Taylin was introduced to Jillian and Christopher, and it was clear the children adored Luke. He evidently liked them as well, having taken the kids fishing a couple of times. Mrs. Bradford was also a fan of Luke’s. The recent widow was raising her two grandchildren all by herself, and Luke had come to her rescue last week by fixing a leaky faucet.
The Bradford’s had a lot of questions about the tornado, Luke’s injury, and his ride in the helicopter. While Christopher wanted more information about the helicopter, Jillian had somehow ended up sitting on Taylin’s lap, playing with her hair.
Out of the blue, the little girl said, “You’re pretty, Miss Taylin. Are you gonna marry Mr. Luke?”
Jillian’s small voice carried over the sudden lull in conversation. Taylin glanced at Mrs. Bradford, hoping for some kind of intervention, but the woman just grinned at her, that mischievous spark back in her eyes.
Slowly, her gaze shifted to Luke. She’d hoped to have him on her side by deflecting Jillian’s attention onto something else, but the man watched her with an expectant smile, obviously finding the situation highly amusing.
He found this funny, did he? Maybe he wouldn’t be smiling so much if the tables were turned.
“I don’t know, Jillian. You’ll have to ask Mr. Luke.”
One of Luke’s brows lifted slightly, but he didn’t appear to be the least bit flustered when Jillian turned and asked him the same thing.
Eyes brimming with amusement, he simply said, “Not yet, Jillian.”
Not yet? What did he mean by that? She narrowed her gaze, trying to figure out how he’d gone from freaked out to making cryptic remarks about marriage. Maybe it was the pain medicine talking.
“You’re pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you, Mr. Luke?” she teased.
Luke laughed. “Hardly, Miss Taylin.”
Taylin was glad they weren’t alone. Always direct, she would’ve insisted on making him talk, probably scaring him off for good. From what she knew about Luke, he’d be backpedaling by morning.
It was better to leave things the way they were for now, but he better watch out because whether or not he was ready for it, Taylin had fallen in love with Luke McKay.
Chapter 20
Navigating his way through the hospital parking lot on his crutches, Luke was glad his shift was over. It had been nearly two weeks since the accident, and the doctor had cleared him for work last week as long as he didn’t overdo it. Today had been his fourth day on, and he was tired. He was on-call until tomorrow morning, but things had been really slow today so hopefully he wouldn’t have to go back in.
Luke paused, waiting for the shiny new BMW the HR director drove to pass by him. Reece lifted a hand to wave at Luke, but he didn’t respond. He was still irritated with the woman. After eating breakfast with Taylin in the hospital cafeteria the past few mornings, Reece had pulled him aside today and reminded him about the hospital’s no-public-displays-of-affection policy.
He’d really wanted to ask her for an example of any PDA, but knew she didn’t have anything on him. After the interview revealed he and Taylin were dating, there hadn’t been a reason to try and hide it from the people they worked with. On top of that, the Harmony Springs commercial had aired last week, and it was so obvious Luke was smitten with Taylin it was kind of embarrassing. Dave had told him to never take up gambling because his poker face needed a little help.
Still, he and Taylin hadn’t done anything unprofessional. The only thing he was guilty of was fantasizing about sneaking off with her into an empty room to steal a few kisses. Some of their coworkers had even suggested it in teasing.
Arriving at his car, Luke unlocked the door and tossed his crutches onto the passenger side before sliding in behind the wheel. The shorter knee brace had given Luke a little more flexibility, allowing him to drive. Technically, he didn’t need to use the crutches anymore, but yesterday had been a busy day. This morning he’d awakened to a swollen and tender knee, so he’d opted to use the crutches to give his knee a rest.
Before leaving, he typed in a quick text to Taylin, letting her know he was on his way home. She’d gotten off early and planned to meet him at his house so they could do something not work related. Luke liked having her at his house. It was crazy how much he liked it. Even crazier was how much he wanted to make it a permanent thing.
