“Oh, he seems serious to me.” Valerie popped a couple of cheese cubes in her mouth.

“I’m just slowing it down a little, before I get too far gone.” Isabel shrugged and gave Valerie a weak smile.

Valerie didn’t push it. She knew Isabel was being her usual self, over-thinking everything. Instead, she changed the subject. “Luke’s making me dinner tomorrow.”

Isabel glanced up from her cutting. “Really? So, things are getting serious? I’m glad, Valerie.”

Valerie filled her in about the nightmare at the restaurant. She’d been so close to giving in to him again. She knew Isabel was rooting for things to take off with her and Luke.

“It’s just dinner, Isabel. What’s so serious about that?”

“A man doesn’t cook dinner for just anyone.” Isabel said and continued her cutting. “Heck, most men don’t cook period. Plus it’s what happens after dinner that makes it so serious.”

Isabel put the plate of cucumbers she just finished cutting in front of Valerie. Valerie grabbed one and shook her head. “Nothing’s happening.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Yes, I do,” Valerie insisted.

“Why? It’s been a few weeks now. And you know him well enough to know it’s not going to be a one-nighter. I thought you liked this guy?”

“I do but… ” Valerie jumped off the bar stool and put the water back in the fridge. She’d had a long day and deserved a glass of wine. Plus Isabel made her nervous. Maybe Luke did expect something to happen tomorrow.

Isabel stopped cutting and turned around to watch Valerie pour herself a glass of wine. “But Alex, right?”

Valerie didn’t look at her. “No.”

“Pour me a glass too. And you’re lying.”

“I’m not lying.” Valerie pulled out another glass from the cabinet.

“You always avoid eye contact when you lie, Val. You’re doing it now.”

Valerie turned to look at her and handed her the glass with a smirk. “I hate you.”

Isabel took the glass but frowned. “Valerie, you were doing so well. You can’t let a couple of run-ins with him pull you all the way back. These are all tests. You have to get through them.”

Valerie sipped her wine and frowned. “I had no idea being near him would be so hard. I really thought I was over him, but… ”

Isabel shook her head. “Honey, I won’t speak badly of Alex. I know how much he means to you, but he’s done you wrong so many times. I really think you should give Luke a shot. You finally kissed another man. Maybe finally sleeping with someone else will help you move on. What’s the worse that can happen?”

“I’ve slept with other guys since I met Alex.”

“Doesn’t count. That was back in your early party college days. And you were still in denial about actually being in love with Alex.”

Valerie sat back down and thought about it. It was true. It’d been so long since she even considered sleeping with someone else. What was the worst thing that could happen? She really had to move on. She couldn’t go on putting it off forever. Because she knew that’s how long it would be before she got over Alex.

“You really think it would help?” She sipped her wine again.

“I really do. I hate to say this, Val, but I’m sure Alex has been moving on, again and again, since you two have been apart.”

That hurt, but Valerie knew it was true. “What if Luke isn’t even thinking like that?”

Isabel sipped her wine and gave her a look. “Are you kidding?”

Valerie giggled. “You think I should wear anything special?”

Isabel smiled big, thrilled that Valerie was actually considering it. “I’m sure you have plenty to choose from. You can’t go wrong with black satin, though.”

Valerie felt her insides churning.

“To moving on.” Isabel held out her wine glass.

Valerie clinked it with her glass. “To moving on.”

She was really moving on. Somehow, she thought she’d feel more excited or at the very least relieved. Something heavy settled in her stomach as she took a sip of her wine. But it wasn’t relief and most certainly not excitement.

CHAPTER 9

The next day Valerie didn’t make it to the office until after noon, because she had clients she had to meet in the morning. When she arrived, Luke motioned for her to come into his office. The moment he closed the door behind her, he greeted her with one of the most sensual kisses he’d given her to date. It took her by surprise, and left her a bit breathless. But as usual she didn’t feel much else.

“What’s that about?” She turned to make sure the blinds on his office windows were closed all the way. They were, but if someone really wanted to they could easily see through the small opening between the blinds.

“I just missed you.” He smiled and kissed her neck. “I hardly saw you yesterday.”

Valerie pulled away a little. “Luke, I don’t think this a good idea. Not here.”

He gave her another peck and then backed off. “All right, I’m sorry. I’ll have to control myself.”

He walked back around to his desk and picked up a file. “I have a few things here for you.”

“What?”

He pointed at some files on his desk. “A couple of cash buyers, looking to buy something fast.”