Lucky Charm

CHAPTER FOUR

DEREK HAD NO INTENTION of going to the library tonight. God knows, he didn’t need to hear any more about a curse he was already intimately familiar with. Unfortunately, after dinner, which he and Holly had shared at his father and his uncle Thomas’s house, Hank was still determined to go.

They were still sitting in the kitchen around the table. Derek rose to help his uncle clear the plates while his father began to rinse and place the rest of the dishes in the dishwasher. Holly had taken Fred for a walk, so when his father began discussing the library talk, Derek figured now was as good a time as any to get things out in the open. Derek didn’t want Holly exposed to the details about the family curses at her young age.

“Do you really want Gabrielle going on about our family history in public? Dragging our dirty laundry through the mud?” Hank asked.

“Excuse me for stating the obvious, but would it change anything? Everyone already knows we’re cursed,” Uncle Thomas said as he finished loading the dishwasher. “There’s no reason to go to the library and provide people with a sideshow.”

When it came to the curse, Uncle Thomas had always been the more rational of the two men. Still, there was no question both brothers had suffered. Hank might have lost the woman he loved, but he’d been one helluva father. A little crazy on this one particular subject, but a solid man nonetheless.

Uncle Thomas had a more colorful personal history. He and Uncle Edward had both fallen in love with the same woman. But Sara Jean Wilder had been dating Uncle Thomas first and she’d stayed with him-out of obligation, Uncle Edward claimed. Uncle Thomas loved her, though. They had three children and remained in a marriage that even Derek knew had been strained until Sara’s death from ovarian cancer two years ago.

Uncle Edward never forgave his brother. Surprisingly though, he’d moved on enough to fall in love with Derek’s aunt Renee. But their marriage, too, which had started out with promise, had been tense. Renee hadn’t been able to deal with Edward’s gruff demeanor and unwillingness to forgive. Eventually, she began to believe rumors around town that she had been Edward’s second choice. They’d had one son, but Aunt Renee had been miserable. They finally divorced. She’d moved on and remarried while Uncle Edward withdrew into himself and became the town loner.

The once-booming family construction business fell apart thanks to the rift between the brothers, resulting in bankruptcy. Afterward, the brothers earned a living by trade. Hank became an electrician, Thomas a handyman and Edward a plumber until he became such an oddity, people in town quit wanting him around. The Corwins had respectable jobs but no longer a thriving business.

Can anyone say curse?

Derek glanced around the small kitchen at his father and uncle. “I agree with Uncle Thomas,” Derek said. “Come on, Dad. Let’s stay home tonight. If none of us acknowledge the talk, maybe the gossip will die down sooner.”

“There’s no chance. Not as long as that Perkins family draws breath,” Hank said.

“You’re starting to sound like one of the Hatfields or the McCoys. Come to think of it, you’re starting to look like one of them, too.”

Tonight Hank’s hair was messier than usual. With his shirt buttoned incorrectly and hanging longer on one side, he looked as if he didn’t give a damn about anything. He liked it that way. But he wasn’t the most wild-looking of the brothers. That distinction belonged to Uncle Ed.

Uncle Thomas, on the other hand, prided himself on always facing talk, scandal or just life in general, looking his finest. When not working with his hands, he dressed immaculately in a collared, button-down shirt and Dockers.

Uncle Thomas chuckled. “You do need a haircut,” he said to his brother.

Hank scowled at him. “Why? Who’s lookin’ at me that I care about?”

“Your granddaughter,” Derek reminded him. “If nothing else, how about cleaning yourself up for her benefit?”

As if on cue, Holly ran into the room, Fred at her heels. “Dad, it’s almost time for Gabrielle’s talk at the library. I don’t want to miss it!”

Derek winced. He hadn’t anticipated Holly having any interest in the talk, but given her new obsession with Gabrielle, he should have.

“Listen,” he said, walking over to his daughter. “I don’t think any of us are going to go tonight.”

“Speak for yourself,” Hank said.

“Can I go with you, Grandpa?” Holly asked, eyes wide and pleading.

Hank paused. “I don’t know that the subject’s one that you need to hear about,” he said kindly. Hank might be opinionated and outspoken, but he respected Derek’s role as Holly’s parent. “Who cares about curses and the like, anyway? Fred loves having you around. Why don’t you keep an eye on him while I’m gone?”

She frowned. “Do you think I don’t know about the family curse?” She propped her hands on her small hips.

