Chapter Eleven

 

“Hey blondie, what’s your name?”

“Who colors your hair?”

“Are you sleeping with Brenna Sinclair, too? Are you into threesomes?”

“Who’s better in bed, Luke or Brenna?”

As quickly as he could, Rocco led Abbey away from the horde of press that had upended her life, but not before the vile reporters fired off disgusting questions at her left and right. Did they really think she’d answer any of their repulsive questions? What was wrong with them?

Abbey squeezed her eyes shut and let Rocco guide her down a hallway to what she hoped were the elevators. At least Luke’s security detail and the local police had finally caught up to them and had dragged the press away before they hurled any more obnoxious questions at her.

Her stomach roiled and her body shook. She’d been utterly humiliated—again. Her heart ripped right out of her chest—again. But unlike the first time Luke had betrayed her, or she believed he had, this time though, he’d truly betrayed her in front of the press. If not for Rocco nearly carrying her, she would have collapsed into a heap on the hotel floor. Wouldn’t that have made for some entertaining pictures. Damn paparazzi.

She heard an elevator ding and the doors open. Rocco gently guided her inside. Abbey opened her eyes and pushed away from him as soon as the elevator doors closed.

“Did you know Luke was still with Brenna?” Abbey whispered to Rocco, her mind numb, her heart shredded, hot tears spilling down her cheeks. Then she thought better of it and put her hand up to stop Rocco from replying. “It doesn’t matter, does it? You’re his friend, his employee. It’s your job to protect him, right?”

Rocco sighed and blew out a breath as the elevator ascended to the tenth floor. “I am his friend and employee. You’re right. It’s my job to protect him from crazy fans, from people who might want to hurt him, not from being an asshole and treating people like shit. That’s on him.”

Rocco’s response stunned her. He wasn’t defending Luke’s awful behavior like she thought he would have. That was a surprise. Just like the surprise that Luke hit her over the head with on the first floor.

Abbey had to know though. How deep did Luke’s lies and deception go? “So, you didn’t know about Brenna? Has she been staying here at the Fairchild all weekend?”

Rocco shook his head. “I’m not sure. We haven’t seen her on the property until she showed up a little while ago. Luke had me, Jake, and Heath convinced he intended on using this weekend to win you back for good.” He shrugged and frowned at her.

Abbey snorted. He’d fooled them all. Bravo. Brenna and her acting coaches had trained him well. “Luke’s turned into quite an actor, huh? It looks like we can’t trust a word he says.”

“I don’t know what to say, Abbey, other than I’m sorry.”

She nodded sadly, not crying at least. The elevator stopped on the tenth floor and the doors opened. Rocco stepped in front of the doors, blocking her.  Three hotel guards were on the other side of the elevator doors.

“It’s all clear, Mr. Moretti. The rest of Mr. Stryker’s security detail is in the hallway and we have hotel guards stationed at both stairwells,” one of the hotel guards said.

Rocco nodded and took her hand. Abbey saw six of Luke’s security detail stationed along the otherwise empty hallway near their family’s block of rooms. She dug her suite key card out of her purse and inserted it. When the door clicked, and the light flashed green, Rocco pushed the door open for her.

Abbey walked inside, turned, and gave Rocco a quick peck on the cheek. “Thank you.”

Rocco kissed her gently on the forehead. She was touched. Rocco was a good man. She hoped he and Hannah Hailey got together. They looked like they’d make a good couple. But what did Abbey know? She had stupidly thought she and Luke did too. Clearly she’d been wrong about that.

“Do you want me to come inside and stay with you for a little while? I don’t mind,” Rocco compassionately offered.

What a nice guy. Unlike Luke. Lying. Cheating. Asshole Luke. “No, I’ll be fine. Maybe I’ll just pack my things and someone can give me a ride home?” There was no reason for her to stay at the Fairchild. Not now. It would be better for her to be at her place.

