipes in quickly. “All this mushy stuff is reminding me how long it’s been since I got laid. Go to lunch. Or get a room.”
We say our goodbyes, and he holds the door of the Mercedes SUV open for me so I can climb in. When he’s behind the wheel, he leans over the console and kisses me lightly.
“Where are we going?” I ask as he starts the car.
“How does seafood sound?”
“We live in Seattle. I think it’s a prerequisite to love seafood to live here.”
“Seafood it is, then.” He grips my hand in his and smiles over at me. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I feel my face flush, and I look down at our joined hands. “You always look beautiful.”
He laughs and shakes his head. “It’s just genetics.”
“What did you do this morning?” I ask, changing the subject.
“I went to the gym and worked out with my trainer.”
“You have a trainer?” Of course he does.
“Yeah, he kicks my ass.” He grins at me, and I can’t help but grin back. “How was yoga?”
“It was great. I love it. Have you ever tried it?”
“Um, no.”
“Not manly enough for you?” I roll my eyes.
“It’s not that. I just like a rigorous workout.”
“Go with me Wednesday morning.”
He frowns and eyes me speculatively. “I’ll make you a deal.”
Uh oh, where is this going?
“What kind of deal?”
“I’ll go with you to yoga on Wednesday if you go to the gym with me tomorrow.”
I bite my lip and look out my window. I’m afraid of looking like a fool. I don’t have the tight, little body that most of the other women have in gyms. Yoga keeps me toned and flexible.
“You don’t have to go with me,” I whisper.
“Natalie, what did I say?”
“Nothing.” I can’t look him in the eye. I hate feeling self-conscious, and I’m just now to the point of not feeling that way naked in front of Luke.
“Baby, what’s wrong?” He pulls into the parking lot of the restaurant and cuts the engine, turning toward me in his seat.
“Nothing, I…”
“Look at me.” His voice is stern, and when my eyes meet his, they’re ice blue. “Talk to me.”
“No, you get mad at me when I talk about my body. Just leave it alone. We’ll work out separately. It’s okay.”
“Why are you so hard on yourself?” He’s bewildered.
“I’m not. Well, not until now,” I whisper.
“Stop this. You have nothing to be ashamed of, baby.”
“I’m not ashamed. I know you find me attractive, and I love that.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“I don’t want to make a
n ass of myself.”
“But you want me to go to yoga and try to twist into a pretzel and make an ass of myself?”
Oh. Good point.
I giggle and put my fingers over my mouth.
“Are you laughing at me?” He’s smiling again, and the tension in my stomach relaxes.
“I wouldn’t dare.”
“So, are you going with me to the gym or not?”
“I so wish you’d let me take your picture.”
His eyes widen, and he goes very still, and I mentally kick myself. “Why?”
“Because I’d love to take your picture at yoga. This is going to be hilarious!”
He relaxes and laughs as he gets out of the car, coming around to open my door. “Come on, I want to watch you eat.”
Chapter Sixteen
Salty’s sits on a pier on Puget Sound. It offers great views and great food. The hostess seats us near the windows looking out on the water, and we are busy reading the menu. I glance up at Luke and can’t help but sigh just a little. He’s just so disarmingly handsome. He’s biting that thumbnail as he peruses the menu.
“Can I have your hand, please?” I hold my hand out.
“You can hold my hand anytime, baby.” He shoots me a sexy smile but gives me the wrong hand.
“No, the one you’re biting, please.”
He extends his hand to me with a frown, and I lean over the table and kiss the thumbnail. “You’re going to make this bleed.” I look up into his sea-blue eyes and am pleased to see that his breathing has changed and that my touch is turning him on.
“Don’t start this here, please.” His voice is low and sexy, and my stomach clenches.
“I don’t know what you mean.” I widen my eyes innocently. “I’m just making sure you’ll have an appetite for your lunch.”
“I’ll tell you what I have an appetite for.” He grins wolfishly, but before I can respond, the waitress is at the tableside.
“What can I get you two today? Would you like to start with an appetizer?” She glances up at both of us with a smile, but she freezes when she sees Luke, and all the blood drains from her face.
“Luke Williams! Oh wow! I’m such a big fan, Luke…er…sir. I’ve seen all of the Nightwalker movies, like, forty times. Oh my God, they are so good. I can’t believe you’re here! Can I get an autograph? Can I get a picture?” The words all come out in a rush, and I can’t help but sit back and drop my jaw.
Luke glances at me but seems to find his balance quickly and pastes on a dazzling drop-your-panties smile, just for Miss Gushy, but it doesn’t reach his eyes, and I know that this is the smile he uses for fans.
It’s fascinating.
“I’m sorry, I don’t give photographs, but I’m happy to sign something for you.”
“Oh great! Here.” She shoves her notepad and pen at him.
“What’s your name, sugar?” Oh, he is really laying it on thick.
“Hilary. Oh my gosh, wait until my friends find out I met you! They will be so jealous.” She’s practically jumping up and down, and Luke’s smile never falters.
“Well, I’m glad you enjoyed the movies. Here you go.” He passes the pad back to her, and she clutches it to her chest, her face all gooey and swoony, and I have to look down to keep from laughing and rolling my eyes at her.
After a few lengthy seconds of her just standing there, staring at him, I decide to rescue him.
“So, um, we’d like to order now, if that’s okay with you, Hilary.”
She shakes herself out of her trance and blushes but doesn’t meet my eyes. “Oh, of course. What can I get you?” She stares expectantly at Luke, and he smirks.
“What would you like, baby?” And my man is back.
