Lucky Charm by Carly Phillips Page B

lasted longer than the last.
    He grasped her waist, his grip tightening with his desire until nothing mattered but the here and now. His head spun with her scent, her taste, his need.
    â€œI want to hear everything you have to tell me. But not tonight,” Gabrielle said, her voice cutting through his fuzzy thoughts.
    â€œHmm?”
    She stepped back. “You need to get home to Holly,” she reminded him. “I’m sure she’s confused by what she heard at the library.”
    She was throwing him out? After reeling him in, she was kicking him out?
    He swallowed hard. “You’re right. Holly is probably waiting up for me.” He stepped back and tripped over nothing. He righted himself quickly.
    â€œSay hi for me.”
    â€œI will.”
    Gabrielle clasped her hands behind her back and grinned.
    At that moment, he realized she’d played him. She’d deliberately seduced his senses, reminding him of their potent chemistry, all so he would be too consumed by her to worry about why they couldn’t be together.
    He met her gaze. “I’m on to you, you know.”
    â€œMoi?” She raised an eyebrow in fake innocence. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” But the smile pulling at her lips told him she was lying.
    â€œGood night, Gabby,” he said softly.
    â€œâ€™Night, Derek.” She walked him to the door.
    â€œLock up behind me,” he instructed.
    She nodded. “I will.”
    He meant to reach for the door. He reached for her instead. Next thing he knew, she was in his arms, melting backward as he caught her in a hot, searing kiss. His tongue tangled with hers and a low, sexy sigh escaped from the back of her throat, driving him crazy.
    It took everything he had to step away, keeping his hand on her back as she caught her balance.
    â€œSleep tight,” he said. Then he walked out before he picked her up and carried her to bed.
    He’d wanted to one-up her in her sensual game. A light, teasing moment to prove to both of them that he was in charge, that he might want her but he could still walk away.
    Instead he’d learned a hard lesson. She was definitely the one with the upper hand.
    Â 
    G ABRIELLE WOKE UP EARLY . She’d called Sharon the night before and asked if she wanted to take a ride into Boston for the day. Gabrielle needed to pick up clothes from her apartment. Despite the threats, she had decided to stick around her hometown for a little while longer.
    Derek Corwin, watch out, Gabrielle thought wryly. But he wasn’t her only mission. Talking to people about the Corwin Curse was.
    Gabrielle stopped at the Dunkin’ Donuts in town, a new addition to Main Street, and headed for Sharon’s parents’ place. She pulled up front just as her friend was putting letters in the mailbox at the end of the driveway.
    Sharon waved. She pulled out a stack of mail, placed her envelopes inside, flipped the door closed and the flag up, before joining Gabrielle inside her car.
    â€œGood morning,” Sharon said, her mood upbeat.
    â€œâ€™Morning. Coffee?” Gabrielle asked, pointing to the cup in the passenger-seat holder.
    â€œLove some. Thanks.”
    â€œIt has milk and sugar, the way you like it.”
    Sharon took a sip. “Hot and good. Thanks!”
    â€œNo problem.” Gabrielle pulled onto the street and they began the hour’s drive.
    â€œHow are you doing?” Sharon asked. “Still upset over last night?”
    Gabrielle brushed her hair out of her eyes, but the wind from the open convertible blew it right back. “I’m okay. Derek’s father has always been crotchety. I didn’t take it personally.”
    â€œYou’re a better person than me. I think I’d be devastated if Richard’s family spoke to me that way.”
    Gabrielle nodded. “I’d probably be hurt if I didn’t know how badly that curse affects the whole family.”