The Wells Brothers: Luke Read online

  She gave a fake shiver. “Thrills me to my bones.”

  “Care to share?”

  “You mean recount the actual rocking-the-mattress action?”

  “Whatever you want.”

  He said it so seriously that she was a little unnerved. Really? He wanted her to tell him exactly what had been said? Man, she’d only been teasing. No way was she going to tell him some of the things that had been said, not do that and look him in the eye. That’d be a little hard to do without giggling or, heaven help her, going red as a beetroot. “I don’t repeat gossip.” Certainly not to him about his sexual prowess.

  “Is that right?”

  “Yup.” Time to leave. She stepped to the side and started for the steps. “Anyway, pleasant as this little chat has been-”

  “Pleasant?”

  She couldn’t help it. “And enlightening-”

  That was as far as she got before her arm was grabbed, she was spun around, and before she knew it she was pressed back against the wall with Luke leaning over her, his hands braced on the wall each side of her head.

  Her mouth fell open, her eyes widened, her heart stuttered, and she couldn’t help but give a delicious little shiver at the glint in his eyes.

  Man, Luke’s eyes could glint like no-one else’s, and the fact that he was so focussed on her right now made her want to push all his buttons at once. Kind of like an elevator where she could run her palm down the row of buttons and see where she ended up.

  Excitementville, maybe? Lustville? The options were heady.

  “You know, Red,” he drawled softly, “you have this habit of throwing out these little gems of knowledge then running when challenged.”

  “No idea what you’re talking about,” she denied a little breathlessly.

  Cripes, his nearness was doing things to her. Didn’t matter that this was Luke, the man who was both charming and irritating, funny and sexy, the man she verbally sparred with regularly, she wanted something else now. Felt something else.

  Now that he was watching her with a dangerously wicked glint in his eyes, she couldn’t help but swallow. Holy heck, was that attraction? Yeah, it was. She was attracted to him. Come on, Mikki, this is why you gave him that little teasing shove. You wanted this.

  Geez, she really was sick. Sick because the closer he came to her the more her heart fluttered, her legs trembled, and her stomach dipped. Deep inside something quivered. Or maybe that was just her thighs. She actually had to lock her knees to keep from sliding down the wall as his fresh, clean, male sun-tinted scent invaded her senses. His face filled her vision.

  “You’re looking a little scared there, Red.” His deep tone smoothed across her skin.

  “Of you?” She shook her head. “Not at all.”

  “Then maybe you should be.”

  “Do I need to be?” Oops, was her voice really going all husky?

  His gaze drifted down to her lips as he eased down on one forearm, placing him so close to her that his breath puffed on her lips. “I don’t bite.”

  “That’s a relief.”

  “Much.” His smile was slow, wicked.

  She swallowed.

  Luke’s gaze drifted back up, almost lazy, belied by the hot brightness of his eyes.

  Oh boy.

  “You know, Red, I’ve got an idea.” His voice oozed sinful temptation.

  “Y-you do?”

  “You’re going by gossip. You’ve formed your own opinion without personally experiencing anything remotely carnal with me.”

  That had her thighs clenching as an unexpected pulse rolled through her womanly secrets. All she could do was stare into his eyes, read the sinful intent within the knowing depths.

  Oh yeah, he knew what he was doing to her. She should have shoved him away but sweet mother mercy, she was revelling in it right now - that focussed attention, the heat of his body, the power arched over her, his wicked intent.

  She could lie to anyone else, but to herself she was completely truthful. She wanted this. Wanted him, his kiss, his attention. God knew why, but right then -

  Before Luke could do or say anything further, she grabbed hold of his shirt, rose up on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his.

  Heaven above, his lips were soft for a man, yet firm. Generous, almost, and after a split second of stillness he opened to her. Opened to her but took over the kiss, moulding his lips to hers, stroking into her mouth with an experienced mastery that had her arching into him, both hands now fisted into his t-shirt as she tugged him closer so that her breasts were pressed to his chest.

  Strong arms wrapped around her, held her hard against him as he controlled the kiss, taking her essence, filling her with his taste, his strength surrounding her.

