Always Been Mine (Moreno Brothers)

Chapter 3 - Part 2

Had she ever been in love?

"Yeah, I have." That's all Valerie would offer. She wasn't about to get into a bitter conversation about Alex, not when she was supposed to be here celebrating.

"Has it been long?"

Her drink came, and instead of answering, she took a big swig of the drink. It seemed stronger than the first one.

"I don't mean to pry. I'm just saying maybe if you can remember, you can pour those feelings into your painting."

"That's true." Valerie made sure that was the end of that subject. She asked him about what he did on his time off, and he told her. She wasn't too surprised to hear he was a bit of a workaholic, leaving little time for himself. What time he did get, he played golf and cooked. He loved cooking.

A few drinks later, she was felt more relaxed and began to wonder if driving herself had been such a good idea.

As expected with a few more drinks, her sense of humor picked up, and she started to giggle. If Luke noticed she was getting silly, he didn't say anything. She kept having to break out of his stare.

After a few trips to the ladies' room, she knew she either had to slow down on the alcohol or Luke was going to have to drive her home. She didn't want to leave her car there, so she made her decision on the way back from the ladies' room. Water was her only option. Lots of it. But by the time she got back, Luke had already ordered her another drink. She hadn't even finished the last one.

She noticed a few drinks earlier that Luke had stopped trying to be discreet. He sized her up again as she made her way back to the bar. Her unabashed smile obviously pleased him.

"Damn, you're sexy. Is it okay if I say that?"

Valerie couldn't help but laugh. "I think maybe we should stop drinking."

"If you're suggesting I've developed beer goggles, you couldn't be more mistaken. I've always thought you were sexy as hell."

She smiled but stared at the drink she stirred. She knew if she even glanced at him she'd be locked into another one of his lustful stares.

"So when's the wedding?"

"Just a little over a month."

The thought of having to be at all the upcoming dreaded events and seeing Alex there made her stomach turn. Without thinking, she downed her drink, and that was it. She knew she wouldn't be driving home.

Luke took a sip of his drink, but she noticed he wasn't drinking nearly as fast as she had. When she was done with the drink he'd ordered her, she called it quits.

"I don't think I'm going to be able to drive home."

"I can take you home." He said quickly. "Your car will be okay here overnight. We'll come back and get it in the morning."

Valerie looked at him, and their eyes locked again. She hoped he wasn't getting the wrong idea.

He held her hand on the way out and all the way to the car. It felt good. She was sure it was the alcohol, but she felt a little more attracted to Luke. She leaned against him. He let go of her hand, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. When they reached his car instead of opening the door, he leaned against it and pulled her to him. The desire in his eyes was undeniable.

Valerie didn't say anything. She leaned against him and stared at his lips. He leaned over and kissed her. Damn it, she knew it. The first thing that came to her mind was Alex. His ravenous kiss at the party was instantly all she could think of.