The Last Husband (Forever Love #2)(13)
Author: J.S. Cooper

“Even at nice dinners,” she continued. “Even at my birthday parties at McDonald’s.”

“You can get beer at McDonald’s now?” I looked at her in surprise.

“No.” She laughed. “No, you can’t.”

“I used to love McDonald’s as a kid.” I smiled at the memory. “But we only got to go on special occasions.”

“Me too!” Lucky exclaimed. “My parents said I could only go as a treat for doing a good job in school or birthdays.”

“Noah and I were only allowed to go for a treat as well.” I stared at Lucky in amazement. It seemed like the universe was trying to tell me that this beautiful woman was made for me.

“I hate to break up the McDonald’s love-fest, guys. And I’m not going to tell you that their burgers are made with horsemeat, and that they have worms in their milkshakes.” Leo laughed.

“What?” Lucky exclaimed and stared at him.

“I said I’m not going to tell you that.” He grinned. “But can we please eat? I’m starving.”

“It’s coming, Leonardo.” I rolled my eyes at him.

“It’s all right for you, Beaumont. You’re full of love in your stomach, but my stomach is crying out for a juicy steak.” Leo realized his mistake as soon as the words were out of his mouth and I froze, worried that Lucky was going to start crying or start reacting in some other overly-emotional way.

It was silent for a few seconds before Lucky burst out laughing. “You should see your faces, guys. Like someone’s about to die. I am not that sensitive.” Lucky walked over to me and punched me in the arm. “I’m not a little kid.” She looked up at me with laughter in her eyes and I felt myself floating in the endless pools of her love. “Let’s eat the salad while we wait for the pizza.”

“What pizza?” I frowned and looked at the oven.

“The one you’re about to order.” She grinned and kissed me on the cheek before sauntering into the dining room with the plates and salad bowl.

***

“That was some great pizza, Lucky.” Leo licked his lips and I watched as Lucky blushed and giggled. I kept a smile on my face, but I was annoyed. Lucky and Leo had been joking around all evening and I didn’t appreciate it.

“Well, I tried hard.”

“That pepperoni, ooh la la.”

“I made it by hand.”

“Talented, I tell ya.”

“Well, you know, I’m the next Julia Child.” Lucky laughed and threw her head back. “Next thing you know I’ll be on Chopped or Top Chef.”

“You can come cook for me anytime.”

“Unfortunately, Lucky has a job, so she won’t be able to cook for you anytime soon.” I interrupted, snarky. Lucky looked at me in surprise with a frown on her face and Leo just smiled at me with his boy-is-he-gone look.

“Are you single, Leo?” Lucky turned away from me and smiled at Leo once again, and I knew my face reflected my anger and jealousy. Was Lucky interested in Leo? Was that why she was confused? Was she developing feelings for Leo? I knew it was an irrational thought and that they had just met, but maybe she had felt an instant spark? They certainly seemed to be getting along well together—too well. I was not happy about their camaraderie and was seriously considering not hiring Leo as her bodyguard anymore. I wanted someone to be there to protect her, but not someone she may fall for. I trusted Leo with my life, he had always been a good friend, but why would I put temptation in his way? Lucky was a beautiful, vibrant woman and I knew there was no way that Leo was immune to that. I watched her as she spoke, her face was animated and glowing, and even her crazy curls weren’t enough to detract anyone from her charm. There was a bustle of energy and an innate joy that surrounded Lucky. It was what had attracted me to her back when I first started going into Lou’s Diner. Her energy was captivating, and you couldn’t help but be swept away by her charm.

I remembered one Friday night when I had taken a particularly bitchy girl to dinner, and she had complained about there only being two tomato slices in her salad. Lucky had smiled widely and asked her how many more tomatoes she wanted, listing the different types available. “We have Heirloom, Roma, Cherry, and Pear. Which ones would you like more of?” And then she had turned to me and winked—a sexy, innocent, knowing wink and I couldn’t stop myself from grinning back at her. Something my date had not appreciated. I laughed at the memory.

“I didn’t know you found my dating life so amusing.” Leo’s voice interrupted my flashback and I saw the concern in his eyes.

“Hey, you know. An ugly guy like you has it hard.”

“Well, you know.” He shrugged his shoulders and we laughed. Leonardo had always been the guy who had women hanging on to him wherever we went. It didn’t hurt that he was handsome and well-built. It seemed that women had a thing for strong men. Even when he was a doorman at a club, he had more women outside in the streets flirting with him than in the bar.

“Do you have any friends you could hook me up with, Lucky?” He smiled at her easily and I felt my breath release slowly, and some of my pent up tension disappeared.

“My best friend, Leeza, would love you.” She smiled and then looked at me with a clouded look.

I tried to make eye contact with her and she looked down. Something was still wrong. I could sense it. Was Leeza the one she had been on the phone with? What was going on? A dull ache filled my heart as I wondered if Lucky and I would ever fully be on the same page. I didn’t want to go through these feelings of panic and worry anymore. I didn’t want my head to pound constantly in confusion and concern, and I didn’t want to drive myself crazy every time something felt off. I wanted Lucky to come to me when she was worried or upset. I took another deep breath as I knew I was getting upset.

“So any dessert, Lucky?” Leo licked his lips and leaned towards her. “After that delicious meal, I’m feeling like some brownies.”

“Are you sure you want to ruin your perfect body?” She cocked her head and surveyed him. “How will you get all the girls if you stuff your face with brownies?”

“That’s why he spends so many hours in the gym,” I interjected with a smile. “If I spent five hours a day, I’d be buff as well.”

“Now you’re only half as buff.” Leo grinned at me, not sensing the tension between Lucky and me. Or if he was sensing it, he was being very careful not to make it worse.