Wilde For You (The Wilde Sisters Book 3) (17 page)

Luke.
For the past few hours she hadn’t thought of him once. Smiling, she straightened her shoulders, proud that she was finally moving on from the hunky firefighter.

Crap.
Now her mind filled with lustful images of Luke. Naked and on top of her. Clothed and cuddled behind her on the couch. Laugh lines crinkling around his eyes. Angry, sad eyes as she kicked him out of her life.

Thankfully the craziness of the next hour occupied her mind and she didn’t have time to think of how much pain she’d caused Luke Riley. When his sister picked her up and she saw the regret and sadness in Lucy’s eyes, Sage couldn’t help but think of the Riley clan and how special they were.

If only she’d had a mother as nurturing as Doreen Riley. Someone who would have taken care of her and loved her no matter what mistakes she made or what path she took in life. Someone who would have encouraged her to take up band or chorus or play a sport in school. Instead, Sage had parents who were so self-involved that they barely noticed they had three daughters. As soon as Sage was old enough to take care of herself, she was given the responsibility to raise her sisters.

Afternoons were spent helping Rayne and Thyme with their homework, making sure the chores were done, seeing that there was food on the table for dinner. When she was fourteen and her sisters only twelve and ten, their parents would take off for weeks at a time, leaving Sage in charge. Once she had her driver’s license, Sage became the chauffer.

In middle school, Thyme used that time to test her boundaries. She’d sneak out at night or invite boys over while Sage worked at the local grocery store. Rayne didn’t socialize much and didn’t cause any problems, but she didn’t help fix them either. She’d cover for Thyme and try to calm down Sage.

If only there had been someone to take care of Sage. That was half a life ago and it was too late to go back in time. And she was too old to start having someone take care of her now. For fifteen years she’d been fending for herself and seeing to the needs of her sisters. She’d grown accustomed to her way of life, making no room for anyone else. Not even Luke.

Sage didn’t want Lucy growing old and pessimistic like her. She had a mom that loved her unconditionally and a hot brother who would give the shirt off his back for her.

And damn, did he look good without his shirt on. Daydreaming about Luke while his sister was in trouble and sharing airspace with her wasn’t the best of ideas. Temporarily erasing him from her mind, Sage locked up her office when she saw headlights pull into her parking lot.

“Thanks for picking me up,” she said once she slid behind the wheel.

“Uh, thanks for letting me crash at your place and for letting me use your car.”

They sat in awkward silence, both more comfortable with snarkiness. “You still look like crap, though.”

“Not everyone can pull off the Ice Princess look.”

“Yeah, well, you don’t pull off the Goth look either. You’re an artist. Make yourself look better.”

Lucy snorted. “So, your, uh, office looks cool. Could use a coat of paint in the new room.”

“Yeah? I dropped a few color samples in my bag.” Sage pulled them out and showed them to Lucy.

“Curry.”

“Hmm?”

“Go with curry. The dark green color. Kinda looks like mud on the swatch, but it will look great with the furniture and flooring.”

“That was my first choice as well.” Sage finally turned on the car. “Am I bringing you back to your mom’s, or did you leave a car somewhere?” She really hoped she didn’t have to go near the Rileys.

“My car is in the coffee shop parking lot where I bumped into you.”

Was that only a few hours ago? It seemed like days since her literal run-in with Lucy. Sage headed north and contemplated what to do next. Knowing the right thing to do, she offered Lucy a job. “Detective Blanchette advised you to quit your job at the art store.”

“Yeah, easy for him to say. I need a paycheck.”

“You can work for me.”

Lucy snorted.

“Seriously. You can start by painting my office.”

“I’m not that kind of painter.”

“Neither am I, but if I can do it, so can you. And when I’m at an event, I’ll need you to answer my phone and make appointments. The busy season is coming up. Companies planning holiday parties, couples getting engaged and thinking they can pull off a spring wedding. My sister Thyme used to help out, but she’s busy now with her babies.” Sage pulled into the lot. “Which car is yours?”

