#lb7

. . . Luke showing up at your family’s party wasn’t exactly part of the plan. Scratch that, your family didn’t even know you had a boyfriend.

You’d been holding off on telling them, because, well, you’d seen how they interrogated every single person your cousins brought around. And Luke? He was perfect, but he was also a racing driver, which you knew was going to ensue about a million questions.

The party was in full swing when you walked in with Luke trailing behind you. Your mom’s eyes nearly popped out of her head when she saw him.

"Who’s this?" she asked, wiping her hands on her apron, even though she wasn’t cooking. It was her nervous habit.

"Mom, this is Luke," you said, bracing yourself. "My boyfriend."

As if there was a record scratch, everyone within earshot turned to stare. Your dad’s jaw tightened, and your grandma’s eyebrows shot up so high they nearly disappeared into her hairline.

Luke, ever the charmer, extended his hand to your mom. "Mrs. (L/n), it’s really nice to meet you. Thanks for having me."

Your mom blinked, clearly not expecting the manners. "Uh, of course. Nice to meet you too, Luke."

But the interrogating started almost immediately. Your uncle cornered Luke by the drinks table, holding a beer like it was some kind of truth serum.

"So, you’re a race car driver? That’s… interesting," he said, his tone dripping with skepticism. "How’s that work as a career? Seems risky."

Luke smiled, completely unfazed. "It’s definitely not the typical job, but I love it. There’s a lot of strategy involved, and the teamwork is amazing. Plus, it taught me how to improve my focus."

Your uncle nodded slowly, like he wasn’t totally convinced but also couldn’t find a reason to argue.

Meanwhile, your grandma had Luke in her sights. She’d sat herself on the couch like the queen of the castle, and when Luke came over to introduce himself, she gave him the once over.

"A race car driver, huh?" she said, squinting at him. "How fast do you go?"

"Over 200 miles an hour sometimes," Luke replied, and your grandma’s jaw dropped.

"Lord have mercy. Do you have life insurance?"

Luke laughed. "Yes, maam. It’s part of the job."

By the time dinner rolled around, Luke was doing surprisingly well. He’d helped your mom carry a stack of plates, made your younger cousins laugh with a story about his first time driving a go kart, and even managed to get your dad to crack a smile.

But the ultimate test came when your grandpa, a man of few words but strong opinions, called Luke over to sit next to him.

"So, young man," your grandpa began, his voice gruff. "What’s your deal?"

You almost choked on your drink, but Luke didn’t even blink.

"Well, sir, I’m here because I really care about your granddaughter. She’s smart, funny, and honestly the best part of my life. I just want to make her happy."

Your grandpa stared at him for a long moment before nodding. "Good answer," he said gruffly, and that was that. Approval granted.

By the end of the night, your mom was packing up leftovers for Luke to take home, your cousins were begging him to come back for the next party, and your grandma was telling everyone he’d make a 'handsome groom someday'.

But of course, things couldn’t stay entirely smooth. After dinner, you and Luke snuck away to the back porch for a breather. The house was buzzing with your family’s chatter, and you needed a moment to yourselves.

"You’re handling this way better than I thought you would," you said, leaning against the railing.

Luke grinned, leaning in closer. "You doubted me?"

"Not exactly," you teased, "but they’re a lot to deal with."

"They’re great," he said, brushing a strand of hair from your face. "But I do kinda miss having you all to myself."

His voice dropped just enough to make your cheeks flush. Before you could respond, he leaned in and kissed you; soft and sweet, the kind of kiss that made everything else fade away.

When he pulled back, his forehead rested against yours, and his hands found their way to your waist, holding you close. "I wasn’t kidding," he murmured. "Having you all to myself is the best part of any day."

You let out a soft laugh, your arms looping around his neck. "You’re ridiculous."

"Ridiculously in love with you," he replied, his grin widening. The way he looked at you, like you were the only person in the world, made your heart skip a beat.

Before either of you could say more, he pressed another kiss to your lips, this one deeper and slower. The sounds of the party drifted into the background, replaced by the warmth of his touch and the way he made you feel like you were floating.

"You know they’re probably wondering where we are," you said, pulling back just enough to speak, though you didn’t make any effort to let go of him.

"Let them wonder," he said, his voice teasing but his eyes full of something softer. "I’m not done with you yet."

Luke leaned in, hand brushing your cheek, and before he could kiss you for the third time, you heard a voice interrupt you.

"Ewww!" the voice rang out, snapping you both back to reality. You turned to see your little cousins standing by the doorway, their faces a mix of shock and disgust.

"We’re telling!" one of them shouted, already turning to run back inside.

"Wait, wait!" Luke said, holding up his hands. "What if I make a deal with you?"

The kids paused, eyes narrowing suspiciously. “What do you mean?”

"How about… another game of football after dinner?" Luke offered, and their eyes lit up.

"Really?"

"Really," he promised. "But only if you keep this little moment a secret between us."

The kids huddled together, whispering furiously, before turning back with matching grins. "Deal!"

As they ran off, you turned to Luke, half amused, half exasperated. "Bribing kids now?"

He shrugged, wrapping an arm around your waist. "Whatever it takes to keep your family from eating me alive."

"You’re ridiculous," you said, but you couldn’t stop smiling.

When you both finally went back inside, it was like nothing had happened.

Your cousins were busy showing off their 'secret' knowledge to each other, your mom was arguing with your dad about which dessert to serve next, and your grandma was already asking Luke if he’d like to take home some leftovers.

"Well, that went better than expected," you said on the drive home, leaning your head on Luke’s shoulder.

He grinned, one hand on the wheel, the other resting on your thigh. "Told you I’d win them over."

And honestly? You weren’t even surprised. Luke could charm just about anyone, even your family.

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