  Heat spiralled through Mikki, her nipples pebbling against his hard body as her hands slid to grip in the crook of his elbows, glorying in the power flexing beneath her palms.

  The man could kiss. That rumour was certainly true, no doubt the other rumours of his prowess were, too.

  One big hand slid down to cup her bottom, pulling her hips against his while his other hand slammed against the wall and he leaned forward to press her shoulders back against it, pinning her securely.

  There was no doubting the bulge growing in his jeans, the sensation of it pressing against her a bold testament to his rising arousal. His tongue swept inside her mouth, ravaging her, leaving her gasping for air and kissing back as fiercely, wanting so much more, her hand slipping beneath his t-shirt to scratch lightly against his ribbed stomach, her touch producing a growl of satisfaction from him.

  Lifting his head, he looked down at her, his lips moist from her kisses, his eyes hot. “Let’s take this inside-”

  A horn tooted, cutting across his words.

  Cursing, he looked over his shoulder.

  The sound was like a bucket of cold water, bringing Mikki to her senses. Oh crap! She’d been all over Luke, basically begging for more!

  Horrified, not knowing where to look - certainly not at the truck that was coming around the circular drive with ‘Yorick Antique Dealer’ emblazoned in gold against the black of the paint - she shoved at Luke. “Let me go!”

  His gaze swung back to her, taking in, no doubt, her red face and horrified expression. His eyes narrowed.

  “Now!”

  He shocked her by kissing her fast and hard. Then, with a growled, “Later, Red,” he released her, stepping back.

  With more haste than grace, she slid away from him to bound up the steps, almost running through the door into the mansion.

  Her cheeks burned with mortification, her loins with carnal anticipation.

  Oh God, she’d kissed Luke Wells! In fact, she’d egged him on and then practically dragged him to her! How the heck was she going to face him after that?

  And what, exactly, did he mean by Later, Red? Did he… Her cheeks went red. Did he think she was an easy lay? Did he think she asked for it? Well yeah, she had, but honestly, her brain had had a spazz attack, because kissing Luke Wells had never popped up on her sin radar before now.

  Before he’d dragged her onto his lap.

  Maybe she could blame him.

  Shame she wasn’t that kind of a girl. Her actions, her responsibility.

  Gah, being honest sucked lemons sometimes.

  Chapter 5

  With a groan, she disappeared into the house in search of a fortifying can of Diet Coke while trying to get a grip on her scattered emotions. Why she had these sudden feelings for Luke, she had no idea.

  Man, she’d always been aware of him, couldn’t help it. One, he was often hanging out with Jason and as her best friend, Izzy, was married to Jason, it made sense that she’d see Luke more often. Two, she’d had a run-in with him the first time she’d met him when he’d given her grandmother a quote for landscaping, and she’d told her Grandmother - in front of Luke - that he was a thieving hound and her boyfriend’s brother-in-law could do the job for half the price.

  Two big mistakes r
ight there - the brother-in-law was a total disaster at landscaping, and her then-boyfriend was a total dick. She’d given the boyfriend the flick and been made to beg Luke Wells to fix the mess made of the garden.

  Luke had loved that, his eyes gleaming, that smirk on his fine lips. She could still remember how astounded she’d been, but for her grandmother’s sake she’d grovelled. Plus, face it, she’d been wrong, so very wrong. And yeah, it had been rude to call Luke a thieving hound to his face, her mother had hauled her over the coals when she’d found out. She really did owe him that apology, but sheesh, the begging? He’d so enjoyed it, the jerk.

  They’d met plenty of times since then as he’d frequented the supermarket she and Izzy worked in, and she greeted him and exchanged barbs, couldn’t seem to help it. There was something about him that plain sent her brain into meltdown. The glint in his eyes, the grin or frown, the snappy-comebacks, she’d enjoyed it all.

  Never in a million years had she thought she’d enjoy his kiss.

  Enjoy? That was putting it mildly. The mild pleasantness she’d experienced in kissing her ex-boyfriend was nothing like the toe-curling, gut-clenching, thigh-trembling, pooling heat she’d experienced when kissing Luke.

