She waited for him to speak.
Finally he cleared his throat. “This afternoon? That kiss?”
Gabrielle’s entire body stiffened in automatic denial. “Oh, no. No way are you going to tell me it was a mistake.” Not when everything about it, and them, had been—and could still be—so right, she thought.
“Maybe I should tell you more about my past few years so you’ll understand why I still believe in curses. Now more than ever.” The set of his jaw told her he wasn’t kidding.
She stepped back, needing space so she could think. Argue. Fight. Because she wasn’t going to let him go as easily as she had the last time. She was older now, wiser. Stronger emotionally and at a point when she’d experienced more of life, and she knew what she wanted. She wanted Derek and she wasn’t going to let him use ancient history as an excuse not to try again.
“Look, I’m only in town for another few days, but I only live an hour from here. We have all the time in the world to talk things out. It’s been so long, can’t we just enjoy getting to know each other again?” she asked, in an effort to buy herself time before he made a final decision.
She turned around to see his face and caught sight of her car. Her beloved black convertible, purchased with her first big advance, had been keyed. An ugly scratch mark split the paint from below the handle across to the end of the single door. “Bastard!”
“Hey, I’m just looking out for you,” Derek said, clearly upset.
“Not you! My car. Someone keyed my car!” She pointed to the long, jagged mark in the paint.
He jerked around in surprise and studied the damage for himself. “That wasn’t an accident,” he said under his breath a few moments later.
“Merde!” She cursed in French. “Who would do such a thing?”
Derek ran a hand over his eyes. “I have no idea.” But he didn’t like the fact that someone thought nothing of doing this with a huge crowd inside.
“Come on. Let’s get you back to the Rhodes Inn. I’ll call Harry at the garage and talk to him about getting it painted.”
She shook her head. “I’ll take it into the Lexus dealer when I get home,” she said, her mood deflated.
She pulled out her keys and unlocked the doors. The beep echoed in the night air. She climbed inside.
He joined her around the other side, unsure of what to say. He sure as hell wasn’t going to upset her any more by bringing up the curse. He leaned back against the seat and heard a crunching sound of paper beneath him.
He reached down and pulled out a piece of paper. “Sorry,” he muttered, smoothing the crumpled paper in his lap.
Gabrielle reached to snatch it back but it was too late. He’d already read the red scrawl. Go home or else. “What the hell is this?”
“It’s nothing.” She leaned back in her seat and exhaled hard.
“I don’t call a threat nothing.” If someone had a problem with Gabrielle, they were going to have to deal with him first.
“It’s hardly a threat. It’s more like a welcome note I received this morning.” She put the key in the ignition and started the car.
“It’s still a threat. Did you tell Sharon? The police? Anyone?”
She laughed. “Come on, Derek. It’s written in crayon, for God’s sake. Nobody in their right mind would take this seriously.”
She backed out of the parking spot and started to drive.
“I want to go back to your room with you. I want to make sure you get inside okay.” Derek reached out and brushed her hair from her face.
She glanced at him from the corner of her eye before returning her gaze to the road. “I appreciate that, but I can take care of myself.”
“Did I say you couldn’t? I’d just feel better knowing you were locked safe and sound inside. In case the note and the damage to the car are related.”
“Do you think that’s possible?” She gripped the steering wheel harder, causing the muscles in her arms to tense.
“Anything’s possible. What’s more probable is that someone didn’t want you to speak at the library tonight and left you a note, while stupid kids keyed your car as a prank.” At least that’s what he hoped had happened.
But because he couldn’t be sure, he was going to keep an eye on her. Just in case.
“How will you get home?” she asked.
“I can walk. I’m just a few blocks away.”
She nodded. “I’m sorry I took my anger out on you. It’s just been a crazy night ever since…” She trailed off.
“Ever since my father opened his big mouth.” He shook his head. “I wish the night had ended with the standing ovation. You deserved it.”
He’d been so proud of her in that moment. His heart had swelled at the sight of her speaking to her hometown. He’d even been able to overlook the personal subject of curses and just enjoy her the same way the crowd had.
“Thank you.” The beginnings of a smile curved her sensual lips. “I was happy with the way the talk went.”
He nodded. Having distracted her, he continued talking about her speech and her books. He didn’t bring up the subject of the kiss again, either.
Even though at the moment, her lips were the only things he could focus on.
