Stroke of Luck

“Austin, I just want to be sure…” She drew in a breath, not sure exactly what to say.

“Sure of what?” he prompted at her hesitation.

She turned her gaze to his. “Quinn may enjoy the sharing we’re doing, but he would not be okay with anything continuing between us. He made that clear. I just want to be sure you understand that once the month is done, this is over.”

Austin’s expression grew serious, and he took her hands. “Well, maybe things will change.”

She shook her head. “No. I want to be really clear because I don’t want to lead you on.”

He squeezed her hands and released them, his gaze flicking to the floor number lit up above the door. They were almost at the lobby.

“You’re not leading me on. I just prefer to keep a positive attitude.”

The doors whooshed open, and he guided her out of the elevator before she had a chance to respond.

“Have a nice walk,” he said. “I’ll see you later in the suite.”

He strolled away, and she sighed as she walked to the doors leading outside. She was sure Austin wouldn’t do anything to hurt Quinn or their friendship. She just hoped Austin wouldn’t get hurt along the way.

* * *

April sat in the hotel garden listening to the birds twittering in the trees. She’d walked around outside the hotel for about a half hour, then returned to the hotel and the lovely garden where she could sit quietly and enjoy the sunshine and beautiful flowers and greenery.

Her phone chimed. She pulled it from her purse.

“Hi, April,” Austin said on the other end when she answered. “I’m leaving the casino now, and I wanted to let you know that I cleaned up.”

She smiled. “That’s great.”

“It is. And to thank you, I’ve made an appointment for you at the spa in twenty minutes.”

“But, Austin—”

“I know, you’re going to say you’re uncomfortable with me spending the money. But it’s money I wouldn’t have without the delightful lucky charm you gave me. And … if you don’t go, the money will go to waste. So don’t even think about fighting me on this.”

“Austin, you are—”

“A sweetheart? The man of your dreams?”

“Exasperating,” she interjected. Then she laughed. “But yes, also a sweetheart and exactly the type of man any woman would dream of.”

“Good. And if that argument hadn’t worked, I would have pointed out that it’s our one-week anniversary, and as your husband, I should be able to treat my wife to something special.”

The wistfulness in his voice when he called her his wife melted her heart.

“I’d better get a move on if I’m going to find the place in time,” she said.

* * *

April stepped from the spa feeling more relaxed than she had in months. In her hand was a small, fancy gift bag the receptionist had handed her when she’d arrived, saying that her husband had left if for her.

She’d opened it when she was in the changing room getting ready for her massage, and inside was a lovely bra and panty set with a note from Austin. He’d decided to keep her lucky charm, so this was a replacement.

She smiled broadly as she walked through the hotel, looking forward to getting back to the suite so she could thank him. Maybe even model it for her two husbands.

“April, you look good.”

Her back stiffened, and ice ran through her veins as she turned around to come face-to-face with Maurice.