I’m sitting on the couch rubbing my ridiculously full stomach, as I let out a sigh of contentment. My legs are in Luke’s lap like always, and he’s giving me a foot massage as we watch Christmas Vacation together.

His family is scattered throughout the house. Sarah, Luke’s mom, and Jim, his dad, are cleaning up the kitchen, and Bree is talking to her boyfriend in the other room. Apparently, his name is Henry, and he works in an office somewhere. They haven’t been together for long, but Bree seems super happy so I hope they work out. Luke’s younger brother, Jake, is in his room playing video games.

I’m pretty sure I’ve just reached nirvana as I lick the last bit of frosting off my fingers. We have just finished dinner and, while the cinnamon rolls are technically for breakfast, I’m able to get away with sneaking one for dessert since I’m pregnant.

Fun fact: Pregnant women can get away with murder.

I smile mischievously, debating whether I should go grab a second one or not, but that would mean I’d risk cutting my foot massage short. And I’d have to stand back up.

Did I mention how difficult it is to roll around when you’re carrying a twenty-pound basketball on your abdomen? I prefer to look like a beached whale as little as possible, thank you very much.

Alas, I guess that means I’ll have to save my second cinnamon roll for tomorrow.

I catch Luke examining me from under his thick, dark eyelashes with a smirk on his face.

I look at him questioningly. “What?” I ask, hesitantly.

Luke looks at me like this all the time. Like I amuse him somehow. Or that I’m being cute but not in an attractive adult way. More like in a toddler singing off key and running around the room naked kind of way.

I catch myself feeling both annoyed and curious at the same time.

“What did I do now?” I ask exasperated, rolling my eyes.

He grins.

Bastard.

I can tell he’s trying not to laugh as he slowly leans toward my face. My forehead creases, and I’m unsure why he’s all up in my bubble. I’m suddenly very aware of our close proximity.

Pushing myself further into the cushions, Luke takes his forefinger and lightly grazes my lower lip. I’m not uncomfortable, exactly. More like I’m just confused about the feelings swirling inside of me.

Where the hell did these butterflies come from?

My gaze bounces between his eyes and his mouth before he slowly removes his finger from my face and shows me a small smudge of cream cheese frosting. His grin comes back full force as he places said frosting in his mouth, slowly licking his finger clean. My eyes zero in on his luscious lips, glimpsing his tongue as it swipes at the sugary icing. Time seems to slow down as I watch, mesmerized.

Luke leans back again, squeezing my feet as he says, “You’re a hot mess, Liv. When are you gonna learn to eat without making a mess of yourself?” he teases before licking his lips again. “Although, I’m not complaining. I’ve been dying for a taste,” he smirks. I can feel myself blushing, again.

Is it hot in here?

And why do I feel like he might not be talking about the frosting?

My gaze is glued to his as his grin slowly fades. He must’ve planned on me sweeping his comment under the rug like I usually do, but for some reason, I don’t want to this time.

I might want a taste, too.

I just hope this isn’t another stupid game of “chicken.” I’m not sure I’ll survive if it is.

The tension is so thick between us, you could cut it with a knife. I watch his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he swallows thickly, licking his lips in anticipation.

I’m not sure what’s happening right now, but I’m helpless to stop it. I’m not sure I’d want to, even if I could.

However, just as I’m positive Luke is about to lean closer, Bree comes strutting into the room and falls precariously onto the love seat by the TV. She’s completely oblivious to the tension filling the room, and effectively breaks it with her presence.

“So, what are we watchin’?” she asks.

“Just our favorite guy making a fool of himself again,” Luke mutters.

“Oh good! I love when Clark acts like an idiot!” Bree laughs.

I clear my throat and take a peek at Luke. “I don’t think he always makes a fool out of himself,” I whisper, quietly. I have a feeling Luke isn’t talking about the movie.

Thankfully, Bree doesn’t hear me. She’s completely immersed in Christmas Vacation, which is probably a good thing since I wouldn’t be able to explain my comment anyway.