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“Probably not,” Luke answered, crossing his arms over his chest. “But you have a good day, okay?”
The girl angled her head. “Come back soon, you hear!” she exclaimed as she walked away, moving to join a gathering of teens who were watching them closely. She turned, tossing him a brash wink. “I know Miss Lake can’t handle a man like you. But I’ll be here if you want some real fun!”
Brenda laughed, her friends snickering with her, and Luke suddenly felt like he was the punch line at the end of a very bad joke. He frowned, his mood shifting ever so slightly. “Goodbye, Brenda,” he said, no hint of playfulness in his tone.
Joanne was standing inside the center’s reception area when Luke entered the building. His grin was full and wide, his excitement shining in his eyes when he saw her. “Good morning, Ms. Lake,” he said, tipping his head in greeting.
“Good morning, Mr. Stallion,” Joanne greeted, her own excitement spilling over in her voice.
“We’re being formal with each other again, Ms. Lake. I thought we’d gotten past all that,” Luke said teasingly as he leaned his elbows on the counter.
“You started it.”
Luke laughed. “I guess I did. Joanne.”
She tilted her head. “Luke,” she said, responding with his first name. “So, what brings you back here this morning?”
“I’m still searching for information. I was hoping to meet with your director, of course, and talk to more of your clients.”
Joanne nodded her head. “Well, Daniel’s not here yet, but we expect him shortly.”
Luke nodded, his eyes flitting back and forth across her beautiful face. “So, tell me again, what is it that you do here?”
The woman smiled. “Do you suffer from short-term memory problems, Luke? You don’t seem like a man who’d forget a detail like that so quickly.”
Luke chuckled. “I didn’t. I was just making conversation.” The coy look she gave him sent a shiver up and down his spine.
Joanne studied him momentarily, her gaze racing from the top of his head down to his feet. The man’s stare was unnerving, causing a rise of perspiration to bead across her brow and in the deep valley between her breasts. She fanned a hand before her face, turning quickly to keep him from seeing the expression that crossed it.
“You’re welcome to sit and wait, Mr. Stallion. Daniel shouldn’t be much longer.”
“Will you wait with me?” Luke asked, his tone hopeful. “We could…just…talk,” he said, suddenly stammering.
Joanne shook her head, still refusing to meet his gaze. “I’m sorry. I have to go head downtown to help some of our clients arrange payment plans for their utility bills.” She tossed him a quick glance over her shoulder. He was still looking at her intently. Joanne spun back around to face him. “Perhaps another time,” she said as she took a deep inhale of air and held it.
“I’ll hold you to that,” Luke answered, his deep tone promising. “So, perhaps when you get back?”
Joanne paused, warm breath seeping slowly past her lips. “I may be a while. You’ll probably be gone by the time I get back.”
Luke tossed her a quick wink. “Don’t count on it,” he said huskily. Their eyes met and held for a minute until Joanne broke the connection, turning away from him.
Crossing the room toward the front door, Joanne was acutely aware of him watching her side-to-side sashay with much appreciation. A slight smile pulled at her mouth as she fought to contain the rising anxiety, wanting to pretend not to notice. Behind her, Luke was still staring, unable to take his eyes off her.
Hours later when Joanne walked back through the doors of the center, Luke and Daniel Manchuck, the center’s director, were knee deep in conversation. Joanne peeked into the office where the two men sat, curious about the hearty laughter that echoed down the corridor toward the reception area. The two men sat on opposite sides of an old metal desk, legs and arms crossed comfortably in front of them. Conversation flowed between them like they’d been friends since forever. A leather portfolio sat in Luke’s lap, his large hand wrapped easily around an ink pen as he jotted notes into the margins of a note pad. He was firing questions at the other man as fast as they could be answered, clearly interested in what they were discussing.
The man was drop-dead gorgeous, Joanne thought, admiring the casual styling of his attire. Even with him sitting, it was evident that Luke Stallion was one well-built specimen of maleness. Having been given a sneak peek at what lay beneath his wardrobe only served to fuel some wicked thoughts in the woman’s mind. She closed her eyes briefly, imagining what it might be like to draw her palms across his broad chest and caress the dark chocolate lines of his sculpted back. Joanne gasped softly, her eyes opening quickly to see if anyone had seen her. The two men were still lost in conversation as she resumed staring. Joanne stood eyeing him for some time before either realized she was there.
