Playing the Field (Hot-Lanta Series) (45 page)

             
Luke tried to come near her but she stopped him. “Don’t come near me. You’re dead, you died two years ago. I went to your memorial service. They told me you were dead. Why would they do that?”

             
“Baby please calm down, come sit down and I will tell you everything.”

             
“Were they playing a trick on me?”

             
“No babe, they thought I was dead. Everyone on the plane died…except me. I was taken hostage by some drug dealing natives. I was able to escape a couple of months ago, made contact with my commanding post and they came and got me. It’s over babe. I’m back for good.”

             
“What do you mean? I don’t understand.” She ran her hands over his body checking to see if what was in front of her was actually real. “You’re home for good?”

             
“Yes babe. I got an honorable discharge. No more missions. I’m yours forever.”

             
Her mind couldn’t process what was happening. She said bye to Luke two years ago and now he was back? Could they just start from where they left off? Were they still engaged? She was so confused. She looked around the room and remembered the candles. Shit. What about Austin? What about her feelings for him?

             
At that moment she saw him walk through the door with a single rose in his hand. The look on his face was pure confusion. He looked at Luke and his eyes lit up with fire. Molly turned to look at Luke and he looked hurt.

             
“Jesus, I didn’t even think about the fact that you could have moved on.” Luke started to get up but Molly stopped him.

             
“No, it’s not what you think.”

             
Austin took that moment to chime in. “Oh it’s not what he thinks? What is this then Molly? You call me a million times telling me you want to see where the future takes us and I convince myself it’s a good idea to give you another chance but I find you’re here with some other guy. That’s bullshit.”

             
She strode across the room to Austin, gripping his hands. “Austin, it’s not what you think.”

             
“Please by all means, tell us what we’re thinking.” Luke said.

             
She turned on a dime to look at Luke and pointed her finger at him. “Don’t you dare even give me attitude, you have no right. You can’t expect me to drop everything in my life after two years and go running back to you. Jesus, I still don’t even know if you’re real yet.”

             
“What the fuck is going on Molly?” Austin practically screamed.

             
Molly exhaled and said, “Austin, this is Luke Cartwright. Luke this is Austin Lee.”

             
Austin jaw was practically dragging on the floor. “You mean…God, I didn’t even recognize him. This is Luke, as in your ex-fiancé who should be dead, the father of your child?”

             
“Child?!” Luke exclaimed.

             
Shit…