  The ex-boyfriend had elicited a smile.

  Luke’s kisses elicited a fire.

  Big freakin’ difference.

  But what really perplexed her was - why now?

  Because you’ve never been this long or close in his presence her commonsense pointed out, and you’ve certainly never sat on his lap, had his hand at your back, or been kissed by him. How’s that for a fact?

  Geez, what would she be like after a week with him so close? She’d be liable to tear his clothes off, throw him to the floor and ride him like the fine stallion he was.

  Okay, that made her grin as she walked through the servants’ hall towards the kitchen. Wouldn’t that scare the crap out of him? Although now she thought about it, he was a little dominating himself. Maybe he’d throw her to the floor instead and ride her like the stallion he was?

  A flush of heat went through her. Oh boy. Maybe it was time she stopped trying to figure things out and just concentrate on getting through the week. Besides, even worse, she had to face him sometime today, see those knowing eyes, and…maybe he’d ask her out?

  No sooner had that thought crossed her mind than she grunted. Who was she kidding? She wasn’t the kind of girl Luke dated. She’d seen his kind - slim, beautiful, a lot more experienced, and hung on his every word. In contrast she was generously curved, passably okay in looks, moderately experienced in the sack, and loved stirring him up. A world of difference.

  That had her sighing.

  Walking through the kitchen door, her gaze fell on the big cage sitting on the floor. Inside the cage was a little basket with a fluffy cushion, a litter tray, bowls of water, kitten milk and food, and a handful of kitten toys.

  The kitten, now bearing the proud name of Duchess, was sitting near the wire staring at Dog lying prostrate before the cage with his gaze fixed on her. As soon as Duchess saw Mikki, she started meowing.

  “You’ve got food and drink.” Taking a can of Diet Coke from the old-fashioned ‘fridge, Mikki popped the tab and moved across to stand beside Dog. “Basket, cushion, toys, tray. What more could you possibly want?”

  Moving up to the wire, Duchess stood on her hind legs and reached through, trying to touch Mikki.

  Smiling, Mikki dropped to her knees and stroked the tiny paw. “Aw, you’re a cutie.” Feeling a nudge against her side, she laughed as she looked around to see Dog sitting upright with a beseeching expression on his face. “You’re a cutie, too.” Putting the can down, she patted him with one hand while playing with the kitten with the other.

  Duchess really was a cutie. Tiny, a little too thin which Mikki and Elspeth were determined to remedy with good food, playful, she sported a fluffy coat of black with ginger striking through it, not one speck of white - a true tortoiseshell.

  “You calmed down at the vet’s, huh?” Placing her finger under Duchess’s paw, Mikki moved it up and down, rewarded by Duchess sticking her other paw through and making a grab for her. “Poor baby, what happened to you? If I ever catch the mongrel that treated you so badly, I’ll boot him in the nuts for you. Yes I will,” she cooed, going down on her elbows to get closer.

  Duchess regarded her through big blue eyes not yet changed to gold, her tiny head going to one side as she batted at Mikki’s finger.

  Pushing down to lie on her stomach with her upper body balanced on her elbows, Dog lying right beside her with his head not far off, they both watched the kitten with delight.

  Tail thumping happily on the floor, Dog cautiously pushed his nose to the wire, pulling back quickly when Duchess backed off before jumping forward and smacking him quickly on the nose. He cocked his head to one side in astonishment and looked inquiringly at Mikki.

  Mikki grinned. “I think she likes you.”

  Dog looked back at Duchess now balanced on her back legs, front paws up as she readied herself to lean forward and smack him again with her paw, one of which was raised a little higher than the other.

  “It’s kind of like kids at school,” Mikki explained to Dog. “The little boy likes the little girl, so he pulls her pigtail.” She paused. “Don’t ask me why, it just is.”

  Slowly, Dog leaned forward until his nose touched the wire, jerking back as Duchess, in delight, smacked him again before proceeding to arch her back, put her head near the floor and try to walk menacingly forward, only to trip and fall over.

