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“I have a table at Coast next weekend,” he says. “Best seafood on the island. Join me?”
Before I can answer, a familiar voice cuts in. “Mind if Isteal my neighbor for a dance?”
Luke stands beside us, all careful polish and barely contained tension. James looks between us, reading something in Luke’s expression that makes him step back with a knowing smile.
“Of course.” He brings my hand to his lips. “Think about dinner, Lila. I’ll be in touch.”
Luke’s hand replaces James’s on my waist, and suddenly I can barely breathe. We move together like we’ve done this a thousand times, like our bodies remember each other even if we’re pretending they don’t.
“Having fun?” His voice is low, almost dangerous.
“Yes, actually. James is quite charming.”
“James is also quite connected to most of the well-known charities. As well as head of the Jacksonville Magazine.” His fingers tighten slightly. “I’m sure he’d be more than willing to promote your services—for a price.”
I feel heat creep up my neck, embarrassment mixing with anger. “Like you’re one to talk about complicated relationships.”
He flinches like I’ve slapped him. “That’s different.”
“Is it?” I meet his eyes. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks pretty similar. Public appearances, calculated moves, everyone playing their parts.”
“Lila—“
“You should get back to Crystal,” I cut him off. “Wouldn’t want to start any tongues wagging.”
I pull away, ignoring the way my body protests the loss of contact. His hand catches my wrist.
“You look beautiful tonight,” he says softly. “That color... I couldn’t take my eyes off you.”
“I noticed… and probably so did your girlfriend.” I gentle my tone. “Let me go, Luke. Please.”
He does, physically, at least. But I feel his gaze following me as I weave through the crowd to join Emily and Sam.
I notice James subtly follow me. Am I setting him up for heartbreak, knowing I only want Luke, or am I the one destined to get hurt? No matter what, I decide that if James asked me to dance again—I’m not going to turn him down.
Twelve
Luke
She’s killing me in that emerald silk.
I’ve been watching Lila all evening, even when I shouldn’t be, even with Crystal’s perfectly manicured hand resting possessively on my arm. Every time Lila moves, the fabric catches the light, highlighting curves that make my mouth go dry. Her hair falls in soft waves around her shoulders, and whatever makeup she’s wearing makes her eyes look huge and luminous.
“Luke?” Crystal’s voice cuts through my distraction. “The governor’s wife asked you a question.”
I drag my attention back to the conversation, pasting on my practiced smile. “I’m sorry, ma’am. You were saying?”
But my focus splinters again when I see James Harrison approach Lila. I know his reputation well—board member of half the charities in town, as well as the magazine. He’s also notorious for using both positions to his advantage. The way he looks at Lila like she’s his next conquest makes something dark and possessive twist in my gut.
“Up for another dance?” I hear him ask her.
Don’t say yes, I think silently. But she glances my way first, something flashing in her eyes that looks like a challenge, and accepts his hand.
Crystal’s fingers dig into my bicep. “Luke, you’re staring.”
“Just making sure Lila is alright,” I mutter, but I can’t look away as Harrison leads Lila onto the dance floor.
“Luke, she’s your neighbor—not your responsibility.” Crystal’s tone drips with annoyance. “I see the Prestons by the bar. I should say hello.”