Lucky Streak (Lucky 2)

“Relax,” Gabrielle told him. “I’m sure Mike already told Amber about it. While she’s living here, she should understand what she’s dealing with.”

“He did. I just didn’t know everything, so thank you.”

“Maybe that’s because your husband didn’t think you’d be around long enough to worry about it.”

“Derek! That’s just rude.” Gabrielle shook her head in frustration. “Go to work. Go buy things for Holly’s visit. Holly’s his daughter,” she told Amber. “Go do anything but stay here. Come back when you can be more friendly.” She pushed him toward the door and he allowed her to take control, probably happy to be rid of the burden Mike had placed on him.

“He’s loyal to his cousin,” Amber said, understanding Derek’s attitude toward her. “I can’t say I blame him, but I’m hoping he’ll give me a chance to prove he’s wrong for distrusting me.” Amber sensed she needed this man on her side if she wanted to reach Mike.

“He will,” Gabrielle said pointedly. “He has better manners than he’s shown you so far. Give her a chance,” she called to her husband, who was still standing by the door.

Derek groaned. “Oh, hell. If Gabrielle wants to get to know you, then so will I. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be good for my cousin after all.”

“That’s the spirit. True love conquers all,” Gabrielle said, smiling.

“Who said anything about love?” Derek asked. “Besides, that’s the last word you should be using around here. You’ll send Edward into a frenzy.”

Gabrielle walked over and patted her husband’s cheek. “Just go,” she said lovingly before kissing him on the lips.

“Come home soon,” he said.

“I will.”

Derek turned to Amber. “Welcome to the family,” he said slowly and maybe a little reluctantly.

He took Amber by surprise. “I appreciate your support,” she said. “Or at least the chance to earn it.”

“Just don’t make me regret extending the welcome mat.”

Amber crossed her heart. “I won’t.”

Suddenly an old car engine banged and rattled outside. “Sounds like Edward’s home.”

“I brought him a gift,” Amber said. “It’s still in the car. I’ll just—”

Before she could finish her thought, the front door swung open and Edward walked inside. Derek quickly moved Gabrielle out of the way of the man pushing an old shopping cart in front of him.

If Amber hadn’t met Mike’s father once before, she’d have thought she was looking at a homeless person. His pants were baggy and old, his shirt torn, and he muttered under his breath.

“A man’s house ain’t his castle if he’s gotta share it. I got you fresh milk and some fruit. Gonna take up room in my fridge, though. I picked up some dry cereal for you. Don’t complain if you don’t like the brand.”

“Thank you,” Amber murmured.

She shot Gabrielle a questioning glance. Once Derek left, she’d question the other woman, a writer with insight, about her feelings regarding Edward’s eccentricity, behavior and loneliness.

For now, though, she focused on Edward. “That’s so thoughtful of you. I appreciate you letting me stay here. Can I put those things away for you?” Amber asked.

“I can do it myself.” Without meeting her gaze, the older man walked past her to the kitchen.

Derek sighed. “Look, I think this is as good as its going to get. The fact that he bought food at all is a near miracle. Mike said he gave you some cash, so if you need anything, you can pick it up in town. Or better yet, call me and I’ll grab it for you. There’s no reason to advertise that there’s someone new in town, let alone a woman staying with Edward, the loner.”

Gabrielle nodded in agreement. “Especially since you want to keep a low profile.”

“You’re right. Thank you,” she said, grateful she had these people looking out for her.

But how long would their generosity—or her luck—hold out?

KING BOBBY HATED IT in the East. He missed the Texas air and wide-open spaces. Worse, there was no sign of the pretty lady in sight. She wasn’t comin’ or goin’ from the tiny apartment building Mike Corwin, the cop she’d married, listed as his place of residence. And it was tiny. What kinda man lived in a matchbox like that?