Chapter 24

Two seconds later - Ellie

Alarm bells sounded in my head. I shouldn't want to go to Miami with Luke, but I did. And that scared me. Wait. I needed to think about it for a sec. Did I want to go because it would help him in his therapy, and I was technically his nurse, or did I want to go because I would miss him and the kissing if he left? Or both? Or neither? Frick. I was so confused.

I mean, I was being honest when I'd said I'd miss the kissing. The man knew how to touch my neck with his mouth in ways that made me want to rip off my shirt and let him keep going down. Of course I hadn't done that yet. But the thought had crossed my mind. Like a lot.

Then he'd gone and surprised me by mentioning the trip. I'd been all for some more smooching on the loveseat, so when he began talking, it had taken me a few seconds to clue in to the fact that he was about to ask me to go away with him. And the look in his eyes when he'd done it. Gah. So cute and sincere. Almost like he was worried I'd say no. In that moment, he'd looked a little boyish and uncertain, more like the Luke I remembered from grade school. So freakin' adorable.

And he owned a condo in Miami? That was something the celebrity websites hadn't reported on. I made a mental note to try to search for the pictures on the internet later.

Wait. No. No time to think about the pictures. I needed to give Luke an answer. He was still waiting for my reply. Did I want to go to Miami with him?

"I don't know," I replied truthfully, gnawing on my bottom lip.

He swallowed and then nodded. "Look, I don't want you to feel obligated. You've already done so much for me, and I'm really grateful. And if you want to stop the kissing to make the boundaries more clear between us, I completely understand. I just really feel safe when you're with me, and I'd love it if you'd come with me."

Oh, holy endearing speech. How could I resist that request? It had all the hallmarks of a stellar invitation. Humility. Self-awareness. Gratitude. Ensuring my comfort. "I'll go," I said, expelling my breath and stretching my arms out toward my knees. "On one condition."

A huge smile spread across his face. He grabbed my hand again and brought it to his lips and kissed it. "Name it."

"We don't stop the kissing."