Off the Hook Read online

  “Absolutely!” Cassie seconded.

  Luke kissed her hand and felt a sense of male pride when she shivered. “Me, too.”

  Jake pulled into Cucina Antonetti’s parking lot near the corner of York Street and Butterfield Road and found a space. It was a busy Saturday night for the popular Italian Elmhurst favorite.

  “Since there are four us, we can order from their family style menu. And since I invited everyone, I’m paying, Luke. No arguments,” Jake warned him.

  Luke was about to argue for the tip, but with Abbey watching and listening, he decided not to press the point. “Fine.”

  ****

  Abbey and Cassie excused themselves to the ladies’ room while the guys stood in line waiting to be seated. Abbey washed her hands while Cassie checked her makeup.

  “Aren’t you and Luke the pair, huh?” Cassie commented as she finger-combed her hair and then washed her hands.

  Abbey’s cheeks flushed pink, and she turned away. “What do you mean?”

  “Don’t pull that crap on me. You know exactly what I mean.” Cassie grabbed her by the hand and led her to one of the Italian tapestry couches along the wall, sitting them both down. A couple of guests came in to use the facilities, and she and her sister waited until the bathroom stall doors closed before speaking.

  “I don’t know what to say,” Abbey began softly. She didn’t have much experience with boys. But Luke wasn’t a boy. Neither was Jake. They were men.

  “I’ll start then,” Cassie said. “It was pretty obvious back at the house there was a spark between you two. When you shook hands something happened, and how he introduced himself was sort of funny. I’ve never seen him flustered like that. It was sweet.”

  “It was crazy. When we touched, I felt something. It was like a jolt. He’s so big, like a Viking with dimples and those gorgeous blue eyes.” Abbey was rambling, and she needed to stop. She’d probably never see him again, so whatever she thought she felt didn’t matter.

  “That’s so great! And don’t say anything. Just relax and have fun. Remember you agreed you would have some adventures this summer? Maybe Luke will be a summer adventure, maybe not. At least we’ll have a nice dinner, okay? Don’t overthink it,” Cassie advised.

  Her sister was right. Abbey nodded. Even if she never saw Luke again after tonight, she’d have a fun story to tell. She’d held hands and had dinner with Luke Stryker, a pitcher for the Chicago Cobras. It was already an adventure.

  They both left the ladies’ room in search of the guys. Abbey felt excited for what the evening had in store. Good food and interesting company. She was glad she’d let Cassie convince her into coming out.

  She spotted Luke across the room with Jake at their table, and when their eyes met, her body lit up. He smiled at her, showing off his dimples, instantly causing her nipples to bead.

  Relax, Abbey. This isn’t a date, remember? Luke’s just being nice.

  To her surprise, the guys stood when they reached their table, and Luke held out her chair. No one had ever done that for her before.

  “You hungry, princess?” Luke asked.

  Abbey’s mouth fell open, and she quickly closed it. “Princess?”

  He shrugged and gazed into her eyes as if he could see into her soul. She never wanted to look away. “That’s what I thought when I first looked at you. As pretty as a princess. No. Prettier,” Luke explained, and took a sip from his water glass after everyone was seated at their table.

  It may have been a well-practiced line, something Luke said to all the girls, but for the first time in her life, Abbey didn’t feel like a nerd. She felt like a beautiful woman, and she liked it, a lot.

  “Hey, guys, why don’t we decide what we want off the menu?” Jake suggested.

  For a second Luke seemed annoyed with Jake, but he smiled and looked at his menu. Abbey did the same, and a few minutes later they placed their order. She and Luke were quickly talking again, while Cassie and Jake focused on each other.

  The nerd in her couldn’t resist asking. “Was that an iPhone you were using when your uncle called? I didn’t think they were out yet.”

  Luke pulled the phone out of his pocket and held it in front of her. She marveled at the newest in cell phone technology. She retrieved her AT&T Tilt from her purse. It was state of the art, too, a gift from her parents.

  Luke shrugged and grinned. “My uncle knows Steve Jobs. He got me one before official launch day. Go ahead, touch it.”

  “Luke,” Jake warned.

