Lucky Charm (Lucky 1)

He answered. “Hello?”

A few minutes later, he hung up, looking none too pleased.

“What’s wrong?”

He held up one finger and called out to his daughter. “Holly, did you get into the shower yet?”

“No!” she yelled back.

“Then don’t bother. Fred had a run-in with a mud puddle and Grandpa wants you to help give him a bath!”

Gabrielle shook her head and laughed. “That’s one way to kill time before shopping.”

To Derek’s surprise, Gabrielle insisted on helping with the dog’s bath. They all changed into shorts and old T-shirts and headed outside to meet up with Hank and Fred.

“I got the shampoo,” Holly said, running out from Derek’s house with her favorite bottle.

“He’s gonna smell like a female,” Hank complained, turning toward the house to retrieve a different one.

Holly perched her hands on her hips. “And what’s wrong with smelling like a lady?”

Derek chuckled. “Nothing…unless you’re a man.”

Gabrielle laughed. “Come on, let’s turn on the hose.” With Holly by her side, they walked to the back of the house.

He vividly remembered those long legs draped over his shoulders last night, and he’d woken up with them tangled around him this morning. His groin hardened, ready for another go with her.

“Easy,” he muttered as he turned away from the women who were returning, live hose in hand.

Derek grabbed Fred’s collar, holding him in place. Hank poured the shampoo over the stinky, mud-caked hound, and Holly scrubbed him down with both hands and the rest of her body until she was covered in soap bubbles. Gabrielle waited patiently with the hose.

Once Fred was soaped down, Hank stepped aside and went into the house for towels, or so he said. Derek had a hunch he was just avoiding the work.

“Let ’er rip,” Holly called out to Gabrielle.

She squeezed the hose and ran it over the dog, while Holly again rubbed him, trying to rinse him off. Besides Holly, Derek took the bulk of the dousing, since he was crouched nearest to Fred. By the time they were finished, everyone was soaked.

Everyone except Gabrielle.

She dropped the hose at her feet and wiped her hands on the towels Hank had left on the picnic table.

“Wait, I still see soap on Fred,” Derek said.

“I’ve got it,” Gabrielle offered.

He shook his head. “You’re dry. I can do it.” He picked up the hose before she could argue. “Holly, why don’t you dry Fred off?”

“I thought he had more soap on him?”

“No, I just said that because you and I look like drowned rats and Gabrielle is just a little too dry, don’t you think?” Hose in hand, he stepped toward her.

Her eyes opened wide as she realized his intent. “You wouldn’t.” She raised her hands in front of her, as if to ward him off.

He grinned. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“Daddy!” Holly shrieked, laughing at the same time. “That’s so mean!”

“Listen to your daughter, Derek.” Her hands still raised in submission, Gabrielle stepped back.