A story I\'ve written. Trying to get it published

1. Broken Promises
By Sue

3. Chapter 1
“Somehow this has to be wrong,” Angel thought to herself. She was wide awake at 2 am, texting
her friend. He was in no way available, but she couldn’t help herself. “I’ll let you know during
the week,” he said. “Miss you lots. XOXO,” she replied. She took a deep breath and slid under
her covers. A grin came across her face.
Angel was one of a kind. Blonde hair, blue eyes, curves in all the right places. She stood almost
five foot eight, and as her friend Lucky always said, “Could turn the head of any man.” She was
a romantic at heart. The kind of girl that got teary eyed during a chick flick, and could cheer on
the underdog of an action movie. She was the perfect mix of femininity and coolness.
Lucky was a handsome man. He was close to six foot two, and had muscles in all the right
places. He was a definite head turner and as Angel always said, should have been on the cover
of GQ. He was a health fanatic at the gym, and was one of the most kind-hearted and caring men
to his friends and his kids. That’s the only flaw Angel could find anyway. He had dashing good
looks, a killer body and a smile that could light up a dark room. Just the sound of his voice
brought a smile to Angel’s lips.
It was a cool morning in May. The breeze smelled like fresh apple blossoms and after the rain the
night before, the streets were covered in petals from the apple trees. She lived on a quiet street in
the quiet end of town. She’d always dreamt of having a brownstone. Ever since she was little
and walked past them on a trip to the city with her parents, she’d been determined to have one of
her own someday. She looked out the window and smiled. It was almost the same sort of day
years and years before that she’d met Lucky for the first time.
It was a rough day for her that day. She’d broken up with yet another of her “self-absorbed”
boyfriends, as Lucky used to call them. She’d sat at a bar alone and tried to distract herself with a
martini. He saw her upset and instead of walking by as people always do, he stopped. “Now
how can a beautiful woman like you have need for tears,” he’d said. “Dumped,” Angel said
heading into martini number two. “A beautiful woman shouldn’t drink alone. May I,” he asked.
She nodded. They’d spent the entire night talking until the bar closed, then chatting at a coffee
shop. She’d developed an attraction to him, and it wasn’t just the alcohol. She’d even moved
into the city because of him, claiming it was because of her dream to own a brownstone, but he
knew better. She’d wished that she could have him all to herself, but settled with friendship after
he was honest enough to tell her he was married.
The next morning, Angel came into the kitchen with a silly grin ear to ear. “What’s the grin for,”
her room mate asked. “Oh nothing,” Angel replied as she made her morning tea. “And how’s
Lucky,” she teased. “Fine,” Angel replied. She grabbed her tea and headed off for the shower to
get ready for work.
Lucky woke up in the morning, hit the gym and then headed into his office. He knew the first
thing he wanted to do. He couldn’t help how he felt. His wife didn’t understand anymore, and
was starting to assume there was more to the friendship between Lucky and Angel. “We are just
really good friends. She wouldn’t know what to do without me babe,” he would say. He pulled
into the parking lot, headed into the office and logged onto the computer. His favorite picture of

4. -2-
Angel and him and the kids popped up as his wallpaper. He got a smile ear to ear, then logged
into his email.
She pulled into her parking space and headed up to her office. She logged onto her computer
and into her email. She grabbed herself some hot cider from the kitchen and started to get to
work. “You’ve got mail,” she joked. The inbox showed 10 messages. It was going to be one heck
of a long day. The last one popped up and she knew it was from Lucky. A silly grin came across
her face. He always knew just what to say.
Have a great day beautiful. Miss you already….. Lucky
She closed the email and decided to dive into her work. By the time it got to lunch, she was
yawning from work overload. She had lunch then tried to finish her work for the day. She took
one look at the clock and decided to send Lucky a email. The after work drink was going to be
mandatory that day.
Drinks? Meet me at our place….lol Angel
She pressed send, then closed down her email. She finished up the last of her work and headed
to the car. She slipped on her lipstick, fixed her hair and headed to their favorite bar.
Angel walked in, looked towards the bar, and saw Lucky working on what must have been drink
#2. “Well hello there handsome. Come here often,” Angel joked. He turned to face her and
wrapped his arms around her. “Hey yourself beautiful,” he replied. He smelled so good she was
almost intoxicated by his cologne. “A little early in the week for this isn’t it,” he teased.