  “What? It has a touch screen, Jake. That’s how you use it. You touch it. Relax,” Luke snapped back.

  “Yeah, Jake. Relax,” Abbey scolded Jake. Abbey slid the nearly three-inch touch screen on her Tilt to the left and up, exposing the keyboard making her phone look like a tiny laptop. “Mine has a little touch screen, too.”

  “Great minds think alike,” Luke commented.

  Fortunately, Jake backed off just as their server placed appetizers on the table. “So, you’re headed to U of I in the fall. That’s great. Computer Science major. Beautiful and smart.”

  Abbey blushed. She wasn’t used to all the compliments. Cassie or Jake must have told him about U of I. Abbey nodded. “Yeah. I’m excited. Nervous, too. Mostly excited though.” Come on, Abbey. Stop rambling. You sound like a dork.

  “I’m attending Walden online. Have to, because of all the traveling. Business major. Then MBA after that. Thank God for laptops, right? I have a Dell,” Luke said, starting on their salad course.

  Abbey couldn’t agree more. Those clunky desktops were a thing of the past, as far as she was concerned. “I know. I have a Sony Vaio. I love it.”

  “Oh my gosh. Listen to the nerds go,” Cassie teased.

  Before Abbey could answer, Luke chimed in, “You’re just jealous of all the brain power on this side of the table.”

  Abbey laughed at Luke’s great comeback.

  Jake scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Right. That’s it. We’re jealous.”

  And just like that, the music changed from a classic Italian favorite to I Was Made for Lovin’ You by Kiss. The owner of Cucina Antonetti’s, Carlo, was a member of the Kiss Army, and sometime during dinner service each night, the restaurant played a Kiss song.

  Everyone laughed and sang along, but Abbey’s head spun when Jake produced a little black ring box. Was Jake proposing? Now? Cassie said they had a plan. Getting engaged at nineteen wasn’t a part of it.

  “It’s gonna be all right. I promise, princess,” Luke whispered in her ear.

  Luke’s body heat made her tingle all over, but she needed to focus on Cassie and Jake. She watched on, nearly in a panic but calmed down quick. Jake gave Cassie a beautiful blue promise ring, not an engagement ring.

  Cassie was thrilled and squealed with joy. After she kissed Jake senseless, much to the amusement of the other diners and wait staff, they finally settled down to dinner.

  Conversation flowed nicely over the next hour, and they relaxed outside after finishing dinner without Luke fighting Jake over the check. She and Luke sat on a guest bench under a tree with Cassie and Jake on another a few feet away. The outside lighting provided just enough illumination so she could make out Luke’s blond hair and sparkling blue eyes.

  This was it. Butterflies took flight in Abbey’s stomach and her heart fluttered. She was pretty sure Luke was going to kiss her.

  He scooted closer, their thighs touching. “Abbey. Would it be all right if I kissed you?” he whispered.

  Too overwhelmed to speak, she nodded. He hesitated then gently brushed his lips against hers. When he ran his tongue along the seam of her lips, she opened them. His kiss was coaxing and confident, like nothing she’d ever experienced before. Her head was swimming by the time he ended their kiss with a nibble of her lower lip.

  “Mmm … cherry lip gloss. I wondered about that all night.”

  Chapter Three

  The following evening about a quarter ‘til six, Abbey was just about to zip up her ove
rnight bag when Cassie came into her bedroom. Smiling mischievously, she held up a pretty powder blue silk and lace teddy with matching panties. She placed it on top of everything Abbey had already packed, tossed in four condoms, and zipped up the bag.

  “What are you doing?” Abbey asked, horrified, hoping her mother didn’t walk in. The woman was already fit to be tied.

  “Just in case. It doesn’t hurt to be prepared, right?” Cassie replied, still smiling.

  Abbey’s body warmed thinking back to the three kisses she’d shared with Luke the night before. He’d asked permission twice outside at Antonetti’s. At their front door before Luke and Jake left, she’d kissed Luke first, taking him by surprise. Kisses were one thing, sex was another. She was still a virgin at eighteen. It wasn’t that she was afraid, not really. She just hadn’t met the right person. She had a feeling it could be Luke.

