His note and the book meant a lot to her.
She never saw him at the house. In fact, she’d only met him in person the one time. But she loved their interactions. It was like having a pen pal without needing to buy stamps. Lucky felt a deeper connection because she spent so much time in his space,and saw him around town, even though they never spoke face to face.
Desiree snapped her fingers right in front of her nose. “Earth to Lucky!”
She startled at the sharp noise and her friend’s scorching gaze. What were they talking about? Oh yeah. “You’re the one who could walk out of here with any guy you wanted and you know it.”
Desiree sat up straighter, smiling with confidence, beaming with pride. “Of course I can. But first…shots. Then seduction. I am going after Lincoln tonight.” Her devilish grin said she had plans.
Lucky didn’t want the details and remained quiet, preferring to watch others.
The waitress arrived and handed out their shots.
Desiree pulled out a wad of cash from her purse and deposited two twenties on the waitress’s tray. “Keep the change.”
Lucky wanted to ask where she’d gotten so much cash, but it was none of her business. Still, it seemed odd she’d have all that money on her. She didn’t make that much working in the courthouse. Maybe Krystal’s father finally paid his child support.
Lucky wasn’t a big drinker, but she knocked back the shot with her friend, trying to put everything out of her mind and just have a good time. One of Lucky’s favorite songs played and Desiree took her hand and pulled her out to the dancefloor. Even more than her aversion to being touched, she disliked crowds. She was too self-conscious. Too shy. Too aware of people staring at the scars she couldn’t hide. But with a little liquid courage and the song she loved filling up her soul, she let loose for a few minutes, lost in the moment, the music, and the rare evening not spent alone.
When the song ended, some guy asked her to dance. He was cute. Tall. Dark hair with hazel eyes and a nice smile. Sheactually thought about saying yes, pushing herself out of her comfort zone, when Desiree took her hand and rudely tugged her away from him.
“We’re headed to the bar. You’re my wing-woman.”
Lucky glanced back and mouthedsorryto the guy, then went with Desiree before she pulled Lucky’s arm off. “What was that for? I thought you wanted me to have fun.”
Desiree shrugged it off and rolled her eyes. “Like you were going to say yes.”
She had intended to try. It had been on the tip of her tongue to agree. “He seemed nice.” And she had to change something, or she’d end up twenty years from now still alone and closed off and even more miserable.
Desiree looked back at the guy, then her. “Not sure he’s your type.”
She wanted to say, “Murderous, you mean,” but held her tongue. The truth was, she didn’t have a type exactly. Except for maybe out of reach, like Hawk. They had a two year relationship going with no bumps or squabbles. Just notes and books exchanged like they lived worlds apart, though in reality she lived about three miles away from him. Granted, he had a gorgeous house and family and friends, and she lived alone in a dinky cabin that had more drafts than space. But it was hers.
Desiree pushed her way between two customers at the bar and leaned over, giving Lincoln a nice view of her cleavage. No one would accuse her of being subtle. “Hey, handsome.”
Lincoln didn’t take the bait and dip his gaze for even a second. “What can I get you and your friend?”
“Two double shots of vodka.”
Lucky tried to avoid touching the guy next to her on the stool. “Actually, make that one. I’d like the new peach sangria you make with the Gunn Brothers peach vodka.”
Lincoln beamed. “Good choice. It’s our mom’s new favorite. How’d you hear about it? We won’t have it on the menu until next week.” He pulled the bottle of GB vodka and poured out Desiree’s double.
“My friend cleans Hawk’s house.”
Lucky blushed and wrapped her arms around her middle, shrinking in on herself. “He left a pitcher of it in his fridge and a note asking me to try it and let him know what I thought.”
Lincoln’s eyes went wide as he mixed her drink. “I’ve been meaning to get your number. Hawk says you’re magic. Like you take stuff from his pantry and fridge and turn it into some decadent concoction. I had some of that beef and macaroni and cheese you left him last week. Oh my god.” Lincoln’s eyes rolled back. “So good. I’d kill for more of that.”
Desiree turned to her, one brow raised. “What’s this now? When did you add meal service to housecleaning?”
“It’s…I…He…Um.”Is it hot in here?“I…um…just sometimes do something nice for him…because…” She didn’t know how to end that sentence.
“He needs it.” Lincoln understood perfectly without her having to say anything. He knew his brother and what he’d been through better than Lucky ever would.
She tried to acknowledge that somehow. “I just…Yes. It’s not a big deal.” This was what happened around strangers. She forgot how to speak.
Lincoln slid her drink to her. “Yes. It is a big deal. And if he hasn’t said it to you because he forgets to use his words, he does appreciate it. And I don’t expect you to do the same for me, but if you want to, add an extra hour to the service. If you think that’s fair. I’m happy to pay whatever you want. If you can fit me in. Please.” He gave her puppy dog eyes. “I really need you.” His earnest face told her how much he wanted her help.
