Chasing Lustre, page 7
He leans in toward me, and I hug his arm before dropping my head to his shoulder. The move is familiar, safe, and just like that, his muscles relax, and he brings a hand up to cup my face.
“You look perfect to me.” He drops a kiss on my lips, and I wish we were alone so I could deepen it without messing up all the pictures. The music starts up, and it’s time. I pass Hot Dog’s leash to Murphy, settle my bouquet correctly, and watch as the other couples walk through the curtains. Butterflies flutter in my stomach, swirling around and bringing worries about embarrassing myself in front of the crowd.
“Don’t let me fall,” I whisper. We’re next, and the adrenaline courses through me.
“I’d never let that happen. Lean on me,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
The curtain parts…showtime.
Chapter Fifteen
Murphy
The sun sets over the lake behind the happy bride and groom as they say their wedding vows, and it’s a sight to behold. All the colors reflect off the smooth, shimmering water to create a stunning backdrop while a happily wagging dog brings the rings to the joyful couple.
It’s perfect. It’s picturesque. And I only have eyes for the woman standing directly across from me.
Thin tendrils of her blond hair have escaped the big, fancy hair thing she has going on. All the blue tips are completely hidden, but just that bit of wildness makes me happier—makes her look more like mine.
The ceremony drones on, and she smiles at me, our eyes locking together. It helps quiet the white noise in my head, the anxiety that stems from being around so many people. The annoyance at the itchy rented suit. Maybe when it’s our turn, I can convince her to run away with me. Get married, just the two of us.
What the fuck?
As soon as the thought flits through my mind, I want to push it back, but some things can’t be forgotten. I’ve only known her for a few days, yet somehow, she’s changed my world.
The vixen broke into my house, and now my heart will never be the fucking same. Going back to Sweetheart Falls without her seems painful, impossible—there has to be a way to get her to come with me.
The ceremony ends, and we link hands to walk back down the aisle. I barely notice the surrounding crowd, completely focused on getting Blyth somewhere alone. We have so much to talk about. I can’t just let her walk away from us without asking.
Following the wedding, the reception is all set up on the other side of Lustre Lake, and as we’re walking that way, Blyth gently tugs my arm.
“I want to show you my special place.”
“I like the sound of that.” She slaps my shoulder at the innuendo but laughs, and I follow her to the edge of the woods.
“Come on, sailor, keep up.” Her high-heeled shoes are yanked off her feet, and she swiftly darts down a narrow path. It’s getting darker by the second, twinkling stars are coming out, but since it’s the night of a new moon, there won’t be much light to see by so I hurry to keep up with her.
Chaotic troublemaker.
Before too long, the terrain becomes rocky, and she walks right out onto a large boulder. My heart thunders, worried she’ll fall right over the edge, but when I walk up, there’s much more space than I initially thought, but I tug her back against me, anyway. She just belongs in my arms. The boulder overlooks a waterfall, and little droplets splash up, creating a fine mist that envelopes us.
“This has always been my favorite place. It has just the right amount of noise, and sometimes, if you look just right, the waterfall creates rainbows everywhere. Whenever life gets too big, or my feelings become overwhelming, this place is the only thing that helps,” she shares, staring down at the reception. Twinkle lights hang all over the space, and I can barely make out servers walking around with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
“Thank you for sharing it. You’re quickly becoming that place for me,” I disclose, needing her to know how far she’s gotten under my skin.
Her head snaps toward me, and she whirls around so quickly that she nearly stumbles. Grabbing her arm, I pull her toward me, back further from the ledge.
“Jeez, Trouble, no need to give me a heart attack,” I mumble, still holding her tight against me.
“I wasn’t trying to. You just surprised me. I sort of thought tonight would mean goodbye.” The vulnerability in her voice makes it clear just how close she is to breaking, and I can’t have that. And this can’t be the end.
It’s fully dark now, no moon in sight, and even without the light, I can see into her soul. Suddenly, I feel a tug in my chest, like there’s an invisible chord wrapped around my heart that connects me to Blyth. Electricity and something more fill the air between us.
If I didn’t know better, I would say that it was magic. She gasps, hand flying to her breast as though she feels it too.
And the words pour out of me. “I know it’s a lot to ask…but would you move in with me? See where this goes? Come to Sweetheart Falls and give us a chance? If you don’t want to come with me, I’ll move here. We’ll find a way.” A rogue wind makes her hair fly forward, and I smooth it, waiting for her answer.
She swallows hard, searching my face. It takes everything in me not to fall to my knees and beg, but her answer can’t be manipulated. I need her to want this as much as I do.
“Well, I guess since my job is mobile, it would be easier for me to come to you,” she agrees, smiling up at me.
“You’ve never actually told me about your job. Just the ones you didn’t keep.” I wrack my brain but realize she’s never brought it up, and I furrow my brow.
