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“Maybe I am,” I admit, laughing softly. “I could definitely get used to feeling like this.”
The night air is perfect—warm with just enough breeze to carry the salt spray. Luke’s watching me with an expression that makes my heart flutter.
“Want to walk it off?” he asks, nodding toward the beach. “You seem too energized to sit still.”
I should say no. It’s late; we’ve been drinking wine, and a moonlit beach walk with Luke Sterling is definitely not on my list of smart decisions.
“Sure,” I hear myself say instead.
We make our way down to the water’s edge. The sand is still warm from the day’s sun, and the waves create a rhythmic soundtrack to our conversation.
The wine has loosened my nerves, and I find myself opening up in a way that feels easy and natural.
“I want to thank you,” I say, glancing over at him. “I was so nervous about tonight, but knowing you believed in me... it helped. More than you probably realize.”
Luke shrugs, but there’s a softness in his expression that makes my chest tighten. “You didn’t need my help, Lila. You’re talented as hell. Anyone with half a brain can see that.”
“Still,” I say, my voice quieter now. “It means a lot.”
We walk in silence for a moment. He steals a glance at me, his profile illuminated by the moonlight.
“I love seeing you like this,” Luke says softly, turning toward me. “You’re glowing.”
“It’s probably the wine,” I deflect, but I can feel myself blushing.
“No, it’s not.” He stops walking, turning to face me. “It’s passion. When you talk about food, about creating experiences for people, you light up from the inside out.”
The intensity in his voice makes me shiver despite the warm night. “Like you with music after a great show?”
“Feeling like you could conquer the world?” He steps closer, and I can smell his familiar scent—salt air and a faint hint of the masculine cologne he wears. “Yeah, exactly like that.”
We’re standing too close now, the waves lapping at our feet. The moon catches the silver in his eyes, and I’m reminded of another passionate conversation–one I overheard tonight.
“Luke,” I start, not sure how to ask if he’s connected in some way to Sterling Motors.
But before I can find the words, he reaches up and cups my face in his hands. “I’ve been trying so hard to stay away from you,” he murmurs.
“We should stay away from each other,” I whisper, even as I lean into his touch.
“Should we?”
Then he’s kissing me, and all thoughts of overheard corporate takeovers disappear. His lips are soft but insistent, tasting ofwine and moonlight. I melt into him, my hands resting on his firm chest as his slide into my hair.
He kisses like he makes music—with his whole soul holding nothing back. I hear myself make a small sound of need, and he pulls me closer, deepening the kiss until I almost feel dizzy with desire.
The sharp ring of his phone shatters the moment.
We break apart, both breathing hard. Crystal’s name glows on his screen like an accusation.
“I can’t,” I say, stepping back. “We can’t.”
“Lila—“
“You have a girlfriend, Luke.” The words taste like ashes in my mouth. “And however complicated it is... that’s not my business.”
His face goes still. “You’re right.”
The phone keeps ringing between us. I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly cold despite the warm night.