New Life New Mate

Chapter Sixteen

I try to put the conversation with my mother behind me and focus on my first day at work. Luke meets with investors, and business men looking for investors alike. I take notes on my laptop and stay quiet like a good girl. 

Onto the fourth meeting of the day and nothing exciting. I emailed the realtor and contractor and set two days next week to see the properties, put it into Lukes schedule as well as mine. I walk into the meeting room and place a packet in front of each seat, then sit in my corner and pull my laptop out waiting for the clients to get here. Luke is going through the papers reading over a business plan for a small fine dining restaurant. I already went over the plan myself, the man has been working at various restaurants in Seattle the last 3 years after getting his culinary degree but wanted to move back to his hometown. When no place wanted to hire him, not a lot of time dining options here, he decided to start his own. In his proposal he says he attempted to get a bank loan but with no collateral they denied him. Basically we are his last hope to make his dreams come true. The renderings of his design concept and menu seem to be five star quality but whether he can produce the expectations he set has yet to be seen. The door opens and a secretary leads the young man, holding a large box that smells divine, walks in.

My jaw drops as I realize I know this man. "Sorry to keep you waiting, I brought a few of the meals from my menu to show my ability."

"Wonderful," Luke says, standing to shake his hand. "Hard to invest in food when you never taste it. I am Luke, CEO here."

"Wow really? Oh I am sorry I never expected to meet with you." The man says never even noticing my gawking.

"Oh I like to be hands on with how my money is spent. This is my executive assistant.."

"Ana! My goodness is that really you?" 

I stand up finally gaining my composure, "Johnny boy, how are you?" 

Johnny walks around the table to give me a hug. "Ha it's Jonathan, no one calls me Johnny boy anymore."

"Nope, still my Johnny boy," I tell him as he gives me a tight bear hug.

Luke gives off a jealous growl but covers it by clearing his throat. "Um sorry, very unprofessional. Um how are you and Drake doing? Haven't seen you since the wedding."

"Well we are divorced but we can catch up later let's see this food you brought. Luke Johnny and I went to school together. We were good friends, nothing more." Johnny looks between us and asks me with his eyes some questions. "Johnny this is my boyfriend Luke, today is my first day at this job. A lot has happened and I couldn't keep working my old job. Please continue with your meeting. I am sure you will be fine and we will have plenty of time for me to fill you in when we work together."

Johnny starts to place dishes on the table, "I made small portions so can try a little of everything." He goes on to describe each plate while Luke mind links me.

'I don't like him.'

'Luke we are friends never were and never will be more.'

'You have a pet name for him.'

'He is gay, he was my gay best friend. Girls make him feel icky. Haha there is no worries.'

'I still don't like him hugging you.'

'Luke I am a big girl. You know how I feel about you.'

"Oh is that your cheese stuffed chicken Alfredo? Luke try it, only pass judgement once you taste it." I glare and Luke takes a bite. Then another, then tries the steak, roasted veggies, loaded stuffed bell peppers, with each bite Luke's eyes light up.

"Okay I don't like the fact my ma.. girlfriend has a pet name for you and the way you hugged her but this food is amazing."

" Awe thanks. Besides you would have a better chance at getting me in bed than she would." Luke gags on the bite of steak he just took.

"Right, he is hot." I saw teasing Luke. Johnny picks up what I am throwing down.

"Oh yeah, especially that sexy scar. Hmm," I laugh as Luke begins to blush.

"Oh Johnny boy you should see the rest of him. If you think your cooking is divine." We both laugh as Luke becomes flustered.

"Both of you stop right now," we stop laughing but smile big at each other. "I have gone over the proposal and believe you have what it takes. I will put someone in charge of your account. I have many companies that will help get the place ready for a discount as well. Someone will be in contact by the end of the week. Now please go before I change my mind." 

"Oh thank you sir I really appreciate it." Johnny says practically skipping out of the room.

"You enjoyed that didn't you?" Luke asks, burying his head in his hands.

"Oh yes I did. Made my point though, he likes me just not like that." I laugh standing up to clean up the room before we head out.

We finish up at the office and get ready to leave when Luke turns to me. "Let's go out to eat." Not a question but more like order.

"Yes sir I would love to go out to dinner with the boss." I joke with him.

"Let's go then beautiful." Getting in the car Luke takes us to the Davenport, fanciest place in Spokane. He valets the car and we go inside. 

Once at the restaurant inside the hotel the hostess asks about reservations before looking up. Once she looks up she looks shocked, "Oh Mr. Moore I am sorry right this way." I roll my eyes as she leads us to a nice little table leaving with a bow. Soon a bottle of red wine is delivered without a word. 

Luke pours us each a glass, smiling at me. The waitress arrives smiling big at Luke. "It's good seeing you Mr. Moore. The usual for you?"

"Please," Luke nods either oblivious to her flirtatious body language or completely ignoring it.

"And for your," she pauses looking me over, "business associate?" She questions.

"What would you like beautiful?" He says grabbing my hand.

"I will take the cordon bleu please." I say not even looking at the poor girl but I can feel her glare.

"Of course, right away." She leaves just a little pissed.

"She was flirting with you," I state, taking a sip of wine.

"I know, any man in a suit. She thinks one day if she flirts enough she will become a trophy wife. But no real man wants a slut. Doesn't stop her from trying though. Seen her picked up by several men but they never stay long. She is still here." I gasp at his blunt statement.

"Any way. This is nice, what's the occasion?"

"Just spending time with you. Can't a man treat his girlfriend to a nice dinner without a reason." He is hiding something I know it. Our food arrives quickly, benefit of having money and status I guess.

I eat my food still trying to figure out what Luke is doing. Luke excuses himself to the restroom. I see him stop a waiter on his way handing something to the young man who looks my way but quickly looks away and walks off. Luke returns in a few minutes sitting down. 

After a moment of silence he looks at me, "Beautiful, you are my everything. In such a short time you went from a perfect stranger to my whole world. My mate, my Luna and if you would do me the honor," he stands then kneels in front of me. I gasp as a plate is set in front of me with the most beautiful princess cut solitaire ring in the center with the words 'Will you marry me?' written in chocolate around the plate. "Be my wife?" Luke looks at me waiting for an answer. I look back and forth between Luke and the plate, in shock, I can't talk. "Love, please be ours?" Ty's gray eyes flash at me. 

'Snap out of it. Earth to Ana say yes!' Rose tells in my head. 

"Yes, a million times yes." Luke sighs, grabbing the ring and placing on my left hand. Cheers erupt from the tables around us, I turn red not realizing we had an audience. Luke leaves $200 on the table then picks me up bridal style and takes me away.

I fall asleep in car, or at least I think I do because last thing I remember is staring at my new accessory and now I am in bed in nothing but my panties next to a snoring Luke. I look at my hand smiling before drifting back asleep.