“Just what do you know and how?” Derek asked.

“Just about everything!” She rolled her eyes in that adult way she had. “Mom told me that once a long time ago, a wicked witch named Mary cursed the Corwin men and ever since they can’t fall in love or else they’ll lose everything,” she said matter-of-factly. “Just like you did.”

“When did Mom tell you this?” he asked.

“While I was packing to come stay with you.”

Apparently marriage had mellowed his ex even more than Derek had realized if she was willing to blame their divorce on the curse rather than on Derek’s workaholic feet.

“So can I go with Grandpa? Please?”

Derek groaned. If she knew about the curse, that was one less thing he’d have to explain to her when she got older. As for tonight, he was still on the fence. “Do you believe in the curse?” he asked.

She pursed her lips in thought. “I don’t know. It seems kinda silly, but Mom pointed out how Aunt Ruthie and Aunt Allison are still happily married. It’s just the men in the family who can’t get it right.”

Derek exhaled a groan. “That’s one way of putting it. But listen, you know how mean people can be? Talking and saying things they shouldn’t?”

She nodded.

“Well, that’s why I don’t want you to go to the library tonight. If they’re talking about our family, why should we go and listen?”

“Because it’s about us, silly! We can go and either tell the true version or make sure they say nice things.”

If only it were as simple as that, Derek mused.

“I think Little Missy has a point. We should show up and hold our heads high,” Hank said. “Maybe that’ll keep them from telling tales that aren’t true, at least.”

Derek rubbed his hands over his eyes.

“Please, Daddy?” Holly said, eyes wide, deliberately batting her lashes.

How could he argue with his daughter’s sweet face, his father’s obstinate insistence or his own desire to see Gabrielle again?

GABRIELLE ARRIVED EARLY at the library. She liked to see where she’d be speaking and get a feel for the place before she actually did her thing. It helped ease the jitters that went with public speaking. As her other writer friends liked to say, they preferred being behind the computer screen, not in front of a crowd. Gabrielle didn’t mind the attention as much as some people, but she still appreciated time to warm up.

She stood at the small podium and was reading through her notes when the first guests arrived-an older woman accompanied by a younger one with a pad in her hand. Gabrielle didn’t recognize either of them.

“Are you Gabrielle Donovan, the author?” the older woman asked.

Gabrielle put her papers in a neat pile and stepped down so she’d be on the same level as her visitor. “Yes. And you are?”

“Mary Perkins.” She shook Gabrielle’s hand. “And this is my granddaughter and indispensable assistant, Elizabeth.”

Gabrielle shook Elizabeth’s hand, too. “Nice to meet you both. It’s Mayor Perkins, isn’t it?”

The older woman nodded. “Of Perkins. My family founded the town,” she said proudly.

“And will continue its legacy in the next election,” Elizabeth said with certainty, her hand on her grandmother’s shoulder.

Gabrielle smiled. “Nice to meet you,” she said, sizing up Richard’s opponent and the woman who apparently struck fear in many.

It was hard to believe.

She couldn’t be more than five foot three inches to Gabrielle’s five foot five. Her hair was gray and professionally styled. She wore a tailored suit and what Gabrielle’s mother would call sensible heels. The outfit complemented her conservative style. Her granddaughter was a younger version of the mayor. Her brown bob wasn’t as chic as it was conservative. Utilitarian, even, along with her clothes. They’d both greeted Gabrielle with a welcoming smile-even though the subject of Gabrielle’s speech tonight went against everything the Perkins family stood for.

“Congratulations on your success. I understand you’re a fixture on the bestseller lists,” Mary said.

“Thank you. I feel very fortunate.” And at the moment, very off balance, Gabrielle thought. She wasn’t sure what Mary wanted or what to make of her friendly overture.

“Nonsense. Never sell yourself short. Fortune occurs because of talent.” Mary reached into her purse and pulled out a paperback copy of Gabrielle’s latest book. “I was hoping you would sign this for me.”

Gabrielle nodded. “Of course.” She accepted the book, opened to the title page and signed it as generically as she could get away with. Best wishes, Gabrielle Donovan.

She placed the date below her signature and handed the book back to the mayor. “Thank you for asking.”

The other woman smiled. “My pleasure. I think it’s wonderful that you’re returning to your hometown to speak. Some people become famous and forget where they came from.”

