Page 39 of Searching for Love

Once they returned to the front of the restaurant, she and Lucas stood back and watched her parents leave hand in hand.

“I like them,” Lucas said softly when they were alone again.

“They liked you.” She turned to him.

“I was so nervous,” he admitted with a puff of breath.

“They were too.” She laughed. “My dad’s hands were probably sweaty.”

“I couldn’t tell, because mine were sweaty too.” He laughed.

“So, as the manager of this place, I think it’s only fair that I get to know the name before opening day.” She leaned closer to him.

Lucas laughed and shook his head and turned to walk back towards the back of the place. “Nope. I like keeping some things secret.”

She grabbed his arm and spun him around near the bar. “I’ll bet I can get it from you,” she teased, pinning him up against the bar.

“Oh? I don’t know about that.” Lucas’s hands moved to her hips.

She moved closer and pressed her body up against his, pleased to see the heat of desire flash behind his dark eyes.

“Avery.” His voice was a low rumble.

“Lucas,” she whispered, her eyes moving to his lips. “Tell me,” she said, inches from his lips as she watched his eyes close on a soft moan.

“You’re killing me.” His hands moved slowly over her hips.

She’d wanted to kiss him again. Every time she thought of it, she talked herself out of making the next move. After all, she was the one who had decided they should try and be professional. However, today, after her talk with Rico, the way the man talked about Yolanda, something had changed.

The longer she was around Lucas, the more she wanted him. Did he feel the same? She had to know. Needed to know.

“I’ve changed my mind,” she said softly.

“About?” His hands fisted, balling material from her shirt inside them.

She smiled. “I don’t think we can be just professional.”

“No?” His eyes locked onto her lips.

“No.” She shook her head. “Lucas?”

“Hm?” His eyes jerked up to hers.

“Take me upstairs,” she whispered before pressing her lips over his.

Feeling the power behind his kiss assured her that he felt as much about her as she did about him. Seconds ticked by before he spun her around and lifted her into his arms.