“Mondays are always hell,” Angel said. “Two martinis please,” Lucky said to the bartender as
she mixed them their drinks. “Special occasion,” Angel asked. “Figured we should make the
most out of it since I am heading out of town in the morning,” he replied. “Not heading home
tonight,” Angel asked. “Meeting,” he said. “Where,” Angel asked. “Have to stay in the city
tonight. Have meetings for the next couple days down here,” he replied. “You know, there’s
always a sofa for you at my place,” Angel replied. “Done,” he replied. They walked over
towards the sofa. Angel took a gulp of the martini. He couldn’t have said what she thought she
just heard. “Let me double check with roomie,” Angel said. She shot her off a text. Seconds later
she got a reply. “She’s going home for the rest of the week. Some family thing. Guess we’ll have
the whole place to ourselves,” Angel said. She took another sip. “Finish your drink then. I can
make better than this at your place,” he whispered in her ear. Goosebumps raised on her skin.
Her heart started to race.
They finished their drinks and headed back to her place. “So, did you want some dinner or did
you want a drink,” Angel asked as she tried to distract herself from thinking what she knew was
bound to be thought. She slipped her purse on the table. Lucky walked into the kitchen and
made them both another drink. “Angel,” he asked. She was in her room trying to find her
favorite jeans and something a little more comfortable. “Yes,” she replied as she slid into her
jeans. He walked down the hall towards her bedroom. The door opened. She turned towards
the door and was inches from him. He handed her the drink. “Nice,” he said. “Now if only we
could get away with comfy jeans at work,” Angel replied as she went to grab for her tank top.
She took a gulp from the drink. He took it from her hand and put it on her dresser. “What,”

5. -3-
Angel asked. He pulled the shirt from her hand and leaned towards her. Her heart was racing.
He slid a hand on the side of her neck and pulled her to him and kissed her.
The feel of his warm lips on hers, he pulled her even closer to him. She could feel his muscles
against her. His hands slid down her spine to the base of her back. They came up for air. “I’ve
wanted to do that since the second I saw you,” he said. Angel was still stunned. She grabbed the
drink and guzzled the rest of it. He took the glass away. “Tell me you meant the second you saw
me today,” Angel said. “Since the minute I met you,” he replied. “Lucky, that was four years
ago,” Angel said. “Been holding it in all that time,” Lucky said as he pulled her close to him
again. She didn’t want to say the one thing she was thinking. It came out. “What about,” Angel
said. Before she could finish her sentence, he cut her off with a passionate kiss. This time it was
deeper, stronger and was pulling her in. Every ounce of her being told her to resist, but she
couldn’t. “Angel,” he said. “Mmm,” Angel replied. “You sure,” he asked. “Sure about what?
Getting a conscience Lucky,” Angel asked.
He looked her up and down. The black lace bra, the blue jeans that hugged the curves he’d
longed to hold. The smell of her perfume that was like kryptonite to him. He pulled her to him.
“As long as neither of us ever regret anything,” Lucky said. “Well,” Angel said. She was about
to finish her sentence when he kissed her again. She melted into his arms. He walked her
backwards into the wall. His hands slid down, grabbing her legs and wrapping them around his
waist. He broke the kiss and trailed his kisses down her neck. “Lucky, what about,” Angel tried
to say. “Her loss,” he replied as he undid her bra. He carried her to the bed. He undid the
zipper of her jeans and laid her onto the soft comforter. He leaned down beside her. “Lucky,”
Angel said. He leaned over wrapping his arms around her. “Yes beautiful,” he replied in
between kisses. He slid his jeans off. He slid her jeans down her legs as he kissed them. The
goosebumps got worse. He slid her g-string off and kissed back up her legs to her hip. She
didn’t want to say a word to make this imperfect. He kissed her lips and slid between her legs,
pulling her legs tight around him. “Even more beautiful than I dreamed you were,” Lucky
whispered in her ear. “What? Now you are dreaming about me too,” Angel teased. He kissed
her with an intensely passionate kiss. “You are so warm,” he said. She felt him against her. She
felt like it had to be a dream, but it wasn’t. She felt him slide inside her. The kisses got deeper,
harder and more and more intense. Her body trembled with the pleasure he was creating. She
wanted it to last forever. It felt so good. He came up for air. “Damn,” he said. “What,” Angel
whispered. “Definitely better than I fantasized it would be,” Lucky said as he kissed her hard
again. The kisses continued until she felt his body shudder and her legs started to tremble.
She had only one wish at that moment. He kissed her cheek, then her neck, but refused to allow
her to move from that spot. Everything felt so good to him. “Lucky,” Angel asked. He kissed
her heart. “I know what you are going to ask,” he said. “Well,” Angel asked. He kissed her
passionately again, taking her breath away. He was so intense at that moment. “Wanted this all
along,” he said. He kissed her again as her head lay in the palms of his hands. “Meaning,” Angel
said as she bit her lip. “Meaning us. Me and you,” he replied. “What about,” Angel asked.
After four years of knowing each other, they practically had their own language. “It’s done. We
both know that there is no point in prolonging it anymore,” Lucky said as he laid another kiss on
her shoulder. “Meaning,” Angel asked. He kissed her lips and distracted her from her thoughts.
