Skylar (The Love Family Series Book 1) (2 page)

Skylar’s mouth parted. She had no comeback for his statement.

“You deserved it,” Declan said in his own defense, the humor in his earlier tone turning serious. “She’s always been off-limits. I’m not sure why you thought that changed.”

“Off-limits?” Skylar barked. Her cheeks heated as she clenched her teeth. “Since when do you have a say in my personal life?”

“Since I’m your older brother, and you’re a girl,” he answered.

“I’ll show you what this girl can do.” Skylar went to push herself out of her chair when her mom whistled.

“Skylar.” She shook her head before turning toward the cause of the ruckus. “Declan, you’ve done enough damage. You get dish duty.” Her mother started barking out orders for everyone to help her in the kitchen, leaving Skylar and Luke alone on the patio.

The awkward silence between them grew. “Luke...”

He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked on the balls of his feet. His lips twisted at the corners. “You underestimate our chemistry.”

She rose, standing her ground. “I refuse to be just another flavor of the month. Forgive me if your ego can’t take the hit.”

“Ouch.” He held his hand to his chest. “You think you’ve figured me out. You’re not just a flavor, Sky.” He closed the distance between them. With each step he took, her heartbeat quickened, but she kept her feet planted, refusing to believe his words. “I don’t want just a taste. I want the whole damn dessert.”

Her breath caught at the same time the group came back outside, ruining their moment. Luke retreated, stepping out of her personal space. Her mom carried the candle-lit cake over to the picnic table. “We’re doing the birthday cake first in case Luke has to leave for his meeting.”

“We should do dessert first all the time.” Olivia grinned following behind with paper plates and forks while her dad and Declan pulled the meat from the smoker and disappeared back inside the house.

“Happy Birthday, Luke,” Skylar said. “I really do wish you the best.”

“If that were true, you’d let me take you out on one date. I’m not asking for the world, Sky. Just a single date that includes dinner and maybe a movie.”

“Luke…”

“It’s my birthday, Sky.”

She rolled her eyes. “Fine, one date, and only because it’s your birthday, but if you’re hoping to get lucky, you’ll be disappointed,” she whispered as she sidestepped him and met the others over at the table where her mother started singing the traditional birthday song. Olivia joined in but couldn’t keep the questioning look from her face. Declan and her dad joined the celebration. 

“Mrs. Love, you didn’t have to go to all of this trouble for me.”

“It wasn’t any trouble, Luke. You’re part of the family.” She glanced at Olivia. “Same as Olivia. You’re both are always welcome in our home.”

Declan glanced to his mother and then Olivia. A rosy pink color tinted her cheeks as they stared at each other. Feeling as if she’d been intruding on a special moment, Skylar looked away to find the birthday boy watching her, and unlike Olivia’s blush, Skylar rolled her eyes and shook her head.

Luke leaned over the cake, closing his eyes. His lips moved in a silent wish before he blew out his candles. He gave Skylar a sideways glance and winked before her mother cut into the cake.

Flynn walked out of the house with two beers, handing one to Luke. “Congrats, old man. How old are you now? Fifty?”

“Thirty-two, and you’re not that far behind me, Flynn.”

Olivia handed Sky a plate with a slice of the chocolate cake.

“I left his present in the car.” Sitting the cake on the table, Skylar headed back through the yard while the others were busy in conversation.

She opened the car, pulled out the box, and jogged back around to the gate, slowing when she found Luke casually leaning against the wood watching her.

“I thought you were making a break for it before we could set a time for dinner.”

She grinned. “As if. I’m not scared of you.” She handed him the box. “Happy Birthday.”

He took the box, running his thumb over the lid. “Ah, Sky, you shouldn’t have.”

She gestured to the box before lacing her fingers to keep from fidgeting. “They reminded me of you.”

The lines of his face softened while lifting the lid. A smile stretched over his lips. “I love them, they’re beautiful.” He met her gaze; his blue eyes sparkled, matching the energy floating around him. “I’ll wear them every day.”

He pressed a kissed to her cheek. “Thank you.”

His lips were soft against her cheek and inches from her mouth. Too soon, he pulled away, leaving her with butterflies taking flight in her belly.

“It’s time to eat,” Declan announced, pulling her from her thoughts. He shook his head and disappeared into the backyard.