Rocco smiled sympathetically at her and nodded. “Of course. Take all the time you need. We’ll get you home safely and discreetly. Don’t worry about that.”

Abbey nodded sorrowfully and closed the door. After it clicked into place, she slid down the door, drained of all emotion. Slumped on the floor with her back against the door, she silently let her tears flow. She vowed they would be the last she would shed over Luke. She was done. It was over. Abbey swiped at her face as tears continued to fall. Come on, Abbey. He’s not worth it.

She should have known better. She shouldn’t have let Luke convince her into more than just a fun weekend. How could she have been so stupid to believe all Luke’s bullshit? His so-called plans for the future? His two boys then a girl crap? She had to give him credit. He sure had her fooled. She fell for his shit hook, line and sinker.

Abbey would have spent the weekend with Luke without all the false promises. It would have been a part of the original plan for her reboot weekend. There was no reason for Luke to take things to another level with false promises of a future together. They could have had some fun and gone their separate ways on Monday, like she had intended.

But that didn’t explain Brenna Sinclair. Luke had obviously lied about not being with her. But why? Just to get Abbey into bed this weekend? That was low, even for him. Or maybe not. Luke had changed since that night ten years ago. And not in a good way.

Obviously Brenna believed they were still together. She had made that painfully clear on the first floor. In a way, Abbey felt sorry for her. To be an A-list actress like Brenna Sinclair and to find out your man was unfaithful on social media like that. Brenna had a right to be upset. She couldn’t blame her for going off the way she had.

Abbey lightly banged her head against the suite door and blew out a breath. Shit. Unbeknownst to her, Abbey was now the other woman. Damn Luke. This was all his fault. She hoped the press skewered him over this. He deserved it. Asshole.

Was Luke lying about his shoulder and career coming to an end too? What about his Uncle Darren, did he really have cancer, or what that all part of Luke’s act to garner sympathy so she’d sleep with him? Abbey shook her head. It didn’t matter. She had to worry about herself now.

Reluctantly, she stood up and took a couple deep breaths. She needed to get her things together, go home, and regroup. The faster she got out of the Fairchild, the better.

Abbey retrieved her carry-on bag from the bedroom closet and proceeded to the en suite bathroom to quickly toss her toiletries inside her bag. She wasn’t concerned with being organized. She needed to get a move on.

Someone pounded on the door just as she had finished packing up all her things. “What now?” she muttered to herself. Did the paparazzi get past the hotel security guards and Luke’s security detail? She waited silently in the suite’s living room.

“Abbey! I know you’re in there,” Luke shouted.

Her stomach twisted. What the hell was wrong with him? Did he think she would ever want to speak to him again? After what just happened? He’s lost his mind.

He pounded on the door again. “Abbey let me in. Let me explain what’s going on. Come on, princess.”

She fisted her hands, her anger building. “Don’t call me princess. Save that for Brenna, asshole.”

“Calm down and open the door,” he pleaded.

“Fuck you, Luke. Don’t tell me what to do. I have nothing to say to you. Not anymore,” she shot back.

Why couldn’t he leave her alone? Why did he insist on trying to feed her more lies? Did he think she’d believe him now, after being caught in a lie? He had to be crazy. There was no other explanation.

“That’s enough, Abbey. I’m not playing around. Open the damned door. Now,” Luke insisted.

She growled. The nerve! Ordering her around like she was his flunky. “And I told you, I have nothing to say, asshole. You’ve had your fun. Go back to Brenna and leave me alone.”

“I’m not going anywhere until you open this door. Either you open the door, or I’ll get someone from the hotel staff to open it. Your choice,” Luke threatened.

Choices. Yeah, right. Her choices had been taken away from her when Luke had decided to lie to her all weekend.

Abbey was too emotionally drained to continue arguing. Maybe if she allowed Luke to “explain” then she could leave and get on with her life. Letting Luke in her suite might be the fastest way to get back home.

