“Ahh!” I jump out of my skin, spinning around, my hand reaching out and touching Luke’s arm. “You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that,” I gasp out.
His brows lower, his eyes fierce as he steps closer to me. He doesn’t say anything, instead he watches me, searching for something I’m not sure he’ll find. I see the unspoken questions in his eyes, the war raging behind them, and I wish for him to open his mouth and ask me what’s on my mind. All I want is one person to ask, to point out the obvious, to tell me I’m not alone. But I know it’ll never happen.
“Luke?” I whisper, moving my hand off his arm. The loss of contact makes him jerk back, a mask coming over his face as he hooks his thumb over his shoulder.
“Let’s go.”
I don’t move when he steps back, my feet glued to the ground. I feel like if I take a step toward him, I’m making a major decision. A decision for what I’m not sure, but it feels like it’ll change everything. Am I ready for things to change? To take the leap in my own life and not look back? The answer is a resounding yes, but my plan sticks out above all the rest. Seven weeks until I can legally escape this life I’ve been living, run away from the pain and anguish.
He waits, his gaze connected with mine, silently telling me to move toward him.
“Okay,” I breathe out, taking a step and feeling a weight lifting off my shoulders.
We both walk to his SUV in silence, and he opens up the back door for me when we get there. Slipping inside, I then lean forward, trying to shake what just happened. There’s always something with Luke that has me thinking there’s more behind his looks and the way his body moves. Maybe I’m imagining it, but whether I am or not, it’s making the days a little brighter, making me feel more like me. The me I used to be before… everything.
“Happy birthday, Kim.”
Turning her head, she smiles wide at me. “Thank you. I’m so glad you’re coming.” Taking my hand, she squeezes it. “I haven’t been bowling in years.” She laughs, the sound a tinkle in the air. “Last time I went, I couldn’t get the ball to knock even one pin over.”
Grinning, I lean back and put my belt on, moving my gaze to Luke as he looks in the mirror to reverse out of the driveway. I swallow at the intensity in his eyes, squirming in my seat.
Kim fills the silence, talking about anything and everything while I look out the window.
The conversation between Luke and Kim is easy, her talking about what has been going on in the flower shop she runs, while Luke grunts and murmurs at the appropriate times. I can’t help the grin spread on my face when he acts as if he knows all of the different kinds of flowers. I can tell he doesn’t know and that he’s just going along with it.
The bright lights of the bowling place shine as Luke pulls into the packed lot and parks toward the back. My hands twist in my lap as I spot a group of teenagers laughing as they walk inside.
I never thought about seeing someone from school here. What if—
“Lily?”
My head whips up at the open door, Kim and Luke standing watching me, a worried look in Kim’s eyes but understanding in Luke’s as he spots the same group of teenagers.
“Come on.” Kim shakes her arms out. “I need to get my bowl on. Can’t let this big guy beat me… again.” She spins around, moving her arms forward and backward.
“She’s right… I will beat her again.” Luke’s lips lift up into a small grin and I can’t help but want to sit here for the next few hours and just stare at him. “Come on, the lane is booked for eighteen thirty.”
I raise a brow at the way he says the time before shaking my head. “Right.” Jumping down from the SUV, I wobble slightly, but Luke’s hand reaching out for my arm steadies me. “Thanks.” He grunts in response before closing the door and pushing his hands into the front pockets of his jeans as he walks beside me.
“So, erm… you used to be in the Marines?” Turning my head, I watch Luke, his step faltering a little as he looks at me, his eyes guarded. Clearing my throat, I start, “You said…” Shaking my head, I try again. “You told my… dad.”
He nods, pulling one of his hands out and scrubbing his face with it. “Yeah, I was the medic among other things.”
“What was it like?”
He stares at me, but the film shuttering over his eyes tells me he’s not right here with me, he’s inside his own head, remembering something.
Placing my hand on his arm when we make it to the door, his body jerks, his head whipping back and forth, a lost look working its way over his face.
“I shouldn’t have asked.” I wait a beat before whispering, “Sorry,” and pulling open the door, stepping through it.
The feel of Luke’s warmth settles on my back, his hand grasping my wrist, firmly but not so much it hurts, more to get my attention than anything. “I’m gonna say this once, and once only,” he whispers in my ear, his breath skirting across my neck as he breathes deep. “You never have to apologize to me.” Pulling back, he turns me slightly. “Got it?”
“Ye-ah,” I stutter.
“And you never have to be afraid of me.” His gaze flicks between my eyes, the ice blue turning a shade darker. “Ever.”
Nodding, I don’t move my gaze from his, feeling like he’s pulling me into his web with no intent of letting me go anytime soon.