Lucky Charm (Lucky 1)

He reached down and pulled out a piece of paper. “Sorry,” he muttered, smoothing the crumpled paper in his lap.

Gabrielle reached to snatch it back but it was too late. He’d already read the red scrawl. Go home or else. “What the hell is this?”

“It’s nothing.” She leaned back in her seat and exhaled hard.

“I don’t call a threat nothing.” If someone had a problem with Gabrielle, they were going to have to deal with him first.

“It’s hardly a threat. It’s more like a welcome note I received this morning.” She put the key in the ignition and started the car.

“It’s still a threat. Did you tell Sharon? The police? Anyone?”

She laughed. “Come on, Derek. It’s written in crayon, for God’s sake. Nobody in their right mind would take this seriously.”

She backed out of the parking spot and started to drive.

“I want to go back to your room with you. I want to make sure you get inside okay.” Derek reached out and brushed her hair from her face.

She glanced at him from the corner of her eye before returning her gaze to the road. “I appreciate that, but I can take care of myself.”

“Did I say you couldn’t? I’d just feel better knowing you were locked safe and sound inside. In case the note and the damage to the car are related.”

“Do you think that’s possible?” She gripped the steering wheel harder, causing the muscles in her arms to tense.

“Anything’s possible. What’s more probable is that someone didn’t want you to speak at the library tonight and left you a note, while stupid kids keyed your car as a prank.” At least that’s what he hoped had happened.

But because he couldn’t be sure, he was going to keep an eye on her. Just in case.

“How will you get home?” she asked.

“I can walk. I’m just a few blocks away.”

She nodded. “I’m sorry I took my anger out on you. It’s just been a crazy night ever since…” She trailed off.

“Ever since my father opened his big mouth.” He shook his head. “I wish the night had ended with the standing ovation. You deserved it.”

He’d been so proud of her in that moment. His heart had swelled at the sight of her speaking to her hometown. He’d even been able to overlook the personal subject of curses and just enjoy her the same way the crowd had.

“Thank you.” The beginnings of a smile curved her sensual lips. “I was happy with the way the talk went.”

He nodded. Having distracted her, he continued talking about her speech and her books. He didn’t bring up the subject of the kiss again, either.

Even though at the moment, her lips were the only things he could focus on.

Gabrielle drove straight to Rhodes Inn. From the set of her jaw, Derek knew she didn’t think she needed his protection, but he felt better giving it, anyway. She parked out front in one of the few unpaved spots and together they walked around back to her room.

“It’s not well lit back here,” he said, concentrating harder so he wouldn’t trip on a rock or tree branch.

“That’s an understatement. I tried to get a room at the Quality Inn but they were booked.”

“Tourists and vacationers,” he muttered.

“It’s fine. Mrs. Rhodes still rents out rooms because she likes having people around, but she only lets relatives of local residents stay here. She feels safer that way,” Gabrielle said as she found the key to her room.

She opened the door and they walked inside. She turned on an old bedside lamp and waved her arm around the room. “See? Safe and sound,” she said to Derek. “Do you feel better now?”

“I’d feel better if there were lights out in the parking lot and that lock wasn’t a hundred years old.”

She tossed her bag onto the bed and her keys onto the nightstand. “Home sweet home,” she said.