She opened the door and Luke stormed in. She couldn’t look him in the eye. Why was he holding a bag from the Fairchild spa? She sighed. What did it matter? It was probably spa products for Brenna. How insulting that he brought them with him. Was he going to “explain” that away too?

He put his hand under her chin and she backed away. “Abbey, come on, please look at me,” he begged, his voice barely a whisper.

Fine. Maybe it would speed things along so she could go home. She looked at him. She tried not to feel sorry for him. He looked haggard. His hair was sticking up all over as if he’d been running his fingers through it.

“Fine, go ahead and explain,” she relented, defeated.

“Luke? Did she let you in her room?” Who was that? Was someone outside?

“Yes, Brenna. I’m in her room,” Luke said as he took his cell phone out of his back pocket.

What kind of game were Luke and Brenna playing? Was that paparazzo right? Were they into threesomes?

Abbey wanted none of this. She opened her suite door. “I don’t know what you two are doing or what you’re into, but I’m not interested. Luke, please leave. Find someone else to play your kinky games with. I’m not the one.”

“Abbey, please hear us out. Nothing kinky is going on, I swear.” This came from Luke’s cell phone. Brenna, she assumed. “Please, Abbey.”

Abbey slid down the suite door onto her ass, cushioned by the room’s plush carpeting. She crossed her legs and crossed her arms under her chest. “Fine. Go ahead. Let’s get this over with.”

Luke sat down on the floor cross-legged, directly in front of Abbey, and held his cell phone out toward her. “Go ahead, Brenna.”

“First, I want to say how sorry I am,” Brenna began.

For what? Luke was the one who should be sorry. “What for? Luke is the one who created this mess. He had me convinced you two weren’t together. I’m not some skank, like the paparazzi were trying to insinuate.” Abbey glared at Luke. He had the decency to look apologetic. It didn’t matter.

“I know that. And Luke wasn’t lying. We’re not together. We never were,” Brenna continued.

“See? I told you,” Luke whined.

Abbey wasn’t sure what to believe. This conversation could be a part of game Luke and Brenna were playing. Abbey didn’t dare to hope what Brenna was saying was the truth.

“Be quiet, Luke,” Brenna scolded. “I know you’ve probably read and heard the hurtful things my father has said to and about me. He’s made no secret of how little he thinks of me because of my chosen profession.”

In that regard, Abbey knew Brenna was telling the truth. Mr. Sinclair, a southern Baptist Minister, had been brutal in his criticism of his oldest child and of the acting community as a whole. Abbey had found his remarks way out of line. Brenna’s reputation was impeccable, considering how scandalously many others in Hollywood behaved.

Brenna was known as a consummate professional, drama averse and a humanitarian. She had helped to bring a lot of attention to the Cobras’ Children’s Foundation and many other charitable organizations. From all accounts, Brenna Sinclair was the real deal. Her father’s behavior toward his oldest child was unfair and unwarranted.

“Because of my father’s disdain for me, I talked Luke into being my cover so I didn’t have to endure even more public scorn from my father for my choice of romantic partners.”

Hope bloomed in Abbey’s chest. Was it possible Luke had been telling the truth? Was what happened at the hotel’s restaurant entrance all an act? Why hadn’t Luke warned her so she could have avoided the pain and anguish of believing he was a lying, cheating asshole?

“So you’re really a lesbian? Not that it matters.” Abbey had no issue with homosexuals. It wasn’t for her to judge or make issue with who people chose to be with, love, or marry.

Brenna laughed through Luke’s cell phone speaker. “Not exactly. I’ve been dating women for the last few years, but I’ve had serious relationships with men too. If I had to put a label on myself, which I hate to do, I suppose I consider myself a bisexual.”

Was Luke frowning? He looked disappointed. “So you weren’t attracted to me at all then?” Luke asked with amusement in his voice.

“Sorry, pretty boy, but no,” Brenna replied with a smile in her voice.

