They ordered food and wine and Luke told her that Sadie was missing her—apparently she kept sniffing the pillows April had slept on and whining, which April found adorable.
“I’ll have to visit again soon,” she said slyly and Luke grinned.
“You’re welcome any time.” The tone was teasing but his eyes were sincere and she smiled.
Luke went on to tell her that it looked like he’d found a new plot of land for the development that had been cancelled on Main Street. “It’s a relief, honestly. I thought we were going to make a serious loss on the project but this looks like it might be a good alternative.”
“I’m so glad,” April beamed. “Sorry again that my brief stint of activism put you in that situation.”
“Don’t apologize, Jones. Truth be told, it was kindof hot seeing how worked up you got over it,” Luke said, a gleam in his eyes.
“Hm,” April hummed to herself. “As mad as I was to see you with that digger, youdidlook kind of hot in that hard hat …”
“Oh really, Jones? I’m sure I could dig it out again just for you.” There was an edge to Luke’s voice as he spoke in hushed tones, his fingers tracing small circles on April’s wrist. She sucked in a breath, her stomach somersaulting at the look in his eyes. April couldn’t quite think of how to respond as her pulse quickened, and Luke seemed to know the effect he was having, a languid smirk spreading across his lips.
“Soeasy to get you worked up, isn’t it, Jones?” Luke murmured, and she steeled herself, refusing to let him win this round no matter how turned on she was.
“Ha,” she let out a breathy laugh, feigning nonchalance. “You’ll have to try harder than that if you want to get me to beg, Pointer.”
“I’d expect nothing less.” Luke looked at her approvingly before leaning back in his chair, the moment passed. “I don’t suppose Izzy’s heard any more about the authentication process for those stores on Main Street?”
April sighed. “Nothing yet, but we’re hopeful that if something similar happened a few towns over, that should make our process quicker. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Their server soon arrived with their mains—a steakfor Luke and beef ravioli for April—and they both tucked in. April couldn’t believe how hungry she was, but it made sense after she’d spent the day running around the store helping customers and cleaning up. She put a forkful of pasta in her mouth and nearly died from bliss.
“You have to try this.” She speared another piece on her fork, held it out to Luke, and promptly wished she’d done anything else when his mouth wrapped around the utensil and slid the pasta free in one smooth motion. She wasn’t entirely surewhyit was so hot, but it was, and, from her wide eyes, Luke probably knew exactly what she was thinking right then.
His knee brushed hers under the table and she didn’t pull away, relishing the contact.
They finished their food quickly. April couldn’t tell if it was because they were both famished or if they were just eager to fulfill the promise lurking in each other’s eyes.
Her phone vibrated in her back pocket and she pulled it out, eyes still trained on Luke as she answered. “Hello?”
“April.”
She faltered, the smile dying on her face. How the hell had he managed to call her? Had he borrowed someone’s phone just to harass her?
“Tyler,” she said flatly.
“It’s been over a month. Don’t you think this has gone on long enough?”
“Isn’t that long enough for you to get the message, Tyler? Read the room. I’m not coming back.”
“Don’t fucking talk to me like that, April.” Tyler’s raised voice at the other end of the line made April flinch slightly. “This is ridiculous. If you don’t get your shit together and come home, I’m going to come down there to get you myself.” His voice changed suddenly, shifting from furious to sickly sweet. “I swear, baby, things will be different this time. I’ll be better. I never want to lose you; this time apart has made me realize that I can’t live without you. Please, baby?”
April felt slightly nauseous as she listened. How had she ever fallen for this crap? She felt a wave of sadness wash over her as she thought of her younger self, swept up by Tyler’s bullshit and falling for his lies for years. Thank God she’d finally seen him for who he was.
“April? Don’t fucking ignore me. C’mon baby, Ineedyou, and I know you need me too.” Tyler’s voice was growing louder again, and April found herself strangely paralyzed, unable to respond.
Luke was watching her face with a worried expression. “Is everything OK?”
“Who the fuck was that?” Tyler’s tone was harsh, bitter, and April felt her hand shake slightly. She hesitated, unsure who to respond to first, but Luke solved the problem by taking the phone from her grip and raising it to his own ear.
“I’m Luke,” he said, matter-of-fact, but there was a tightness to his voice that belied his anger. “And I’d really appreciate it if you stopped talking to her like she’s yours to boss around.” April’s eyes were wide inshock as she saw Luke take a breath, clearly willing himself to stay calm. “She hasn’t been yours for weeks now, and you constantly harassing her has gone on long enough. Fuck off and leave her alone.” Luke hung up before Tyler could do more than start to yell, and April covered her mouth.
He looked over to her, concern etched into his face as he took her in. “Do you want to get some air?” His words were soft, gentle, and April couldn’t do more than nod. “I’ll drop Pen a text to say we’ll pay her later. She’ll understand.”
They left the restaurant quickly, and Luke wrapped a reassuring arm around her shoulders as they headed for where he’d parked his car. After a minute of walking in silence, April drew to a stop, right by the wishing fountain.