“I’ll just have the salmon Caesar salad, please, with extra lemon on the side. What kind of white wines do you have?” I am still staring into Luke’s eyes and am relieved to see that his eyes are dancing with humor.
“Oh, um…” She rattles off the white wine list, and I order a sweet Riesling to go with my salad.
“And what can I get you, Mr. Williams…er…sir?” Her face is on fire.
“I’ll actually have the same as my girlfriend. Sounds delicious.”
Girlfriend!
“Okay, let me know if I can get you anything else. Thanks again for the autograph!” And off she goes.
“Are you okay?” I ask when we’re alone.
“Yeah, that wasn’t so bad. How are you?”
“Amused. I didn’t know whether to laugh at her or feel sorry for her.”
“Hey, are you saying that I’m not a heartthrob? I’m hurt.” He sits back and clutches his chest, right over his heart.
“Oh no, you definitely make my heart throb, along with a few other areas, Mr. Williams…er…sir.”
“You have a sassy mouth, Natalie.”
“I’m glad you noticed.”
We settle in to enjoy our lunch, but other waitresses and kitchen staff keep stopping by the table to get autographs or gush about how much they loved his movies and ask him why he’s not acting anymore. Thankfully, the restaurant isn’t terribly busy, so there aren’t many customers bothering us.
Finally, when I’ve lost count of how many employees have come to interrupt our lunch, I excuse myself.
“You okay?” Luke asks me.
“I’m fine. I’ll be right back.” I give him a bright, reassuring smile, and leave the table.
I find Hilary near the bar. “I need to speak with the manager, please.”
“Oh, sure. I’ll grab her.” She disappears into what I assume is the kitchen and reappears with a tall redhead, about my age, who hasn’t managed to make it to our table yet.
“Can I help you, ma’am?” Geez, when did I become a ma’am?
“I hope so. Luke Williams and I are having lunch here, and your staff has been interrupting us to ask him for autographs and to speak with him. I’d really appreciate it if you’d ask them to stop.”
She frowns as she listens to my complaint. “I’m sorry, they shouldn’t have approached you at all. That’s against policy. Can I comp your lunch?”
“It’s not about the money. It’s about the lack of privacy. I’m sure he’s not the first celebrity to come to your restaurant.”
“Of course not. I’ll take care of it. I apologize on behalf of the staff.”
I walk back to our table and overhear Hilary apologize to her boss.
There’s a busboy standing next to our table when I return, and I tap him on the shoulder. “Your boss would like to see you.”
“Oh! Okay. Thanks for the autograph!” He grins and leaves.
“That won’t be happening again,” I inform Luke.
“What did you do?”
“I went to management. Other customers are one thing, but it’s not appropriate for the staff to interrupt us every five minutes.”
“Nat, this is just how it is sometimes.”
“Well”—I shrug—“they’ve had enough of you. This is my lunch date with my boyfriend, and I’m done sharing him.”
His eyes light up, and the smile he gives me is even brighter than the drop-your-panties one he gave the waitress, and I melt just a little inside.
“Your boyfriend is enjoying this lunch date with you.”
“I’m glad.” I smile shyly and take a sip of wine.
The rest of the meal is delicious, and we aren’t bothered at all, unless it’s to ask if we want more wine or dessert. Hilary places the leather check holder on the table and walks away.
Luke opens it and frowns, then smiles and passes it to me. Instead of a check, there is a note.
We appreciate your patience and generosity toward our staff. Today’s lunch is on the house, and please accept this $250 gift card to join us again, uninterrupted, soon.
—The Management
“Oh my. I guess my chat with the manager worked.”
“Looks like a date night is in our future.” Luke grins and slips the card in his wal
let.
***
“Natalie, I had such a good time tonight. I know my husband will love these photos.” Darla gives me a smile and a hug before leaving the studio.
“He’s going to swallow his tongue when he sees these, I guarantee it.”
“Maybe we can come in sometime before the holidays and do a couples session. It sounds like a lot of fun.” Darla slings her black Coach handbag on her shoulder.
“I would love that! Just let me know when you’d like to set it up. I’ll walk you out.”
I wave goodbye to Darla and start cleaning up from our boudoir session. Darla was a lot of fun, very pretty and flirty, and she had some great ideas, too. I gather some lingerie that will need to go to the cleaners and push furniture back in place. I’m turning off the bright photography lights when my phone pings.
My heart leaps, and I can’t help but hope it’s Luke. He dropped me off at home after our lunch date and said he had some work to take care of at home, which was fine, because I needed to do some laundry and work myself.
But I miss him, and the thought of not seeing him until tomorrow morning when I go to the gym with him—which still fills me with dread—is a depressing thought.
Are you finished with your session, baby?
I do love it when he calls me baby.
Just finished, going inside now. What are you doing?
I lock up the studio and head into the house. Fall is in the air now, and after the sun sets, it’s really chilly, so I hug my hoodie around me as I cross the backyard.
Jules left the kitchen light on for me, and I stop at the fridge to grab myself a bottle of water and a handful of grapes before heading up to my bedroom. As I climb the stairs, I hear Adele crooning and wonder briefly if it’s coming from Jules’ bedroom.
I walk into my own room and stop.
Holy shit.
The music is coming from my room, and there’s Luke, sitting on my bed, barefoot, in black basketball shorts and a black T-shirt. He’s frowning at his laptop and biting his thumbnail.
“So this is what you’re doing.”
He smiles and looks up at the sound of my voice. “I hope you don’t mind. Jules let me in. I thought I’d just wait for you here.”
I walk over to the bed and crawl up next to him, offering him my last grape. “I don’t mind. I was just thinking about you.”
With Me in Seattle Bundle One Page 14