As he spun around in his chair, Dan’s gaze swept across the doorway. He suddenly took note of her quietly standing in the entrance. Waving his hand in her direction, he gave her a bright smile. “Hey, Joanne! We didn’t see you standing there.”
Luke looked up just as Joanne lifted her hand in greeting, calling out both their names. “Gentlemen, good afternoon. I didn’t want to interrupt. You two looked busy.” A brilliant smile flooded her face. “It’s good to see you again, Luke,” she said directing that smile in his direction.
As if startled, Luke jumped to his feet, spilling half his papers onto the floor as he knocked over the chair behind him. A wave of heat flushed his dark face as he struggled to regain his composure. “Hi,” Luke finally managed to mutter. He knelt down to scoop up the documents that had dropped out of his hands, managing only to drop the balance of them instead.
Joanne laughed out loud at the sight of him looking so bewildered and nervous. “It’s just a hello,” she said giggling softly as she moved to help him pick up his papers.
Only slightly embarrassed, Luke laughed with her. “Not too smooth, huh?” he said, chuckling deeply.
Joanne’s eyes shimmered with amusement. “No. Not smooth at all.” She handed him his documents, her hand brushing gently against his as she did.
There was no mistaking the sudden current of electricity that passed between them, both pulling back as if they’d been burned. Surprised, Joanne stood quickly, taking a step away from him. Her own cheeks were suddenly bright with color.
Heat warmed Luke’s cheeks as well as he gestured with the papers in his hand. “Thank you,” he said, moving to pick up the chair he’d been occupying. A wide grin spread from ear to ear. “Dan, do you think you can help a brother out here?” he said with a deep chuckle.
“There is no saving you from that smooth move, guy,” Dan said, humor washing over his expression. He looked from one to the other. “Since you two are already acquainted, I’ll dispense with the introductions and get right to business. Joanne, why don’t you come take a seat. We were just discussing some of the new programs you were hoping to initiate here. Luke has some great ideas, as well.”
“Really?” Joanne said, her expression curious as she moved to sit down.
Luke nodded. “I was just telling Dan about Briscoe Ranch. We’ve initiated some great community programs for students to come out and work with the horses. I think a joint program between our two organizations might be beneficial to the kids here.”
Joanne nodded her head as she moved to take the seat beside him. She didn’t miss the stare Luke gave her, his gaze sweeping from her head down to her toes and back again. She was glad for her wardrobe choice that morning, having selected one of her own designs. The dress was a form-fitting wrap in a summer floral that accentuated her full bust line and fuller rear end. The dress draped her nicely, highlighting everything that was feminine about her. She felt herself smiling foolishly as she took in the appreciation that washed over her from Luke’s deep gaze.
Luke couldn’t stop himself from staring. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. Everything about her was screaming out for his attention, and she had it, full and undivided. Luke was totally enthralled, feeling as if someone or something had blindsided him with some sort of magic charm. The feelings were unsettling, like nothing he’d ever experienced before and definitely nothing his big brothers had warned him about. The sound of his name suddenly pulled him back into the moment. “Luke?”
“I’m sorry. I lost my train of thought,” Luke said, shaking his head slightly. “Where were we?”
Joanne raised a curious eyebrow. “I asked what Stallion Enterprises would be gaining from any venture between us.”
Luke nodded. “The knowledge that we are serving people in need.”
Dan interrupted. “Before I forget,” he said extending his hand and a small slip of paper toward Joanne. “Luke has made a very nice donation to the center. I’d appreciate it if you’d pass this on to accounting for me. I have a meeting downtown in ten minutes about those permits, and I know I’ll forget it,” he said, glancing down at the watch on his wrist.
Joanne reached for the personal check being passed to her. As she did she cut her eye in Luke’s direction. He was watching her intently. Daniel moved from behind his desk toward the door.
“Luke, I hate to rush off, but I leave you in very capable hands. It was a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to us talking more.”