“Meaning now I can have what I have wanted for the past four years,” Lucky replied. “Lucky,
what are you talking about,” Angel said. He kissed her again, then nibbled on her neck. “You,”
he said. She tried to move away, but he held her tight. “I can’t stay with her. Kids or no kids, I

6. -4-
am not happy and either is she. What’s the damn point,” he asked. “You’re happy like this,”
Angel asked. “More than I have been in years,” he said. “Lucky, what are you trying to say,”
Angel asked. “Guess I have to show you again don’t I,” he said. “So I am the rebound. Great,”
Angel said trying to pull away from him. “No. You never will be and never have been,” Lucky
said. She pushed him away and got up. “Where are you going,” he asked. She went silently into
the kitchen.
She grabbed her robe and tied it as she walked into the kitchen. She leaned against the counter
and grabbed herself another drink. She heard rustling. She finished her drink and threw the
glass into the dishwasher then headed for the shower. “This has to be a candid camera moment,”
Angel thought to herself. She went into the bathroom and turned on the hot water in the shower.
The water beaded against her hot skin. She let the water fall on her face to try to wash away the
feeling she’d just had. “Fucking rebound,” Angel said to herself. “No you aren’t,” she heard a
voice say. He stepped into the shower behind her. He pulled her into his arms. “The chick you
run to the second you decide to move on, helps you leave…. What do you call a damn rebound
then,” Angel said as she grabbed her shower gel. She lathered herself up. “Wondered why you
always smelled so good,” he said as he nuzzled her ear. “Seriously Lucky,” Angel said. She
rinsed off, then went to leave. “You aren’t moving a damn muscle,” he said. “Rebound needs
food,” Angel said as she stepped out of the shower and grabbed a bath towel. She slid her robe
on and wrapped her hair with the towel and headed back into the bedroom.
He shook his head and let the hot water drench him. “She doesn’t get it,” he said to himself. He
grabbed the soap and cleaned up, then grabbed a towel and turned off the shower, heading into
the bedroom. “Angel,” he said as he went to sit beside her on the bed. She turned away.
“Lucky, maybe you should just go home to your wife,” Angel said. She wouldn’t look at him.
Her head was down. She was wiping away tears. “Don’t do this. I am not using you for a
rebound like those stupid guys you have dated before. I have cared about you since day one.
You aren’t a rebound. You’re the reason I damn well smile every morning. That isn’t a freakin’
rebound,” he said. He heard her sniffle. “Look at me,” he said. “No,” Angel replied. “Angel,
this is me. Your best friend. Stop this,” he said. “Lucky,” Angel said. “I am the one that cares
about you. That has picked you up every time someone screws you over, wishing every damn
time that I could smack some sense into those guys, but wishing I could stop it all and hold you
in my arms. Don’t you get it,” he said. Angel got up and headed for the kitchen. “Stop running
away from me,” he said. “Need food,” Angel said. He looked at the clock and it was running
close to 7:30. “Get dressed and we’ll go to the Chinese place down the street,” he said. She slid
the towel off her hair. She grabbed her jeans and slid them on. “Do you believe me,” he said. “I
don’t know. I just know I am starved,” Angel replied. She slid her black lace bra on, and he
pulled on his jeans. He walked up behind her and kissed her neck. She sprayed on her perfume
and pulled on her shirt. “Could just get take-out,” he suggested. Angel slid on her socks and
pulled her high heel boots on. He pulled on his shirt and followed her, sliding his shoes on and
heading out to the restaurant.
They headed into the restaurant and grabbed a table. “You didn’t say one damn word to me all
the way here,” he said quietly. “You know I am the rebound. Whatever Lucky,” Angel said. She
ordered a drink. “Make that two,” Lucky said. “You are not,” he said quietly. “Right. You’re
leaving your damn wife and kids and it isn’t a rebound? That’s the damn definition,” Angel said.
“What do I have to do to prove it,” he asked. “Since I know I’m right,” she replied. “Since we
both know you are wrong. I know what a rebound is. I’m the one that picked you up from

7. -5-
pieces every time someone pulled that crap on you. It isn’t a rebound. I’ve cared about you from
day one. Four years of caring about you and wishing we could be together,” he said. “Would
you stop? You want to be single again Lucky. Here’s your chance. Be single,” Angel said. She
finished her drink and ordered dinner. “Angel, I don’t want to be single. I want to be with you
period. I want to be happy for the first time in years,” Lucky said. Angel was quiet. They ate in
silence. As soon as dinner was done, they headed back to her place. “Talk to me,” he said.
Angel walked back up the steps to her apartment and unlocked the door.
