Before Lucky (Forever Love #2.5)(21)
Author: J.S. Cooper

“Well, I have to get what I need.” I cleared my throat, why had I said that? It made me sound like a jackass again. “More importantly, don’t ever take Friday nights off. I’m not sure my dates would go as well if you weren’t there.” And I wouldn’t want to go to the diner if you weren’t there. I tried to forget that I wouldn’t be taking any more dates to the diner. I didn’t want to think that this could be the last time I ever got to talk to Lucky.

“I’m not sure I’m a good luck charm. I never see you with the same girl more than once.” She looked at me searchingly, and I knew she wanted to ask me why I went on so many different dates. And a part of me really wanted to tell her, but I knew that I couldn’t. I didn’t want to bring up Noah, and I didn’t want to jeopardize the case.

“What about you? You here with your boyfriend?” I changed the subject and looked straight into her eyes to see if I could see what she was thinking. I was almost positive that she was still single, but I wanted to make sure.

“No.” She didn’t elaborate on her answer, and I was frustrated that I still didn’t know what the no was in response to.

“I’m surprised he let you come out by yourself,” I continued, trying to fish the answer out of her.

“I’m here with friends.”

“So what does he do?” I persisted, and I knew I sounded like a pest.

“Who?” She frowned, and I could tell she had no idea what I was going on about.

“Your boyfriend.” I sighed as I just let it out. Do you have a boyfriend?

“Oh, well, I don’t exactly have one right now.” YES!

“Aw, you’re rocking the single life?” I felt a huge grin take over my face, and I moved in even closer to her, enjoying the feel of her body warmth close to me.

“You could say that.” She rolled her eyes, and I wasn’t sure why.

“You’re a beautiful girl, I’m sure there has to be someone you’re interested in.” Stop being nosey, Zane. Be smooth!

“Not really.” I was a little upset at her response but I guess there was no way she could have said me.

“This isn’t the sort of party to meet a good guy, though.” I whispered at her harshly, just in case she was looking to meet a guy here at the party that wasn’t me. “I mean, a lot of the guys here aren’t the sort I would recommend to a girl like you.”

“Well, I will try and remember that.”

“I’m sure you’ll meet a Mr. Wonderful soon.” I paused. “I guess that’s what you women want, right? A Mr. Wonderful to sweep you off your feet and promise you a forever?” I knew I could sweep her off of her feet, but I didn’t do forever.

“You could say that,” She nodded. “Though I’m waiting patiently. I know the right guy is out there somewhere.” She looked so sweet as she spoke, and a part of me ached at her words. There was a Mr. Right out there for her somewhere and it ate me up inside. I didn’t want to think about her being with someone else.

“So, Lucky. What else do you do aside from working at Lou’s?” I decided to go in for the kill. It was now or never. I needed her to come with me to Los Angeles with a passion.

“I’m studying history at UM. I know it sounds a bit boring, but I love it.” She made a face, and I laughed.

“History, huh?” My eyes glowed, as I pretended this was the first time I was finding out about her love of the subject. “Know anything about the Civil Rights Era?”

“It’s my specialty, actually.” She nodded eagerly. “I’m actually focusing on that period of time for my thesis.”

“I can tell you enjoy it.” I reached out and touched her cheek gently, no longer able to stop myself from having some skin to skin contact with her. “There’s something wonderful about a woman who is passionate about something.” I want you to be passionate about me as well.

“I’m a …” She looked up at me with wide eyes.

“Lucky, there you are.” Leeza ran up to us squealing as she interrupted Lucky. I was furious at the interruption, but also worried that she would say something about seeing me before. “I was so worried you weren’t going to come.”

“I’m here.” Lucky smiled and did a little twirl. I laughed at her movements—she was so free and capricious. I loved that about Lucky: she was the sort of girl that would dance with me in the rain, without worrying about getting wet.

“I want you to meet this guy.” Leeza grabbed her arm enthusiastically, while ignoring me. I sent her mental signals to back off, while keeping a pleasant look on my face.

“I’m actually talking to someone.” Lucky smiled at me apologetically, and I grinned back at her. She was enjoying the conversation as much as I was, I was pretty sure of that.

“Oh?” Leeza turned around and stared at me, her blue eyes nearly popping out as she looked me up and down. I saw the recognition in her eyes before they glazed over. “Hi, I’m Leeza, Lucky’s best friend. And you are?” She flung her blonde hair over her shoulders, and flirted with me again. I wasn’t sure if she was pretending she didn’t know who I was, for my benefit or hers.

“Zane.” I said briefly. “I’m a friend of Lucky’s.”

“You never told me about any Zane.” Leeza looked at Lucky with narrowed eyes.

“Well, we’ve just been getting to know each other recently,” Lucky started, but I interrupted her, as I didn’t want the conversation to continue.

“Now, now, Lucky.” I slid my arm around her waist. “What do you consider the last three months? The honeymoon period?” I whispered in her ear as I pressed into her, enjoying the feel of her body next to mine.

“Well, you know.” She breathed quickly, as I allowed my hand to run up and down her back.

“You two are dating?” Leeza hissed, looking at me with a pissed expression. “You have got to be joking.”

“Why?” I questioned her, wishing she would just go away. “Did Lucky not tell you about our marathon sessions in the bedroom? I think we nearly broke her bed the other evening.” I felt Lucky’s body freeze next to mine, and I held her closer to me.

“Zane.” She laughed as she looked up at me with mirth in her eyes and then hit me in the arm. “Leeza’s my roommate.”

“Well, darn it. It was worth a try.” I grinned at her and brought my face down to hers. I wanted to kiss her so badly, but instead I let my nose graze hers as I stared into her eyes. It was an even more intimate gesture than I had thought it would be, and stars exploded around me as I realized how right it felt holding her in my arms.