“He’ll get used to it.” Luke tossed his arm over her shoulders and didn’t release her until they’d reached the French doors leading into the house. She pulled him to a stop.

“There’s no need to bother trying to convince him.” She straightened her shoulders. The truth remained. “You’ll be gone soon and it won’t matter.”

“Dinner with me tonight at seven? You can pick the place, anywhere your heart desires.”

She chewed her lip, debating her predicament. Agreeing to dinner was a mistake, but he didn’t waste time making their plans concrete. She ran through the island’s options in her mind, coming up with the only solution that worked. Somewhere safe, surrounded by others they knew that would keep her grounded. The hotel was the obvious choice. Her family owned and ran the damn thing. “You’re staying at the hotel, right?”

“You’re checking up on me?”

“My mother might have mentioned it.” She smiled. “We’ll eat at La Amour. I’ll meet you there.”

“You want to eat at the resort?” His lips twitched without her having to answer. “Of course you do. You know everyone there, and that way you can make sure I stay on my best behavior.”

She chuckled. “You have a best behavior? I’m looking forward to seeing that.”

“Fine,” he agreed. “That means dressing for the occasion.”

“I own other clothes besides jeans.”

Skylar batted her eyes before walking into the house, trying hard to temper her newfound excitement. She slid into the seat next to her best friend, grabbing a French fry from her plate. Olivia nudged her beneath the table, her brow hitched.

“I’ll fill you in later.”

“Luke kissed her,” Declan blabbered to the entire table.

Skylar’s mouth parted, and she picked up a fry and tossed it at her brother. “On the cheek, you ass.”

“Skylar, you weren’t raised in a barn,” her mother protested.

“She won’t be able to do that tonight at La Amour. She’ll get us kicked out of the restaurant.”

Skylar flushed at the announcement. Didn’t anyone believe in privacy anymore? Geesh.

“It won’t be the first time,” her mother announced. “When she was five, they made her eat in the kitchen with a drop cloth.”

Laughter rounded the table.

“Mother.” Skylar fixed a plate, ignoring their questioning looks and refusing to rehash the details of that story. No way in hell.

Chapter 2

Olivia helped Skylar carry their newly purchased items in through the back door of “Tidal Wave” and dropped them on the counter in the backroom with the rest of the merchandise that needed to be priced and tagged before it hit the sales floor. Sky’s and Olivia’s shop catered to more than just the tourists’ needs, but to the locals as well. They both had a knack for spotting the cream of the crop in everything from clothes and fine crystal to fine jewelry. Skylar enjoyed the more vintage look and Olivia was more for the stylish modern day women.

“What are you going to wear on your date?” Olivia asked as they strolled out of the backroom and into the front part of the store.

“I have no idea.” She let out a long sigh and glanced around wondering if anything they had on hand might work.

“Skylar, Olivia. I wasn’t expecting you.” Michelle, the assistant store manager, announced as she approached. “Did you score us any new gems today?”

“Of course.” Skylar answered noticing the few customers they had. “How’s our traffic today?”

“Slow.” Michelle folded her arms and glanced to the large front windows. “It’s beautiful outside, so I’m thinking they’re all at the beach. It’ll pick up this afternoon; it always does.”

The island was just off the East Coast of the United States. Anyone and everyone looking for a little vacation time without going far from home came to the island for a relaxing time. Without a huge port, they didn’t have cruise ships that came; most of the time, everyone had to be ferried in, or if they owned a boat, they’d drive it over. The island was like a hidden oasis with five hotels, hot springs, the oceans and several caves that could be explored. Sky and her brothers were born on the island; they knew the tourists’ schedules better than most. 

The chime above the door sounded and Skylar grinned upon seeing her brother, Reed, as he waved before running his hand through his dark wavy hair. The five o’clock shadow and puffy blood shot eyes she’d noticed at lunch indicated he was neck deep in one of his computer projects. He was the brother that wouldn’t know a good time if it smacked him on the ass, never leaving his house unless mandated by one of the family members, and even then, they’d have to pull him kicking and screaming from the computer.

“What’s he doing here?” Olivia whispered.

“The only reason why he visits.” Sky glanced at her best friend. “He needs a present and mom’s birthday is coming up soon.”

Reed stopped in front of them. “So, what did I get her this time?”

He asked and Sky chuckled. It was habit that all of her brothers assumed that she’d know the perfect gifts, no matter what the holiday; she was the go to person to pick the presents. She walked into the backroom and returned with a wrapped present. “You got her matching crystal earrings to the bracelet that Flynn is giving her.”