Luke shook the hand that had been extended toward him. “The pleasure was all mine, Dan. How about we do lunch next week?”
Dan pointed a finger in Luke’s direction. “I’ll buy.” He turned toward Joanne, leaning as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder in a friendly embrace. “Thanks, Joanne. I’ll call you later and let you know how we made out.”
“Good luck,” Joanne exclaimed as Dan rushed out the door.
As quickly as he was out of sight, silence spread like wildfire in the space between Luke and Joanne. She looked down to the check in her hand, her eyes widening in surprise as she surveyed the amount. “This is quite generous of you,” she said, lifting her gaze to meet his.
Luke smiled. “It’s the least I can do. The center clearly needs all the help it can get.”
Joanne rose from her seat, moving to the other side of the desk to sit in the space Dan had just occupied. Her expression was suddenly serious as she fell into deep thought. Luke sensed that Joanne wasn’t wildly happy about his donation.
“Is something wrong?” he asked, noting the furrows that creased her forehead.
Joanne shrugged, her shoulders lifting toward the wide hoop earrings that adorned her ears. “The center can use as much money as it can get, so I don’t want to sound unappreciative, but have you ever considered giving more?”
“More than that?” Luke queried, not quite understanding her question.
“More than money.”
“I’m not sure I understand.”
“There are boys and young men here who don’t have a male figure in their lives to emulate and look up to. The center is always looking for mentors. Have you considered donating your time, as well?”
Luke hesitated, suddenly thrown by her tone and the direction the conversation had taken. “Well, I—” Luke started.
Joanne interjected before he could finish his thought. “I didn’t think so. Money is always the answer for you, isn’t it? As long as you can pay for it, then the problem is solved, right?” she said. Her tone was cutting.
Luke bristled. “No, not at all. I have no problems doing what I can when I can.”
Joanne nodded, waving a hand dismissively. “I’m sure. And please, I’m really not trying to be critical. It’s just that I’ve met your type before.”
Luke eyed her curiously, leaning forward in his seat. “And just what is my type?”
“Wealthy men who think flashing that wealth absolves them of any personal responsibility to the social ills that plague our society. Men more concerned with their bank accounts than with their neighbor.”
Luke rolled his eyes. “Give me a break. Wealth by no means absolves any of us from anything. Yes, I have money and my financial security enables me to do things other people can’t do. But since it is my money to spend as I see fit, then there should only be a problem with that if what I am spending my money on is doing other people more harm than good. And even then that’s debatable.”
“What about getting your hands dirty every now and then? What about getting down in the trenches and working with the poor and underprivileged one-on-one? Have you ever thought about doing that?”
“As a matter of fact, I have. I have volunteered many times before, Ms. Lake, as time and opportunity have allowed me to. But since you don’t know me, you wouldn’t know that, would you? And for a woman who’s not trying to be critical, you’re sure doing one heck of a job. You’re also passing judgment without being informed.” Luke crossed his arms over his chest, leaning back in his seat as he continued to stare her down.
A flash of something Joanne didn’t recognize gripped her nerves, a wealth of emotion rising without warning. The man was eyeing her so intensely that it felt like he could see straight through her. She felt exposed and vulnerable, and she didn’t like it one bit.
She took a deep breath, fighting to collect her thoughts. “My apologies,” she said finally, contrition filling her face, “and perhaps I was, but I’ve encountered too many wealthy people who care right up until the check clears the bank, and then they forget all about the people they were supposed to be helping until the next time they need a tax deduction. Children can go hungry between those deposits.”
She paused, her gaze locking with his. “So now that you’ve written your check, Mr. Stallion, what next? What will the children and their families have to look forward to after you and your money sweep in to make the neighborhood a better place for all the poor people and then you disappear? Because that’s how this is going to work, isn’t it? You’ve written your check and now you’re going to disappear?”
Luke took a deep inhale of air, filling his lungs and blowing it slowly past his full lips. He pushed himself up and out of his seat, leaning over the desk on his forearms, his eyes meeting hers evenly. He smiled deeply, the gesture pocketing full dimples in his dark cheeks. “Joanne Lake, I’m not going anywhere, so you can take my check, and that promise, straight to the bank.”