“Have you been staying here at the Fairchild this weekend?” Abbey needed to know. She wanted to fully understand what was going on before deciding about her and Luke. She still had doubts.

Abbey heard shuffling and a clicking sound.

“No, I’m not at the Fairchild. Luke, I just texted you a picture,” Brenna said.

After a couple of swipes, Luke held his phone up so Abbey could see. The photo showed Brenna holding up the room service menu and room key card from the Drake Hotel there in Oak Brook, near the Fairchild Hotel.

Abbey felt herself relax a little, but she was still hesitant to fully believe.

“I had intended on contacting Entertainment Tonight and mention that Luke and I parted ways with some excuse about conflicting work schedules, blah, blah, blah. But when I saw a couple of social media posts with you and Luke, I thought maybe I’d try the whole drama queen bit—and I failed miserably. Sometimes you need a script,” Brenna admitted.

Luke swiped his phone and held it out to Abbey again. “Brenna has been texting me all weekend, hoping I could convince you to take me back for good. She’s been on our side the entire time, princess.”

Abbey quickly scanned the text message thread between Luke and Brenna, confirming what Luke said. Her heart skipped a beat. Based on their texts, Brenna had been encouraging Luke not to give up on getting her back. Brenna had been fully on board with what Luke was calling “Mission Abbey”. Abbey’s eyes misted. Luke really loves me. He hasn’t been lying.

“I’m beyond sorry at how badly I handled things. I’ve spoken with Darren and he agreed to let me say a few words to clear everything up and come clean tomorrow afternoon at the start of the Cobras’ press conference,” Brenna explained.

Abbey couldn’t let Brenna do that. It could further damage her strained relationship with her father. Although Brenna’s sexual orientation shouldn’t adversely affect her acting career, unfortunately, it could.

“Brenna, it’s all right, you don’t need to do that on my account. I agree you handled things really badly, but I believe you. Our conversation is good enough for me.” Abbey hoped she could spare Brenna some pain and humiliation.

“I appreciate that, Abbey, but it’s not good enough for me. I’ve been a coward. Luke’s been a good friend to me and I let him down.”

Luke shook his head vigorously. “Brenna, it’s all right. You don’t have to…”

“Yes, Luke, I do,” Brenna interrupted. “I’m not ashamed of who I am. I’m ashamed of how I’ve behaved when it comes to the two of us.”

“But what about your father? What about your acting career? What if your announcement negatively impacts your current work? Future projects? You have a movie opening soon.” Abbey needed to make Brenna understand she didn’t need to put it all out there. She could save herself. They would all survive what happened earlier. Nothing more needed to be said or done. The press would move on to another scandal and they’d quickly be forgotten. They’d become old news.

Brenna sighed over the phone. “My announcement might actually end up being a good thing. Garner support. Coming out, so to speak, won’t necessarily be the kiss of death for my career. If it is, well … I’ve invested my income wisely over the years. I’ve been smart, and I’ll be fine. Luke inspired me. I didn’t draw attention to it, but I earned my degree in marketing a couple of years back. I have options. If my acting career takes a hit, I can devote more time to my humanitarian efforts.”

Luke smiled at Abbey, obviously proud of Brenna. Abbey was proud of her too. Brenna Sinclair was one special lady. Abbey now understood why Luke had helped her. He was a good man. Her man.

“And as far as my father goes, we don’t have much of a relationship at the moment. The mighty minister has a few secrets of his own that I’ve been holding on to for a long time. He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone. If he dares to make issue, the gloves come off. It’ll all work out. I have faith. You both should too.”

Luke looked at Abbey for support and she nodded. “All right, if you’re sure, we’ll follow your lead. Thank you.”

Brenna scoffed on the line. “I should thank you, Luke. Our farce went on for much too long. I’ve been a coward. I’m looking forward to womaning up. It’ll be freeing. You’ll be at the press conference tomorrow, Abbey?”