Gabrielle forced a smile. She hadn’t been back in years, and though she’d had her reasons, this woman’s comment struck a nerve.

From behind Mary, Gabrielle noticed people were beginning to file into the room, filling the seats. “It was nice to meet you,” Gabrielle said, hoping Mary would take the hint and leave.

“You, too.” Elizabeth stepped out from her grandmother’s shadow. “I’m looking forward to hearing you speak. It’s fascinating how you debunk popular myths.” Her inflection never changed nor did her expression.

“I just write the facts as I see them, based on research, psychological evaluation. The theories, however, are my own.”

“Yes. We all have our own ways of viewing the same phenomenon, don’t we? That’s why so many people from both my town and Stewart are showing up to hear you.”

Gabrielle glanced toward the rapidly filling room where people-neighbors, friends-congregated. “I suppose you’re right.”

Mary straightened her shoulders and Elizabeth followed suit. “Yes, we usually are. Well, best of luck.” She lifted the signed book in the air. “Thank you again.” They turned and walked away to find a seat.

Gabrielle shivered. “That was the strangest thing,” she said aloud.

“What did the wicked witch and her mini me want?” Sharon asked as she joined her.

Gabrielle hadn’t seen her friend come in. “To say hello and have me sign a book for her.”

“That’s odd.”

So was the way everyone in the room gave the older woman a wide berth. “For a woman who’s been the uncontested mayor of Perkins for years, she doesn’t have many people wanting to talk to her,” Gabrielle mused.

“There’s a reason for that. She’s not likable,” Sharon said.

Yet she had been very pleasant to Gabrielle. “I need to get ready.”

Sharon nodded. “You’ll be great. And I’m here for support. So is Richard.” She pointed to her fiancé, who was meeting and greeting people in the audience. Since the towns of Stewart and Perkins were so close, their pasts so intertwined, people from both places wanted to hear what Gabrielle had to say.

All under the watchful eye of Mary Perkins, who was obviously staying for the talk. She and her granddaughter had taken seats in the back.

By themselves.

By the time Gabrielle walked up to the podium, the small library was filled to capacity. Chairs had been set out in rows and the crowd overflowed into the back hall. She was pleased with the turnout, especially since her latest book had been published last October. Normally, Gabrielle spoke only when she had a new book to promote, doing readings at local libraries, signings and chats at bookstores.

Tonight’s talk was different. She wasn’t here to sell books. She was here to use her expertise to sway people’s thinking. She’d stop short of endorsing Richard Stern’s mayoral campaign, and she definitely wouldn’t mention the much visible Mary Perkins.

Gabrielle started on time. She’d watched the flow of people walk in, keeping an eye out for Derek or his gun-toting father. Thanks to that searing kiss earlier today, she’d been too distracted to ask Derek if Holly had been serious about her grandfather. But so far, neither man had showed.

Though she was disappointed, she reminded herself she hadn’t expected him to be here tonight. Still, she’d be a liar if she didn’t admit that she’d hoped the kiss had stayed with him long enough to lure him out, anyway.

Shaking off her disappointment, she began an animated talk. She started off stating the amount of study she’d done in the area of the paranormal and followed by discussing how it related to her books. In Future Stars, she’d debunked fortune-tellers and in Her Mind’s Eye, she questioned the validity of psychics.

She continued her speech by addressing curses, which she’d dealt with peripherally in Disenchanted, last year. She referred to theories such as the Theory of Suggestibility, which detailed how people experiencing intense emotions regarding certain subjects, like a curse, were more receptive to ideas surrounding them. Referring to the towns of Perkins and Stewart, she explained that the emotions surrounding the curse were so high, any event that seemed to meet the criteria of the curse was automatically pegged as a result. She also explained the notion of crowd psychology and how group mentality often came to overrule an individual’s personal thought and belief system.

Though careful not to mention the Corwins or the Perkins families by name, and even more cautious not to meet Mary’s and Elizabeth Perkins’s stares, Gabrielle finished by pulling together the towns’ collective experience with the curse. She tried to impart the notion that just because every male within a cursed family line that had fallen in love had suffered financial loss and emotional devastation didn’t mean the curse existed. Individual circumstances coincidentally met the same criteria as the curse, and it was possible that even the power of suggestion played a role in the choices key players made.

Gabrielle received a standing ovation for her talk, then she took questions. Finally, she glanced at the clock and realized an hour had passed.