Reed tossed his arm around Sky’s shoulder. “You’re the best.”

“Funny how you and our brothers only remember that when it’s convenient.”

“I owe you.” He answered ruffling her hair.

“And I’m collecting. We’re expecting a shipment of various stuff and beach glass coming in from Blansett next month. I expect all of you to help.”

“Wait, isn’t Blansett known as the Salem of the south? What are they sending you? Spell books?”

“They happen to be a very prosperous beach town, and the store owners I’m dealing with have an exquisite eye for unique items. I doubt they’ll be sending me spells.”

“Okay, count me in. Just let me know what days and I’ll help.”

Reed left as quickly as he’d arrived.

“Back to what you’re going to wear tonight?”

Skylar shrugged. “I’m sure I have something in my closet.” She glanced at Olivia. “It’s just a simple date; I’ll figure it out.”

“Yeah, just a simple date with Luke
freakin
Tanner.”

****

Luke followed his assistant, Justin Healy, into the large, empty office building. “I still don’t understand why you’d want to open another lab here. You’d be cutting yourself off from the rest of the world.”

Love Island was a culture shock for any twenty-nine year old guy who grew up in New York. “It’s time for a change,” he answered, patting his friend on the back. “The economy on Love could use the boost from new money and new people.”

“It’s a mistake.”

Luke shrugged. “A chance I’m willing to take.” He walked farther into the building, glancing around at the unused offices. The bottom floor was perfect for human resources and the business offices. “Can we go upstairs?”

“It might be safer to take the stairs until we make sure the elevator is up to code.”

Luke headed for the closest set of stairs and jogged up to the next level. Unlike the floor below, this space was wide and open and comprised of four outer brick walls.

“The owners had legal troubles and couldn’t afford to finish this floor or the one above.”

“What kind of legal troubles?” he asked, moving toward the floor-to-ceiling window. The dirt parking lot needed paving. He scanned the trees surrounding the building. Memories of fun camping trips slipped through his mind. He pushed the thought away. There was room to expand on the property.

“I’m not sure. The real estate agent suggested murder charges.”

His gaze shot to Justin’s. “Murder?”

Justin clasped his hands. “That’s what she said.”

“I’ll see what I can find out,” he mumbled. He moved into the middle of the room and turned in a circle, taking in the promise the large space offered. “This floor is ideal for the labs. We can set it up how we want.”

“What project are you going to work on here?”

“My personal projects.”

“Well, we have one more building to see.”

Luke checked the time and tapped his watch. He’d been looking at properties since finishing lunch with the Loves. “No need.” He clapped his friend on the back. “This is it. Make it happen.”

“Wait, why don’t you at least check out the other property?”

He glanced over his shoulder as he opened the stairwell door. “I can’t. I’ve got a date.”

Justin gave a snide grin. “Leave it to you to find a date in less than forty-eight hours.”

Luke chuckled, leaving Justin to follow him down the stairs. “This one’s special.”

“Sure she is. Just like the rest.”

Luke shook his head. “None compare to her. Wish me luck.”

Tonight had to be special if he had a shot at the happy life he’d been dreaming of. The women from the city didn’t hold a candle to his Skylar. Not even close. It didn’t matter what she had in her bank account or in her pedigree. His mind always drifted back to her. She was his, and now it was just a matter of getting her stubborn ass to agree. He was headed into uncharted waters, but he’d never backed down from a challenge, and he wouldn’t start now. This date might be the most important night of his life. He had his work cut out for him. He dialed the concierge at the hotel. “Stanley, this is Mr. Tanner. Is everything set for tonight?”

“Yes, sir. We have your table reserved and the flowers you requested are waiting in your room. Did you need me to handle something else, sir?”

“No, thank you. I’ll handle the rest. Thanks for your help.”

“You’re welcome, sir.”

Luke hung up and called Declan. “Love.”

“You working tonight?” Luke asked.

“Why? You getting butterflies for your date?”

“Screw you.”

Declan chuckled. “Yeah, I’m at the office assigning officers their work zones. You’d be surprised how they fight like children over who gets the beach detail at the clubs during spring break.”

“I’m surprised you’re not handling that yourself.”

“Bite me.”

Luke chuckled. “Not working the beat was a sacrifice of taking the job of sheriff.”

