Luke cocked his head to the side. “And what if I am?”
Elle scrunched her lips, enjoying this side of the carefree actor. Jealous Luke was even sexier than Protective Luke. She was never one to make men jealous, but she’d be lying if she said she didn’t savor Luke’s reaction. It made her ridiculously happy. As much as she fought it, a large grin crossed her face as they stared into each other’s eyes.
“Look,” Luke continued, his expression still serious, “I don’t trust him. He left you behind and never looked back. He’s a moron.”
“Didn’t you hear my story? I’m the moron. Me. I’m the one who destroyed him, not the other way around.”
Luke pulled her gently from the chair and placed soft kisses on each of her cheeks. “Anyone who could walk away from you is an idiot. End of story. I don’t care what mistakes you made. If he knew you, really knew you, he wouldn’t have pushed. You have to do things on your own time.”
Elle’s breath caught. She disagreed with Luke. She didn’t think Troy had pushed her. But she was astonished at how well Luke knew her—really knew her. He was right. Elle not only liked being in control, but doing things on her own time, her own schedule, was absolutely imperative for her comfort and happiness. It was her way, and the fact Luke understood that, that he respected it, was something to appreciate. Perhaps she wasn’t giving the handsome actor enough credit. Obviously, he understood her more than she’d ever anticipated.
“You’re right. I don’t like to be pushed.”
Luke licked his lips; his fingers ran south to Elle’s ass. Without warning, he reached down and hoisted her up. She gasped and wrapped her legs around his waist. He shifted his weight to turn them, perching Elle atop her desk. And for the first time that day, she allowed Troy to leave her mind completely. She was completely and utterly wrapped up in Luke Kingston.
“Most of the time.” She raised a devious eyebrow before taking his mouth with her own. Luke’s hands roamed through her curly hair as his tongue pressed to hers. Her toes curled at the sensations overtaking her body. The touch, the feel of Luke was intoxicating and Elle couldn’t get enough of him. Eagerly, her tongue caressed his and her hands ran up and down his back, pulling him as close to her as possible.
“Wanna get outta here?” he asked between kisses, his voice husky and deep. Elle could feel his length pressed against her pelvis, and she wanted to lose herself in him, to forget all of her mistakes, to take a break from reality.
“Lock the door,” she whispered.
A satisfied grin crossed Luke’s lips. “You never stop surprising me, Elle Riley.”
“I hope that’s a good thing.”
Luke nodded before kissing her lips, her chin, her neck. “The best.”
Elle’s heart thumped uncontrollably and shots of adrenaline zoomed through her abdomen. No matter how much positive self-talk she gave herself, the idea of seeing Troy was feeling like more than she could handle. After her drunken visit to his restaurant, they’d exchanged several text messages and agreed to meet for dinner on a Monday evening. Troy’s restaurant was closed on Mondays and it was the only time he could get away during the dinner hour. When he asked if he could pick the place, Elle agreed immediately. Troy always had such impeccable taste when it came to food and restaurants. She’d only been in the Los Angeles area for a few years, and aside from the takeout places near her home and the studio, she was still pretty clueless about local cuisine.
Troy had chosen a tiny hole-in-the-wall Indian place. When she walked in, she inhaled the familiar scents. The smoky trace of cumin and the aromatic cardamom were the first she recognized. Next came the earthy tone of turmeric and the spicy smell of red pepper. She and Troy had eaten so much Indian food while living in Chicago since her apartment was above an Indian restaurant. Secretly, she wondered if that was the reason for his choice in restaurant. A walk down memory lane, perhaps? Regardless of the reason, Elle’s mind was swimming in memories of Troy and Indian food. Of laughter and samosas. Of romantic sentiments and tikka masala.
Troy was waiting at a small table when she arrived. She glanced down at her watch, hoping she wasn’t late. Troy chuckled as she approached, standing to greet her with