The Lucky in Love Collection Page 19

  Eventually, a whole lot later, I cook him eggs, and he devours them. After all, he worked up quite an appetite.

  I work up an appetite of another kind a few days later when he gives me a striptease. We’re talking the full regalia. Fireman suspenders, turnout gear, and a hot-as-hell dance.

  Let’s just say I give him his reward.

  On my knees.

  46

  Arden

  A couple of days later, Perri pops by the bookstore and asks if I’m free to grab a bite to eat. I’m finished up, and Madeline is working for the evening, so we head to Helen’s Diner, one of our favorite places in town.

  “How’s love? Is it as fabulous as everyone makes it out to be?” she asks as we sit.

  I smile. I can’t help it. “It’s the most fabulous thing. I highly recommend unexpectedly falling in love with your best guy friend after he gives you hypothetical lessons in seduction that turn real.”

  She wiggles an eyebrow and taps her temple. “And I’ll just file that away under possibilities I never expected.”

  “Same here. But seriously, Gabe is great, and I’m the luckiest girl in Lucky Falls.”

  “It’s not luck. You went after your happily ever after and you got it.

  “And I’m not going to let it go.”

  “You better not.”

  Then it’s my turn to wiggle my eyebrows, because I want the dish on the guy Perri’s been hot for. She thought nothing would come of the man she pulled over, but Derek McBride turned up in her life again in a most unexpected way, and I’m dying for more details. “Tell me all the details about the hottie.”

  “Whomever would you be referring to?” She plays it coy.

  I shoot her a look. “The one you pulled over the other day who looked at you like he wanted to eat you up, toss you over his shoulder, and then pleasure you all night long. That one.”

  Her eyes twinkle. “He did look at me like that, didn’t he?”

  “Um, yeah. And if memory serves, I feel like you were giving him the same look.”

  “You did hit the nail on the head when you said I had a type, and he is definitely it,” she says with a laugh as the server comes over to take our order. I opt for a chicken sandwich, and Perri chooses a salad. I steer us back to the conversation. “So, Miss Has a Type and He’s It—what’s next with him? You ran into him again, you flirted, you had an epic kiss, and now? Tell me what’s next?” I’m dying to know.

  She sighs, and it seems full of import. “Seems he showed up last night on my doorstep, with his duffel, since my brother went ahead and rented the room above the garage to him.”

  My eyes bulge. My jaw drops. My head spins. That’s a twist I didn’t see coming. “That means you’re living with the guy you want to bang?”

  “Seems the hot guy that I want to bang is now my new housemate.”

  “That’s a bit of a conundrum. You definitely can’t bang him if you’re living with him.”

  She tightens her ponytail. “Yes, that would seem to be the wise plan. This landlord shall not bang her housemate.”

  “The housemate she’s oh so tempted by,” I add, then I smile. “I can’t wait to hear how the non-banging plan unfolds.”

  Epilogue

  Gabe

  Several months later

  “Do I look handsome or do I look handsome?” I hold my hands out wide for my pops as we stroll slowly around the grounds, wandering past gardens of daisies and tulips.

  He narrows his eyes, giving me the once-over, appraising the pressed shirt and slacks. “You got your good looks from . . .”

  I wait for him to say from him or from Emily or from my mom. But instead, he smiles. “You got your good looks from here.” He taps my heart. “It’s what’s inside that matters.”

  I smile at him. “Thanks, Pops. But I got my charm from you.”

  “No doubt about that. Also, you look handsome as hell, so get out of here and get your girl.”

  I walk him back to his suite and make sure he’s settled in with one of his Dashiell Hammett paperbacks, courtesy of Arden. He parks his reading glasses on his nose, opens the book, then glances up at me. “You make sure Emily sees how handsome you look on your way out. She’d appreciate it.”

  I don’t correct him this time. I let him enjoy this moment when he’s slipped back in time. “She would, Pops. She would. Love you.”

  “Love you too, kiddo.”

  When I arrive at A New Chapter and peer through the edge of the window, Arden’s book club is in full swing. She’s expanded her offerings in the last several months, and the Bawdy Ladies—as they’ve dubbed themselves—have become regulars, spending one night a week discussing books here, along with many other topics.

  They’ve fully enlisted Arden in their crew now, and tonight she’s running the club.

  But I’ve enlisted them as well.

  If there’s one thing I know about Arden, it’s that she both loves and leans on the people in her life, from her best friends, to her employee, to these ladies, who’ve become a regular fixture.

  As I scan the premises from my lookout point, I note that Miriam has arranged the circle of chairs as requested. Arden’s back is to the door, her hair spilling down her shirt in a beautiful cascade of blonde. I check the time on my watch.

  Miriam glances at the door, and I move into her line of sight, nodding that all systems are a go.

  Miriam returns her focus to the group, and Madeline, next in line for the plan, opens the door for me.

  She flashes me a conspiratorial smile, and I smile in return, moving quietly among the shelves to the back area of the store. Ducking behind the self-help section, I listen to the women as they discuss Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies.

  “I suppose what this book made me think about most,” Miriam puts in, “is what it really takes to make a marriage work. What do you think, Sara?”