  “He won’t push you into anything, Abbey. You’ll be safe at his place. All the bedrooms have locks and private bathrooms,” Cassie assured her.

  “I know. He already told me.” She trusted Luke. Really liked him, too. She was having dinner at his place and staying overnight because it was easier, since morning practice started early and she was going along. She wasn’t sure if tonight would be the night, but Cassie was right. She should be smart and be prepared, in case it was. All a part of my adventurous summer.

  “It doesn’t hurt that much, you know. The first time,” Cassie offered, giving her a quick hug.

  Abbey’s face warmed. She didn’t want to have this conversation with her more experienced sister, although Cassie’s only real sexual experience had been with Jake.

  “Oh, all right. I’ll take your word for it,” Abbey said, hoping that was the end of the conversation.

  Luke lived on Chicago’s Gold Coast on Lake Shore Drive, but he assured her she should dress casual. Abbey wore her nicest blue jeans and a summer print top. She’d packed another similar outfit along with a sweater for practice day.

  She braced herself as she bounded down the stairs for what she hoped wouldn’t be a total blow up with her mother yet again. Her father had been fairly cool about the visit to Luke’s and practice the following morning. That only seemed to anger her mother even more.

  “So you’re just going to send your daughter off to who knows where?” her mother asked accusingly of her father.

  “Stop it. I’m doing no such thing, and you know it. She’s not a little girl. We’ve gone over this,” her father replied, sticking up for her.

  “You’re just starstruck because Luke’s a baseball player,” her mother countered.

  “No. I’m tired of you treating our daughters like they’re three years old. We’ve raised them right. They’re strong, intelligent young women who know right from wrong,” her father snapped back.

  “Luke thinks he can throw his celebrity status and family’s money around and get his way. Abbey is better off with Johnny Parker. They had such a nice time at Senior Prom.”

  Her father scoffed, and Abbey rolled her eyes. “Yeah right. Let me tell you about Senior Prom. Johnny Parker’s an asshole. He spent the whole night staring at my boobs and trying to cop a feel. Then at the end of the night he tried to shove his tongue down my throat and grabbed my boobs so hard he left bruises.” She’d hadn’t said a word about the disaster before now because Johnny’s mother was her mother’s best friend, but enough was enough.

  “What?” her mother cried, shaking her head.

  Her father’s face turned red. He pointed an accusatory finger at his wife. “I knew it. I never liked that little shit. Jenny and Mike treat him like he walks on water.” Her father turned to her, a serious expression on his face. “Did you knee him in the nuts like I taught you girls?”

  He’d taught her and Cassie some self-defense moves when they were younger. His little girls would not be victims.

  Cassie placed a protective arm around her shoulders.

  “Yeah. Twice. And I punched him in the face. Hard.” She’d never forget the stunned, pained expression on the prick’s face for the rest of her life.

  “You see? Abbey can take care of herself,” her father assured her mother.

  “Yeah, Mom. Loosen up on the leash. Are you going to move into the dorm with her in the fall, too?” Cassie added, pressing the point her mother was out of control.

  Her mother threw her hands up in frustration. “All right, all right. I get it. Parents worry. That’s our job. I don’t care that you’re over eighteen. You have your cell phone and charger?”

  Abbey wanted to jump for joy, now that it seemed her mother had finally calmed down a little. “Yes, of course. And I’ll pick a bedroom far away from his and lock it tight. If he tries something stupid, I’ll knee him hard, call 911, and get the heck out of there.”

  “Mom, I know Luke. It’s going to be fine. He’s a good guy,” Cassie added for good measure.

  The doorbell rang, and Abbey felt a lightness in her chest. She would go, regardless of what her mother thought. She just preferred not to have her upset about it.

  Her mother sighed, conceding defeat. “Go on. You don’t want to keep Luke waiting. If you need anything, just call us.”

  ****

  “You really like this girl, don’t you, son?” Luke’s Uncle Darren asked after he checked on dinner. Abbey was due any minute, and his signature dish, balsamic chicken with veggies was just about ready. The green beans with mushrooms and au gratin potatoes were set on warm.

