Hard by S. R. Jones

Author:S. R. Jones [Jones, S. R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-02-08T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Cara

I’m so nervous my mouth is dry, and I’m regretting my impromptu decision to ask Luka on a date.

Before we get to go out at the weekend, we’ve this week’s class to get through together, and I’m feeling all kinds of vulnerable for putting myself out there. What if he changes his mind and tells me today?

None of the students are here yet, as I wanted to get here early and prepare. I need to get my head back into the right place for teaching. One of the guards at the door opens it and pokes his head around. He’s called Dave, and he’s a lovely bloke.

“Hey, Cara. You’ve got a new one joining today. Arrived two days ago, and signed up for as much stuff as he could. His name is Clive Leeson and he’s in for dealing. His file should have been sent down for you but the office hasn’t done it yet. Thought I’d give you a heads up. He seems okay, for one of our guests at any rate.” He rolls his eyes.

“Thanks for letting me know, Dave.” I add the new guy’s name to the bottom of my register.

“Hi, Luka,” Dave smiles and moves to one side to let Luka past.

I look up at the man who is taking up far too much real estate in my brain, and hate the flush I can feel spreading over my cheeks. I put on foundation today, something I don’t normally do, to try and hide any blushing, but I doubt it’s working.

“Hey, Cara.” Luka’s greeting is easy, casual. “You feeling any better?” He gives me a blinding smile and pulls a chair up, and his friendly demeanor relaxes me.

“Yes, I am. And thanks so much for taking care of me. You didn’t have to.”

“What are friends for?” But he says the word ‘friends’ with a strange emphasis, and his eyes do a quick flick up and down my body.

I squirm a little in my seat.

“So, where are you taking me for this slap-up meal?”

The place I’ve chosen is lovely and serves damn fine Italian food. But nothing on the menu can match the mouthwatering vision in front of me. Luka isn’t wearing dark trousers today, he’s got on a pair of worn jeans and a rugby shirt, and he looks amazing.

“It’s a small and cozy Italian in town. Nothing too flash or anything, but the food is gorgeous.”

“I like small and cozy,” he says. “Don’t do too well with big, noisy places.”

“Oh?”

“I get migraines from a head injury I sustained out in the field. Noisy places can set it off. As can overly bright lights, and that kind of thing.”

“Must be a bit of a pain.”

“Not really.” He sighs and stretches his legs out. “I mean, it is when I get one as they’re bloody debilitating, but I’m fine about not being able to go to noisy, crowded places. They’re not something I want to do these days.”

“Your clubbing days are over?” I smile at him, and his eyes meet mine.

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