Page 103 of Consumed By You

“Then shouldn’t you have vetoed Benjamin?” I counter.

“No, I still think there are some redeeming qualities about that man.” She grins, taking a bottle of water from the fridge.

“Such as?” Kevin chimes in, raising an eyebrow.

“The way he can make Darcy’s eyes roll into the back of her skull within seconds. Do you think just anybody can do that?”

I’mseriouslyregretting telling her that right now. I blush the shade of the dress I’m wearing.

“What about how he can’t commit?” Kevin argues. Oh, my sensible, wonderful friend.

“Darcy told me he wants to be with her.”

Kevin looks over to me. “Excuse me?”

“He misses me. Doesn’t mean he’s changed.”

“Maybe he could learn to love?”

“Maybe he could, but I don’t know if I’m willing to risk my heart like that.”

***

The doorbell rings and I jump up to get it before one of my loud, already slightly drunk friends manages to drag themselves to the door.

I turn the knob and open it, smiling wide. “Luke!”

He’s in a black long-sleeved shirt and jeans. His coat is on his arm along with a gift bag.

“Darcy.” He kisses my cheek. “You look amazing.”

“Thank you.”

“Who is it?” Marilyn asks from behind me and I silently plead,Please, be nice.

“This is Luke Hemingway. Luke, Marilyn Edwards, my ex-boss and best friend.”

Marilyn extends her hand. Luke smiles warmly and takes it. “Nice to meet you.”

“Wow, youarereally good-looking!” she exclaims, glancing over at me. “You know how to pick ’em, girl.”

“Mare!” I gasp. She just wants to kill me.

“Thank you.” Luke laughs.

“I’m sorry, Luke. They’ve already broken into the liquor.”

“It’s fine. She’s nice. Oh, I forgot. Here.”

He hands me a small blue bag. “You really didn’t have to.”

“It’s just a candle. I’m the worst at picking out gifts.”

I smile, touched. “It’s a great gift. Thanks.”

I step aside so he can enter. The small living room of my apartment is filled. Doris, Danielle—my new friend from work—and her boyfriend Daniel, Kevin, his boy toy from the club, Marilyn, and her boyfriend of the month, Jamie, are all cozied up, talking comfortably.

“So how old are you today?” Luke whispers with a secretive smirk on his face. “I know we haven’t covered all the grounds yet.”