Lucky Fall Read Free Page A

I hope you kept the receipt Jeff.”
    “I did—”
    I held up my hand, “Absolutely not, I love it. Thank you, Jeff.”
    Everyone dispersed as soon as cake was over, except Libby and Jeff, who lingered behind. Jeff took up Libby’s vacant seat when she went to use the facilities.
    “Julie, I think we got off on the wrong foot. I really messed up and I would really like another date with you.”
    I didn’t really want to, but I found it difficult to reject him. Libby said I was a people-pleaser, and I couldn’t make an exception even on my own birthday. “Sure, give me a call.”
    As we walked out of the restaurant, I spotted Victor Ivanov, sitting at the bar, sipping a gold-colored drink in a short glass.
    “I need to thank him,” I said to Libby.
    “Make sure you thank him a lot. Let me know if you need help thanking him,” Libby said. Thankfully, Jeff was out of earshot.
    “I’ll wait for you,” Jeff offered. Wow, he had good ears, judging from the scowl that he was giving Victor.
    Victor turned in our direction then, as if he could feel our gazes on him. His tie hung loose and his jacket was off, making him look even younger. His black hair was slightly disheveled, and fell almost artfully across his forehead. I didn’t think it was possible, but he actually looked hotter than he had when I’d fallen into him. I found myself breathing hard, unable to form coherent words. He gave me an amused nod, holding his drink up in a toast.
    “Come on, Jeff. She’s a grown woman.” Libby grabbed Jeff’s arm. “You’ll call me if you need me,” she added, giving me a warning look.
    “I’m just thanking him,” I replied, a little perturbed she’d think my intentions were deeper.
    The fact was they were, but I didn’t like being called out on it. I hadn’t thought of much else but our small exchange all through dinner. I had spent the whole time coming up with the most charming words to communicate my gratitude. Okay, I was really debating with myself. For the first time in my life, I was contemplating a one-night stand.
    “Of course you are, dear. I’ll take this to your apartment.”
    Libby relieved me of the awkward birthday present. I’d moved into her building after the divorce, so she lived just downstairs from me. When I turned to deflect her comment, she was practically ushering Jeff out of the restaurant. I smiled, watching them speak with animated hand gestures, until he finally acquiesced and took her arm.
    I walked over to the bar, trying my best for a sexy saunter, but I knew I was too jittery to achieve any such goal. My legs were shaking like I’d stepped onto an electrified floor. It didn’t help that he watched me the whole way, biting his lip.
    “Thank you for the wine. It was delicious,” I said when I finally approached him.
    “Only the finest things should ever touch your lips, Julianne.”
    I swallowed, wondering why I’d thought this was a good idea. “You can call me Julie. That’s what everyone else calls me.”
    He shook his head. “I have no desire to be like everyone else, especially when it concerns you.”
    “Do you always come on so strong?”
    He pulled out the empty barstool next to him and gestured for me to sit. As soon as I perched myself on it, he pulled it closer to him with his foot, so we were only inches apart. I couldn’t believe how swift his movements were. His legs had to be very muscular to glide the stool over with my weight on it. He leaned closer to me, dropping his voice to a husky whisper, “I know what I want and I don’t like to waste time. The only question is, what do you want?”
    This was getting too dangerous. Talking to him was like stepping into quicksand—and I knew my feet were in danger of sinking deeper with every phrase he uttered.
    “I just wanted to thank you. I need to be on my way.” I was losing my nerve. He was far too charming and salacious for the likes of me.
    He clasped my hand. “Have a celebratory drink with me,