Abbey’s eyes went wide and she frantically shook her head at Luke.

“Yes, she’ll be there,” Luke confirmed. He took one of Abbey’s hands and kissed her knuckles gently. Luke’s warmth spread through her. “Princess, you’ll have to get used to dealing with the press from now on, since you’re my woman. The press conference will be a good, controlled, first exposure. We can invite the family too, other than Jake and Cassie, if that makes you feel more comfortable.”

Luke’s woman. The thought made Abbey heart soar and her soul sing. They could do this. They could be together, have a future, a family—have everything. She’d loved this man for so long. Dreamed of their forever since she was a young woman. Abbey was almost afraid to believe this was real. She would take Brenna Sinclair’s lead and woman up herself.

She nodded and squeezed Luke’s hand tightly. “No, that’s fine. As long as you’re there, I’ll be all right.”

Brenna clapped. “Yay! Thank you, Abbey. Okay, I’ve taken up enough of your reboot weekend time. From what Luke’s said, he has another mission he’s been working on. The two boys then a girl mission. I’ll leave you to it, then. See you tomorrow!” Brenna disconnected the call.

A laugh burst out of Abbey. She couldn’t help it. Luke was a nut. What was wrong with him? “You told Brenna about your baby-making plans?”

Luke tossed his phone and the Fairchild Hotel spa bag to the side and grabbed Abbey, placing her on his lap facing him. He pulled her sundress up to her waist and wrapped her legs around his waist.

Abbey giggled as Luke kissed her lips, cheeks, nose, and forehead. “No, I told her about our baby-making plans. My baby makers have already spoken to yours, so we’re all in sync.”

Abbey pushed Luke down on the plush, carpeted floor so she was straddling him. She bent down and kissed him, her long hair creating a halo around his head. She groaned when Luke grabbed her ass cheeks and squeezed. Her skin felt hot and tight, her nipples pebbled to hard points, and her panties grew damp.  She needed Luke. Now. We have our first son to make.

She pulled Luke’s shirt out of his jeans and went to work unbuckling his belt. He stopped her and tried to pull her dress off.

“Princess, I’ll work on my pants, you get that dress off,” Luke said as he toed his shoes off and yanked off his jeans.

Abbey loosened the tie on the back of her dress and pulled it over her head, tossing it aside. She struggled at first but was able to unhook her bra and flung it aside too. Luke took a hold of her panties and tore them off.

“Luke! You can’t keep ruining my underwear.” Secretly though, she was thrilled by his alpha male behavior. What women wouldn’t want her man so desperate for her that he tore her clothes off? But still. Abbey was fortunate she had extra panties in her carry-on bag.

Luke slid a finger through her wet folds. Abbey shivered and rubbed herself against him. “I’ll get you new underwear, baby. Better yet, fuck that. You don’t ever need to wear underwear again as far as I’m concerned.”

She wasn’t so sure about not wearing underwear from now on. That was a discussion for another time. “Enough about panties, Luke. We have a little Viking to make, right?” She was fully on board with Luke’s baby-making plan.

His gorgeous blue eyes widened and darkened. “Hell yeah, we do. Two little Vikings then a Sheildmaiden, princess. Come here, sit on top of my dick. Let’s fuck a little Viking into you.”

Abbey shook with need and she positioned herself on top of him. She rubbed her slick pussy along his hard cock, eliciting moans from then both. He was hot, hard, and ready for her.

She lined up Luke’s hard cock with her entrance and slowly impaled herself, her wet channel making the journey down his length fairly easily. So hot, so hard. Her inner muscles gripped him like a vise and he squeezed his eyes shut. Pride swelled at his reaction to her.

Luke gripped Abbey’s hips so hard she wondered if she’d end up with bruises. She didn’t mind. She craved his marks on her. She wanted to make some of her own on him.

His beautiful blue eyes opened, nearly black from being dilated. Her big, strong Viking wasn’t unaffected. “God, Abbey. You feel so good. Come on. Fuck me, baby.”

