His brows pulled down in confusion. “I’m not sure where the issue is with that, Bree. Just because you chose not to tell your parents, doesn’t mean I want to keep it from mine.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but I had nothing to say to that. So all that came out was, “Well…”
One of his brows rose, and I could see the bastard hiding a smile. “Well?”
“It’s easier for you, Luke. I’m the one who has to work for your father, and I’m a little uncomfortable with him knowing I’m fucking his son.”
The words were out before I could stop them.
“Is that all we’re doing, Bree? Fucking? Because I kind of thought it was more…or at least I hoped it was.”
I closed my eyes and drew in a breath. “It is. I’m just saying, I wish you hadn’t told him about us. You could have said we were dating, but telling them we’re going off together…that doesn’t sit right with me.”
He nodded as he thought it over. “That’s fair. I’m sorry if I overstepped; I honestly don’t think he’d let you go if it wasn’t with me.”
I chewed on my lower lip, because I knew he was right. Mr. Morrison would have given me that look he always did when I asked for time off at this time of year. Then he’d guilt me into questioning myself for even taking time off in the first place.
“I’ll probably need to bring my laptop,” I said. “I do have a deposition coming up, and I need to work on another file.”
“You can work all you want during the day, as long as I get your evenings.”
“Just my evenings, huh? After earlier today, I’d think you were a fan of afternoon delights.”
He grinned, and it made my stomach flip. “Oh, I am a very big fan of them.”
The way he looked at me made my body heat. His nearly black eyes turned darker with desire. Like he could devour me right then and there.
“I’ll be sure not to work too much, so you don’t get bored.”
Luke laughed. “I love how you’re looking out for me, Bree.”
Lifting my glass of wine to my mouth, I replied in a sultry voice, “I’m just that kind of girl.”
Luke
The breeze coming off the Atlantic Ocean tossed Bree’s hair about as she stepped out of the car and looked up at the massive house. “Luke, this is stunning.”
The white clapboard house was surrounded by beautiful landscaping and a crushed granite trail that led from the front of the house around to the back. It looked like a small cottage on the outside, but the inside of the house was massive.
Smiling, I glanced back at Hank who was currently taking luggage out of the SUV we’d rented. Bree had teased me about Hank coming with us, but he was more than the guy who drove me around: he was my assistant, my friend, and the guy who kept me fucking sane and on top of things. He was also my business partner in a few ventures.
“There are ocean views from every single room in the house,” I said as I stepped up next to Bree. A light covering of fresh snow blanketed the ground and added to the quaint feel of the area.
“How did you find this place?”
“My friend Kai owns it. He’s a fellow actor and had the house built a few years back. I’ve stayed here a few times when I’ve needed to get away. No one in this town gives two shits who I am or who I’m with. There’s no press walking around snapping pictures. It’s just normal.”
Bree nodded. “I get wanting normal.”
She thought she got it, but she had no idea.
“Shall we go inside and see the house?” I asked, placing my hand on the small of her back and guiding her up the steps.
The moment we stepped inside, Bree let out a gasp. Windows covered nearly every wall, allowing the ocean to feel like it was part of the house. The kitchen and living room were all one big open space, giving it a light and airy vibe.
“This is beautiful. I think if I owned this, I’d never leave.”
I walked up to where she stood by the windows, staring down at the Atlantic Ocean. “The beach is private, so no one will be on it.”
She looked over her shoulder and gave me a wicked smile. “Are you suggesting sex on the beach?”
“I wasn’t, but now that you mention it… Although, it might be a bit cold.”
Bree laughed.
Hank walked into the room. “I put the bags in the main bedroom, Luke. Anything else?”
I shook my head. “No, man, go enjoy some much-earned time off.”
Hank gave me a quick nod, then looked at Bree. “Enjoy your time at the beach, Ms.…um…Brighton.”
She chuckled. “I will. You enjoy your time off as well.”