Lucky Charm Read Online Free PDF Page B

she’d already invited her shopping.
    â€œOh, wow, Dad. She’s amazing!”
    â€œYes, yes, she is,” Derek said, his gaze never leaving Gabrielle’s.
    Her body warmed beneath his stare. The sexual undercurrent between them was as strong as ever, but thankfully his daughter didn’t seem to notice.
    â€œCan I, Dad? Please?” Holly tugged on his sleeve, bouncing with the enthusiasm of a soon-to-be teenager.
    He smiled at her, the love and indulgence in his eyes doing crazy things to Gabrielle’s heart. He’d once looked at her with that intensity and devotion.
    â€œWe’ll see,” Derek said, wanting to spare his daughter any hurt. For all he knew, Gabrielle was just being nice to Holly for the moment, having been caught off guard by their sudden meeting.
    He was still trying to get over the shock. She’d changed. And she hadn’t. Her chestnut-colored hair no longer hung long and straight down her back but instead brushed her shoulders in a sexy sweep. Long side-swept bangs dangled enticingly over one eye, and he’d noticed she often tucked her hair behind her ear as she spoke. Though her features were more defined, her makeup more seductive and professional, her beauty was still evident, inside and out.
    â€œWhen did you get back to town?” Derek asked. He’d seen the flier, but there hadn’t been any whispers of her return, at least none that he’d heard.
    She inclined her head, and the ends of her hair brushed at her shoulders, reminding him of the times he’d kissed her bare skin. Their encounters had usually been rushed, due to their inexperience and the fear of getting caught. If Derek had his way with her now, two adults with plenty of time on their hands, he’d take things slowly, savoring every sensual touch and taste….
    â€œDerek? Did you hear me?” Gabrielle’s voice along with her hand on his shoulder brought him out of his daydream.
    He shook his head. “Sorry,” he muttered, embarrassed.
    â€œThat’s okay. As I was saying, I drove in today to visit with Sharon. I’m giving a lecture at the local library tonight as a favor.”
    â€œI heard about your talk.”
    â€œReally? People are discussing it?” she asked hopefully.
    â€œYou could say that,” Derek said.
    â€œMy grandpa pulled out his old shotgun!” Holly joined in on the conversation again with exactly the point Derek had been hoping to avoid.
    Gabrielle’s cheeks flushed red. “He what?”
    â€œHe wouldn’t really use it,” Holly said. “At least, I don’t think he would.” She wrinkled her nose in thought. “Dad?”
    Derek groaned. “Why don’t you start moving all this stuff up to the register,” he said, pointing to the far wall where there was a small line.
    It would take Holly a couple of trips, giving him a few minutes to talk to Gabrielle alone.
    â€œOkay. I can take a hint. Just don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” She winked at him.
    It was his turn to flush. “Hey! Just how old are you, anyway?”
    â€œI’ve been around Mom and John long enough to learn a few things”
    He waved his hand toward the register. “Go! If you behave, I’ll take you for lunch afterward.”
    â€œOkay. 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
    D EREK 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