He lifted her hips and then slammed them back down, bottoming out. He filled her to the hilt and her blood was on fire with need. Abbey bounced on his hard dick in a frantic rhythm, desperate for release. This is how it had always been with Luke. She couldn’t get enough of him. She probably never would.

They were together, how they should be. How they were meant to be. Abbey was his, and Luke was hers. She’d always known it and couldn’t deny it or fight it any longer. She didn’t want to.

Abbey’s breasts bounced as she continued to ride Luke hard. She felt her orgasm building. It wouldn’t take her long to go over. He tweaked her pebbled peaks with his fingers and it sent shock waves from her head to her toes. Never in her life had anything felt so good.

“Oh, Luke. I’m close.” She groaned. She picked up the pace, bouncing up and down on top of him, each downward stroke almost painfully bumping her cervix. Luke rubbed her engorged clit, teasing the hard little bud until Abbey detonated and saw fireworks behind her closed eyelids.

Abbey heard him grunt and stiffen underneath her. She felt his hot seed shoot deep inside her as her channel convulsed around him. Pulse after pulse of Luke’s cum filled her as she collapsed on top of him, their warm bodies damp with sweat. All she heard in her suite was the sound of their erratic breathing. She smiled at the prospect that this time, they might have created their first little Viking.

Luke held her tightly as their breathing slowed. He shifted her, pulling out of her. She lay beside him with her head on his chest. He held her close, lightly caressing her, the thick carpeting providing a bit of cushioning.

“Shit, princess. You nearly killed me that time.” Luke kissed the top of her head and breathed deeply. “I love you so much, Abbey. Sometimes I feel like my heart will explode with it. I don’t ever want you to doubt me. Promise me, baby.”

Abbey smelled their combined scents of sex as they lay there, content after uniting physically and emotionally. This was where she always wanted to be. Beside Luke. She knew that would never change.

Abbey looked up at him. Reflected back at her in Luke’s soulful blue eyes was so much love and tenderness that tears sprang to her eyes. “I’ve always loved you, Luke. No matter how hurt or angry I was, my heart always belonged to you. I promise I won’t doubt you.” She kissed his warm soft lips and placed her head back on his chest. The sound of his strong, steady heartbeat in her ear soothed her.

“So I was thinking, since you’re now unemployed, and we’re back together for good, what do you think about moving in with me?” Luke asked.

Abbey wasn’t opposed to moving in with Luke. Especially since they were trying to start a family. But he lived on Chicago’s Gold Coast. Abbey had always lived in Elmhurst. She liked the suburbs and wasn’t planning on being unemployed for long.

“I’ve seen pictures of your bachelor pad in Chicago, Luke. It’s not a family-oriented space.” She snuggled up against him, now feeling a chill.

He rubbed her arm. “That’s true. Keeping it will be convenient since it’s close to Stryker Field and the Cobras’ corporate offices. Let’s look for a nice gated community around here? My place in Nevada is gated and family friendly. We can do whatever you want. Haven’t you heard? Your man is loaded.”

Abbey didn’t care about that. She’d loved Luke before he was rich and famous. He knew she wasn’t some gold digger. She was educated and independent. That would never change.

“Yup. My man is a pretty, rich boy. I do like the idea of finding a secure place here in the suburbs though. A gated community is unfortunately a must, I think. Good thing you’re loaded, right?” Abbey giggled when Luke tickled her. “I know his wife is a bit much to take, but if we’re going to look locally, Mr. Gleason is one of the best around for luxury properties. He’s well respected in the area and works hard for his clients.”

Luke groaned. “That wife of his, shit. But hey, if he’s got a good reputation, I’d be happy to give him a shot to find us something. Or maybe facilitate the construction of a new place.”

