“Wow, he really loved soccer.”
“He wasn’t like me. He loved everything I didn’t. He was a good kid. His biggest goal in life was to have a family. He was going to have the kids and I was going to be the uncle that spoiled them.”
“The single uncle.”
“Well, you know.” He sighed. “Want to grab a bite before we go home?”
“We need to get you place ready for the party tonight.”
“Dang. I forgot about the party.”
“I can make you something to eat if you are hungry.” I offered.
“That would be nice. Noah would have loved you.”
“He sounds like he was a great guy.”
“I’m sorry I made you upset, Lucky.” He paused. “I didn’t mean to make you think I don’t love our time together, or that I don’t want you. Because that is not true. I just don’t want to end up hurting you. I can’t do forever. And you’re the sort of girl that needs a forever.”
“You don’t know that,” I whispered.
“I don’t know what? That you deserve a forever, or that I can’t give it?” His voice was pained. “I know both of those things. But I’m selfish, and I want you. I don’t want this to end just yet.”
“Neither do I.” I never want it to end. Never. I stifled a sigh and stared at his side profile. This man was reaching out to me finally—slowly, but surely—and I wanted to hold on to him and never let him go. But I knew there was an expiration date to our relationship. That one day—maybe in a month, maybe in a year, maybe tomorrow—would be the day it would be all over, and I would never be the same again.
“So you’re willing to give me another chance.”
“I never stopped giving you a chance.” I laughed.
“I don’t deserve you.”
“Have you ever been in love?” I asked quickly, anxiously hoping he would answer.
“I don’t know if I should answer that.” His voice trailed off. “Can I plead the 5th?”
“I’m just curious.” Please say no. Please say no.
“I was in love once. And she broke my heart.” His voice was light. “And no, it wasn’t worth it.”
“Are you still in contact with her?” Please say no. Please say no.
“It’s funny you ask that. I saw her recently.”
“Oh.” I looked out of the window. So I guess it was true. Maybe Braydon had been telling the truth. Maybe Angelique was his ex and she had broken his heart. “So did Noah know Angelique?” I asked softly.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” His voice was strained. “I’m sorry, Lucky but I just can’t talk about it right now. Please don’t take it personally.”
“Okay.” My voice cracked. I didn’t know how to not take it personally. “Is there someone else you’d rather be with?” I couldn’t stop myself. “I don’t want to be a girl of convenience.”
“Lucky, I can honestly tell you that right now, there is no one I’d rather have in my bed.”
“Okay.” I bit my lip and tried not to let him see how hurt I was by his words. I didn’t want him to want me just in his bed; I wanted him to value me in his life.
Chapter 13
“Zane darling, you look so handsome tonight.” A beautiful redhead kissed him on the lips as she entered the house. “And your place, just look at it. It’s marvelous.”
“Gina, so great to see you. You’re looking as sexy as ever.”
“Well I do try, my dear.” She twirled around and laughed. “And now a glass of champagne. Where is the champagne?”
“Follow me.” He laughed, and I watched as he took her arm and led her to the kitchen. I felt the stirrings of jealousy erupt in me again, and sighed as I leaned against the mantelpiece. I looked around the room and smiled at how cozy it looked, filled with Zane’s friends. They were all laughing and drinking, and they all looked glamorous and rich. To say I felt overwhelmed, was an understatement—I recognized half of the room from TV and movies, and they all looked even more beautiful and handsome than I remembered from the screen.
“Oh, Zane.” Gina screamed and came running back into the room. “Such a naughty boy.” She exclaimed to everyone in the room. I saw a few of the girls rolling their eyes, and I smiled to myself. It seemed as if Gina was getting on everyone’s nerves.
“So you’re Lucia?” Gina walked up to me and looked me up and down. Her green eyes looked at me with disdain as they surveyed my khaki skirt and black top. I suppose she realized that my whole outfit cost less than her manicure.
“Lucky.” I smiled.
“Lucia Lucky?” She sneered. “That’s an odd name.”
“No, my name’s lucky.” I kept the smile plastered on my face.
“Oh, is it Irish?”
“Is what Irish?” I asked confused.
“Your name? I thought Lucia was Italian, but if you say it’s Irish, I suppose I’ll have to believe you.”
“My name is Lucky, not Lucia.” I sighed and tried not to roll my eyes.
“You are an annoying girl, aren’t you Lucia?” Gina took a swig of champagne and sneered at me. “Though I suppose you have a good enough body, under your ugly clothes.”
“Excuse me?” I leaned forward, not sure I had heard her correctly.
“There you are, Lucky.” Zane walked up to me and handed me a drink. “I’ve been looking for you.”
“I was just getting to know your friend, Zane, she’s so quaint.” Gina grinned at him and linked his arm.
“Lucky is working on the documentary with me.” He smiled at me warmly, and I felt a warm tingling in my belly as he stared at me. He was wearing a crisp blue and white shirt with a pair of black jeans and all I could think about while staring at him was being able to rip his clothes off.
“Oh, are you a secretary?” Gina smiled at me, and I wanted to slap her.
“I’m actually a history major.”
“Oh, you’re still in school?” She laughed. “How cute, dear Zane, you went and got yourself an intern.”
“Be nice, Gina.” Zane shook his head and laughed, and I felt angry with him for not putting her in her place.
“Oh, Zane. I’m always nice.” She pulled him towards her again and kissed him on the lips. “You remember, don’t you?”