Lucy pointed to a rusted black four-door. Reaching behind her to grab her messenger bag, Sage pulled out the paint sample again and two hundred dollars. “Pick up the paint and supplies. I won’t be in the office tomorrow, so take the key. I’ll need it painted by Wednesday, though. I have a client meeting at noon and I’d prefer if it didn’t smell like paint fumes. Be at my office by eight Wednesday morning so I can show you how to work the phone system, call forwarding, my calendar, and whatnot. Don’t be late. Or you’re fired.”

“Seriously? What the hell?”

“Yes. And work on your vocabulary. And your mouth. You look very unattractive with your mouth hanging open like that. And when I ask you to work with me on a site, you’re not going to have all that hardware in your face or ugly clothes on your body. Now leave. It’s late and I’m tired.” Sage hid her smile as Lucy scrambled to gather her bag and jumped out of the car.

Chapter Fourteen

Luke

Luke let himself in his mother’s front door and smiled. “Something smells good, Ma.” He made his way into the kitchen, kissed his mother’s cheek, and lifted a lid from the crockpot.

“You know better than to pick up a lid.” She swatted his hand and he laughed.

“Beef stew. My favorite.”

“And your brother’s. He’ll be here any minute and I need to go change. Can I trust you in here alone?” She placed her hands on her hips and cocked her head to the left.

“Scout’s honor.” Luke crossed his chest.

“Make yourself useful and set the table. We haven’t seen Blake in months and I’m sure he hasn’t had a decent home-cooked meal since he was here last. And set a place for your sisters as well.”

Luke opened the glass doors to the hutch and took out the Fiestaware his mother always used for family meals. It would be good to see Blake again. He’d been away for the better part of the past three years designing those crazy-ass obstacle courses diehard athletes like to compete in. Luke and his brothers ran a few together, but life and careers made it nearly impossible for all of them to be in the same country, much less the same state, at the same time.

Rachael entered the kitchen from the back door and he heard Lucy stomp and holler from the front. “Blake’s home!” Teenagerish squeals escaped his mother’s lips, followed by Blake’s loud, infectious laugh. Rachael jumped back and plastered herself to the mudroom wall, her eyes round with fear.

“You okay?”

She nodded. “I hate that little things like this make me jump. Don’t tell Mom.”

Doreen would smother Rachael to death if she knew how timid and frightened she was. The only outing she’d been on since her return home was to Doreen’s birthday party quite a few months ago. Luke had been so caught up in Sage he’d completely forgotten to check up on his sister, only to discover the following day she’d spent most of the evening by herself in the suite he’d reserved for her.

“Only if you promise to talk to me…or someone, anyone, about this.”

She averted her eyes before nodding in agreement.

“Hey man,” Blake called over their mother’s head as he came in through the kitchen, one arm slung around her. “Been a while.”

“Good to see you.” Luke hugged his brother and smacked him on the back. “You’re feeling a little thin. Ma’s beef stew will put some meat on your bones.”

“Yeah? Feel up to a chin-up challenge? You may have shoulders the size of a Hemi, but I’ve got endurance.”

“Game on.”

“Oh, stop, you boys.” Doreen looped her free arm through Luke’s and led them to the table. “Rachael, get down the wine glasses, please. And Lucy, get the butter and rolls.”

Luke looked at Lucy for the first time and noticed her freshly washed face. He could actually see her eyes. Bright green against her alabaster skin. She’d done something with her hair to get rid of the pink, and slick black waves hung down to her chin. The piercings were gone too, as was the black nail polish. He wanted to comment, but knew she’d get pissed for calling attention to the surprising makeover.

“Guess I’ve been gone a long time. Almost didn’t recognize—” Luke elbowed Blake before he could make Lucy uncomfortable. “What the hell?”

“Language, Blake Riley.”

“Sorry, Ma.” Blake glared at Luke, who mouthed
later.