“I sell pictures of my feet to strangers.” Blyth glares up at me as though daring me to have a problem with it. So many things click into place. Little jokes she made. The letters on her nail polish. Trouble. But the truth is, I don’t care. I love this woman and every single thing about her.
“Well then, I better step up my nail art game if that’s something you want to continue doing.”
Laughter fills the area, and I swoop down, claiming her mouth for a deep, passionate kiss that leaves us both breathless.
“I really like you, Murphy. Don’t break my heart.”
“The next wedding will be ours,” I vow.
“Oh shoot! The wedding!” she exclaims, whirling around. “I need to get back down there. I still have a speech to give!”
And with that, we head back to the party. And although I hate large crowds, itchy clothes, and leaving Sweetheart Falls, it was all worth it. Because now I’ll get to return home with my heart at my side.
We have a long way to go, but I have no doubt it will end with…
Happily Ever, Forever.
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Lustre Lost
Lustre Lost Excerpt
Tilly
Do not say bunion again. Do not say bunion again.
The pasta primavera on my plate smells incredible. Beautiful strands of linguini and perfectly cooked broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes sit uneaten before me. The scent of garlic wafts up my nose as I twirl my fork in my carefully prepared dinner. The first few bites were heavenly, better than sex, but then Gerald, my date, started talking. Now my appetite has fled, and as I look longingly toward the front door, I wish I could leave as easily.
Why do I let myself get pulled into these situations?
“Well, what do you think Tilly?” Gerald’s nasal voice asks.
“I think you should do what you feel is best. I don’t know much about foot ailments,” I declare, plastering a smile on my face.
“Yes, of course I will; but if it was your foot, would you have the surgery or just wait?” he persists; clearly not understanding that this is a pretty gross topic for a first date.
“Ummm, I’m not really sure. What did you say you do again? Tell me about your passions.” I quip, trying to steer our conversation to less smelly topics. Eww.
“Oh, I work in finance and I don’t have time for anything else. It’s just me and my bunion. Or maybe not—if I get the surgery. Should I go for a second opinion?” He continues on, not waiting for an answer as he lists the pros and cons.
Where the hell does my mother keep finding these men? And why do I keep letting her set me up? If I ask her to stop, or refuse, she won’t push—but I never do, always hoping that this next time will be the right guy. The man who'll make my heart race, and fill me with butterflies and passion.
It’s certainly not going to be Gerald and his troublesome feet. He has the personality of dry toast, or worse—cold, buttered toast. Yuck.
My brain wanders to my bakery menu. My grandparents recently retired and gifted me the New Moon Bakery, and now I get to experiment. A flare of excitement races down my spine—cinnamon roll muffins! Humm, but how to create that perfect gooey center… it would still need the ideal icing flavor…
“Tilly, are you done?” Gerald asks, his brows furrowed. My brain returns to reality and I notice our server standing by the table, waiting to take my dinner away.
“Oh, yes, it was delicious. Can I have it boxed?” The waitress smiles with sympathy in her eyes as they flick toward my date. She grabs my plate and checks to see if we want dessert.
“That sounds interesting. Should we look at a menu?” Gerald asks.
“I couldn’t possibly. My stomach is way too full.” I reply with a sheepish shrug.
“No problem, just the check,” he grins. Looking me over, “Tilly wants to keep her perfect shape I bet.”
His gaze locks on my chest, and a shudder of revulsion works its way through me. Nope. Never going to happen, foot man.
“What do you think of cinnamon roll muffins?” I blurt, needing to say something as we wait.
“That sounds gross, honestly. Too sweet for breakfast. You should start your day with healthy nourishment, like oatmeal or toast.”
Sighing, I nod, pretending to agree as the server bustles over. After paying, I grab my coat and we head out the door into the night.
“Here, let me help you,” Gerald says, gallantly taking the black material from my fingers and holding it out to me. My arms slide into the warm sleeves, and I wrap it around my body to fend off the chill.
“Well, goodnight, thank you for the delicious dinner,” I say politely, as I turn toward him. Gerald steps closer, pulling me in for a hug. Cologne overpowers my senses and, without warning, his mouth comes down against mine. His cold, wet lips have me choking back a gag and bile rises in my throat as his arms tighten like tentacles around me. I stiffen, and for once he gets the message, immediately letting go and retreating.
“How about I come home with you for a nightcap?” he asks.
“I’m so sorry. It’s just a bit too soon,” I say.
“I can respect that. Make me work for it, huh? No problem—would you like a ride?”
“I think I’ll walk. It’s only up the road and I wouldn’t mind stretching my legs.” I reply, glad he took it so well.
“Alright, let's go on a second date next week? It’s the New Moon, we could head to Lustre Lake…” he trails off.
“Maybe! I’ll check my schedule and let you know,” I say with false cheer, beginning to stride away. “Goodnight!” Never in a million years, bunion boy.
