Chapter 34. Sparks

Julie

I bury my face in Luke’s shoulder, heat rushing to my cheeks.

“Seriously, Grandpa?” Luke groans, still holding me. “Don’t you have somewhere else to be?”

“I was sitting here, minding my own business. I had no idea you’d be… well, carrying on like that.”

Luke shakes his head. “You should be sleeping, you know. It’s barely even six o’clock."

“I’m in a wheelchair, not on life support,” Javier shoots back. “I still have a social life. And in case you hadn’t noticed, I like keeping an eye on things. Don't mind me. I was just about to roll myself to the kitchen. By all means, carry on.”

At that, I can’t help but peek out from Luke’s shoulder. Javier meets my gaze with a wink that has me cringing and fighting a smile all at once.

Luke scoffs and shakes his head, moving to lift me up before I can react. My feet leave the ground, and I instinctively grab his shoulders as he sweeps me into his arms, turning toward the stairs.