He wasn’t sure when his feelings had evolved. They’d been spending a lot of time with each other since their encounter with a tornado. But a few nights earlier, they’d been at his house watching Taylin’s favorite show. She’d curled up on the couch next to him, and he’d run his fingers through her hair, something she claimed to like as much as kissing him. And he realized how comfortable he was with her. She made him happy. Made him feel complete in a way he’d never thought possible. And that’s when it had hit him—he was falling in love with Taylin Nichols.
They’d never talked about marriage, not even after Jillian had innocently asked him if he was going to marry Taylin. Two weeks ago he might have answered the way he had to tease Taylin, but for the first time since Vivian, he was considering marriage. While the thought still scared him, last night he’d almost told Taylin he loved her.
Anxious to see her, he sent off the message. Seconds later he smiled at her quick reply.
Yay! Hurry, we only have a couple hours of light left.
He wondered what she had planned that involved beating the sunset? With his injury, their dates usually involved food and something sedate like watching television or a movie. There was also plenty of kissing, unless they were at her house. Her dad was warming up to him and he didn’t want to blow it by being caught making out again.
Tossing the phone onto the seat, Luke put the car into gear and exited the parking lot. He lowered his window, enjoying the mild breeze and the late-afternoon sun. Halloween was in a few days, yet the weather in Georgia was as warm as a Montana summer. Back home it wasn’t uncommon for it to snow this time of the year, making trick-or-treaters cover up their costumes with winter coats.
He stopped at a red light and envied the guy on the motorcycle behind him. It was possible that he could stop using the knee brace next week if his knee continued to heal like it was. Maybe then he could take Taylin for a ride on his Harley for one of their dates. The light turned green, and Luke proceeded through the intersection, making a left turn at the next street. The shortcut was something Taylin had showed him when she’d driven him to his doctor appointment right after the accident.
Fifteen minutes later, he pulled into his driveway, parking his car alongside Taylin’s. Grabbing his crutches, he made his way toward the entrance, surprised she hadn’t come outside to greet him like she had the last few times she’d gotten off work first.
He opened the front door, fully expecting to smell something delicious cooking. Taylin loved to cook and he loved eating what she made. Although he’d never tell his mother, Taylin was a much better cook.
“Tay?” he said after closing the door. “I’m home.” Leaving his crutches by the entryway, he made his way toward the kitchen, since that’s where she usually liked to hang out. He glanced around, but didn’t find any evidence she’d been there.
Before he could call out her name again, his cell phone buzzed in his pocket. Luke leaned against the kitchen countertop and dug the phone out, confused when he saw Taylin’s name across the screen.
“Hey, where are you?”
“Outside waitin’ on you.”
Smiling, he scanned the back deck through the window, but couldn’t see her. “Are you coming back inside or should I come out there?”
“Meet me by the dock, but don’t forget to wear your fishing vest.”
“You’re taking me fishing?” Luke asked incredulously. He thought for sure they would be watching a chick flick tonight.
She laughed softly. “Yep, but hurry up or we’re gonna miss the evening feeding frenzy. The fish are jumpin’ like crazy.”
Okay, forget about falling in love, h
e was already there.
“Give me a sec and I’ll be right out.”
Luke ended the call and moved as quickly as he could to his bedroom to change his clothes. He shed the light blue scrubs in exchange for a T-shirt and shorts, grateful once again for the warmer weather.
Taylin waited for him by his boat. His knee still tender, it seemed to take forever before he reached her. She looked really good, wearing jeans and a long-sleeved denim shirt over a white graphic tee.
“Look at you,” she said in her soft, southern drawl. “No crutches.”
He loved the way she talked. Loved the way she smiled at him, as if he was the center of her world. He loved the way she cared for him, as well as others. She wasn’t selfish or self-centered in any way. And suddenly he knew he loved her. The desire to tell her how he felt overwhelmed him, but right now words would be inadequate.
Luke stopped in front of her and took her face in his hands, crushing his mouth to hers. Taylin seemed stunned at first, but then she returned the kiss, responding just as hungrily. His heart thumped wildly against his chest, the blood pounding in his head with each rapid beat.