She grabbed a blanket and pillow from the closet and handed it to him, then locked herself in her
bedroom. “Angel,” he said standing outside the door. He put the blanket and pillow onto the
sofa then grabbed the key from the linen closet. He walked in and saw the tears in her eyes. He
walked towards her. “You aren’t going to lose me like you did with those other guys. I am not
leaving you. I don’t want the stupid games. I want you,” he said. He sat down beside her. He
wrapped his arm around her and pulled her to him. “Lucky, I can’t. I can’t do this. I can’t lose
my best friend,” Angel said as the tears poured from her crystal blue eyes. “You know the tears
kill me. It hurts me to see you this upset over nothing. I don’t want to lose you either. I care
about you more than you know,” Lucky said as he held her close. He raised her chin. He kissed
her. “I always have baby,” he said. “Come here and lay down with me,” he said. He leaned
back onto the pillows and pulled her into his arms. Her head rested on his shoulder. She
wrapped her arm around him. “So help me Lucky. If this is a rebound thing,” Angel said. He
pressed play on her DVD player and turned the television on. “Had to be watching the
Notebook didn’t you,” he said. Angel laughed. “That’s better,” he said.
By the time the movie finished, they were both out cold in each other’s arms. The movie stopped
and Lucky half woke up. He turned the TV and DVD player off and looked at Angel. “I’ll prove
it if it kills me,” he said to himself. “Guess you got work to do then,” Angel said yawning.
“Awake are we,” he said. “It is only 11,” Angel said. He kissed her. “Think that’s gonna do it do
you,” Angel teased. He unbuttoned her sweater. “Nope…..just the appetizer,” he teased.

8. -6-
Chapter 2
He leaned over and slid off the bed. “Where are you going,” Angel asked. “You’ll see,” he said.
He turned off the lights and lit candles, carrying them into the bedroom. “You can cut the
seduction routine Lucky,” Angel said. “Something you don’t know,” he said. “What’s that,”
Angel teased. “Pretty good dancer,” he said. “I knew that,” Angel teased. He turned on the CD
player. She got up and walked towards him. He slid her shirt to the ground and pulled his shirt
off. “Lucky, we,” Angel started to say. He kissed her and pulled her into his arms. He’d slid the
CD in before he hopped in the shower. First song was Angel by Natasha Bedingfield. “Tell me
you didn’t,” Angel said. A grin came across her face. “You were seriously planning this,” Angel
said. “Listen to this CD every morning. Reminds me of you,” he said. “Liar,” Angel said. He
leaned down and kissed her. “Get what I have been trying to tell you,” Lucky asked. His hands
slid down her back. “Horndog,” Angel said. She pushed him away and walked back towards
the bed. “Tease,” he replied. “Maybe, but that’s what you like about me isn’t it,” she said as she
grabbed her black satin teddy and slid her jeans and bra off. “What’s that for,” he asked. “Sleep,”
Angel replied. “Think so do you,” he teased. She slid the teddy on and turned to put her alarm
on. He realized just how sexy it was. It was short, low cut in the back, and high slits on the side.
He was silent. “What,” she said turning around. “Tease times a damn million,” Lucky said.
“Whatever Lucky. I don’t know about you, but I have to get actual sleep,” Angel said. “Think
you’ll get sleep in that do ya,” he teased. He walked towards her. She tried to dodge him, and he
pinned her against the bedroom wall. “Nope,” he said. “Seriously. I need my beauty sleep,” she
said. “It’s Tuesday. You don’t have to be in until 9:30,” Lucky said with a grin. “Damn,” Angel
said with a silly grin.
“Know you well enough to know when you are trying to weasel out of something,” he said. He
kissed her and she got weak in the knees. Her arms wrapped around his neck. He picked her up
and wrapped her legs around him. “Get used to this,” Lucky said. “What? You trying to seduce
me,” she teased. “Succeeding,” he said as he slid his jeans off. “You think so do you,” Angel
said. He kissed her again and leaned his muscular body against hers. “Okay, I give in,” Angel
said. He slid his hands around her waist and carried her to the now unmade bed. The candles lit
the room perfectly. Love you till the end by the Pogues came on. He kissed her. “Sexy little
lingerie, but think I know of a better place for it right now,” he said sliding it over her satiny
smooth skin. He kissed her stomach. He slowly moved up to her breasts.
His kiss lit a fire on her skin. Every kiss left behind a goose bump. He knew just what to do to
turn a woman on. He’d been doing it for years, but somehow it never did anything for his wife.
She’d found solace in another man, and they’d finally called it what it was. Lucky and Christy
were done. He had his mind set on one woman, and he knew that the only way to her heart was
to have his entire heart in her hands.
He teased her body into submitting to him. “Guess I’m your kryptonite,” he whispered in her
ear as she tried to pull him close. “Hell yes,” Angel replied. “Want it or did you want that
sleep,” he teased. She pulled him to her and kissed him. He made love to her like he’d never get
the chance again. Like he had to prove how he felt to her. Their breathing turned to panting.