Something had happened to Lucy over the past week. Luke had busied himself with picking up extra shifts and hiding out in his house and had been too caught up in his own soap opera to notice. She’d stopped by only once, which was highly unusual, and he’d said he had an appointment and brushed past her, not wanting to deal with her constant jibes. Thinking back to that afternoon, she looked different then too. Those cheekbones making her look sweet, almost angelic.

Rachael remained fairly quiet at dinner, which was her normal manner since her return from California. Once Luke regained control of his life, he’d help Rachael get back to the spunky funny girl she once was, and then figure out what was going on with Lucy.

As always, Blake was the center of attention. He brought the laughter out in Lucy and a few secret smiles from Rach. Doreen would be happy no matter who was at her table and what mood they were in. Blessed to be with family, she’d say.

After the dinner dishes were washed and dried, he let Blake visit with their mom and pulled Lucy aside.

“Hey.” He nudged her with his shoulder.

“It’s great to have Blake home, isn’t it?”

Luke nodded and tugged Lucy outside to the front porch. “Sit with me.” They sat on the porch swing and looked out across the meadow.

“You doing okay?” Lucy asked.

“That’s what I was going to ask you.” Luke laughed.

“I’ve never seen you act like such a girl over a…girl.”

Ignoring her taunt, he pushed the swing with his feet. “What happened to the pink hair?”

“Grew out.”

“The face jewelry?”

“Took it out.”

“The ugly clothes?”

“In the wash.”

“The bad attitude?”

“Still got it.” Lucy grinned and pinched Luke in the side.

“Don’t change too much, okay?” He was really happy to see the outer crap gone, but he hoped Lucy didn’t lose herself as well. She simply needed to
find
herself. “So what brought this transformation?”

“Dunno.” Lucy shrugged and looked away, obviously hiding something.

“You’re not in trouble, are you? You know you can come to me for anything. I’ll take care of you.”

“I’m not a kid anymore, Luke. I can take care of myself. Not everyone wants someone hovering over them, fixing their problems, pointing out their mistakes. No wonder you drove her batshit crazy.” Lucy stood, causing the swing to rock out of control, and stomped down the front steps. Her car door slammed and she peeled out of the driveway, gravel spitting out from under her tires.

“That went well.”

Luke turned to Rachael’s voice. “You think she’s right?”

Rachael took Lucy’s place on the swing, sitting closer and resting her head on Luke’s shoulder. “Yes. But don’t ever change. That’s what makes you
you.”

She repeated the words he’d just spoke to Lucy, not liking the advice directed toward him. “Do you know what’s going on with her?”

“I don’t even know what’s going on with myself, much less the rest of the family.”

“Ain’t that the truth.”

“You know, the quiet observer usually has more inside information than the hovering pain-in-the-ass oldest brother.”

“And the sweet, observing younger sister is going to share this with her loving, domineering brother, is that it?” Rachael let out a sigh, keeping her head on his shoulder. Luke moved his arm around her, pulling her closer.

“I know Colton joined the military to escape his hurt, only he’s seeing more hurt and pain in Afghanistan and Iraq and wherever else he’s been than around here. Graham can’t stand to be in the same place for too long and thinks he’s found the perfect job flying across country five times a week, sleeping in hotels nearly every night.”

“You don’t think they’re happy?” Rachael sounded sad, almost wistful.

“They think they are, but they’ll be back when they’re done fighting their battles. Figuratively and literally.” Luke leaned his head against Rachael’s, enjoying her company.

“Makes sense.”

“Graham is ready to settle down, even though he won’t admit it. I bet he’ll be home for good before next summer. What’s going on with Lucy?”

“I don’t know. I’ve caught her smiling and she even talks to me sometimes. She sets her alarm and is out of the house by seven every morning dressed in normal clothes. She has a new job…” Rachael pulled away and moved to the other side of the swing.

“What? What aren’t you telling me?”

“She’s happy, Luke. Be happy for her.”

“Are you kidding me? Lucy’s told you what’s going on but hasn’t said a word to me? She’s never opened up to you before.”

“No offense taken,” Rachael teased.

“You know what I mean. You two have never been close.”

