Page 76 of Worship

He brings the fingers that were inside of me, to his mouth, and licks the tips as if he has food on them.

“The sauce on the pasta is delicious.”

He’s not speaking to any one person in particular, but I know he’s speaking to me, and I begin to plot ways to hide his body.

“Yeah, new chef thought it up. I think it’s a bit salty,” Dom answers, and Luca laughs.

I wipe the glass, and Michael looks at me.

“Lipstick,” I answer his questioning face.

He turns again to speak to Blair, and I take a bite of my food, unwilling to look at Luca again.

“So, how’d you meet our Gretchen? Tell us all about it, Mikey,” Luca asks from across the table, and I drop my fork, the clanging sound underscoring my irritation.

“His name is Michael, not Mikey,” I snap, and Luca feigns apology.

Michael puts his arm over my back and pulls me toward him, kissing my forehead.

“He’s just being friendly, babe. Nicknames are just a fun way guys mess with each other. Especially guys raised on the streets of Chicago. Right, Luke?”

Oh shit, Mikey.I can’t even look at Luca’s face because I can only imagine.

I chance a glance, and Luca seems amused. Figures—he likes a good fight.

“How’d you meet?” Luca prods, motioning with his fork as he eats.

“Oh, I love these stories,” Lyla chimes in, and suddenly, all eyes are on us.

Luca sits back pleased, and I’m suddenly hyperaware of a setup.

Michael pulls me closer into him, and I’m embarrassed; it feels wrong, and I hate that Luca will be able to pick up on what I’m feeling.

Michael wipes the corner of his mouth with his napkin.

“We met online. Not the sexiest start to dating, but she messaged me, and I was obviously pretty excited to have such a beautiful woman wanting to date me, so I jumped at the opportunity.”

I smile from my spot under his heavy arm.

“Online dating’s happily ever after. You guys should be on one of those commercials,” Vinnie laughs.

I roll my eyes at his grin and squirm, hoping Michael pulls his arm off me. I look up, and Luca is watching me, much too pleased.

“You weren’t worried about getting catfished? Like you said, Gretchen’s out of your league. How much do you really know about her?” Luca jokes like a true asshole, wagging his eyebrows, and Drew laughs.

I cut my eyes at her, and she immediately looks contrite, mouthing, “I’m sorry.”

“I know enough,” Michael answers.

It’s clear that Michael doesn’t like Luca’s questions.Neither do I.

Luca leans back into his chair and takes a swig of his drink.

“Yeah. Tell us something.”

“What?” Michael asks, confused.

Luca smirks.