Free Mr. Unforgettable by Karina Bliss Page B

“I did it.”
    â€œI think we should increase the lessons to three times a week.” Making the deadline would be touch-and-go, but if anyone could do it, Liz could.
    When he hauled her out of the water, she kept hold of his hand. “Are we back on track?” she said. Luke knew what she was really asking.
    Her breasts were still heaving from her recent exertion, the nipples clearly outlined under the wet Lycra. Luke picked up her towel and wrapped her in it. She needed a friend more than she needed a lover. “Yeah, Liz, we’re back on track.”
    She stiffened. “I don’t want your pity, either.”
    â€œThat’s good because this chess game is a decider and I have no intention of going easy on you.”
    â€œYou want to play now ?”
    They needed to normalize their relationship, so he ignored the dark circles under her eyes, the sway of exhaustion. “That’s our deal, isn’t it?”
    A ghost of a smile touched her lips. “I’ll get dressed.”
    Â 
    T HE PHONE RANG while he was setting up the board. Luke glanced at the clock. Ten-fifteen. Only one person called at this time of night.
    â€œHey, Jord, welcome back.”
    â€œWhat’s this bullshit about not wanting our help?”
    â€œSo how was the food…the in-flight movie?”
    â€œWe’re coming down in the morning…and no arguments.”
    Luke stopped teasing. “I don’t need you…it’s sorted. Social Services approved the facility this afternoon.” It occurred to him that organizing volunteers was the second kindness the mayor had done him in her quiet way. He resisted favors…the obligation they implied; yet she kept sneaking under the radar.
    â€œSo the trial run can go ahead as planned?”
    â€œYeah, fifty kids arrive Sunday…right about the time you touch down in the Cooks Islands as a married man.”
    That gave Jordan pause. “Wow,” he said. “You’re right. I’ve been so damn busy with work and wedding preparations, it hadn’t registered.” Another silence.
    â€œLuke?”
    â€œYeah, buddy?”
    â€œThe thought doesn’t scare me. Tell me I haven’t grown up.”
    Nostalgia bit deep. “Okay,” he said, “I won’t tell you.” The first time Luke had seen Jordan, he’d been doing chin-ups over a ceiling joist in a student bar—eighteen years old, cocky, wild and good-humored. Luke’s swimmer’s shoulders had won him that contest, but Jordan had wasted him in the drinking game that followed it.
    â€œKate’s refusing to see me this week…She’s had this ‘no sex’ policy in place for a fortnight…some bridal-torture thing.”
    â€œMy heart bleeds for you,” said Luke. “You know how long it’s been for me?”
    â€œHey, Christian and I have been trying to set you up with a good woman…you keep turning them down.”
    â€œThat’s because I don’t want a good woman, I want a bad one. Introduce me to all the commitment-phobic hotties you used to date.”
    â€œI’ve ruined them for other men. Seriously, Kate has this amazing friend—” “Jord, you and Christian have got to let this matchmaking mania go. It’s driving me crazy.”
    â€œOkay, I was saving this as a last resort…but you know my sister has always had a crush on you.”
    â€œI’m going to hang up now.”
    â€œNo, wait.” The banter went out of Jordan’s voice. “You’re alone too much these days, we’re concerned you’re turning into a hermit.”
    â€œNo, I’m not.” Impatiently Luke turned away from the window, saw Liz sitting in front of the chess set. How long had she been there? “As a matter of fact, I’ve got company—female company—right now.”
    â€œBlow-up dolls don’t count.”
    He handed the phone to Liz.