Page 114 of The Matchmaker Club

“What do you think his reaction will be?”

He didn’t say anything at first and forced a smile. “You let me worry about that.”

I got up and kissed his forehead. “You should call him.” I wiped up the spilled milk, grabbed my coffee, and left the kitchen to give him some privacy.

My grandmother set down aWeekly World Newson her lap as I took my usual chair. “Lainey is having her grand showing this afternoon. Charlie, Bill and Javier will be here too.”

“What time?”

She looked down at her paper. “Four. We’re going to have some burgers on the grill after. She’d love for you and Lucas to be there.”

“Of course we’ll be there.”

She turned the page, scanning the headlines. “Heard Lucas broke Rick’s nose the other day at your work.”

I sipped my coffee. “Rick deserved it, but I wish Lucas didn’t fight.”

She looked up. “Why?”

“Because it may give him more trouble than it was worth.”

“Or maybe he thinks you’re worth the trouble.”

The sinking feeling in my stomach didn’t agree with her so much.

That would be the real test. Being in love was one thing, but neither one of us knew if it was strong enough to endure all the things lined up against us. His father being one of them—and the last thing I really wanted to do was cause trouble between him and his family.

Lucas walked in, his brooding face back. Bad sign.

“Can we talk?”

“Sure.”

We headed out back, and I followed him to the bench near the vegetable garden. He waited for me to sit before he did.

“What happened?” I asked.

He linked his fingers with mine. “I have to go back.”

“Now?”

He nodded. “Rick didn’t waste any time. I’m already in the tabloids, and I have some fires to put out.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Not your fault.”

“I’ll come with you if you’d like. If I can help in any way, I will.”

His lips parted as he tucked my hair behind my ear. “I would love that, but I need to deal with my father first.”

“He doesn’t approve of me.”

Lucas swallowed. “It’s complicated.”

“I don’t want to come between you and your family.”

He let out a long breath. “Let’s just take it one step at a time, okay?”