The Best Man Read Online Free PDF Page A

“It’s like art.” His brows wagged as he took Luke’s money. “I see a masterpiece in the making. You come back soon, hon. Ask for Marco.” He winked and sashayed away.
    Luke whisked her out the door and into his car before Kate could answer. “I think food, then my place.” He eased out of the parking space and turned left, leaving his NASCAR driving techniques behind.
    Kate’s stomach growled at the mention of food. But she wasn’t ready to face more strangers in her worn out dress. “Can we get take-out?”
    Ten minutes later, carrying bags from the discount store and Chinese take-out, Luke ushered her into his apartment.
    “Food first, or bath?” Luke sent her a questioning look.
    Kate’s stomach rumbled.
    “Food.” She dropped the bag of goodies from the hair salon in a chair, noting the sleek lines of the modern furniture. Soft leather, slim lines, looking comfortable and a perfect fit for Luke. No clutter. No extra padding, just what you see is what you get. It was one of the qualities she admired most about Luke, but she’d allowed herself to be distracted. When she followed him into the kitchen, the stainless steel appliances and clear counter tops confirmed her impression.
    “I’m still adjusting to having regular food.” Seeing dark shadows in his eyes, she turned away. “I thought you owned a condo in Brentwood. Did I miss something?”
    “I moved after you...left.” Luke sent her a quick look as he took containers of food out of the bag.
    “Joel was desperate to live in that area after we were married.” Kate walked a couple of steps away from the kitchen and looked at the bare furnishings in the living room. Why had Luke changed apartments? The black leather sofa and chairs looked unused. No footprints marred the grey carpet. Brow arched, she glanced over her shoulder. “Do you spend much time here?”
    “No. That’s one of the reasons I moved.” Luke motioned for her to follow as he carried the tray of food to the glass coffee table.
    “Thanks.” Kate reached for the carton of aromatic food he passed to her and settled in one corner of the sofa.
    Once she started munching, Luke picked up the other carton. “I wasn’t spending much time at home with all the extra work after…”
    “After what?” Kate glanced up as silence filled the room.
    “Eat, we’ll talk later.”
    “After what, Luke? Did something happen at the firm?” Despite Joel and her father’s efforts to squeeze her out of work at the firm, Kate still felt connected. She should have hated the law firm and all it stood for, since it was evidence of all the time her father had spent ignoring her very existence. But she couldn’t find it in her heart to hate her father’s accomplishments.
    Even if she despised his choices, she appreciated the name he built for himself in the law community.
    “You should eat. Things could get dicey, later.”
    Kate set the carton of pepper steak on the table with a plop. “You may as well tell me now. You’ve stirred my curiosity, I can’t concentrate on food. Has Joel made trouble at the firm?”
    Luke heaved a deep breath as he put his carton down. Glancing from under dark brows, his gaze raked over her face. “You think Joel could cause trouble?”
    Kate lifted her chin, and clenched her fists as she met his probing glance. “That’s all he’s done since the day he arrived.”
    Throat working, Luke’s mouth moved, but no sound came. Shaking his head, as if clearing his mind, he said. “You should eat. What we have to discuss will sit better on—”
    “Luke. I’m not an invalid.” Kate rolled her eyes. “I know things happened while I was gone, and you can’t bring me up to speed with a few short words—”
    “Actually, I can.” Luke’s gaze roamed her face. He hadn’t leaned back in the chair after putting his carton on the table. He was sitting on the edge of the chair cushion, forearms resting on his knees, hands dangling as he watched her. His unease