Until Luke: Reynolds Family, #1

By Kali Hart

Britt

I've never needed a man to take care of me.
I've always been on my own.
But when Luke goes the extra mile to keep me safe, I can't help but like it.
I can let my guard down for one night.
But forever?
Forget it.

Luke

From the second I first see her, I know she's mine.
Not just mine to protect from that scum of a date she's with, but mine to protect always.
Making her see that may be a challenge.
Hell, she won't even tell me her last name.
But I'm not backing down.

Sweet & steamy short story insta-love romance with an alpha man and younger curvy woman with an HEA. NO cliffhangers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jackie M. Wallick
• Release date: Nov 12, 2019
• ISBN: 9798223387619

Book preview

1

BRITT

I’m not supposed to be here. But that’s never stopped me before.

I glance over my shoulder before stepping over the roped off section, beyond the Off-Limits sign to ensure my pesky date hasn’t followed me.

Maybe it was wrong to send him after a couple of drinks, but I couldn’t stand to hear him utter one more word about his priceless video game collection. We’re surrounded by the most beautiful paintings and works of art in this museum, but he couldn’t be bothered to appreciate a single one.

I’m new to town, and had I known another way to solicit an invitation to this private event short of answering a personal ad to be some stranger’s plus one, I’d have taken it. But agreeing to be Harry’s date for his corporate office party was the only way I was getting inside while important museum people were present and accessible. Namely, the curator.

The day after I moved to town and arrived at the museum to present my resume, I’d been the unfortunate recipient of the news that the museum not only had no new openings, but they weren’t even accepting resumes until next year. It put a small damper on my plan to someday be the curator.

I came here once as a little girl with my grandma. It’s where my love of art was born. It’s the only place I’ve ever wanted to work.

I’m almost far enough away from the rope. So close to the freedom to roam undisturbed. I need a visit to the east wing—where all the best art resides—for inspiration so I can work up the nerve to approach the museum curator. I’m hoping a reminiscent story from my childhood will win her over. Convince her she needs an assistant. Hell, I’d agree to be the janitor if it’d get me in the door.

I hear Harry’s voice, already starting to slur. I roll my eyes. We’ve only been here an hour.

Where y-you goin’, Bonnie?

I let out a slow, heavy sigh before spinning around. To my surprise, Harry’s got more ninja-like qualities than I’d have thought possible for someone who is so not holding his liquor well. He’s just feet away. The stench of the alcohol lacing his breath makes my stomach curdle.

It’s Brittney.

‘sss what I said. Becky.

I don’t suppose you want to go on a tour? I wave toward the paintings lining the hall, leading up to a display I’ve been dying to see since the moment I stepped foot inside. He’s not my first choice for company. But at least if he’s hidden away in the deserted hallway, he’s not inside the event room embarrassing the both of us.

"A private tour?"

No.

I regret not adjusting my clingy black dress earlier when Harry’s eyes fall to the excessive amount of cleavage I’m displaying.

I only wore this short little dress because the ad required a formal gown, and this—outside of a frumpy, unflattering funeral dress—is all I had. I’m a little curvier, and a little more filled out than I was when I bought the dress a few years ago.

But since I just graduated from college, I wasn’t about to spend money I don’t have on a dress I didn’t want.

Oh c’mon. No one will even know we’re here. He takes another step closer. I take two back. There’s not a breath mint in the world that can help him now.

Go back to the party, Harry.

He sticks his hand out toward me, offering me a plastic Champaign flute. I brought you your drink. Here, drink up.

It’s empty. Why am I not surprised