  The woman with red cat-eye glasses chimes in. “It takes a whole lot of determination, but kindness and humor too.”

  Another voice pipes up. CarolAnn, I think. “A good union requires a woman who understands her man, and a man who understands his woman.”

  That’s my cue.

  I step around from the shelf. “And it takes a friendship that turned into a great love story.”

  Arden startles then snaps her gaze to me. “Hey, you.” Her voice is soft, curious.

  God, I love her so much. I walk to her, meet her gorgeous gaze, then continue. “It takes knowing the other person. Listening to the other person. Giving her space when she needs it and giving her closeness when she craves that. It takes laughter and nights out and nights in, and being willing to look out for what matters to the other person. Personally, I believe it’s best when you’re both friends and lovers.”

  “Me too,” she whispers, a lovely tremble in her voice.

  I drop down to one knee, take the velvet box from my pocket, and flip it open. “Arden, will you be my wife?”

  She pauses for a moment, like she’s taking it all in, but then her answer comes.

  “Yes!” Her eyes shine with happy tears that spill as she clasps her mouth and nods fiercely. “Yes, yes, yes. I would love to be your wife.”

  My heart fills with happiness as the woman I started to fall for long ago jumps up from her chair and gives me her hand. I slide the diamond onto her finger, and she gasps, more tears rolling down her cheeks.

  Her voice cracks. “It’s beautiful. I love it. I love you so much.”

  I stand and wrap my arms around her, kissing her softly as the ladies clap and cheer. I move my mouth to her ear, whispering, “I’m so grateful I found you throwing cheese and crackers down a trail. I’m so glad I was there that day, and I intend to be there for you every single day for the rest of our lives.”

  Cheek to cheek, she whispers back, “It’s the same for me, and I have so many plans for us.”

  I laugh and kiss her once more. “I do love it when you devise your lists and strategies.”

 
She pulls back and meets my eyes. “You’re my best-laid plan.”

  Another Epilogue

  Arden

  I’ve always been a planner. I like to research and plot. To be as prepped as I possibly can.

  But in the last year or so, I’ve learned that planning is both everything and it’s everything you sometimes need to toss out the window.

  I was so fixated on my preserve-the-friendship strategy with Gabe I nearly missed a chance at the biggest gift in my life— love with a man who fulfills me, heart and soul.

  I had to break out of my good-girl shell to snag that love.

  Sometimes, I’m still a good girl. I make my husband dinner, and I love to bake him goodies to take to the firehouse and share with the other guys. Though, truth be told, sometimes he taunts the guys with them and keeps all the treats to himself, even when Shaw tries to grab them, even when Derek, when he’s there, does as well. Boys will be boys.

  I love, too, to greet Gabe when he comes home after a long shift.

  But I’ve learned that the element of surprise works wonders on my man.

  Some days I wear an apron. Now and then, I don a silky little robe. Other nights, I slip into a new bra and panty set he hasn’t seen.

  Every so often, I answer the door in nothing.

  And each time, without fail, he picks me up, carries me over his shoulder, and takes me somewhere—the bedroom, the kitchen, the couch, the wall right next to the door one time when he was particularly pent up—and shows me how he feels about my greetings.

  I suppose I feel naughty then.

  Incredibly naughty.

  But I’ve learned that naughty can be oh so very nice.

  Especially when you’re wildly in love with the man you can share all your dirty fantasies with.

  All you have to do is ask for what you want . . . and it’s quite nice indeed when you get it.

  And with Gabe, I get it good.

  THE END

  Dying to know what happens with Perri and the guy she pulled over? Temperatures heat up for Derek and Perri in their red-hot, roomies-to-lovers romance THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR! You won’t want to miss the sarcastic cop and the inked bad boy in their sexy romance!

  Sign up for my newsletter to make sure you don’t miss this hot new book!

  That irresistible, tattooed hottie who’s been flirting hard with me since he rode into town? The one who kissed me senseless in the back of a waffle truck the other day? Yeah, turns out he’s my new housemate…

  Things I don’t need while up for a promotion to police sergeant—a roomie who makes me think criminal thoughts.

  Can I arrest him for being too good-looking?

  But I soon learn Derek is is strong, caring, generous, good with kids, and kind to puppies… and might be able to help me with my promotion, which gives me an idea…

  ***

  A no-strings-attached fling with the fiery redhead who revs my engine? Why, yes, that does sound like a delicious perk of my new job in this new town.

  Except, it turns out Perri’s my sexy, sassy landlord.

  When she comes to me with a out-of-left-field proposition, resisting her is going to take more than handcuffs.

  You can find THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR here!

  ***

  Dear Reader: I hope you enjoyed Gabe and Arden’s sexy, swoony love story. I especially hope you enjoy Gabe’s relationship with his Pops. While memory loss can be vastly different for everyone who goes through it, the character of Pops was drawn from my experience interacting with those who had it, and their families, while volunteering for several years at a nursing home. Pops’ experience may be different from people you know who have gone through memory loss, and both experiences are valid and authentic. Hold your dear ones close.

  xoxo

  Lauren

  The Feel Good Factor

  1

  Derek

  There are lies, damn lies, and then there’s love at first sight.