“Last question?” A quick glance at the back row told her Mary Perkins had left unnoticed. However, when she turned her gaze to the back door, she was surprised to see Derek and his father had arrived at some point, as well.

Pleasure wrapped over her at the sight of him. In nothing more than dark jeans and a basic T-shirt, he still stood out in a crowd.

His gaze met hers and heat stirred in her belly, distracting her from anything except him. Her lips curved into a smile.

Suddenly he raised his hand, which reminded her she’d been about to take her last question. She swallowed hard. “Yes?” she asked, pointing to him. “Derek?”

“I was wondering what your next book was going to be about.”

Wow. She’d expected the question at some point. Just not from him.

“Thank you for asking.” His interest warmed her as much as the fact that he’d shown his face at a public discussion on curses. But she didn’t know how he’d take the answer to his question. “Growing up here, I’m well acquainted with the rich history of the area, and of Salem in particular.” Again, she had to tread carefully for Derek’s family’s sake. “I plan to take a look at specific family curses.”

An overwhelming round of applause followed. Apparently people liked the idea of her taking on a subject so close to home. Gabrielle hoped that meant they’d be open to being questioned about their ancestors.

Derek listened to her answer in dismay. He wouldn’t have asked had he known the answer ahead of time. He couldn’t believe she’d be delving into something so deep and personal. Yet, who was he to interfere in her career? He didn’t have to like it, but apparently the crowd did.

“The hell you are!” Derek’s father stepped up from behind him.

Derek glared at his father. Though Hank had been the one insisting they show up tonight, he’d been fidgety for most of the lecture. Close to the end, he’d slunk out and Derek assumed his father had gone to the men’s room. He’d been relieved, and he’d hoped his father would stay there for the duration of Gabrielle’s talk.

“Is there a problem?” Gabrielle asked.

“Darn straight there’s a problem!” Hank bypassed Derek and waved his hands as he spoke to both Gabrielle and the crowd. “It’s bad enough you’re standing up there trying to tell everyone curses don’t exist when my family’s living, breathing proof they do. But now you’re going to make money off of our story?”

Gabrielle’s cheeks flushed red. As red as her temper, Derek would bet, cringing at his father’s accusation.

She drew her shoulders back straighter. “Excuse me, Mr. Corwin, but I object to the notion that I’m out to make money off of other people’s misery. I write about factual situations and how the choices people make play into the outcome. The hope is that other people will learn lessons from these situations they can apply to their own life. In this case, I want people to see that the power of suggestion is as strong as any curse.”

“Sounds to me like you’re mocking us, as sure as anybody who tells tales about us around town,” Hank said.

“Mr. Corwin, I assure you, I’m doing no such thing,” Gabrielle said hotly.

“Hah! If you mock the curse, something worse will happen to us. You just watch.” Hank turned beet-red.

Derek was surprised his father wasn’t foaming at the mouth. He placed a calming hand on his dad’s shoulders. “Getting worked up isn’t good for your blood pressure,” he said quietly but sternly, warning his father to back off.

“I’m not mocking anyone or anything,” Gabrielle said. “What I’m doing is debunking something that has ruled your family’s life for too many years.”

Derek knew Gabrielle. She wasn’t about to back down.

“Hah!” Hank said, obviously warming up for another tirade.

Without warning, Sharon stood up in the center of the room. “Relax, Mr. Corwin, or I’ll have Roger show you out,” she said, pointing to the uniformed officer who’d only come in case he needed to direct traffic.

“It’s a public library, missy. I can stay and have my say.”

“It’s my library and you’re insulting my guest!” Sharon perched her hands on her hips.

Before things could get any more out of hand, Derek grabbed his father’s arm. “Shut up and leave on your own before you embarrass us any further.” Derek clenched his jaw.

Hank muttered under his breath.

And Holly inched closer to Derek’s leg.

“That’s my point!” Hank said, not finished arguing. “Look how she’s humiliating us in public!”

Hank was the only one humiliating the Corwin family, but before Derek could let his father in on that fact, Chaz, the town drunk who showed up at any public gathering in case there was free liquor, rose to his feet.

“Maybe that’s because Derek dumped her before he went off to college,” Chaz said.

The dig got chuckles from the crowd. Chaz had been in Derek and Gabrielle’s graduating class. And even though he’d been drunk for most of his life, he was right about what had happened.

