Lucky Charm (Lucky 1)

“Aww—”

Holly geared up for a teenage outburst, something Derek had no intention of dealing with at the moment. Not when Gabrielle looked so crestfallen about bringing doughnuts for breakfast.

“Or maybe I could let you enjoy them now?”

His suggestion garnered him a huge hug from his daughter. As Holly took the bag, Derek winked at Gabrielle, silently telling her to relax.

She grinned and exhaled in relief.

“Let’s eat!” Holly ran for the kitchen.

“I think she wants first dibs on her choice of doughnuts,” Gabrielle said.

“She can have it. I want first dibs on you,” he said in a low voice.

He’d gotten home late last night, long after Holly had fallen asleep. This morning she’d been tired and hadn’t asked any questions. A good thing, since he couldn’t have answered them without a goofy grin on his face. Despite how wrong it was for him to keep seeing Gabrielle, knowing he was sinking deeper and falling fast, he couldn’t deny they were magic together. He wasn’t ready to let her go yet.

She stepped closer. “I’m glad to hear you don’t have any regrets.”

“How could I? You just need to remember where I stand.”

She tilted her head to one side. “How could I?” she mimicked his comment wryly, but kept a smile on her face. “Did I ever tell you what my favorite television show is?”

He narrowed his gaze. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“It’s Survivor,” she said, ignoring his question. “Want to know why? The motto. Outwit, outplay, outlast. Something I happen to think I’m pretty good at.” She met his gaze with flashing determination.

He’d been warned. She wasn’t going to let the curse stand between them this time.

“Are you two coming? I already finished one doughnut!” Holly called from the other room.

“Did you even chew it?” he called back.

Gabrielle laughed. “Come on. If there’s not a chocolate doughnut left, there’ll be hell to pay.”

He led the way into the kitchen, thoughts of Gabrielle and chocolate dancing in his brain. He still smelled the scent when he breathed in, even before she’d shown up this morning.

“I wish I could stay and eat but I have an early appointment in town. I’d planned on grabbing coffee while I was there.”

“Where is your office, anyway?” Gabrielle asked.

“I rent a room at Englebert and Rowe, the law firm in town. They have all the office supplies I need, and since they had empty space, it was a win-win situation.”

Gabrielle nodded. “I understand. I should have called before showing up, anyway.”

“Can you stay and have doughnuts with me?” Holly asked Gabrielle, powdered sugar on her nose.

“I sure can. If your dad doesn’t mind?” She paused and glanced at Derek for permission.

He should mind. His daughter shouldn’t be bonding with Gabrielle any more than he should sleep with her again. “Of course I don’t mind if you stay.”

“Yes!” Holly pumped her fist in the air. “I want you to meet Fred.”

Gabrielle crinkled her nose in confusion. “Who’s Fred?”

“My father’s basset hound,” Derek said.

“He’s old and he smells like shi—”