  That’s the kind of storybook bullshit that gets people in trouble. I can find my own way there, thank you very much.

  Besides, a detour of that sort is the last thing I need now that I’ve packed up all my shit and moved to a new town.

  I’m not running away, even though it looks like it, thanks to the bike and the lack of stuff I own. I’m running to, and my goal when I arrive in town is singular.

  Do what I came here to do.

  Problem is, sometimes I go too fast.

  Like today, as I’m riding down a side street on the way to my sister’s house, a little speedier than the limit. But hey, I have places to be, people to see. What’s the big deal if I go five miles over? I’m safe as fuck and always have been.

  A siren blares.

  “Ah, hell.”

  I pull over to the curb, turn off the engine, and remove my helmet, ready to pull my “hey, we’re all in this together” card with the guy I didn’t see running traffic duty.

  But there’s no guy stopping me.

  The officer in blue strolling down the sidewalk is certified 100 percent babe, and I do believe this is the best view I’ve seen in days. Wait, make that years.

  Because holy redheaded lady-cop fantasy.

  Even that uniform can’t hide those curves, nor can the ruler-straight line between her lips hide their lushness. The cinched ponytail of auburn only makes me want to untie it, get my hands in those locks, then run my lips all over her neck.

  “Hey, officer. Was I going too fast?” I ask with a gee, I couldn’t have been speeding grin.

  “What do you think, Lightning McQueen?”

  “Maybe a little.”

  “Yeah, just a little,” she says dryly. “How about your license and registration?”

  I grab my wallet and hand her my license, then the bike’s registration. She runs a quick check, nods since it’s all clear, and gives them back to me. “Let me guess. You either didn’t realize how fast you were going, or you have someplace real important to be?”

  I flash her a grin, hoping the crooked kind is her favorite. “I do, and I sure hope you’ll forgive me.”

  She parks her hands on her hips. “You’re aiming for full forgiveness?”

  “Complete absolution. What’ll it take to get there?”

  She scoffs, but it has the hint of a laugh in it. “Let’s hear your story. Tell me where you’re going, Mr. Speedy.”

  I raise a finger to correct her. “I’m not Mr. Speedy. I’m Mr. Take My Time.”

  She stares at me. “Yes, Mr. McBride,” she says, emphasizing my name. “And I’m Ms. I Don’t Have Time for Flirty Bikers.” Her lips quirk up though, like she’s trying to fight off a smile.

  “I’ll give you the SparkNotes version.” I heave a sigh, drag a hand through my hair, then tell her where I’m off to, hoping the story of a man looking out for his sister and her kids will win over her black heart.

  She shakes her head like she doesn’t quite believe me, but doesn’t quite disbelieve me either. She whips off her shades, revealing green eyes with flecks of gold—eyes that study me, that roam over my beard, my inked arms, and maybe, just maybe, all the way down.

  Oh yes, keep the eye tour going, because I’m giving you one too, officer.

  Exhaling deeply, she glances down the road then back at me. “Listen, it’s quiet today. I haven’t seen a lot of cars or kids or pedestrians. I’m going to let you off with a warning this time, Mr. Lawbreaker.”

  I bow my head deferentially. “And I’m going to thank you from the bottom of my law-abiding soul.”

  She chuckles. “Is it though? Is it a truly law-abiding soul?”

  I grin, meeting her gaze again. “Right about now I can’t decide if I want to break laws or follow them. Would breaking them mean I could see you again?”

  She flubs her lips and waves me off. “If I had a nickel for every time . . .”

  Well, that’s no surprise. I bet each man she’s stopped has flirted with her. I’ll need to up my game. “Let me revise that. I ca
n see that the way to your heart is through the law, so allow me to follow the rules.”

  I kick down the stand and step off the bike. As I walk down the sidewalk, I look back at her, smirking, till I reach a stray paper cup keeping court with an empty Doritos bag. I pick up both, carry them to my bike, and tuck the trash into the side compartment. “I hate litterbugs.”

  “So do I.”

  I point to a sign along the sidewalk. “And littering is against the law. But hey, look at me, obeying like a good citizen.”

  She fights off a laugh. “Thank you for handling trash patrol. Now, you need to go.”

  I mount the bike and tug on my helmet. “You might be sending me off, but don’t think you’ll be out of my mind.”

  “I won’t be thinking a thing about you.”

  “But I’ll be thinking of you, officer.”

  “Do us all a favor and obey the law. Can you do that?”

  I wink. “Anything for you.”

  She points at the pavement. “Hit the road. Before I decide to stop being the nice cop and write you a ticket instead.”

  “Nice cop,” I say with a rasp. “I like the sound of that. Maybe I’ll see you around, nice cop.”

  “Hopefully you won’t.”

  “But a man can dream.”

  And that’s exactly what I do that night, because I can’t get her out of my mind.

  Insta-love? No effing way.

  But insta-lust?

  Oh, hell yeah.

  There’s no greater truth than how much I want to see the redheaded officer again.

  The only question is whether I’ll have to break the law to get her attention.