Hot to Handle

Coffee

Chapter 14.

The driver led her to the door of this wonderful home, where she was met by Lily.

"You must be Cassandra," she asked. Cassie nodded, still amazed by her surroundings.  

"Please make it this way. Mr. Luke is expecting you in the living room. " She was now following the maid while glancing at the large chandeliers and artwork hanging on the wall, one of which appeared like a family portrait and drew her interest. 

It was a painting of a lovely woman smiling, it must be Luke's mother because she can see the resemblance. 

Cassie reached the living room where she could feel the cozy atmosphere of the room, still trying to shift her eyes everywhere she notice the fireplace and everything made sense.

"Hello Cassie, welcome to our home, I hope it wasn't too far away from you," 

Unexpectedly Luke's voice pulled Cassie back to reality. 

"No, it's not that far. Your house looks wonderful!" she responded, which made Luke grin.  

"Please take a seat and relax. Do you want some coffee? or tea? In spite of the fact that I asked you for coffee when I sent you the text. " He implied glancing at her. 

Cassie can clearly see Luke's face now; he had been wearing his customary black shirt and pants. His hair is a mess, but she admits that it looks nice on him, and those damn eyes that make her legs tremble every time he stares at her.

After a few seconds of silence, Cassie  responds, "Coffee would be lovely." Lily nodded and left. She is now sitting on the comfortable sofa, while Luke remains in the corner close to the fireplace. 

"I'd want to thank you for coming. I realize this comes as a surprise, and I apologize for not notifying you sooner about coming to our house. I was worried you'd say no and think I'm insane. " Luke explained. 

"I admit I had second thoughts about coming, not because I don't want to accept your invitation, but because I don't know the person who spoke to me a while ago." Cassie is referring to Luke's driver. 

"Do you mean our driver, Earl? He's a good man, and he's quite harmless." He chuckled.

"I understand, but it's tough for me to trust people that quickly."

 So, what made you trust me?" Luke asked. There was a period of stillness, and Cassie was in silence despite having admitted that she had no answer to Luke's question. 

The silence ended as Lily entered the living room, bringing the coffee in a tray. 

"Thank you, Lily; if Cassie has any further requests, I'll give you a call. " He grinned, and Lily nodded and exited.

"So, where were we?" He is now seated in front of Cassie, holding the steaming coffee.

"So you live alone here?" Cassie asked, changing the subject and taking a sip of coffee. 

"I live with my brother and father. My brother seldom stays here since he has to be in another city to be closer to the project he is now working on. And my father goes home maybe once a week? If I can still notice. " He stated with blank eyes.

"You must be lonely here most of the time."  Cassie sees Luke's gaze alter. "I'm used to it. I have Lily and Earl to assist me." He answered. 

"Do you have siblings?"
"I don't. I live with my mother and haven't seen my father since she gave birth to me. That is why I like to be alone and am used to being in places where I feel safe." She said this while looking at the fireplace, remembering how one of her classmates rudely treated her because they thought she was an outcast.

"Cassie, are you okay?" Luke tried to shake her out of her daze.  "Sorry, I just recalled something, but don't mind me. "

They talked for several hours, laughing and enjoying each other's company. Cassie felt surprised that she could finally be herself around someone; aside from her mother, she had never met someone who made her feel at ease.

"At least you're laughing and smiling; the first time I saw you at the library, I feel as if you were going to murder me." He chuckled. 

"Well, you're on the phone. The library is for those who want to become lost in their own worlds." She stated, proving her argument. 

And they continued talking.