Derek didn’t appreciate the public reminder and clenched his hands into tight fists at his sides.

“You did?” Holly pulled at his shirt. “You dumped Gabrielle?” his daughter asked.

Derek groaned. “Way to go, Pop.”

“What’d I do?” Hank asked.

Derek shook his head. It was useless. His father wouldn’t understand that he had taken a calm, quiet talk and turned it into a mudslinging, embarrassing mess. Not until he’d calmed down and reflected on it, Derek thought.

Gabrielle cleared her throat. “Tonight’s lecture is finished. Thank you all for coming,” she said, as she collected her notes from the podium in front of her.

“Daddy?”

Derek bent closer to his daughter. “Are you okay?” he asked her.

She nodded. “Tonight was more exciting than I thought it would be!”

At least she seemed unfazed.

“Tell me about you and Gabrielle,” Holly said, wide-eyed.

“Listen, I told you that Gabrielle and I were friends in high school. I’ll explain more to you later, but right now I need to talk to her and make sure she isn’t upset.”

Holly nodded, wise for her years. “Please do. I’m sure Grandpa didn’t mean to hurt her feelings.”

Derek gave his naive daughter a hug, then rose. “Dad? Take Holly home for me.”

“How will you get home? You drove here with us,” Holly reminded him.

Derek cupped her chin in his hand. “I can get a ride with somebody here. Don’t worry, okay?”

Holly shrugged. “Okay. But tell Gabrielle I said hello?”

“I will. I’m sure she’ll really appreciate it.” He kissed her forehead and placed her hand in her grandfather’s. “Take her home.”

“I only meant to protect our good name,” Hank said, his bluster gone.

With people still snickering around them, Hank seemed to realize he’d embarrassed himself, the family and Gabrielle.

“She was always a nice girl. I never meant-”

“I know.” Derek ran a hand through his hair. “Take Holly home. I’ll handle things here.” He’d done it before.

Like his cousins, Michael and Jason, Derek had spent most of his youth responding to kids making fun of his family-how they weren’t real men since they couldn’t hold on to a woman. When Derek couldn’t ignore the taunts any longer, he’d fought back. While he didn’t appreciate his father’s approach, he totally understood the reasons for it.

Derek watched his father wrap his arm around Holly’s shoulder and lead her out of the library, not pausing to talk to anyone.

He blew out a deep breath and made a beeline for Gabrielle. Her friends, Sharon and Richard Stern, had circled around her in protective fashion, preventing anyone from heckling her further.

Derek wasn’t just anyone. “Hi, Sharon.”

She narrowed her gaze. “Derek. Haven’t you and your family done enough? Wouldn’t it be smarter to just go home?”

“Give a guy a break. I just want to make sure she’s okay.” He gestured to Gabrielle by tipping his head toward her.

Sharon frowned, keeping her body between Derek and her best friend. Even in high school, she’d been Gabrielle’s protector, even though Gabrielle hadn’t needed anything of the sort. These two women had a bond the likes of which he’d never seen. Though Sharon had been friendly enough to him since his return, now that Gabrielle was back in town, Sharon left no doubt as to where her loyalty lay. She’d shown it tonight.

Still, he wasn’t about to let anyone dictate whether or not he could see Gabrielle. He and Sharon wanted the same thing-what was best for Gabrielle.

With a determined step, he strode around Sharon and came up behind Gabrielle. “Gabby?” he asked, calling for her attention.

She turned toward him.

He spoke before she could say a word. “I’m sorry for my father’s behavior.”

She waved off his apology, her expression warm despite the circumstances. “You aren’t responsible for what someone else does.”

It didn’t feel that way to him. “I tried to convince Dad to stay home.”

“His shotgun might have hurt less,” she said, laughing.

He stepped closer. “You’re really okay?”

She nodded. “Sticks and stones and all that. I’m tougher than I look. But thanks for asking.”

He nodded, knowing when to let something go. “Holly said to tell you she says hi. She was here, but I sent her home with my father.”

“I didn’t see her in the crowd.”

“She’s short.”

“I’m so sorry she heard all that.” Gabrielle sobered quickly.

Derek nodded in understanding. “She’s been through a lot, but she’s tough. She’ll deal with it. I’m more worried about whether I can handle her questions later,” he said, only half joking.

Gabrielle smiled. “I’m not an expert with kids, but she seems pretty smart to me.”

