He stalked toward the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of wine, then poured us each a glass. "Probably." He ran his fingers through his hair, making the curls spring up, slightly out of control. "Let's see how they behave tonight. Then we'll decide what we're going to do."
"Okay." I was nervous, though, because planning the wedding was my assignment. One week was a bogglingly small time frame. "Are you sure you don't want to just elope? On an island somewhere?"
"I wish we could—which reminds me, we're taking a one-week honeymoon after the ceremony. I've already cleared my schedule. I'm taking you to an island where no one will bother us."
"Uh… okay." Had I been bored this afternoon? I now had to plan a wedding and prepare for a tropical honeymoon in the course of one week. I had so many items on my to-do list, I was starting to lose track. "And why can't we elope, again?"
"The same reason we have to go on a honeymoon. The same reason we have to meet my family for dinner tonight. This has to seem completely real. Otherwise, Serena will be sprinting off to the trust administrator to contest my inheritance so fast, you'd think she was trying to qualify for the Olympics."
"Okay." I sighed. "I understand."
Lucas's green eyes searched my face. "Do you? We have to go soon. Are you really ready for this?"
I nodded bravely, feeling as though we were indeed about to meet the local firing squad. "Of course. I'm a professional, remember?"
"I remember." He came closer, close enough to touch, and electricity crackled between us out of nowhere. My breathing sped up as I inhaled his scent, something masculine and spicy that wasn't cologne. "And that's good, because I'm going to have to touch you tonight. Hold your hand and kiss you. Do you think you can handle that?"
I swallowed hard. Oh yeah. I could handle that, all right. "Yes, sir," I said demurely.
He cocked an eyebrow at me. "So we've gone from 'boss' to 'sir,' huh?"
I started laughing, and the tension broke between us. "I have to call you something."
"Try honey. Or baby. My sister's a stickler for details." He stepped back from me and headed for his room. "I'm going to change. Start thinking of pet names."
"Right away—baby," I said.
He wasn't facing me, so I couldn't be sure, but I thought he might have been laughing.
Chapter Seven
Lucas
It was a good thing I'd jerked off properly because Blake looked amazing in that dress.
I pushed the thought roughly from my mind, choosing instead to concentrate on the neat row of suits hanging in my walk-in closet. I selected a light gray one, perfect for a hot summer evening. I also had a feeling that things were about to heat up with my family. Keeping my cool was very important.
I clasped her hand as we strode through the lobby. People stopped to stare at Blake, and I tightened my grip on her. Keeping my cool, indeed.
"We're going to La Ciel for dinner," I told Blake as Ian navigated the SUV through light traffic. "Have you been there?"
"No, but I'm guessing I'm in for a treat," she said. "It's alw
ays voted one of Boston's top restaurants."
I leaned back against the seat and watched the buildings go by. "It's nice. It won't compare to our dinner last night, but it's still serviceable."
"Nothing can compare to our dinner last night," Blake said dreamily. "I keep thinking about that appetizer."
"Me too. I love that thingy." I grinned and she grinned back at me. I felt an urge to reach out and touch her, to run my hands down her bare arm. I probably should—we would be at the restaurant in less than ten minutes, on display for my family to scrutinize and dissect. I tentatively put my hand on hers, surprised and annoyed at the shock that went through my body when I touched her bare skin.
Blake looked down at my hand. "Practicing?"
I retreated to my side of the car. "Sorry."
"Don't be silly." She took my hand and brought it back over, placing it directly on her thigh. I squeezed her leg. It felt smooth and muscular under my touch. Then of course my cock stirred again. The traitor.
"I take it you're not normally demonstrative with your dates," Blake said.