Luca (Chicago Blaze 2)

“I feel it, too,” he says in a low tone.

I swallow hard, overcome with emotion. No one’s ever made me feel like he does. Like no matter what I do or say, it’s not only acceptable, it’s just right. I’m not a grieving, broken woman in his eyes. I’m just me, fighting like hell to make my own light in a world that went dark.

Luca stands, picking me up and turning around to lay me back on the bed. I watch as he unbuttons his pants and slides them off, pulling his boxers down, too.

His body is a symphony in which every note is hit to perfection, but my gaze roams upward to what really matters. Luca’s blue eyes shine with emotion as he climbs on top of me, his lips brushing over my neck.

I part my legs, not needing foreplay this time. What I need is to find that place where we become one for a few beautiful moments. Luca lights me up with more passion and hope than I ever thought I’d feel again.

I tilt my hips up as he slides himself inside me, our groans becoming breathless as he rocks his body into mine over and over. We both peak quickly, Luca’s whole body tensing as he comes inside me.

“I’m sorry,” he says sheepishly. “It’s been a really long time since I haven’t worn a condom.”

“Don’t apologize.” I kiss him softly. “I came fast myself, and I have no excuse.”

I make a quick trip to the bathroom and then we snuggle close, the room darkening as sunset approaches.

“How long have the kids been with you?” I ask, my cheek on his chest.

“It’s been almost a year and a half since their mom died. It was cancer. And a year before that, my brother Matt was killed in action in Afghanistan.”

“Oh, Luca. How terrible. I’m so sorry.”

“Thanks. I see a lot of him in his children, especially his oldest girl Cora.”

“Is she brave?”

He pauses. “In her own way. She has a lot of anxiety, but she’s a fighter, too.”

“I can understand that, given what she’s been through.” I trace my fingertip over the lines of his chest. “And the middle one is a boy?”

“Jack. Cora’s ten and he’s eight. Jack’s a lot like I was as a kid. Laid back. Happy. Likes to play sports.”

“And the youngest is Emerson.” My heart tugs at the memory of the little girl with brown curls.

“Yep, she turned six recently. She’s my sweetheart. She’s got lots of energy and wants to be a pro hockey player. With a rainbow-colored uniform.”

I laugh softly. “You’re a good man, Luca Campbell.”

“I’m glad you think so. I try to be everything I can to them, but I can’t replace their parents.”

“It sounds like you’re doing great.”

After a few seconds of silence, he says, “At first I didn’t think it was fair for me to have a relationship. I figured every minute needed to go to the kids and hockey.”

“What changed your mind?”

“You.” He pulls me closer. “I don’t have as much time for dating as most guys, but I want to find a way for us to work. I’m a better man with you in my life.”

I swallow hard, emotion welling in my throat once again.

“You make me better, too, Luca. And happier. I want to find a way, too.”

“Then we will.” He kisses the top of my head. “We’ll figure it out as we go.”Chapter Twenty-OneLucaAbby: Busy day at the office. But good news! I’m coming to Chicago this afternoon.

Abby’s text makes me smile. I’ve only been home from New York for three days, and I already miss her like crazy.

Me: Great. I may be able to get away one night if I can get a sitter. Sheila’s on vacation with her sons.

Abby: It would be great to see you.

Me: How’d that meeting go, the one you were stressed about?

Abby: Better than expected.

Me: Good.

Abby: Have to go, my board meeting starts in five min. Call me tonight?

Me: Will do, have a good afternoon, babe.

Abby: You too.

I do a quick visual check of the pool the kids and I are swimming in at the clubhouse for our subdivision. I locate Cora and Jack and then turn to Emerson, who’s eating a popsicle next to me.

“Want some?” She offers me the melting red ice pop, half of which seems to be on her face and hand.

“Nah, I’m good, but thanks.” I grin at her.

“Can I ride on your back in the deep end again?”

“Sure, peanut.”

“Nathan Hobbs said I won’t be good at hockey ‘cause I’m a girl.”

I narrow my eyes at that. “What’d you say back?”

“I told him I’ve got hockey in my GNA.”

I let out a loud laugh. “It’s DNA.”

She shrugs. “Can we swim?”

“Get rid of the popsicle first.”

Emerson pulls the last icy chunk from the stick and pops it into her mouth, then takes the stick to a nearby trash can and tosses it in.