“Hello, darling.” Lucy kisses Luke’s cheek and comes into the great room.
Neil and Mark follow with Samantha bringing up the rear.
They’ve obviously spent a lot of time in Luke’s home. They’re comfortable moving around the space, and I stand back for a moment, enjoying the view of Luke with his family.
My family now.
“Everyone, I’d like to introduce you to my beautiful fiancé, Natalie.” I laugh as Luke joins me and kisses my hand.
“Yes,” I say dryly, “We’ve met.”
“Oh, Natalie, I’m so excited that you’re going to be a part of our family.”
Lucy hugs me tight and I blink back the sudden tears that threaten.
“Thank you.”
“And here I thought you’d choose the right brother.” Mark shakes his head ruefully and pretends to pout.
“I did.” I laugh at his stricken face and give him a quick hug. “Don’t pout.
We’ll find you a good girl.”
Mark laughs and heads for the kitchen to steal a piece of bacon. “No need.
I’m good.”
“Stay away from that bacon!” Luke bellows.
Neil hugs me and cups my face in his hands, his kind eyes happy. “Are you happy, sweet girl?”
“Yes, thank you.”
“Good.”
Luke’s parents are both so generous and welcoming. Samantha, however, rolls her eyes and pours herself a cup of coffee.
“So,” her eyes gleam with malice and she glances at Luke, then back at me and I brace myself for what’s about to come out of her snarky mouth.
“Who was that delicious looking man you were with the other day in the coffee shop?”
Chapter Thirty
I frown, then the blood leaves my face and I turn to Luke. His eyebrows are raised almost to his hairline. The room stills.
“I met with a client to give him some work he purchased.” My eyes don’t leave Luke’s but his face changes, and gone is my carefree, happy man. He knows exactly who I’m talking about and he’s pissed.
Fuck.
I forgot to tell him about meeting with Brad because it was the same day that we went to the cemetery.
“What’s his name?” Sam asks and takes a sip of coffee.
“Brad,” I murmur, watching Luke as he exhales and hangs his head. “I forgot to tell you because we went to the cemetery that day.” My voice is low and thin.
Samantha frowns for a moment and swallows and she almost looks guilty.
Luke stares at me, his eyes ice cold and I feel tears threaten. “Don’t be mad, I just gave him his photos, and he asked if he could make another appointment, but I told him you wouldn’t like it. He offered to call you himself and talk to you to let you know that he’s not interested in me like that. It was nothing.”
“Why didn’t you say something when you got home?”
“I really forgot. It was nothing.”
“It didn’t seem like nothing when you smiled at him and rubbed your hand all over his shoulder.”
Samantha shrugs smugly and I gasp.
“Sam,” Lucy’s voice is sharp and loud.
Luke’s eyes don’t leave my face and I shake my head.
I pin Sam with a glare and ball my hands into fists. How dare she?
“What the fuck is wrong with you?”
My voice is shaking in rage.
“What did I do?” She widens her eyes innocently.
“I met with a client. I patted his shoulder when he expressed nervousness about talking with my protective boyfriend about the possibility of having a chaperoned photo shoot with me. We were in a fucking public place having a conversation.
“Is this how it’s always going to be, Samantha? You questioning my motives with your brother for the next sixty years? Do you have any idea how much money I’m worth without Luke? I don’t need his money or his contacts. When my parents died I inherited over twenty million dollars.” Sam blanches and I hear Lucy gasp, but I keep going.
“Your brother is famous. Get over it.
I wouldn’t love him any less if he flipped burgers for a living, if that’s where his passion was. You seem to be the only one hung up on who he is.
“I am marrying him, Sam. I’m in it for the long haul. I’d prefer to have a friendly relationship with you. I think that if you gave me half a chance you’d like me.
“But I will not continue to be disrespected by you. I don’t deserve it.”
“I don’t trust you,” she spits out through clenched teeth.
“I don’t trust you either, so I guess we’re even.” I look at Luke to see what he’s thinking. His hands are in his pockets
and
he’s
gazing
at
me
thoughtfully. “Do you want me to go?”
“No, don’t go!” Lucy comes toward me, glaring at her daughter. “Samantha, you’re being ridiculous.”
I continue to look at Luke. He hasn’t answered me. Neil and Mark are both also glaring at Samantha.
“Well?” I raise my eyebrow at him.
“No, this is your home,” he says quietly and his eyes warm. Oh, thank God.
“Sam,” he says quietly and walks around the table to her. She’s still glaring at me but he turns her chin so she’s looking in his eyes. Lucy grips my hand in hers and I smile thinly at her.
I’m shaking like crazy.