Gabrielle drove straight to Rhodes Inn. From the set of her jaw, Derek knew she didn’t think she needed his protection, but he felt better giving it, anyway. She parked out front in one of the few unpaved spots and together they walked around back to her room.
“It’s not well lit back here,” he said, concentrating harder so he wouldn’t trip on a rock or tree branch.
“That’s an understatement. I tried to get a room at the Quality Inn but they were booked.”
“Tourists and vacationers,” he muttered.
“It’s fine. Mrs. Rhodes still rents out rooms because she likes having people around, but she only lets relatives of local residents stay here. She feels safer that way,” Gabrielle said as she found the key to her room.
She opened the door and they walked inside. She turned on an old bedside lamp and waved her arm around the room. “See? Safe and sound,” she said to Derek. “Do you feel better now?”
“I’d feel better if there were lights out in the parking lot and that lock wasn’t a hundred years old.”
She tossed her bag onto the bed and her keys onto the nightstand. “Home sweet home,” she said.
He glanced around the small room. “Where are you living now?” he asked.
“Boston. I bought a brownstone in the Back Bay.”
He raised an eyebrow. “That’s an impressive area. The book business must be treating you well,” he said, unable to squelch the pride in his voice.
She nodded. “My first release hit the New York Times bestseller list. It’s difficult to get authors on prime time or morning shows, but right now, anything paranormal is hot.” She shrugged. “I’m smart enough to know it may not last. But real estate is a solid investment, so I feel good about putting my money there.”
“I agree. I’ve advised my clients to diversify and real estate is something you can count on, or at least ride out over time. Especially in the area you bought in.”
She grinned, obviously pleased he approved. “It’s great to be back home. Florida is nice but I love New England. How ’bout those Red Sox?” she asked, laughing. “Maybe you, Holly and I can catch a Red Sox game before the summer is over?”
“Baseball,” he said reverently. He slapped a hand over the left side of his chest. “A woman after my own heart.”
“I could be persuaded to sit through a football game in the fall…for the right price,” she teased.
“And what would that be?” he asked.
“Something delicious, something decadent, something—”
“Chocolate,” he said, as soon as he realized what she meant. “I didn’t realize you were so easy.” He chuckled, enjoying their easy banter.
“Only with you. And only because you know me so well. How did I get along without you for the past fourteen
years?” she asked lightly.
He stepped closer. Her warm scent settled over him, causing a distinct stirring inside his chest. “That’s a good question.” His mood changed from teasing to serious in an instant. “How did you get along?” he asked, suddenly needing to know.
“Not easily,” she admitted, as she reached out and linked her hands behind his neck.
As she looked into his eyes, she aligned her lower body with his. No way could she miss the evidence of his wanting her. If she remembered him mentioning that he wanted to talk about the kiss, about not getting involved, she obviously wasn’t going to bring it up now. And although he should, he couldn’t.
He could use the threats against her as an excuse, but in his heart, he knew that’s all it was. An excuse to be near her. He grabbed on to it as tightly as she held on to him now.
“I’m assuming you had relationships.”
She nodded. “More than a few. I was searching for someone who…” She paused and bit down on her lower lip. “Someone who could live up to the memory of you. Of us.”
His heart slammed hard against his chest. “Did you find him?” He must be a glutton for punishment to ask such a thing.
“What do you want to hear?” she asked, a teasing smile on her lips. “That even at eighteen you set the standard by which all other men fell short?”
She slid her hand up the back of his head and played with the ends of his hair with her fingertips. Her touch was electric. Her words seductive.
Selfishly that was exactly what he wanted to hear, but he’d been the one to do the leaving. “I wanted you to go on with your life. To be happy.”
She tipped her head to one side. He loved the sassy sway of her hair. He couldn’t resist running his fingers through the strands. “I went on. I’ve been successful in my career. Not so much in my personal life.”
“I shouldn’t be happy that you didn’t find someone special. But I am.”
“I shouldn’t be happy that you’re divorced,” she countered. “But I don’t think I could have handled running into you again and knowing you belonged to someone else.” Her voice sounded like a husky purr.
Every fiber of his being was on alert. His skin was hot. His body strung tight. He desired her in a soul-deep way. He was dying to reconnect with her now and worry about the repercussions later. But mention of his divorce reminded him of the reasons he needed to be careful how far he let things go. “I still need to tell you about Holly’s mom and what happened between us.” Why the curse ruled his life now more than ever.