“Someone’s got to do it. Might as well be me.”

“There’s no one better, my man. Listen, I need a favor.”

“What’s up?”

“I need the history on the Dagger building. I hear that the last owners were being held for murder or had legal issues.”

“That’s an understatement. One of the construction workers showed up for work one morning to find a dead guy, with two bullet holes to the chest, lying just inside the building.”

“And you think the previous owners did it?”

“The gun was found hidden at their house, and they didn’t have an alibi. To top it off, the man murdered was their accountant, and they were cooking the books. So regardless of the circumstantial evidence, they’re still looking at doing time. They’d signed over ownership to their daughter, Megan Dagger, before the shit hit the fan and their property was seized.”

“I’m thinking about setting up another lab.”

The line went quiet. Luke had been planning on keeping the news below the radar until names were signed on the dotted line, but there was little he kept from his best friend.

“Is it because of Skylar?”

“Maybe. Look, it’s not just because of Sky. It’s a good business move too. I’m not thinking with my johnson.”

“Dude, I don’t want to hear about your johnson and my sister in the same sentence…ever.”

Luke chuckled as he turned into the resort. “I’ve got to go get ready. How about hanging out tomorrow and watching the game?”

“My place?”

“Do you even have to ask? I’m homeless, remember?”

“You own at least five houses. You aren’t homeless.”

“On the island I am.”

Declan chuckled. “Luke, don’t forget this is my sister you’re taking out tonight. She isn’t one of your floozies from New York. If you hurt her…”

“If I hurt her, you can beat my ass until I’m black and blue. Enough said?”

“Yeah, enough said.”

****

Sky slipped her fingers into the limo driver’s hand and stepped out onto the sidewalk. When she’d said she’d meet him at the restaurant, this wasn’t what she had in mind. But here she was, going on a date with a man scheduled to leave in one week’s time. She slid her hand down her black ankle-length skirt before resting her hand on her stomach. She could do this. She’d eaten with Luke numerous times. She pulled at the hem on the matching top while questioning her choice of outfits. Her bed lay full of other discarded choices, from sexy dresses to casual pants. The two-piece skirt and top combo looked classy with a hint of sexy on the side.

The silky black and white material clung to her curves in all of the right places giving a glimpse of the prizes beneath, yet the length flowed to her feet with style and grace. Luke stood waiting in the lobby in a black business suit. He fidgeted with his Persian blue tie, pulling at the knot before straightening it again. The color matched not only his eyes, but the surrounding energy ribbons. She watched him through the glass front entrance, his nervous habits easy to spot. He turned his wrist, checking that the cufflinks were still in place. A smile split her lips. Luke looked up from the last fight with his tie and met her gaze. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest, and she silently wondered if he was nervous too.

“This is crazy,” she whispered to herself as he stepped out of the sliding doors.

“It’s too late to escape. You might as well eat,” he said in jest as he approached and kissed her cheek. “You look beautiful.”

Her cheeks heated in response. “Remind me why I agreed to this.”

He held out his arm for her to take. “Because it’s my birthday.”

She wrapped her palm around his bicep. “Is that what you think?”

“Well, I was hoping it was because you wanted to spend time with me.” He flashed a flirty smile, making her legs weak.

They walked into the five-star restaurant and were ushered to their table.

“Benjamin will be your server tonight. Enjoy,” the woman said before leaving them to sit.

Luke pulled out her chair, waiting for her to sit before taking his own.

“Bonjour,” Benjamin said in way of greeting until he spotted Skylar. “Hey Sky, you guys are a few minutes early.” 

“You can drop the charade; I know you’re not French.”

“Shh. Don’t say that so loud.” He put his finger to his lips, glancing at the other patrons to see who might have heard. “The customers don’t know that. The bartender made you two of your favorites when he saw your name on the reservation list.”

“Blue Hurricanes?” She smiled and glanced at the bar. Her favorite bartender was serving a tourist. His unique energy was a dingy gray. She’d never seen another like it.

“Is that okay, Sky?” Luke asked.

She jerked her gaze back. “Of course, we’ll start with those. Luke needs it to calm his nerves.” She winked and grinned.

“They’re waiting at the bar. I’ll just go get them while you two decide on what to eat.”

Benji was just handing them menus when a blonde woman in a designer black dress strolled by with extra emphasis on the swing of her hips.