Beautiful Chances (The Beautiful Series) by Alicia Rae Page A

bagel. “Man, I do make a tasty bagel. No wonder you fight dirty for it. So, what’s on the agenda today, Lil?”
    Luke was always so laid-back in his demeanor, giving us an easy friendship. He never tried to invade my privacy, and we each only shared what we wanted.
    “Yes, my cousins taught me not to put up with bullies. So, are you leaving right after work for your weekend getaway?” I asked before sinking into my bagel.
    “Yeah. I have a class until noon, and then I have to work a few hours before the guys come to pick me up. My fucking parents are visiting soon, so I’m looking forward to a break before they arrive. These last few weeks of school have been intense. College seems harder now that I am older, but I’m very excited to finish my bachelor’s degree next spring. Changing from pre-law to pre-med sure was a time-consuming switch.”
    “I’m so proud of you for going back and following through. I’m sure it will pay off well for you. Any ideas on where you will apply for a job after you graduate?”
    “Not positive yet.” He shrugged. “I’ve actually just started checking into it. I haven’t thought much about it, so I’m not sure if I’ll stay settled in Florida or if I’ll move. For the right salary, I’m sure I would move, but I’m not set on a location, one way or the other. I do have a few other loose ends to tie up here first.” He became quiet for a minute. “Have you thought more about visiting your family yet, Lily?”
    I took a deep breath and let it out. “Yes, I really miss them, but I haven’t locked in a date yet.”
    “You just have to take the first step, Lily. You can’t hide in Florida forever,” he said softly.
    “I know.” I sighed. “I’m getting there. How about you? Are you happy to see your parents? Do you think they’ll finally accept your career change now that you’ve proven to them that you can do it and are serious about it?”
    It was Luke’s turn to sigh. “I hope so, but I doubt it. I’m twenty-six, so I’m not their child anymore. I have to make my own path. I’m sure my dad will be horrified that I’ve been working concessions to pay my rent, but it was something I needed to do. My dad will have to find someone else to take over the family business. I guess we both have pasts we ran from, huh?” he asked intently, looking over at me.
    I frowned. “I guess we did. Now, we just have to pick the path to our futures. Well, you better be off to class. You still have a degree to finish earning. No slacking!”
    I polished off my bagel just after Luke had finished his. Standing, I turned to see the same deliveryman who had come yesterday. He was approaching the door with another wildflower bouquet in his hands. My face immediately began to blush as thoughts of Kyle filled my mind.
    “Delivery for Miss Tidsdale.”
    The man handed me the bouquet, and I signed for them.
    “Have a good day.” He smiled and walked away.
    “Wow. Now, that is a bouquet. From the way you are blushing, I’m guessing those are from Kyle?” Luke asked with a half-frown on his face.
    I could tell he had more to say, but he was holding back.
    Should I ask him what’s on his mind? Does he not like Kyle? Or does he know something bad about Kyle, and he doesn’t want to tell me? Why would Luke frown at another man being romantic? Do I want to know and risk changing our friendship? As quickly as these thoughts entered my mind, I quickly dismissed them. I didn’t want to know if Luke had feelings for me. That would change everything. We were just friends. He was like family.
    The look on his face showed he might want more, but then it quickly vanished. Maybe I was just overthinking it. That’s it. I’m just tired and analyzing it. I’d had a few too many days in the sun.
    “Yes,” I said, turning a deep shade of red.
    If he had any doubts about my feelings for Kyle, I was pretty sure I’d just summarized them.
    “Well, I better get going, or I’ll be late for