Their hearts raced in the dance. He made her body come with his over and over. Every
movement was as if it fit perfectly like the most difficult puzzle. Like every curve suited him.
Afterwards, he didn’t want to leave her arms. “So,” he said kissing her breast again after they
caught their breath. “So,” Angel said trying to hold the grin back. “Believe me,” he said.

9. -7-
“Hmm,” Angel said jokingly. “Need more convincing,” he teased. “Think we should sleep on it
and see what we think in the morning,” Angel said. “Hmm. As long as I don’t have to move
from this sweet spot, we’re good,” he said. “Meaning,” Angel asked. “Took me four years to be
in this spot, and I am not moving,” he said. Angel giggled. “Okay then. Whose blowing out the
candles,” Angel asked. “Don’t move an inch then,” he said. He got up and blew the candles out.
She took a good look at him. He was one very sexy man. “Mmm,” she said not realizing she’d
said it out loud. “Really,” he said. She bit her bottom lip and went a little red. He leaned back
on the bed. He kissed her then grabbed the last candle from the bedside table. “You wouldn’t,”
she said. “Only hurts for a split second anyway,” he said. “I get to get you too,” Angel said
trying to make a deal. He lit another candle. He poured it in the shape of a heart on her stomach.
“Creative,” she said. He flipped her on top of him. “Hmm,” Angel teased. “Know what you’re
thinking. You hurt it, you have to kiss it better,” he teased. She drizzled it on him. “Ooh,” he
said. “You’re right. It doesn’t,” Angel teased. She peeled the wax from him. “Tease,” he said.
“Want me to stop,” she teased. “Know something better,” he teased right back. “I bet you do,”
she replied.
She got up and tried to slide off the bed and he pulled her back to him with his legs. “No leaving
the bed missy,” he joked, pinning her onto the mattress. “Was just going to grab something,” she
said. “Oh no you don’t. I know what you’re thinking remember,” he said. “Just what was I
thinking then,” Angel teased. “Either whipped cream, which I know you have by the way, or
something along that line,” Lucky replied. Angel giggled. “Ah the whipped cream trick…..no.
That should be saved for Saturday,” Lucky joked. “Why’s that,” Angel said. “Only fair. You
know I love whipped cream,” he teased. She laughed and he kissed her again. “Never want to
see those tears again. Promise me,” he said. Angel nodded. They curled up under the covers
and finally got some well-deserved rest.
The next morning, Lucky woke up and she wasn’t in bed. The minute he went to get up, she
came walking back into the bedroom in her satin robe. “Morning,” Angel said. “What time is it,”
he asked. “Seven,” Angel said. “What the hell are you doing up so damn early,” he asked.
“Figured you didn’t want a wrinkled shirt,” Angel said. “You actually ironed,” he joked. “Not
nice,” Angel replied. “What do I smell,” he asked. “Wouldn’t you like to know,” Angel said
walking out of the bedroom. He pulled his jeans on and followed the smell of fresh ground
coffee. “You definitely got up too early,” Lucky said as he noticed the breakfast she’d made.
“Knew how you couldn’t make it through the morning without the coffee,” Angel said. He
laughed. “You know me well,” Lucky replied. He took a sip of coffee and was in heaven. She
put the eggs and bacon out on the plates as he came up behind her and leaned her against the
counter. His arm wrapped around her waist. “Thank you,” he said. “Thought you might need
the hangover breakfast,” Angel said. “Know exactly what happened last night. And before you
say it, I don’t regret a single second, except the one where you were mad,” Lucky said.
They sat down to breakfast and chatted, then Angel decided to attempt to get ready for work.
She hopped into the shower, and Lucky was two steps behind her. “Thought you might need
some help washing your back,” he said kissing her shoulder. “Right. Shoulder isn’t down there
Lucky,” Angel said as she noticed his hand sliding down her stomach. “Ah. Right. The
shoulder,” he said as his hand grazed her. “Don’t start something you can’t finish,” Angel said.
His fingers slid across her skin and moved down. “What was that about finishing something,”
he said. “I have to be at work in an hour and a half,” Angel said. He leaned her into the stream
of water and rinsed the conditioner from her hair. He lifted her up, wrapping her legs around

10. -8-
him. “What the,” Angel said. “Try two hours,” he replied and kissed her, turning off the water
and grabbing a towel, wrapping it around them both. “Shit,” Angel said. “Think I forgot,” he
said. He slid inside her. “Damn Lucky,” Angel said. “Feels so damn good. Could get addicted,”
he said as he made love to her. “Oh my god,” Angel said. “More,” he teased. She leaned
forwards and kissed him. “That’s definitely a yes,” he said.
The next thing they knew, it was almost 9. Angel had to be at work within the half hour. “Guess
we can’t play hooky can we,” Lucky said still entangled in her legs. “Damn I wish we could,”
Angel said. “Why? Afraid you’ll wake up and it’s all a dream,” he asked kissing her shoulder.
