Free Lucky Charm by Carly Phillips Page A

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.
    â€œI 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.”
    â€œI’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.”
    â€œAnd more intelligent.” She laughed and kissed him on the cheek.
    â€œSpeaking 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.
    â€œDid 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.”
    â€œMary’s devious, all right,” Richard said. “There’s no question she gets things done. It’s her means of doing them that are questionable.”
    â€œWell, 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.
    â€œI really appreciate all you do for me.” He tipped her face and kissed her, keeping things slow and sensual, the way she liked it.
    â€œMmm.” A purr escaped from the back of her throat.
    â€œPlease tell me you can come back to our home for a while tonight,” he said in a gruff voice.
    â€œI 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.”
    â€œAnother couple of weeks and we’ll be married. Then I won’t have to leave you ever again.”
    He hugged her tight.
    â€œWell? Will you get me home early?” She knew that meant setting an alarm so neither of them fell asleep.
    â€œLet’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.

CHAPTER FIVE
    G ABRIELLE STEPPED INTO the muggy summer air, a direct contrast to the air-conditioned library. Yet despite the humidity outside, she breathed more easily. It helped that she had Derek by her side. She stepped closer so her arm deliberately brushed his as she walked. A ripple of awareness shot through her and she inhaled deeply, only to be surrounded by his masculine scent.
    His overpowering presence enabled her to focus on the more positive parts of the evening, including her successful speech and the fact that she’d openly revealed the idea for her next novel.
    Because it was summertime, the sun hadn’t yet set and there were still vestiges of light in the sky. In the meantime, the streetlamps were already turned on in anticipation of darkness.
    â€œCan I hitch a ride home?” Derek asked.
    She smiled, happy to