Abbey shivered. What a nightmare building would be. She’d heard too many horror stories about new home construction even though it had become prevalent in Elmhurst over the last several years. “You sure you want to go through the stress of building and starting a family and transitioning to the next phase of your career at all the same time?” Abbey hated the idea.

“Hell no. Not when you put it like that. You’re right. For now, let’s buy something. We can build something later if we want. So smart, my princess. One of the many reasons I love you so much.”

Luke sat up and stretched. Abbey would never tire of looking at his sculpted body. My Viking. The bruises on his shoulder looked a little better, like they were healing. Abbey joined him and sat up, feeling soreness between her legs. She didn’t mind. She wasn’t about to give up having sex with Luke because he was big. She’d just have to get used to it. It’s a cross I’ll happily bear.

Luke brushed some of her hair behind her shoulder and gently kissed it. She warmed up all over again. “Luke, I know I’m not employed at the moment, but I plan on looking for something else soon. I know you’re going to say I don’t need to work, being loaded and all, but that’s not me.”

Abbey prayed this didn’t cause friction between them. She wanted Luke, a family, and more.

He shrugged and kissed her shoulder again. “I know. I want to take care of you, though. However it makes you the happiest. You could make good use of your MBA with me. There are all kinds of opportunities within the Cobras’ organization and the foundation. Lots of possibilities. It’ll depend on what you want and to what degree you want to be involved. Full- time, part-time, special project work. I want you to understand you have a lot options now that you’re not tied to Office Supply Galaxy anymore.”

Abbey’s heart warmed. She liked the idea of working alongside Luke. She’d be in good company with so many of their family members already for working for the Cobras. She was flattered by Luke’s proposal. “You really wouldn’t mind us working together?”

Luke shook his head and kissed her lips. So warm and delicious. “Of course not. We’re a team. The organization would be lucky to have you. I’m lucky to have you.”

The pounding on Abbey’s suite door startled them both. “Luke! Abbey! Family meeting in the fucking honeymoon suite. Now!” Jake sounded angry. Really angry. Abbey couldn’t blame him, though. The fiasco after brunch must have been the straw that broke the camel’s back.

“Shouldn’t you and Cassie be getting a couple’s massage right now?” Luke shouted back.

“Fuck that massage and fuck you. I’ve had it with all this shit this fucking weekend! You and Abbey clean up and get dressed right now and meet everyone in my fucking room.”

Luke laughed. Abbey giggled. “Are we in trouble?” Luke teased Jake.

“Hilarious, asshole. I mean it, Luke. You have ten minutes or I’ll drag you to my fucking suite myself, dressed or not. I mean it!” Jake stomped away, but they could hear him cursing as he walked down the hallway.

Luke blew out a breath and frowned. “He’s pretty pissed. I don’t blame him. Come on, princess.” Luke stood and helped Abbey up off the floor. They both groaned and stretched some of their stiffness away. “When Jake’s finished bitching me out, we’ll come back and use the bed.”

She couldn’t agree more. The bed sounded much more inviting than the floor. “Sounds good to me.”

She collected her clothes, minus the torn panties, and her carry-on bag and then dashed into the en suite bathroom. She tossed her things on the white backless couch and cleaned up as quickly as she could. Ten minutes wasn’t much time. She wished there was time for a quick shower. Her parents would be in Jake and Cassie’s room. She wasn’t thrilled to smell like sex in front of them and everyone else.

Luke swaggered in with his clothes like he didn’t have a care in the world and tossed them on the couch beside hers. Men. He placed the spa bag on the floor beside the couch. What’s up with that spa bag?

When Abbey felt decently refreshed, she washed her face and brushed her teeth. Luke frowned at her in the vanity mirror. “What’s wrong, Luke? Is it your shoulder? Are you in pain?” She panicked. All of his baby making efforts could be hurting him. They needed to slow things down. There was plenty of time to get pregnant. Luke’s priority should he his shoulder.