She nodded. “It definitely isn’t,” Lucky said as he nibbled at her breast. “Feel real,” he asked.
“Yes,” Angel said. “Just checkin,” he teased. “Let’s go then,” he said. He had to practically drag
her into getting dressed. She put on some makeup, put her hair up, and slid on a dress and some
lacy underthings then headed off to work. He pulled on his suit and drove her. “So don’t want
to share right now,” he said as they pulled onto the street of her work. “I’ll see you tonight. I’ll
grab something on the way home,” Angel said. He parked the car and kissed her. “Believe me
yet,” Lucky asked. “We’ll see,” Angel said. He pulled her to him and kissed her harder.
“Getting there,” Angel said. She hopped out and headed up to her office.
The day dragged on and on with meeting after meeting. By the end of the day she was looking
forward to a relaxing night at home. She headed out, grabbed some take out and headed back to
the apartment. She headed upstairs and went inside. His suit was there. His briefcase was by
the desk. “Lucky,” Angel said. She heard clicking coming from the bedroom. She walked
towards the door and peeked inside. He was on a dating website on his laptop. Angel put the
food in the kitchen and grabbed her jeans from her closet as well as her sweater and changed
quietly in the bathroom, then grabbed her purse and keys and slammed the door behind her. She
headed down the street to the pub that Lucky hated. It was dark, noisy and totally not his kind
of place.
“What can I get you,” the bartender asked. “Double vodka tonic with lime,” Angel replied and
went and sat in the darkest corner. “Damn him,” Angel said to herself. She leaned back. “Can I
get you anything else,” the bartender asked as he put her drink down. “Thanks but….” She
looked up. “Damon,” Angel said. “Was wondering when you’d notice,” he said.
He was tall. Dark hair with hazel green eyes. He was muscular, and fine as hell. Just the kind of
man that Angel always fell for. He had a mystery to him that she always loved. She’d been there
before. He was one of the first that broke her heart. The first one to say they cared and then walk
away. The one that she was crying over the night she met Lucky all those years ago.
“What are you doing here,” Angel said. “I work here now. Run the place actually,” he said.
“Are you serious,” Angel said. “Bought it a while ago. Thought it was a great investment,”
Damon said. “Of all places. So how have you been,” Angel asked. He took a seat across the
table from her. “Lonely as hell. You’d think in this damn city it would be easier to meet a
descent woman,” he joked. Her phone rang and she turned it off. “So after all of this time, you
are still single,” she asked. “Was waiting for your clone,” he joked. They chatted for what
seemed like hours, then had some dinner together. “I would really love to see you again,” he
said. “Well I do live right around the corner,” Angel said. “Still,” he asked. “Bought the
brownstone,” she replied. “Oh really,” he said. “Should come by sometime,” Angel said. They
hugged goodbye and she headed out the door.

11. -9-
She walked back into the building and headed to the door. She walked in. The bedroom door
was open. The laptop was off, and the clothes were still in his bag. Angel put the blanket and
the pillow on the sofa, then drew herself a bubble bath, locking the door behind her. She slipped
in her earphones of her ipod and pressed play then leaned back into the hot water and bubbles.
Once the water cooled, she stepped out and wrapped the warm towel around her. She turned off
her ipod and walked into her bedroom.
She heard the front door. “Angel,” Lucky said. She slammed the bedroom door and locked it,
putting a chair under the doorknob. “Open it,” he said. Angel turned on the TV. “Angel,” he
repeated. “It’s not going to open Lucky. Get used to it,” she said. She leaned back and watched
another one of her favorite old movies. Minutes later, he snuck in the bedroom window. “What
the,” Angel said. “You’re going to be stubborn, so can I,” he said. “Maybe you should just go,”
Angel said getting up. He walked towards her. “What is your problem,” he asked. “Rebound
my ass Lucky. Which dating site were you on? Bed buddy dot com,” Angel asked. She pulled
on her sweater and her track pants. “Why won’t you listen for one damn minute,” he asked. “I
saw you. That’s all I need,” Angel said. She pulled the chair from the door and he pinned her
against the wall. “I was on it to see why she was,” Lucky said. “Sure. And I am a ditzy blonde,”
Angel said pushing him away. She unlocked the door and headed for the kitchen. “God damn
it,” Lucky said. “What,” Angel replied. He grabbed his laptop. “Sit. Look for your damn self if
you don’t believe me,” he said. He logged on with the username and password. It was his wife’s
account. “Where’s your account then,” Angel said. “This was the one I was logged in with
Angel. It’s hers. Not mine,” he replied. His eyes were bloodshot. “Just found out,” Angel
asked. “Went into our email account and saw the password reset email that was sent to her,”
Lucky said. He sat down on the chair next to her. “I already told you that I wanted to be with
you and it wasn’t a rebound. If you don’t believe me, then fine. Just don’t do this,” Lucky said.
