Page 24 (1/2)

"Yes," Eleanor said, slad Lauren has such a good friend, and you did a aze slid to Royce and Lauren and she sighed "Royce can be such a hard man, but when he looks at Lauren I see softness and love" Her gaze moved to the happy couple for a moment, and then flickered across to Luke and Julie "What’s your story, dear? Are you from here? And where are your parents?"

Her stohtening there "My family’s not as close as yours"

Luke’s htful expression on her face "Then I’lad you have us, dear"

Julie was completely bloay by the statement She didn’t have theest the words and respond, Senator Reynolds, Lauren’s father, appeared

"Eleanor, ave her a quick wink

Eleanor set tired, but I do, so one more dance"

The senator looked at Julie and Luke "Have fun you two"

Julie s like children She looked up at Luke "They are cute together"

Lukesomeone"

Julie laughed "I’ the party"

"I want her to be happy, but another man in her life, to be coled "She’s just dancing with hih He didn’t sulped He took her hand and started walking, pulling her along with hiot the chance He was full speed ahead Before she knew it, she was in a dark hallway Luke leaned against the wall, feet spread wide as he pulled Julie into an embrace He slid one hand around her waist, and the other behind her neck as her hands rested on his chest

Their lips touched in a gentle brush, a feather-light caress so tender she felt a shiver clear to her toes "Luke," she whispered

"Uain "You taste like chocolate icing"