Lucky Chance Read Free Page B

that he was so carefree while she was always by the book.
    If his condo had anything to say about it, he was still the same guy he had been years ago. He must still like to entertain. Otherwise, the large sectional and air hockey table would have been too much for just one person. The weights near the television reminded her once again of the dedication he had to the military. The area was relatively spotless, not that she expected anything less from Lucky. He had always been the most organized of the Diamond family, and lived on a strict timetable, making him a good fit for military life. As much as he spoke of being spontaneous, he lived as much by a timetable as she did, he just didn’t admit to it as much. The times he was spontaneous were mentally scheduled in, even if he didn’t realize it.
    “We’re cutting this closer than I’d like, since the airlines suggest we arrive two hours early for security. Why don’t we grab dinner at one of the restaurants at the airport?” he asked as he tossed his garment bag over the back of the sofa.
    “That’s fine. Don’t forget your dress uniform.”
    “Already packed, along with my cammies. What hotel are we staying at? Is there a pool? Because if so, I should grab my trunks.”
    The weight of the living arrangements hit her full force, and she turned away from the view to face him. “Actually…umm…we’ve got a house.”
    “Nice. The least the government can do is spring for a house instead of shoving us in a crummy hotel room for two weeks. Even if I’m stuck sharing a room with one of the other guys.”
    “It’s not exactly like that.” She tried again, only to have him interrupt her a second time.
    “Oh, I get my own room. Even better.”
    She shook her head, but he didn’t notice. He was too busy shoving things into his bag. Now that he’d accepted his fate, he was getting into it. “Umm, Lucky…”
    “What is it?” He glanced up, his toiletry bag in hand. “You okay? You look pale. Maybe you should have a seat.”
    “I’m fine,” she snapped. “I mean. Oh hell, what I’m trying to say is we’re supposed to share the house. Each branch has a handler and their own house.”
    “So, Maddie, you’re my handler, and though you’d rather be anywhere else in the world, you’re stuck sharing a house with me. Aren’t you the luckiest woman?”
    “Stop calling me that.”
    “But you used to love it.”
    “That was years ago.” It didn’t tear out my heart then. I was young and naïve. I found the little nickname sweet, even though it was brought on by my raging temper. “Stuck together all day in a house. We need to at least try to get along.”
    “I didn’t realize we weren’t getting along.” He tossed the toiletry bag into his larger bag. “I know you’re not thrilled to be stuck with me, and I’m not happy with this competition, but we’ve both got a job to do, so let’s do it. If you want to give me the schedule and just go your own way until we have to make public appearances, then so be it.”
    She’d love to take him up on that offer, or better yet skip the plane to Colorado and board one taking her back to Washington D.C. Then she could retreat to the sanctuary of her small studio apartment and try to forget about the emotions and desires he had stirred within her. But she couldn’t do that. This job was her hope of making a new life and getting the bigger place she needed. It wasn’t just her that she had to worry about any longer.
    “Lucky, I know things are uneasy between us, but I’m not going anywhere. Since I just took this position, to see you win would do wonders for my job. So, you’re stuck with me.”
    “I’ll try not to let you down.” He walked toward the kitchen and grabbed two bottles from a cabinet before returning. “Are you sure that’s the only reason?”
    Was she that easy to read? She wondered if he could tell that as much as she wanted to run in the opposite direction, she wanted to be near him