He pulled her into his arms. “I didn’t know what to think Lucky,” Angel said. “I am not looking
for someone. I have what I want in my arms,” he said. “I think you might just need some time
Lucky. Some time to get past the whole thing that she did. We can’t be like this until I know
you’re past it. Please,” Angel said. “I know what I want. I don’t need time,” Lucky said. Angel
got up and walked back towards the bedroom. He grabbed her hand and leaned her against the
wall. “You don’t know what you’re saying,” Lucky said. “I don’t like it anymore than you do,
but I know what I’m saying,” Angel said. He leaned in and kissed her. She tried to push him
away, but he held her tight. He slid her track pants to the floor. She tried to push him away
again. “Lucky,” Angel said. “No,” he said. He carried her in her oversized sweater to the
bedroom. He laid her on the bed and leaned against her. “Why can’t we just wait,” Angel said in
between kisses. “I don’t need to,” he said. He pulled his sweater off and slid his jeans to the
floor. He slid his hands under her sweater, sliding it off and to the ground by her bed. “Lucky,
seriously,” Angel said. “No. No trying to talk me out of it. No trying to pull the “be realistic”
thing. There is no talking me out of being with you. It’s all I want okay,” he said as he leaned in
and pulled her into another deep passionate kiss. “But,” she tried to say.
His body curved into hers. She felt his hot skin against hers and felt him slide inside her. It was
a feeling she didn’t want to forget, didn’t want to ever give up. She didn’t want to lose it, but she
knew it wasn’t hers to have. He made love to her and kissed her like she was his. Like what they
were doing wasn’t a bad thing, but the beginning of the best thing ever.

12. -10-
They curled up and fell asleep together and once she knew he was asleep, she slipped out of the
bed and curled up on the sofa. She tossed and turned all night, then slipped into the bedroom
and grabbed her work clothes and headed into the office early before Lucky even woke up. Her
conscience was killing her. She turned on her cell phone the minute she pulled into the parking
lot of the office. There were two messages from Lucky and one from Mandy, his wife.
Angel took a deep breath and listened to the message. “I assume he is probably staying with
you. If you could let him know that I am looking for another place I would really appreciate it. I
know he brought you into the middle of this, and if he didn’t, I think he needs his friend right
now. Without getting into it, it’s over. If you can get in touch with him, let me know. Thanks
Angel.” “Doesn’t mean it’s over,” Angel said to herself. She hung up the phone. She headed
into the office and grabbed herself some breakfast and tea. She logged into the computer and
onto her email – five messages and none were from Lucky. She sent him an email with the
message from Mandy, then got to work.
Lucky got up in the morning and there was no sign of Angel anywhere. He checked the time,
then showered and got changed and headed to his meeting. He checked his email the minute he
pulled into work and there was one email – from Angel with a message from Mandy. He read it
and grabbed himself a coffee. He almost choked on the coffee.
Lunchtime came and went with no call from Lucky. She tried to concentrate on her work.
Around 3, a delivery showed up. “Angel Prince,” the delivery man asked. “Yes,” Angel said.
“For you,” he replied as he handed her a box and headed out the door. Angel opened the box
and grabbed the card.
Can’t wait to see you again – Damon
Angel smiled. “Knew that would work,” Damon said as he stood in the doorway. She looked
under the tissue and found a dozen sterling roses. “How did you know,” she asked.
“Remembered that movie we watched,” he said. He came and sat down on the sofa in her office.
“So,” he said. “You’re in my office. What’s up,” Angel asked. “Was going to see if you wanted
to go on that date,” he asked. “Kind of presumptuous that you show up here and expect me to
go isn’t it,” Angel asked. He stood up and walked around her desk. “What are you doing,”
Angel asked. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. “Something I should have done a
long time ago,” he said as he pulled her close and kissed her. Angel heard the door. Lucky stood
in the doorway then came in and closed the door. “Damon,” Lucky said.
“Don’t tell me you two finally got together,” Damon asked. “No,” Angel said as Lucky
simultaneously said “Yes.” “Only reason I stopped by was to make sure you had my number.
Give me a call and let me know about Saturday,” Damon said as he headed out of the office.
“Number’s on the card,” he said. He left and headed back to the pub.
“So,” Lucky said. “What,” Angel asked. “Who’s running now,” he asked. He sat down on the
sofa. “Oh give me a break Lucky. You’re a married man. Your wife called my cell assuming we
were together. Who’s at fault,” Angel said quietly as she closed the door. She drew the blinds.
“Guess that wasn’t enough to prove to you that this wasn’t a rebound,” Lucky said. “It is.
You’re getting over her. That’s all there is to it,” Angel said as she sat back down in her chair.

