Lucky Charm (Lucky 1)

“I want to hear everything you have to tell me. But not tonight,” Gabrielle said, her voice cutting through his fuzzy thoughts.

“Hmm?”

She stepped back. “You need to get home to Holly,” she reminded him. “I’m sure she’s confused by what she heard at the library.”

She was throwing him out? After reeling him in, she was kicking him out?

He swallowed hard. “You’re right. Holly is probably waiting up for me.” He stepped back and tripped over nothing. He righted himself quickly.

“Say hi for me.”

“I will.”

Gabrielle clasped her hands behind her back and grinned.

At that moment, he realized she’d played him. She’d deliberately seduced his senses, reminding him of their potent chemistry, all so he would be too consumed by her to worry about why they couldn’t be together.

He met her gaze. “I’m on to you, you know.”

“Moi?” She raised an eyebrow in fake innocence. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” But the smile pulling at her lips told him she was lying.

“Good night, Gabby,” he said softly.

“’Night, Derek.” She walked him to the door.

“Lock up behind me,” he instructed.

She nodded. “I will.”

He meant to reach for the door. He reached for her instead. Next thing he knew, she was in his arms, melting backward as he caught her in a hot, searing kiss. His tongue tangled with hers and a low, sexy sigh escaped from the back of her throat, driving him crazy.

It took everything he had to step away, keeping his hand on her back as she caught her balance.

“Sleep tight,” he said. Then he walked out before he picked her up and carried her to bed.

He’d wanted to one-up her in her sensual game. A light, teasing moment to prove to both of them that he was in charge, that he might want her but he could still walk away.

Instead he’d learned a hard lesson. She was definitely the one with the upper hand.

GABRIELLE WOKE UP EARLY. She’d called Sharon the night before and asked if she wanted to take a ride into Boston for the day. Gabrielle needed to pick up clothes from her apartment. Despite the threats, she had decided to stick around her hometown for a little while longer.

Derek Corwin, watch out, Gabrielle thought wryly. But he wasn’t her only mission. Talking to people about the Corwin Curse was.

Gabrielle stopped at the Dunkin’ Donuts in town, a new addition to Main Street, and headed for Sharon’s parents’ place. She pulled up front just as her friend was putting letters in the mailbox at the end of the driveway.

Sharon waved. She pulled out a stack of mail, placed her envelopes inside, flipped the door closed and the flag up, before joining Gabrielle inside her car.

“Good morning,” Sharon said, her mood upbeat.

“’Morning. Coffee?” Gabrielle asked, pointing to the cup in the passenger-seat holder.

“Love some. Thanks.”

“It has milk and sugar, the way you like it.”

Sharon took a sip. “Hot and good. Thanks!”

“No problem.” Gabrielle pulled onto the street and they began the hour’s drive.