Page 100 of Lucas & Melissa Falling in Love
“Lucas.”
“You sound breathless and sexy. Don’t torture me like this when I’m in the middle of meetings with humorless attorneys and accountants.”
I laughed and pictured him in a conference room full of black suits.
“Do you have a few minutes?” I ask.
I hear him take in a long wistful breath.
“Only a few,” he says.
“Don’t worry, I wasn’t going to suggest phone sex.”
“Damn.”
I laugh again. “I have good news to tell you—remember?”
“Barely. But now that you mention it, that’s why I insisted on taking a break as soon as I could. Tell me.”
“Today the VP of East Coast Commercial Lending called me into his office and told me I’m brilliant and a star and . . .” I have to pause for drama.
“And he asked you the secrets to your success? He bowed to you and kissed your feet?” Now Lucas was teasing me right back. But I laugh anyway.
“He gave me a big fat bonus.”
“That’s the best news I’ve heard all week, maybe all month. I wish I was there to give you a hug of congratulations, to show you how proud I am of you. I don’t know anyone who deserves it more than you.”
“Lucas, my God, you’re making me wish youdidhave time for that—”
“Gotta go, Melissa. I’m so sorry. I was summoned to return to the boardroom. They want to wrap this up soon.”
“Will you have time—”
“Not tonight. Skype meetings until late. Tomorrow I’m yours.”
We disconnect and I’m disappointed and down. But I shouldn’t be. I just scored big at work, achieving my first milestone ahead of schedule with a solid foundation for milestone number two. Lifting myself from the bed, I decide to find someone to celebrate with me tonight.
* * *
At about tenthat night I head to the Caledonia on Second Ave with Angela and Betsy, two of my best friends next to Margo, and fellow bridesmaids at Melissa’s wedding. We’re about to walk in the door when my phone buzzes and I see that it’s Lucas. Thumbing it on, I’m glad he caught me before I got inside or I never would have heard his call.
“Lucas,” I say. The others turn and look at me, holding the door open. I nod for them to go ahead and they do. We have a rule to stick together, so I know they’ll stay near the front door where they can see me and I wave at them through the plate glass window of the bar.
“Mia bella, can you talk?” He undoubtedly hears the street noise and knows I’m out. Guilt flares up out of nowhere, but I tamp the ridiculous notion down.
“Of course. What’s up?” I sense there’s purpose behind the call, more than a randomhello because I miss you.
“Barbara Bench called me. She has a possible lead and wants to meet tomorrow.”
The practical side of me with a penchant for details chafes at the fact that Barbara called Lucas and not me. The other wild side of me that’s emerging more and more, lights up with nerves and excitement.
* * *
In the morning,a Saturday morning, I regret agreeing to the early meeting with Barbara. How can I possibly be hung over? I only had one drink, but my stomach tells another story. The mocking clock on my night stand blares brightly the bad news that it’s already eight a.m. and Lucas will be here in thirty minutes. He won’t want to park the car and come up to wait for me, so I peel back my covers and force myself to the shower.
Nerves and nausea follow me through the half-hour prep and out to the street as I hurry through the cold snowy air to Lucas’s waiting car. He gets out to open my door but I wave him back inside as I reach the car and open it myself.
He leans in and kisses me, but I’m not myself, so it’s a quick one.