“Mmm. You do.” She touched her forehead to his. Her mouth hovered close, tantalizing and tempting him.
Finally, she allowed their lips to touch, featherlight but enough to send his pulse racing. She toyed with him for a while, a few light pecks at first, but each one 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.
“I want to hear everything you have to tell me. But not tonight,” Gabrielle said, her voice cutting through his fuzzy thoughts.
“Hmm?”
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.
“Say hi for me.”
“I 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.”
“Moi?” 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.
“Good night, Gabby,” he said softly.
“’Night, Derek.” She walked him to the door.
“Lock 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.
“Sleep 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.
GABRIELLE 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.
“Good morning,” Sharon said, her mood upbeat.
“’Morning. Coffee?” Gabrielle asked, pointing to the cup in the passenger-seat holder.
“Love some. Thanks.”
“It has milk and sugar, the way you like it.”
Sharon took a sip. “Hot and good. Thanks!”
“No problem.” Gabrielle pulled onto the street and they began the hour’s drive.
“How 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.”
“You’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.” It was something she wanted to explore in more detail, for her book and for herself. “Know what I mean?”
“Hmm,” Sharon said, sounding distracted.
Gabrielle glanced out of the corner of her eye.
Sharon was opening a large manila envelope.
“What’s that?” Gabrielle asked.
“I’m not sure. There was no return address.” Sharon pulled out a photograph with a note clipped to it. “Oh, my God.”
“What?”
“I’m going to be sick.” Sharon laid her head against the window and shut her eyes.
Worried, Gabrielle pulled over, into the nearest side street. They were still fairly close to home. She parked the car and turned to her friend. “What’s going on?” She reached for the pictures, but Sharon smacked her hand on top of Gabrielle’s. “Don’t,” she said in a hoarse voice.
“Then you tell me. What’s got you so upset?”
Sharon met Gabrielle’s gaze. “Remember Tony DeCarlo?”
“Your ex-boyfriend from college,” Gabrielle said carefully, not wanting to stir up too many bad memories.
“Oh, please, just call it what it was. My big mistake. While I was blindly in love with him, he was in it for blackmail.”
Gabrielle remembered. Tony had put somet
hing in Sharon’s drink, drugged her then taken sexually explicit photographs that he’d threatened to turn over to the dean of the college and any magazine who’d take them unless she came up with one thousand dollars.
He’d hit up the wrong girl.
Sharon, though mortified, had gone to her father, who was an attorney. He’d hired a private investigator. It turned out that Tony DeCarlo had a history of being the perfect boyfriend until he’d drugged, photographed then blackmailed other women. Sharon hadn’t been his first. She had, however, been the only one to press charges, putting Tony behind bars.
“I thought it was over. I thought all the photographs had been confiscated by the police.” Her voice shook as hard as her hands as she lifted a grainy copy of a photograph. “The police obviously didn’t find them all,” she whispered. “Someone got hold of one and is threatening to turn it over to the newspaper unless I pay.”
“Is it from Tony?” Gabrielle asked.
“There’s no signature, but who else would have the old photos?”
“That son of a bitch,” Gabrielle said, her temper rising. “He obviously didn’t learn from his time in jail. He’s still underestimating you. Do you want to drive straight to the police station?” Gabrielle relished the idea of turning this guy in.
Sharon shook her head. “Are you nuts? Do you know what these pictures would do to Richard’s campaign?” She shivered at the prospect. “We live in a conservative small town. The only reason there wasn’t a huge scandal all those years ago was because Tony pled to a lesser charge for reduced time in jail!”
“He’ll get thrown right back in for resorting to extortion again.” Gabrielle had been so proud of her friend for having the guts to tell her parents what had happened and for following through with pressing charges.
But Tony had taken that confident part of Sharon’s personality with him when he’d been carted off to jail. The incident had changed Sharon from being a bubbly, outgoing person to little more than a shell of her former self. Gabrielle had talked her friend through many difficult, sleepless nights. Only lately, with the patience and love of Richard Stern, had the old Sharon begun to reemerge. It had showed up tonight when she’d defended Gabrielle at the library. Gabrielle shuddered to think what this would do to her friend’s self-esteem.
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