“Which is why I’ll have to do some fancy footwork in answering.” He couldn’t very well admit that Gabrielle was his first and only true love to his daughter.

She playfully tapped his face with her hand. “I’m sure you can handle it.”

He grinned, meeting her gaze. The heat smoldered, reminding him of their kiss earlier today. The one he’d promised himself he couldn’t repeat. But, man, how he wanted to.

“The room’s emptied out.” Sharon joined them, diffusing the sexual tension.

At least for the moment, Derek thought.

“I appreciate you running interference for me,” Gabrielle said to her friend.

Sharon nodded. “I invited you here to speak, not to get thrown to the wolves.” She scowled at Derek. “Can’t you control your father?”

He cocked his head to one side. “Would you believe me if I said I tried? Short of tying him up, there wasn’t much I could do.”

Gabrielle picked up her tote bag. “Let’s just go home and forget about it. Who’s walking out with me?”

“Richard and I came together, but I need to straighten up a few things and lock up before we can go,” Sharon said. “Besides, he’s busy talking to one of his campaign people.” She pointed to the corner, where her fiancé remained deep in conversation with another man.

Derek had already decided he wasn’t going to leave without talking to Gabrielle alone.

“I’ll walk you out,” Derek said.

He needed to make sure she knew where things stood. He couldn’t rekindle a relationship with her no matter how much he desired her. She might not believe in curses. But he did.

SHARON DIDN’T HAVE TO straighten up her office tonight, but she did need to blow off steam before heading home. Besides, Richard wasn’t ready to leave yet, so she might as well make good use of the time.

“Ready to go?” Richard stepped into the room. Dressed immaculately in a suit and tie, he looked like the consummate politician. As he was handsome, as well as smart and compassionate, she thanked her lucky stars she’d found a man like him. Few women were offered second chances in life. This time she intended to get it right.

“I’m all set. Tonight was a huge success, wasn’t it? I think Gabrielle did a great job of making people think twice about believing in an old superstition.”

He stepped around her desk. Coming up beside her, he wrapped his arms around her waist and she snuggled closer.

Richard wasn’t into public displays of affection. He’d hold her hand or touch her back, but his reserve in public meant she had to take advantage of every chance for intimacy whenever they were alone.

“I think Gabrielle was great and I have you to thank for inviting her. But I think you were even better. The way you stood up for your friend-” he shook his head “-you did me proud.”

She smiled, pleased. “I just couldn’t believe Hank Corwin attacked her that way.”

“I’m glad to see you felt confident enough to do it.”

She didn’t want to talk about herself. “I’m just glad I could contribute to the cause.”

He smoothed his hand over the back of her hair. “We’re a team. It’s our cause. You know that having you by my side only makes me look better.”

“And more intelligent.” She laughed and kissed him on the cheek.

“Speaking of intelligence, I spoke to some people on their way out the door tonight,” Richard said. “Most mentioned they’d never thought much beyond the curse before tonight. They just believed in its power. They’re rethinking those views now,” he said.

“Did you see the way she sat there tonight? Not saying a word, just making sure people don’t forget she exists?” Sharon shivered at the memory. “She even tried to con Gabrielle by requesting she autograph a copy of her book.”

“Mary’s devious, all right,” Richard said. “There’s no question she gets things done. It’s her means of doing them that are questionable.”

“Well, hopefully her days of subtle threats are coming to an end. If nothing else, Gabrielle has gotten people to think about whether putting Mary Perkins back in office is something they want or something they feel compelled to do because they’re afraid of her.” Sharon was definitely pleased with tonight’s outcome.

“I really appreciate all you do for me.” He tipped her face and kissed her, keeping things slow and sensual, the way she liked it.

“Mmm.” A purr escaped from the back of her throat.

“Please tell me you can come back to our home for a while tonight,” he said in a gruff voice.

“I think I can manage that as long as you drop me off at my parents at a semirespectable hour,” she teased.

He let out a long-suffering groan. “I hate that we have to be apart.”

“Another couple of weeks and we’ll be married. Then I won’t have to leave you ever again.”

He hugged her tight.

“Well? Will you get me home early?” She knew that meant setting an alarm so neither of them fell asleep.

“Let’s see. Take you home now or squeeze in a few hours alone with you and live without sleep.” He devoured her with his eyes. “You drive a hard bargain.”

She wiggled her eyebrows. “I’ve only just begun,” she said, promise rich in her voice.