Chapter 5
“You like this man!”
Joanne groaned loudly as her best friend, Marley Brooks, hovered above her.
Marley stood with her hands on her narrow hips, her braided extensions swaying against her shoulders. “You like this man and so you went right on the attack. Now what kind of sense did that make?”
“I did not attack him!” Joanne exclaimed, dropping her head back to the tabletop and banging her forehead against it. “I can’t believe that I attacked him like that!”
Joanne was suddenly rattled. It galled her to admit that her friend was right. The entire time she’d been in the man’s company all she could think about was kissing him. His full lips had been inviting, begging her to meet his mouth with her own, and even in their disagreement, Joanne hadn’t been able to contain the rise of desire that had consumed her. The only way she knew to rid herself of her wanting had been to pretend he wasn’t a man she could imagine herself being with. All she could think to do was to attack the one thing about him that she knew the two had in common—their wealth.
Marley laughed, her gaze moving to the man standing behind the counter of the coffee shop. “Rick, we need two caramel frappucinos with extra caramel, please.”
The man named Rick nodded his head, giving her a thumbs-up as Marley dropped down into the seat beside her friend.
“So, is he as cute as I’ve heard?” she asked excitedly.
Joanne groaned again. “Cuter,” she said, still not bothering to look up. “And I made a complete idiot out of myself.”
Marley shrugged. “You always do. Why do you always have a problem with the rich boys? We both know you’re not looking for any unemployed Joe still living with his mother.”
Joanne sat herself upright, meeting the other woman’s gaze. “You say that like all I do is judge a man by how much money he makes.”
“If the shoe fits…”
Joanne rolled her eyes skyward. “Oh, please…”
Their conversation was interrupted as Rick dropped the two iced drinks onto the table in front of them. He paused, giving Marley an annoyed look. Marley gave him one back.
“I swear, Rick, just give me five more minutes. I do get a break!”
Grunting his response, Rick moved back to his station, his attention drawn to a customer in need of a coffee fix.
Marley leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms over her chest. “So, what happened next?”
“Nothing. He stood up, put his papers back into his briefcase, winked at me and walked out of the room.”
“So, do you think he’ll really come back?”
Joanne nodded. “Before I left they told me that he’d been put on the volunteer schedule for the next three weeks. I’ll see him again tomorrow.”
“Sounds like boyfriend might like you back,” Marley said with a soft giggle.
“It’s not like that. He’s just volunteering.”
“You kill me. One minute you want him volunteering and then when he does, you sound like it’s the end of the world.”
“Oh, like he’s a guy I really want to see after he called me judgmental.”
“And you telling him his giving spirit wasn’t really so giving might not make him want to jump your bones anytime soon, either.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“I’m saying you’ve got some issues, my friend, and those issues aren’t going to help you in your search for a man. See a shrink and get yourself fixed.”
Joanne dropped her head back down to the table. “Go back to work, Marley. I don’t know why I told you.”
Marley giggled. “Because I’m your best friend and you tell me everything!” She sipped her drink before continuing. “So, if you’re really not interested in Mr. Stallion, will you introduce him to me? I promise I won’t run him, or his money, off.”
Joanne lifted her eyes to glare at her friend. “Marley, bite me!”
Still laughing, Marley stood back up, grabbing her beverage as she moved toward the back of the service counter. “Yep, you do like that man!”
When Luke poked his head into Matthew’s office, his brother was in deep concentration over a stack of legal documents. He was almost reluctant to disturb him, but he needed some advice. He knocked, raising his hand in a quick wave as Matthew lifted his eyes to see who was there.
“Hey, Luke, what’s up?”
“Do you have a minute? I could use a friend.”
Matthew dropped his ballpoint pen to the desktop. “For you, little brother, I have two minutes. Come on in and close the door.” Pushing himself away from the large mahogany desk, Matthew came to his feet. He moved to the other side of the room, gesturing for Luke to join him in the upholstered chairs that sat around a small conference table.
“So, what’s up?”
