Lucky Streak (Lucky 2)

“I got my own work to do,” Edward muttered and walked out of the family room, planning to do who knows what, who knew where.

“Difficult old coot,” Gabrielle said, but there was obvious affection in her tone.

The women parted ways, agreeing to meet up later.

Amber showered and pulled herself together for the day. She picked up a book from Edward’s shelves and a towel to sit on, then headed out back, settling herself beneath a tree for shade. Beside her, Gabrielle clicked away at her computer.

A warm breeze blew through the moist air. “This humidity is awful.” Amber ran her hand through her hair.

“I’ve done book tours out West and I think the dry heat can kill you. But I’m sure the humidity takes some getting used to,” Gabrielle said with a laugh.

“How would you know, with your perfect hair that falls so straight?” Amber eyed the other woman’s glossy tresses with envy only another woman could understand.

“We always want what we don’t have.”

“Amen,” Amber said.

“Right now, I’m growing out a short bob. I’d kill for long curls like yours,” Gabrielle said.

In her concierge days, Amber had opted for the sleek and sophisticated look. A flatiron and lack of humidity had helped her accomplish that goal. But on take-it-easy days like today, she let it dry naturally.

She stretched her feet out and looked over the lake. “Is that Edward fishing?” She pointed to a place far away from where they sat.

Gabrielle glanced over. “Mmm-hmm.”

“He looks peaceful.” So different from the stressed-out man he’d been earlier. “Fishing must relax him,” Amber said.

“There are no fish.” Gabrielle perched her sunglasses on top of her head. “But at least he seems calmer.”

Amber nodded. “Did you ever notice how he teeters on the edge, between sanity and mania, and back again?”

Gabrielle nodded. “The whole family notices. It’s easier to just leave him alone as much as possible. Trust me, you don’t want his attention focused on you. I should know.” She ran her hands up and down her arms, glancing out across the lake. “I lost a baby six months ago,” she said softly, obviously confiding her deepest secret.

Amber was touched Gabrielle had chosen to tell her. “I’m sorry.”

“Thank you. The reason I wanted you to know this now is because of Edward. His reaction was crazy. He took the miscarriage as a sign the curse is at work. Ever since, he’s been making me crazy and that’s pretty hard to do.” Gabrielle forced a laugh.

“I’ve seen your books in stores. Based on the subject matter you write about, I’d bet it’s difficult to spook you.”

Gabrielle inclined her head. “Exactly. But when Edward gets in one of those moods, like he is today, all rational thought flies out the window. Even I get nervous.”

“I can understand that. So the curse is pretty well known around here?”

Gabrielle nodded. “The stuff of town lore,” she said, a frown on her face.

“What about Mike? Where does he fall on the curse-believing scale?” Amber asked.

“Well, he’s never acted as if he feared it, not the way Derek has. Then again, he’s never been serious about a woman, either. Coincidence or intent?” Gabrielle shrugged, but she studied Amber with her astute gaze. “I couldn’t tell you. But he’s married to you now…”

“But he isn’t in love. We aren’t in love. No love, no curse. So maybe I was just a safety net for him.” Even as Amber asked the question, the thought hurt her.

She’d married Mike on a whim, but she’d taken those vows seriously. She’d begun to care about his family and she knew she cared about him. Enough to want him to care about her in return.

Gabrielle shook her head. “Don’t read too much into it,” she said, as if knowing Amber’s thoughts. “Every situation in the world has been played out in Corwin male history. If they want to find a way to say the curse exists, they will. If they want to overcome it badly enough, they can do that, too. As for Mike, I’d say his biggest problem is across the pond.”

“I agree. Edward’s like one of those people in the medication ads who suffer extreme highs and lows.”

“Now, that’s a good point. I wonder if he’s ever been to a doctor? A psychiatrist? I don’t know. But you should ask your husband,” Gabrielle said.