A Texas Reunion. Rucas. GMW CHOICE AWARD WINNER!

Only Evil Doesn't Like Pizza-Chapter 2-Redone.

Chapter 2

This woman is beautiful.

My gut churns at the thought, my smile becomes more forced when I see her delicate arms wrap intimately around the man that's in my every fantasy. What I wouldn't give to be that comfortable around him. "Lucas? Who's this?" Her voice is slightly higher pitch and shrill, something that seems forced but I could just be looking for flaws.

My eyes shift towards Lucas to see what his response will be, because that's a good question. What am I? He remembers me and we aren't anything more than old lab partners, and dare I say friends but that was years ago. Ridiculously, my overactive emotions want him to dump her, claim me and then we ride off into the sunset. Here's hoping. "This is Riley Matthews. We, obviously, went to school together." He gestures towards the rest of the ballroom where about half our senior class are loitering and catching up or rubbing their successes into other peoples faces.

There's a strained silence, I wouldn't need more than a plastic spoon to cut the tension between us. Lucas' shoulders are pulled up to his ears, his jaw is tight and he's extremely uncomfortable. And, from Missy's glare aimed my way, it's obvious she can feel how rigid he is. Gone is the easy smile and what I assume would be playful banter. "Yeah, we went to school together and I just recently found out he became partners with my uncle, Josh." I point out on the dance floor and can't help the flutters in my stomach.

Maya and Josh are pressed closely to one another, and it's obvious from the grip Josh has around her waist, it's all his doing. The flutters in my stomach for her are involuntary, she's cared for him for so long and something is finally developing. It's everything I've always wanted for her. "Josh," my head snaps towards Missy once again, her gaze shifting from my uncle to myself. "Maybe you can teach him some manners?" Clearly they don't get along, "he needs to stay out of my business and our relationship."

Lucas tenses up and before a single reply can get past his lips, I straighten my shoulders and prepare for a fight. That's my family. "Well bless your heart, you've known me all of five seconds and feel the need to go insulting my family? He is usually the one doling out justice and manners, so what does that say about you?"

With a tilt of my head I just blink, not expecting a response but getting one. Not from the woman stabbing me in her head but from Lucas who barks out a laugh. Emerald green eyes, filled with mirth, glance back at me, entertained. That just pisses Missy off even more. "Apparently the attitude runs in the family." Her arms fall off his shoulders and for very obvious reasons it becomes easier to breathe. She takes a step in front of Lucas blocking him from my view as much as possible.

"No." His large body shifts in between us with a grace most people can only dream of. His woodsy cologne surrounds me, I greedily suck it in enjoying the warmth that fills me from my head to the tips of my toes. "Josh is good people and one of my best friends. And Riley," glancing at me from over his shoulder, the left side of his lip curls upwards, "well Riley was the sweetest girl, sweet as sugar. I'm sure that hasn't changed."

"Oh." I breathe out. Immediately, my cheeks pink. I'm so embarrassed. However, Lucas seems to be more amused than anything. I hear a huff before the sound of heels stomp away, and I can't help feeling slightly put off by my behavior. I may not appreciate the way she acts but causing a rift between her and Lucas is inappropriate and none of my business. "I'm sorry."

The imposing man in front of me seems to release a breathe, all the tense muscles releasing at the same time before he spins around. "Don't be. That was awesome." The sight of his brilliant smile catches me off guard. My chest swells with pride, I was able to make him smile and impress him in one fell swoop.