“Goodnight,” he calls, and I give a little wave before crossing the street. The second he can no longer see me, I run my hand over my mouth, trying to wipe off the saliva Gerald left on my face. Talk about your all-time terrible kisses.
The crisp night air whisks away the stench of Gerald’s cologne, and I take a deep breath, letting it out in little puffs, which create white rings that float toward the sky. My heels click, making noise as I step up onto the sidewalk, and leaves crunch under my feet. The quiet surrounds me, and I’m thankful for the peace.
“It looked like he was trying to eat your face,” a masculine voice drifts out from the shadows, startling a shout out of me. Whirling around, my eyes scan my surroundings until they find a large form propped against the florist’s closed door.
“And I can’t believe he just left you to walk home alone,” he growls, stepping under the dull, yellow light provided by the lamppost. The man is massive, his muscles clear, even under his coat, and he’s so tall that I need to tilt my head back to see his face. Stubble covers his chiseled jaw, and his dark brows furrow, as though annoyed. Nearly black, short hair adorns his head, and I am captivated.
“I wanted to walk home alone. I live just down the street,” I insist, swallowing hard as he steps closer. My pulse pounds in my throat, and my legs carry me toward him like a moth to a flame.
“I’ll take you there,” he gruffly replies, falling in beside me. “Want to make sure you get there safely.”
“I’ve never met you before. How does that make me safe?” I question, although my heart already knows the answer. His relaxed presence gives me a sense of comfort and tranquility. We slowly wander down the empty sidewalk.
“I’m Drew. I recently took over the Search and Rescue Team. You didn’t look too happy about that kiss. I only wanted to make sure he stopped touching you," he admits, running his hand through his hair.
“I was fine,” I insist. “But, I appreciate it. Welcome to Lustre Lake. I’m Tilly, by the way. How do you feel about cinnamon roll muffins?”
We’re only a few shops away from the bakery now, and I wish the walk was longer. His voice is like silk, which makes me want to listen to him all day.
“Do they have frosting?” he asks, reaching for my hand. His warm palm engulfs mine, sending heat spiraling to my core. Our fingers fit perfectly together, and my mind jumps to us walking down the aisle one day. Could this man be the one I’ve been searching for?
“Of course!” I reply, “What kind of cinnamon roll doesn’t have frosting?”
“Sounds delicious,” he rumbles. Take that Gerald.
“So, what’s the deal with everything being called ‘New Moon’ something or other?” Drew asks as we make our way down the path.
“Well, it’s all part of the lore of the town. We’re known for our Love Lake, but it only works on the night of a New Moon,” I explain.
He glances toward me, quirking his eyebrow in disbelief.
“Legend has it that the Moon Goddess herself brings her animals to drink from the Lake. So, if she sees you there with a potential soulmate, she’ll bless your bond; making you feel a pull toward the person who can make you happy for the rest of your days. There’s also a story about a witch and a love potion that went awry. But we can save that one for another day.”
A snort leaves his nose, followed by a chuckle. Ah, a non-believer… nothing a bit of time here won’t cure.
We stop in front of the doorway. His eyes are now visible, and their startling blue shade takes my breath away. He looks from the storefront back to me.
“New Moon Bakery?” he questions.
“The one and only,” I chirp with a smile. “I own it, and my apartment is right upstairs.”
Giving his hand a last squeeze, I release him and reach into my pocket, feeling around for the cold metal of my keys. I pull them out and unlock the door.
“Here, let me hold that for you,” he offers, taking the box of food from me. The key turns easily and the door swings open. What do I do now? I’m not ready for us to part, but it seems way too forward to invite him in.
He gives me the leftovers when I turn back to face him. Bending forward he rubs his cheek across mine, his coarse stubble lights up all of my nerve endings and ignites a rush of desire.
“I’ll be seeing you soon Tilly,” he whispers in my ear, his warm breath fanning my neck. Kissing my cheek, he pulls away. “Be sure to lock up.”
Dazed, I step inside and follow his directions. He watches as I turn the locks before fading into the shadows.
As I make my way upstairs, something blooms in my chest. Something that feels an awful lot like hope.
Also By
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Lustre Lake Search and Rescue Series
Lustre Lost
Lustre Blanketed
Lustre Hidden
Lustre Forever: The Complete Collection
Lustre Lake Adjacent Books
Unpretty
Chasing Lustre
Oathsworn MC
Foresworn Oath
About the Author
Ellie Lukas is completely obsessed with reading. Whenever she has a spare moment, you can find her curled up, devouring a book. Ellie also loves a fun adventure, preferably outdoors, and traveling the world. Ellie believes that animals are way better than people, and almost all of her books will have a sweet animal sidekick--but don't worry, nothing bad will ever happen to them.
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Ellie Lukas, Chasing Lustre