  His uncle was dressed in a tailored Italian suit. The family resemblance was so evident, they could pass for father and son, and Luke sometimes referred to Darren as Dad.

  He couldn’t help but smile. “She’s special, Dad. Gorgeous, smart, sweet. She thinks the team needs to play me more.” That got Darren’s attention.

  Darren raised a brow. “Oh, she does, does she?”

  Luke nodded. “Yeah. And she thinks I should have a song play when I take the pitcher’s mound, like some other pitchers do. Something like AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck’.” He couldn’t wait to hear what his uncle had to say about that.

  The doorbell rang, so he’d have to wait on Darren’s opinion on the matter. His heart sang with joy as he made his way to the front door. His dick chose that moment to make its presence known in his jeans. Shit. He adjusted himself. He didn’t want Abbey thinking he’d invited her over to jump her. He really liked her. She was special, and he had every intention of taking his time with her.

  Luke sure as hell hoped they ended up in bed, eventually. He recognized it was early in their relationship, but he had a feeling about her. About them. He had no intention of doing something stupid and screwing it up.

  His insides were vibrating, so he took a deep, calming breath, before opening the door. And there she stood. His princess. As beautiful as she was the night before, even dressed in jeans and a summer top. Abbey was his every hope and fantasy come to life, and she was there to see him. How did he get so fucking lucky?

  With a smile that lit up her face and a sweet little blush staining her cheeks she said, “Hi. I’m here.”

  Damn, she was adorable. “Great timing. Dinner’s ready.” He grabbed her overnight bag and led her to the kitchen where Darren was waiting.

  He wondered what Abbey would think of his place. The penthouse was formal. The prestigious building had been designed by Rosario Candela and built by McNally & Quinn in 1927. He’d left it as it was when he’d moved in, not having the heart to change anything.

  “I thought we’d eat in the kitchen, since it’s less formal.” The kitchen was done up with white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a large island with two comfortable stools.

  “I like your uncle,” Abbey said once his Uncle Darren ducked out after quick introductions. Luke was more than ready for some alone time with his princess.

  “Thanks. He’s a good man. Has taught me so much.” His stomach growled by the time he’d set everything on the island and they were ready to eat. Everything see
med perfect if the look on Abbey’s face was any indication.

  “Wow, Luke. This looks and smells so good. I’m starved. You didn’t have to go to so much trouble for me. We could have just ordered pizza or something,” Abbey said as they prepared their plates.

  Luke scoffed. “No way. Not on your first visit. Maybe next time.” And there would be a next time. Many more if he had anything to say about it.

  Abbey smiled brightly, as if the idea of future visits pleased her. He was relieved, hoping she was thinking the same thoughts as he was.

  They sat side-by-side, enjoying their dinner. It was so much better than eating alone like he normally did. Every smile Abbey offered him did things to his heart. Good things.

  “This was all so good, Luke. Thank you.” Abbey rinsed her plate when she was finished and placed it in the dishwasher. He followed suit.

  His girl liked his cooking. His spirits soared. “Good, I’m glad you liked it. Let me show you around, and after, we can watch ‘Knocked Up’ if you haven’t already seen it. I know it’s still playing in theaters, but I was able to get a copy before it officially comes out on DVD.”

  Abbey laughed, causing his insides to quiver. God, he liked her.

  “Let me guess, you know Seth Rogen?” she teased.

  “Smart ass,” he kidded back. He led her by the hand through the over six thousand square foot penthouse apartment, all the while knowing what she’d think. His place had five bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms, along with three additional full bathrooms. A formal dining room, library, wine room, butler’s pantry, workout room and his favorite room—the media room.

  He gestured for Abbey to sit on his leather couch in front of the large screen TV while he got the movie set up. He couldn’t wait to cuddle up next to her for the next two hours before they had to call it a night. Fucking early morning practice.

  Once he settled next to Abbey on the couch, her warm, soft little body snuggled against him, he was ready to enjoy the rest of the night. “So tell me what you think. Be honest. Not what you expected for my bachelor pad, right?”