Free Lucky Charm by Carly Phillips

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.”
    â€œHis 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.”
    â€œI didn’t see her in the crowd.”
    â€œShe’s short.”
    â€œI’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.”
    â€œWhich 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.
    â€œThe room’s emptied out.” Sharon joined them, diffusing the sexual tension.
    At least for the moment, Derek thought.
    â€œI 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?”
    â€œRichard 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.
    â€œI’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.
    Â 
    S HARON 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.
    â€œReady 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.
    â€œI’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