Needing to take a breath, he raised his mouth from hers and gazed into her eyes. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
“After a kiss like that, I think I believe you.”
He smiled and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his chest with a hug. “Believe it,” he said into her hair.
Her arms circled his waist and she sighed against his neck.
Oh, man. There was no doubt about it. Luke loved her. He inhaled deeply and caught a whiff of the sweet fragrance she often wore.
“I love you,” he said in a hushed tone.
She caught her breath and stilled. He closed his eyes, waiting for her response. Was it too soon to tell her? Probably, but the words had just spilled out.
Slowly, she drew back just enough to look up at him. Wonder filled her blue eyes as she regarded him in silence. Then her lips lifted up into a soft smile. “I love you, too.”
His chest expanded with happiness as he leaned down and kissed her again, this time long and slow, savoring her nearness, her scent, and the soft feel of her body curved against his.
“So, fishing,” he said a few minutes later. “You still up for that?”
“Yes,” she said with a light laugh. “Didn’t you read my shirt?”
He edged back and grinned at the words stamped diagonally across her shirt. “Shut up and Fish.”
Chuckling, he pulled her back to him and gave her a quick kiss before taking her hand to help her inside the boat. While he unwound the rope from the dock cleats, Taylin opened the storage box that held his fishing gear.
“Nice combo,” Taylin teased as she held up the same lure combination she’d used to win the fishing contest between the two of them a few weeks earlier.
“How’d that get in there?” Luke asked as he climbed aboard.
“Whatever.” She lightly shoved him in the shoulder as he walked by. “Just admit I’m better at fishin’ than you.”
Luke shook his head. “You cheated before, and I want a rematch.” He stifled a laugh at the indignant look on her face.
“I did not cheat!”
“Sure you did.” He pushed a button and the engine purred to life. “I was so distracted by you that I couldn’t think straight.” Her eyes softened, and the smile curving her lips messed with his ability to think or breathe. “You’re doing it again.”
“Doin’ what?” she asked, feigning innocence.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about,” he said as he eased the boat out of the slip.
Laughing, she came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his torso in a hug. “I’ll give you a rematch if you think you can win this time,” she said, pressing her cheek against his back.
Her warm breath seeped through the thin material of his shirt, spreading heat through his body like a wildfire. “I won’t even try.”
The weather was perfect, and the fish were biting. He and Taylin probably would’ve caught quite a haul if they hadn’t spent so much time kissing. Still, even though they only ended up with four fish, it was the best fishing trip Luke could remember to date.
“I’ll make you a deal,” Taylin said as he eased the boat alongside the dock. “You clean and fillet the fish, and I’ll cook.”
Since she’d made him supper nearly every night, he should insist on doing all the cooking, but he knew she’d never agree to it. “I won’t say no,” he said, wedging an oar against the dock to bring the boat to a complete stop. “But I’m making dessert.” Luke had picked up the ingredients for homemade ice cream a couple of days ago. It was one thing he was actually good at making.
“I won’t say no,” Taylin said, leaning over to give Luke a soft kiss.
“Y’all do that a lot, don’t ya?” a little voice said.
Luke and Taylin sprang apart to find Christopher and Jillian watching them from the dock.
“Does that mean y’all are gonna have a baby?” Jillian asked.
“What?” Luke choked out. He shot a panicked glance at Taylin and mouthed, “Help.”
Taylin pressed her lips together, clearly trying not to laugh out loud. Thankfully she was the one to address Jillian’s question. “No, sweetie,” Taylin said. “I was just thanking Mr. Luke with a kiss for volunteering to clean the fish.”
“Oh,” Jillian said. “Celia told me her sister is having a baby from kissing her boyfriend.”
Luke sputtered again, and was grateful when Iris Bradford called out for her grandchildren.
“Over here, Nana,” Christopher said, waving his little hands wildly.
