When we slid into the cab of his vehicle, his face scrunched into a wince. Something was definitely wrong.
I strapped on the seatbelt and waited for Luke to do the same before starting the motor. As he drove down the driveway, I asked, "are you hurt, Luke?"
"No, I'm fine."
He glanced at me before easing the truck onto the main road leading to town.
"If you're fine, why are you bent over like an old man when you walk? I saw you wince when you climbed into the truck and you ignored my suggestion about a ride this afternoon. Tell me what's going on."
"Let it go, Kyle, I'm fine."
Luke's tone was sharp, and he appeared agitated, so I decided to let it go…For now. I couldn't help wondering if he'd been injured at work.
"Sorry," he apologized.
"No, that's fine. I'm just concerned is all. You can talk to me, you know. If we’re to be living together, I’d prefer there was honesty."
"Thanks, but it's all good."
I knew damn well it wasn't.
"So, do you see any of the chicks from school? Daisy, Margo, Lily?"
Some of the cheerleader squad, had Luke returned to rekindle a romance with a lost love from the past? Why did the thought have me seeing green? I mean, how many times did I have to remind myself—football jock, straight! Did I need to have it chiseled into my thick skull?
"Kyle?"
"Um…most of them left town for one reason or another and haven't been back as far as I know. Daisy is married to Brian…"
"The back rower?"
"Yep. I think they have five kids. Brian is a Banker of some sort. I think Daisy stays home and takes care of the kids. They married pretty much straight after school as far as I know."
"Five kids?"
"Yep."
"Who'd have thought the head cheerleader would be settled with five kids. Hard to wrap my head around."
I laughed. "It sure is, but on the rare occasion I see her in town, she seems happy. Kelly is still here too. She was like Daisy and didn't go to Uni. She owns a ladies clothing store on Main Street and I believe it's doing well. She's been married three or four times, I think. She actually tried it on with me but I let her know real quick that I wasn't interested. Word is, she marries and divorces shortly after for the money."
"I can believe that, never did like her. I remember when we all hung out together, she was all over Chris, Leith and me. We were the three from the wealthiest families. Made my skin crawl how she talked about money all the time."
"She married Leith. He was her second or third victim, not sure. She'll be all over you when she hears you're back in town."
"She doesn't stand a chance, I have my eye on someone else, it's why I've come back. Someone I haven't been able to get off my mind, and the reason I can't seem to settle down. I'm here now to find out if I'm barking up the wrong tree."
"Am I allowed to ask who?" My hands curled into fists at my sides. I hated the thought of someone else being the object of Luke's affection.
He eased the truck into a parking space in front of the Clearlea Motel, shifted into gear, and switched off the motor before turning toward me.
"I'd prefer not to say for now. I don't want to make my intentions known before I have more information."
I nodded. "Fair enough." I couldn't fault the man for wanting to keep his cards close to his chest. Once the cat was out of the bag, the whole town would be gossiping.
I watched as he climbed from our ride, there was no wince of pain, or gathering of eyebrows this time, but as he moved around to my side of the vehicle, I saw there was a definite hunch in his stature. I respected the man's wishes, and as tempted as I was, I didn't ask any more questions. He would tell me in his own time. I climbed out and joined him beside the truck.
I followed him into motel room number 3 and helped him stuff everything into two large bags. Taking a bag each, we headed back outside. Luke locked the door and we crossed to the truck. As he hefted his into the tray at the back, he grimaced in pain, reached for his side and almost dropped to his knees before regaining balance. I tossed the other bag in the back, and as Luke turned to return the key to the office, I grabbed for his arm. The action caused his arm to jerk backward and Luke yelped.
I watched the big man visibly pale before he yanked his arm free from my grip. He doubled over, held his side, and sucked in huge gulps of air. I was becoming deeply concerned. When he straightened again, a little color was back in his cheeks.