Luke took a deep breath, suddenly nervous. It wasn’t like this was the first time he’d had to turn to one of his kin for advice about women, but this wasn’t just any woman.
Matthew eyed his baby brother curiously, the young man’s brow creased in thought. “Are you okay?”
Luke met the man’s gaze, his head bobbing up and down against his neck. “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just that…you see…well, there’s this woman—”
“She’s not pregnant, is she?” Matthew asked, concern flooding his face.
“No, nothing like that,” he replied with a nervous chuckle. “I think I could deal with that.”
“No time soon I hope because that truly is not the kind of trouble you need right now.”
“Really, Matthew, that’s not my problem. You see, I met this woman. She volunteers down at the community center and…” Luke paused, suddenly not sure what the problem was.
“Let me back up,” he said, changing gears. “Do you think we’re selfish? I mean, do you think we take our wealth for granted? This woman accused me of just tossing my money around without regard for people who are in serious need, and I have to tell you, it grated a nerve.”
“What was she saying, that you don’t give enough money away?”
“She thinks I need to be volunteering more of my time instead of giving my money away.”
“That’s different.”
Luke shrugged. “Do I give off the impression that I’m more about our money than anything else?”
Matthew sank back into the sofa, a slight smile pulling at his mouth. “Before I answer that, why are you so concerned about what this woman thinks about you? John always told us that what we thought about ourselves was more important than anything. If you know in your own heart that what you’re doing is right, then what does it matter what she thinks? Why is it bothering you so much?”
“Because she…” Luke paused, searching for the right words to convey what he was feeling. He suddenly found himself questioning exactly what that was. He met his brother’s stare, his expression pensive.
Matthew chuckled. “If I’m not mistaken, this woman has your nose wide open!”
“What?”
“Look at you. Are you falling for this girl?”
Luke stood up, moving from his chair to the window, shaking his head vehemently. “No!” he exclaimed, almost shouting the word. “It’s not like that.” He peered through the blinds to the landscape outside. “I don’t really know her yet. She just…well…”
Matthew laughed out loud. “If you say so,” he said, clearly unconvinced. “Who is she?”
Luke shook his head, a shy smirk filling his face. “Her name is Joanne. Joanne Lake. That’s really all I know about her.”
“Is she cute?”
Luke grinned broadly, moving back to sit in his chair. He leaned forward, excitement blanketing his expression. “Brother, the woman is too fine! She is deliciously thick with curves that make a man weak in the knees.” He blew warm breath past his full lips, shaking his head as memories of Joanne flashed through his mind. A rush of heat suddenly ran south, moving him to cross his right leg over his left, his hands falling casually into his lap as he leaned back.
“Well, she must be something special for you to be so interested.”
Luke returned his brother’s stare. He nodded slowly. “Yeah, I think she is.”
Matthew rose from his own seat and moved to Luke’s side, patting a broad hand against the younger man’s shoulder. “Then get to know her and let her get to know you. You’re a pretty special guy yourself. If it works between the two of you, then you won’t have to worry about what she thinks about the money. It won’t matter to her one way or the other.”
Luke nodded. “Thanks.” He took a deep breath before continuing. “Do you think about getting married, Matthew? I mean, since John and Mark both tied the knot, do you ever think about it?”
Matthew smirked, then shrugged his shoulders. “Actually I try not to, little brother. I mean, why ruin a good thing? Look, you’re still young and idealistic. Committing yourself to a serious relationship should be the least of your concerns. You have all the time in the world to be worrying about that grown-up endeavor. For now, just enjoy yourself.”
Before Luke could reply, the office intercom sounded from Matthew’s desk, his secretary’s voice rising from the microphoned box. “Mr. Stallion?”
“Yes, Carol?”
“Vanessa Long is holding on line two for you. I told her you weren’t taking calls, but she insisted that you would take hers. She says it’s important.”
Luke raised a curious eyebrow. Vanessa Long was an old family friend by virtue of her long-time friendship with their brother Mark. There had been a time when the whole family had been certain that Mark and Vanessa would end up in wedded bliss, but shortly after high school Vanessa had come out of the closet, announcing her preference for women. Mark’s very best friend had suddenly become his very best lesbian friend.