“I’m sorry if they’re botherin’ y’all,” Iris said, cutting across the grass toward Luke’s dock. “I shooed them out of the house for a few minutes so I could finish the dishes.”
“They’re not botherin’ us.” Taylin winked at Luke before climbing off of the boat. “We were just about to show’em the fish we caught.”
That got both of the kids’ attention, and Jillian didn’t say anything more about kissing or babies. Luke probably needed to mention the conversation to Iris though, in case Jillian had more questions he couldn’t answer.
While the kids studied the fish, Luke moored the boat and Taylin and Iris discussed different ways to cook fish.
“While you clean the fish, I’m going to borrow some cornmeal from Mrs. Bradford,” Taylin said when Luke joined her on the dock.
“Sounds good.”
“Can I help Mr. Luke?” Christopher asked his grandmother.
“Is that okay with you?” Iris asked.
“Sure.” He tousled the kid’s hair. “It’s important for a fisherman to know how to clean a fish.”
Thankfully, Christopher was more interested in the fish than he was about kissing. Luke enjoyed teaching him things his own father had taught him, and he found himself thinking about having his own family. Naturally, the family he envisioned included Taylin Nichols and a couple of kids with blonde hair like their mother.
The sky was a dusky purple by the time he and Christopher finished up and headed toward the Bradford’s house. Taylin sat at the kitchen table, holding Jillian on her lap while visiting with Iris. Her eyes lit up when she spotted Luke through the sliding glass door.
“Hey,” she said when he entered the house. Her simple greeting was commonplace in the South, but Luke found her drawl so enticing, it was all he could do not to swoop down and kiss her in front of his neighbors.
“Hi.” He turned to Iris. “Mind if I wash up?”
“Not at all, especially since you fixed the faucet for me.”
Luke used ample soap, but he still smelled like fish. After drying his hands, he turned around in time to see Taylin press a kiss on top of Jillian’s head before sliding the little girl from her lap. “Be good for your Nana, and I promise we’ll have a movie night at Mr. Luke’s, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am,” she said, giving Tay
lin a hug.
Longing for this woman filled Luke’s chest. It was so easy to let himself dream about sharing his life with her and raising a few kids of their own together.
Iris handed a sack to Taylin. “If you have any questions about the hushpuppies recipe, just give me a call.”
Luke picked up the small cooler he’d stored the fish in, and they walked toward his house. The air had cooled considerably, and he saw Taylin shiver. “I would offer to warm you up, but I smell like fish.”
“I wasn’t going to say anything,” she teased, wrinkling her nose. “But since you mentioned it…”
He nudged her in the shoulder. “Usually I wear fillet gloves, but Jillian’s question about babies kind of threw me off my game and I forgot to put them on.”
Taylin laughed as they climbed the porch steps. “The look on your face was priceless.”
“Very funny.” Luke opened the door and waited for Taylin to enter before following behind her. “But thank you for covering for me. I didn’t know what to say.”
“You’re welcome.” She placed the sack onto the kitchen countertop and pulled out a box of cornmeal. “Now go shower, and I’ll get started on supper.”
It was a very wife-like thing to say, and Luke had several thoughts go through his head that only a married man should have. He cleared his throat. “Do you need the grill started first?”
“Goodness no,” she said with mock horror. “This is the South, and we like our food fried.”
Laughing, he turned toward his bedroom. “I hope I have cooking oil,” he said over his shoulder.
“Me too, but I’m positive Miss Iris will have some if you don’t.”
By the time he showered and changed into clean clothes, Taylin had the fish fillets breaded and frying in a skillet. Now she was dropping mounds of cornbread dough into another pot of hot oil to make hushpuppies.
“It smells good in here,” Luke said, coming up behind her. He moved her hair to the side and planted a kiss against her neck. “It tastes good too.”
“If you keep that up, I’m gonna end up burnin’ our supper,” Taylin murmured as her body melted against his and she tipped her head to the side to give him better access.
Just a Kiss in the Moonlight: Georgia Moon Romance Book 2 Page 20
