Lucky Charm (Lucky 1)

“Okay. Can Gabrielle come with us? Please?”

His daughter’s request took him off guard. It was one thing to see Gabrielle again, to realize she still had that punch-in-the-gut impact on him. It was another to get to know her. To let his daughter get to know her.

To hear Gabrielle laugh and let the old feelings and yearnings resurface…knowing he’d have to let her go again.

CHAPTER THREE

DEREK LOOKED AT HIS daughter’s pleading expression and cleared his throat. “I’m sure Gabrielle has to get ready for her talk tonight,” he said to Holly. “She probably doesn’t have time for lunch.”

Gabrielle met his gaze and folded her arms across her chest. “Actually I’m well prepared.”

He shoved his hands into the front pocket of his jeans, hoping his discomfort wasn’t obvious. “But you can’t very well leave your friend stranded.” He knew he was grasping at straws, but he really didn’t want to navigate a three-way lunch that included his daughter. Holly was obviously smitten with Gabrielle.

Not that he blamed her. She’d been surrounded by men the past few weeks and Gabrielle’s warmth was contagious.

Even Derek was finding Gabrielle hard to resist. Though he knew all the reasons he shouldn’t get involved, he felt drawn to her. As if he were seventeen all over again.

“Right?” he asked, seeking confirmation that Gabrielle knew better than to accept the invitation.

But instead of agreeing, Gabrielle straightened her shoulders and frowned.

Uh-oh. Derek recognized that stubborn look and immediately realized his error. The girl he’d known didn’t take well to being told what to do.

Gabrielle shook her hair, let it sway in defiance. “Actually, Sharon’s having lunch with her fiancé. She won’t mind if I don’t join them. Besides, since I’ll be around for a while, she and I can catch up anytime.” Gabrielle’s fiery gaze met his, as if daring him to come up with another reason she should opt out.

He swallowed hard. “Then I’m guessing you’re free for lunch?”

“I’d love to join you,” she said, speaking past him to his daughter.

“Excellent!” Now certain she wasn’t going to lose out on time with her new idol, Holly turned her attention to the packages of sheets and pillows, grabbed as many as she could carry and headed for the register.

Derek turned to face Gabrielle, but before he could think of what to say now that they were alone, she spoke.

“You don’t want me to come for lunch.” Her glossed lips turned downward in a luscious pout.

“I’m not sure it’s such a good idea,” he admitted.

She stepped closer. A sensual whiff of what smelled like chocolate assaulted his senses, giving him a craving for so much more than food.

“Is there something wrong with two old friends catching up?” Her mouth hovered close to his cheek.

He clenched his hands into tight fists. “Is that all we are?” he asked her, his body stiff from her nearness, his defenses against her nonexistent.

“Isn’t that what you told Holly?”

“What did you want me to tell her?” he asked, his jaw tight. “That we were lovers?” The word, the thought, the reminder set him on fire.

A slow smile spread across her face. “She’s too young for the truth. I just wanted to see if you remembered,” she said in a husky voice.

His heart slammed harder inside his chest. “I never forgot.”

She inclined her head, a pleased expression on her face. “That’s all I needed to know. I really should get back to Sharon and tell her about the change of plans. Where and when should I meet you for lunch?”

He felt as if he’d been sucker-punched by the past. By her. He needed time to regroup before seeing her again. He glanced at his watch. “There’s a restaurant upstairs. How about we meet there at noon. Does that give you enough time?”

She nodded. “That’s perfect. But I’m afraid I’ll need a ride back. I left my car at Sharon’s place.”

“Not a problem. I’ll drive you wherever you have to go when we’re finished.”