Page 57 of Unhinged

“Did you call the cops?”

“No. Luke came over and checked things out for me.”

“Oh?”

She couldn’t miss the interest in Audrey’s question, and a smile curved her mouth. “Then he stayed the night. Last night, too.” Her mouth dropped open, and she grinned. “And before you ask, he was a perfect gentleman.”

Audrey’s face twisted into an expression of dismay. “Well, that’s disappointing.”

“Although…”

Audrey’s eyes lit up as she told her all about the night before. “Was that your first time?”

She nodded. “We’re going to dinner tonight and I think… I think I’m ready.”

“It’s a big step,” Audrey said, her voice serious. “You’re sure?”

“Yeah. Luke is…”

“Sexy? Gorgeous? Ripped?” she supplied with a grin.

She laughed. “Yes—to all of those. But he’s… different. I want him to be the first.”

“As long as you’re certain.”

“I am.”

“Good.” She pinned her with a stare. “I want details tomorrow. All of them.” Audrey pointed at her. “And don’t you dare leave a single thing out.”

She grinned. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

CHAPTER

TWENTY-FOUR

Luke gestured with his fork toward Hannah's salad. “You’re not a vegetarian, are you?”

Hannah shook her head. “No, I eat meat occasionally.”

Luke thought she’d eaten the chicken he made the other night, but he couldn’t be sure. “I hope you didn’t choose it because it’s the cheapest thing on the menu. A bird couldn’t get full on that.”

Her lips curled into a smile at his teasing tone before she shrugged. “I don’t get much of a chance to work out these days, so it’s just the lesser of two evils. I have to be careful what I eat.”

Luke reassured her, “You have nothing to worry about. You’re beautiful.”

“I just… I don’t know. I’ve always been self-conscious. Selah…” She dropped her gaze to the table. “She was the pretty one—the homecoming queen, the one all the guys flocked to. Next to her, I felt like the Ugly Duckling. I’ve tried to diet, but it’s like I can never lose those last ten pounds.”

“That’s because you’re not meant to. Your body is perfect just the way it is.” Luke allowed his gaze to rove over the parts of her he could see. “Curvy, beautiful, just begging to be touched. Who wants some supermodel who looks like she’ll break the second you touch her?”

He shook his head. “Besides, Hannah, all that matters is what you think. If you’re happy with yourself, then screw everyone else.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the waiter stopping by to refill their drinks. “Can I get you two anything else, or will that be all? Our chef made a fabulous tiramisu tonight.”

Luke shot her a look. “Dessert?”

Longing flashed in her eyes before she quickly blinked it away. “I really shouldn’t.”

He stared at her for a moment before directing his gaze back to the waiter. “I’ll take it. Thank you.”