  Ears up, Dog whined, tail thumping faster.

  “Sorry, fella.” Mikki took a sip of Diet Coke, bending her knees so she could lazily wave her legs in the air. “Can’t let her out until tonight when everyone is inside and the doors shut, then we can let her run in the kitchen for awhile.”

  Mikki spent a peaceful half hour playing with the kitten through the wire, Dog by her side getting his nose smacked periodically as he kept sticking it against the wire. The animals calmed her troubled thoughts, making her laugh. It also made her consider Duchess thoughtfully. Maybe she should think about getting a cat when she went back home. The neighbour’s cat used to come around now and again, and she’d let him inside and feed him, happily caring for him when his owners weren’t home, but they’d left and the new neighbour didn’t have any pets. Having the cat in residence had been really nice to come home to after work, such good company.

  Yeah, she reflected, rubbing the kitten’s little head through the wire, maybe she’d go to the animal shelter and get a cat.

  ~*~

  For the rest of the afternoon she managed to avoid Luke. Cowardly, sure, but it saved her having to look him in the eyes. How did he feel now he’d had some time to think? She wasn’t sure she wanted to know. If she saw derision, well…shit, she’d rather he laugh and tease her than be awkward and scornful.

  Maybe he saw her as desperate. That certainly had her cringing inwardly.

  Dusk found her and Aunt Elspeth going out the kitchen door with torches in hand. They’d just gotten to the overgrown pathway when the sound of someone following had them turning to see Luke approaching with Dog at his heels.

  “What are you two up to?” he queried.

  “We’re looking for ghosts, of course,” Elspeth replied brightly.

  “Of course,” he repeated.

  “They can appear at dusk, the time between the day dying and the night living.” She managed to put the right amount of menace into the words.

  He looked at Mikki.

  Avoiding eye-contact, she shone the torch around the bushes. “Yep.”

  There was silence for several seconds before he drawled, “Riiiight.”

  “Come with us,” Elspeth invited. “Broaden your horizons.”

  “They’ve been broadened a lot today already.”

  “Oh?”

  Luke just grunted.

  Having an inkling to what he referred, Mikki snuck a peek
at him to find that, yep, his gaze was trained right on her. Geez.

  Clearing her throat, she turned and started walking. “Let’s get a move on, people, graveyards to investigate, ghosts to see.” Putting out a hand, she started pushing the branches aside.

  Before she knew it, Luke was gently but firmly pushing her back to take her place, moving ahead and holding the branches back, snapping many of them to clear the path permanently.

  “Such a gentlemen,” Elspeth whispered in Mikki’s ear.

  No arguing that, just as there was no arguing his eyes tracking her every move whenever he waited for them to pass before moving on ahead again. He was attentive to both of them, but she expected nothing less. The Wells men were known for their courtesy towards women and the elderly, their friendliness and willingness to help, but that didn’t mean they were fools. If anyone crossed them or set out to use them and take advantage of their kindness, those same people were quickly dropped and put in their place. The Wells men didn’t want gratitude or undying devotion, but common courtesy was all they asked for in return.

  With Luke leading the way and making it easier for them, they came upon the chapel and graveyards quickly.

  Elspeth immediately peeled off for the chapel. “Mikki, you watch the family graveyard. Luke, you take the servants’ graveyard.”

  “What-” he began, surprised.

  “Ghost watch, dear, get with the program. Position yourself at the graveyard, turn off your torch and just watch.”

  Mikki grinned at his stunned expression. “The servants’ graveyard is over there.” She flashed the torch beam over to the small cemetery.

  Luke glanced around. “Where’re the family graves?”

  “Over here.” She gestured with the torch beam, lighting up the statues and more impressive headstones.

  “I don’t like this splitting up.”

  “It’s not a big place, Luke. We’ll be in sight of each other the whole time.”

  “Elspeth’s in the chapel.”

  “It’s just an old building.”

  He frowned. “I should check it out-”

  “Will you two hurry up?” Elspeth called from the sheltered porch of the chapel. “Time’s passing, people!”