“Gotcha. Rose sent out a group text earlier.” Even though I’d told her to tell everyone, I still rolled my eyes. “I’m glad you’re working it out. I’ll call Dad, brief him. Lily, text the description of that guy to me. I’m out.” He gave us a wave, then headed out the front door.

I relaxed against Luke as he pulled me close. He cradled my head and rubbed my back. “You’re tense, Lily. Relax. I won’t let anything happen to you,” he whispered. I nodded against him. He swept me up into his arms, bride style, and walked to the couch and sat down, with me in his lap. I tucked my knees into my chest, feet next to Luke’s thigh on the couch, and curled into him. I’d always loved sitting like this with Luke. He was so tall and broad, and I was so short that I could tuck my head right under his chin and snuggle tight. It was cozy and warm. I felt safe.

“I love holding you like this,” he murmured and kissed the top of my head. “You’re so small I can hug your whole body at once.”

I laughed softly and wrapped my arms around his chest. I tilted my head back and looked up at him. He leaned forward and kissed me gently. “You’re still tense,” he whispered and stroked my back. “What can we do to settle you down?”

“You could put your hand down my pants. That always used to work,” I said, then I realized what I said and got even more tense. I shut my eyes tight and felt myself turn red. Sometimes, words came out of my mouth before my brain had finished filtering them. I opened one eye and peeked at Luke.

His eyes blazed at me. He licked his lips. “I was going to suggest that I rub your shoulders. But I can rub whatever you like, Lily,” he said as his eyes burned into mine.

My lips parted, and tingles ran throughout my body. I hadn’t had anyone’s hands on me but my own in a long time. I took a deep breath and let my leg drop to the side. His eyes flared, and he ran one hand up my thigh and across my hip. My eyes locked to his. His fingers lingered at my waistband. I was glad I’d changed into my comfy pajama bottoms when I’d put Calla to bed. No way his big hand would fit into my skinny jeans. Tilting my hips slightly, I shivered at the thought of his hand on me. He hadn’t even touched me yet, and I was about to blow my top.