Vegas Vows, Texas Nights. Charlene Sands

to lean on, he seemed to know the right things to say and this one time she would accept what Luke had to offer.

      Without guilt.

       Three

      Luke stood facing Katie at the threshold of her apartment. He’d insisted on escorting her upstairs after entering the bakery, probably because she couldn’t quite get her emotions in check. She’d wept most of the drive home, little sobs that broke from her lips every time she pictured Snow lying still on the ground, lifeless. In the car, Luke had glanced at her often. She’d felt his concerned gaze but she couldn’t look him in the eye. She didn’t like showing her vulnerable side to anyone, but tonight she couldn’t help it. Her emotions were running out of control.

      “Are you going to be okay?” he asked her.

      “I think so.” She bit her lip. “You don’t have to worry about me.”

      He stared into her eyes, then ran a hand down his jawline. “But I do.”

      “You have no obligation to me, Luke. Really, I’ll be fine.”

      “Is that what you think this is?”

      He said it softly, without condemnation, and suddenly she felt small and petty. “No, no. I’m sorry. I know you’re just as upset as I am about Snow. Really, I’m glad we shared her last night together. You cared for her as much as I did. Gosh, I can’t believe I’m speaking of her in the past tense.”

      “It’s strange, huh?”

      “Yeah.”

      She stared at him, so many thoughts racing through her mind. But mostly, she was glad he was there tonight, lending her comfort, helping her come to grips with losing Snow.

      “It’s been a long day. I should let you go, get some rest,” he said.

      “That sounds…good.”

      “Okay, well. Good night then.”

      He turned to leave and Katie blurted, “Luke, wait.”

      He turned, his dark brows lifting.

      She took both of his hands in hers and gave a squeeze. “I just wanted to thank you for coming to get me today. It meant a lot to me to be there. Honestly, I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through it all, if you weren’t with me.”

      Then she reached up on tiptoes and pressed her lips to his cheek to give him a chaste peck, but suddenly she turned her head, he turned his, and their lips were locked in a real kiss. Luke made a sound from deep in his chest and a warm delicious sensation sparked inside her.

      She might’ve kissed Luke dozens of times in Vegas, but she didn’t remember any one of them. This kiss she’d remember. This kiss she didn’t want to end.

      A moan rose from her throat, one of need and want, and for a moment she flushed, totally embarrassed. But Luke didn’t stop, he didn’t hesitate to devour her mouth. He was all in, too, stirring her deepest yearnings to be held, to be comforted. She was hurting inside and this kiss was a balm to her soul.

      He moved forward, backing her into the apartment, kissing her endlessly. She went willingly, relishing the taste of him, the raw pleasure he was giving to her. He tossed his jacket off and then removed hers without breaking the kiss. Then he cradled her in his arms, holding her so close to him that his need pressed against her belly.

      A surge of heat raced through her. It was astonishing how quickly he made her come alive. She was glad of it, glad of the sensations rocking her body. In Luke’s strong arms, she suddenly wanted what was forbidden to her.

      “Luke,” she said when the kiss came to an end.

      He looked deep into her eyes. “Don’t tell me to stop,” he whispered, grazing his lips over hers again.

      “I’m not, but maybe we should come up for air?”

      The quick smile on his face devastated her. He was so darn handsome. Why did it have to be him? She took a deep breath, pausing for just a few seconds. “Okay, that’s enough.”

      “You’re good with this?” he asked, brushing a wayward strand of hair off her face. “Don’t answer that,” he murmured. “I already know you are.”

      He cupped her face in his hands and gazed into her eyes, before claiming her lips again. The absolute pleasure overwhelmed her, helping to ease the pain in her heart. It amazed her how easily she welcomed him, how much she wanted more of his kisses, more of him. Her insides heated, and a spiral of warmth traveled through her body, making her hot, needy.