He finished washing up and began getting dressed. Abbey followed. “My shoulder’s fine. That emu oil cream Hannah gave me is helping. I hated seeing you wipe and wash away all my cum from between your legs.” Luke shrugged and put his shoes on.

Abbey tied the waist tie on her sundress and sat on the couch to put her sandals back on.

Luke was obviously anxious to start their family. She couldn’t fault him for that. So was she.

“I’m sorry, but I had to clean up. My parents are in Jake and Cassie’s room. And cleaning up won’t affect anything anyway. Your baby makers have done their job.”

Luke kneeled down in front of Abbey and held both her hands. He leaned in and lightly brushed his lips against hers. He smiled up at her. “I know, I’m just being stupid. I’m excited to start our family. That’s all.”

Abbey smiled and squeezed his hands. “I am too.”

He let go of her hands and presented the spa bag to her. Oh, it’s for me. “I got you all the spa products we used here and some others. I like the lavender scent on you. Take a look.” He pressed her to look inside the bag.

Abbey appreciated the gesture, since she liked the products too, but they didn’t have time for this. She didn’t want Jake any more upset than he already was. Luke’s insistent gaze had her taking the items out one by one. “Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body scrub, facial wash, and scrub. Thank you, Luke. I love all of this, but we need to get going.”

He shook his head, holding the bag in front of her still. “There’s one more thing in the bag, baby.”

Abbey didn’t think so. She was pretty sure she’d taken everything out. She felt around what seemed like an empty bag to the very bottom. She gasped in surprise. A little velvet box? No, it couldn’t be, but that didn’t stop the tears from streaming down her cheeks.

Luke chuckled and took the little blue velvet box out of the bag and held it in his hands. “No reason to cry, princess,” he whispered.

Luke flipped the box top open and inside was the most beautiful if not most enormous princess-cut diamond engagement ring Abbey had ever seen. The center stone had to be ten carats with ten small diamonds set down along each side of the band. Even the center stone prongs had diamonds set inside them. She assumed, knowing Luke, it was a platinum setting. It must have been the bathroom lighting, but she’d never seen anything sparkle so brightly. He wants to marry me.

“In case you were wondering and so you can brag to everyone we know, a seven-carat princess-cut center stone, two carats’ worth of round side stones and almost another carat’s worth of round stones around the center stone prongs, platinum, and all the stones are colorless and flawless. Flawless, just like you.” Luke removed the ring out of the box and took her left hand in his, his warmth enveloping her.

Abbey shook. Her heart pounded in her chest. Oh my God. This was it. Luke was proposing.

“This reboot weekend hasn’t gone exactly as I had hoped, but one thing hasn’t changed. I love you, Abbey. More than anything in this world. I always have and I know in my heart and soul I always will. You’d make me the happiest man in universe if you’d agree to be my wife.” He looked at her. Hope and expectation gleamed in those sparking blue eyes of his.

“You want to marry me?” Abbey didn’t know why she asked him that. She wanted to marry him. Had dreamed of this day since they day they met so many years ago. She was nervous, maybe a little afraid too.

Luke kissed the palm of her left hand and slid the ring onto her ring finger. Perfect fit. Of course. “Shacking up with you and having babies isn’t an option for me, princess. You’re mine. I want a ring on your finger and the paperwork to prove it. Will you marry me, baby?”

“Your ten minutes are up, asshole!” Jake pounded on the door.

“Fuck off! I’m busy! Baby? Will you?” Luke chuckled, waiting for her reply.

Abbey giggled as Jake continued pounding on her suite door. Poor guy. He’d have to wait a minute. She wrapped her arms around Luke and squeezed tight. “Yes, I’ll marry you. I love you so much. Of course I will.” Abbey felt Luke sigh in relief. Did he think she’d say no?

“Luke, I mean it! Open this door right now. I’m serious!”

Luke stood and helped Abbey off the couch. He took her by the hand and led her to the suite door. “Hold your fucking horses a minute! Here we come.”