Page 146 of Lucas

“You’re still here,” she says as I approach, two cups of coffee and a bag of pastries in hand.

“And I always will be.” I hold out her cup, my heart racing as her fingers brush mine. “I meant what I said, Ava. I’m not going anywhere.”

She studies me for a long moment, her green eyes searching. “Why?” she asks at last, her voice barely above a whisper.

I set the coffees on the hood of her car and take a step closer.

“Because I love you. Because you’re it for me. Because I will spend the rest of my life proving that to you if that’s what it takes.”

Her breath hitches, her lips parting. For a moment, I think she might reach for me.

But then she steps back, shaking her head. “I can’t do this, Lucas. I can’t.”

“Can’t or won’t?” I challenge.

She meets my gaze, pain and longing etched into every line of her face. “Both.”

She reaches out, running a finger along my cheek, and I shiver. “You had an eyelash,” she says, holding out her finger.

I catch her wrist, both of us frozen in the moment.

“Let me make a wish,” I breathe, my heart pounding.

She arches a brow. “You can’t possibly believe in that.”

I smile and lean forward, closing my eyes and blowing on her hand, the eyelash fluttering away.

“Perhaps I do.”

On the next day, I change tactics.

“Go out with me.”

She blinks. “What?”

“Go out with me. On a date. You and me. What do you say?”

“Why would I do that?” She crosses her arms, challenging me.

I take a step closer, my body humming with her proximity. “Because, Wifey, it’s in the contract. Section eighteen, subsection B. You’re required to accompany me to social events once a week. Until the contract is fulfilled.”

She huffs, her eyes narrowing. “You’re serious.”

“As a heart attack. Though, let’s avoid those, shall we? I’d like to keep you around for a long, long time.”

“Fine. But it’s not a date.”

I shrug, holding up my hands. “Call it what you will. A business meeting, a contractual obligation, a chance to bask in my glorious presence. I’m not picky.”

She purses her lips, considering. “Fine. Send me the details.”

“I will. Wear something pretty. Or don’t. You look stunning in anything. Or nothing at all.” I wiggle my eyebrows.

She rolls her eyes, fighting a smile. “Goodbye, Lucas.”

“Hey, Ava!” I call after her.

She stops, glancing back at me over her shoulder.