“And you’re offended because she came to me instead of you. You have to admit, you’ve been pretty sour lately.”

“So tell me what brought on the transformation.”

“No, it’s not my story to tell.”

“You’re loyal to a fault, and I love you anyway.” Luke leaned over and kissed his sister on the cheek. “I’m glad to see a smile back on your face as well.”

“And I can’t wait to see one back on yours too.”

Luke’s smile didn’t reach his eyes, but he appreciated his sister’s support. Taking out his cell, he sent Lucy a quick text:

You free for lunch tomorrow?

Tucking his cell in his pocket, he went back inside to say goodnight to his mom and brother. By the time he got home, he had a message from Lucy:

Working but can meet you for a quick bite at 1
.

She gave him two choices: a deli or a café, both in Kennebunkport. Interesting location. He thought her art store was in Portland. Deciding on the deli, he typed in his response and then hit the shower.

By the time he slid under his sheets, his mind had drifted back to Sage. Not that she was ever far from his thoughts. The changes in Lucy reminded him of her. How she started out hostile and snotty, softening over time. He only hoped Lucy wouldn’t regret the softening and come to hate him for it as Sage had.

After a restless night dreaming about Sage’s soft skin, her tender heart that she liked to keep hidden, and her witty sense of humor, he finally got out of bed and went for an early morning run. The chilly air and strain on his muscles did nothing to clear his mind, which swayed between lust for Sage and concern for his sister. He’d run a ten-mile loop, but he’d swear he just left the house five minutes ago.

He showered, shaved, vacuumed the downstairs, and did a load of laundry before arriving at the deli a few minutes before one. Luke stopped in his tracks, surprised to find his sister already there. She’d never been on time for anything in her life. And definitely never early.

“You look nice.” He leaned down to kiss the top of her head, noticing the subtle makeup and tinted lip gloss. The navy long-sleeved shirt was a far cry from the grubby shirts with rock bands and holes in the cuffs she normally wore.

“Thank you.”

And she grew manners. He peered into her clear green eyes, noticing a glint he’d never seen before. “Let’s cut to the chase, Luce. What’s the deal? Not that I’m not thrilled to see you looking so…refreshed.”

“I have a great job. I’m painting. And I even sold a piece.”

“That’s awesome.” He reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “Tell me about the painting.”

She grinned from ear to ear, revealing a perfect white smile that he’d never really seen before. “I figured you’d ask about my job first.”

“If you want to tell me about that instead, I’m all ears.”

“I want to tell you about my painting. The job is just a way to get to what I really want to do.”

“I know. And I’m happy for you. Which piece did you sell?”

“Actually, he made a special request. Tom and Reggie spent their honeymoon near Pemaquid Point and he asked me to paint the lighthouse for their anniversary. He loved it and asked me to do another for his office.” Lucy danced in her seat and talked with her free hand.

“I’m so happy for you. Really. So, how’d this Tom guy find you?”

“He, uh, works across the hall from my office space and saw me painting one day. He’s an attorney.”

Luke pulled back and sat up straighter. “You’re not in trouble or anything, are you? Why are you seeing a lawyer?”

“I’m not. And he’s not really an attorney. He does tax law or something like that. His office is across the hall from…where I work.”

“Which is?”

“I’m doing secretary stuff. And some office painting and decorating. Let’s order. I’m starving and have to get back soon.”

Evasive. Now she sounded more like the Lucy he knew. They ordered sandwiches and sipped their iced tea while they waited for their food. Lucy told him about the other pieces she was working on, deciding to highlight some of Maine’s popular tourist areas and a few of the secret spots only locals knew about. The fall foliage made for breathtaking backdrops that only lasted a few short weeks, but she could paint the scenes, making them last forever.

He was tempted to follow her back to work, but he let his sister have her space. Again she reminded him of Sage. Her stubborn attitude, the softness in her eyes when she let her guard down, the snarky, biting comebacks when pushed too far.

Soon he’d find out why she didn’t want to tell him about her job.