13. -11-
“No. That’s not it,” he replied. Angel checked the time. It was almost 5. “We’ll discuss it later,”
Angel said. She logged off her computer and went towards the door. He grabbed her hand and
pulled her to him. His hands held her face and he kissed her. She dropped her purse. “Lucky,”
Angel said. “Can’t,” he replied. He kissed her hard again and leaned her against the desk. “Not
here,” Angel said. He kissed her again and pulled her into his arms. “No more fighting,” he
said. He grabbed her purse and headed downstairs to the parking lot. “Where’s,” Angel said.
“Taxi,” he replied. They hopped in her car and headed back to her place.
They got in the front door and headed up the steps. “Dad,” his daughter said. “How? How did
you get in here,” he asked. “The key under the mat,” she said. “Where’s mom,” he asked. “She
said she was going to look at a place and dropped me off,” she said. “Where’s your sister,” he
asked. She pointed beside her. She was out like a light. Angel opened the door. “Come on in
and we’ll get us some dinner,” Angel said. She took the youngest and tucked her into her room
mate’s bed. She closed the door and walked down the hall to the kitchen. Lucky was in her
bedroom on the phone, and Angel knew a distraction was in order. “Why don’t you come help
me make spaghetti. It’s spaghetti night tonight,” Angel said as his daughter Erica followed her.
Lucky walked in and saw Angel with his daughter. He leaned against the doorway and smiled.
“Now that we have that going, why don’t we get the table set really nice,” Angel said. They
started setting the table and Lucky motioned for Angel to come with him. They walked into the
bedroom and he shut the door. He leaned her against the door and kissed her. “We can’t do this
with them here,” Angel said. “Love seeing you with them,” he said. He wrapped his arms
around Angel. “We have to get dinner together Lucky,” Angel said. He kissed her again. Angel
slid around the door and headed back into the kitchen. “I think it’s done,” Erica said. “Looks
delicious,” Angel said. She put the spaghetti out on the plates as his youngest wandered down
the hall. “Hi Daddy,” she said as she walked over to him. “Well hello there Emma,” he said as
he picked her up in his arms. He brought her over to the dinner table. “Sketti! My favorite,”
Emma said. Angel smiled. They sat down and had a nice little dinner together.
After dinner, the kids sat down and watched a movie in the TV room, and Angel and Lucky did
the dishes. “So,” Angel asked quietly. “She’ll be back in an hour. She is out with her man
looking at apartments. Told her that I would bring them over when she got home,” Lucky said.
“They could just stay,” Angel said. “They have school tomorrow. Better that they are home in
their own beds,” he said. “Why,” Angel teased as she bumped him. “You are so in for it,” he
teased back quietly so the kids wouldn’t hear.
His cell phone rang. “What you two watching,” Lucky asked. “Sleepless in Seattle,” Erica said.
“Enough of the mushy stuff. Mom’s downstairs,” Lucky said. “Do we have to Dad? Are you
coming with us,” they asked. “I’ll see you in a few days,” he said. “But,” Emma asked. “I have a
meeting tomorrow, then I’ll be home tomorrow night,” he said. “Okay Dad. I love you,” Erica
said. “Love you too Daddy,” Emma said as they hugged him. He walked them down the steps
and talked to Mandy then headed back upstairs. He walked into the apartment and locked the
door. “Angel,” he said. “What,” Angel said drying her hands from the kitchen. He walked
towards her and wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. “What,” Angel asked. “You,” he
said. “What about me,” Angel said. “They’re lucky to have you. Hell, I’m lucky to have you,”
he said. “Lucky, what are you babbling about,” Angel asked. “They know we aren’t getting back
together. They want to stay with you and me,” he said. “And just how do you think that’s going
to work since we aren’t even dating,” Angel said. “Move in with me. We’ll find the perfect place

14. -12-
and we’ll take care of them together. I mean, it will be perfect. We can be happy. They can see
us whenever they want and we can be together,” Lucky said. He was so excited about it, she
hated to burst the bubble. “Lucky. Think. You’re still married. How would that look? I am not
a home wrecker,” Angel said. She walked into the bedroom and pulled off her dress shirt, then
slid her skirt and hose off, and slid on her satin robe. He just sat at the doorway and watched as
she slid her hair out of the ponytail and it fell at her shoulders.
He was so turned on at that second, but didn’t want to spoil the moment. She brushed her hair,
then put her lotion on her legs. “Damn,” Lucky said. She looked over at him with her bedroom
eyes. “What can I help you with,” Angel asked. He walked towards her. “Down boy,” Angel
said as she got up and headed for the bathroom. “Tease,” he said as she walked past him and
into the bathroom. He heard water running. “What are you doing,” he asked. He heard her
music go on. He slid off his tie and shoes and walked towards the bathroom. He walked in and
saw candles lit. Bubbles in the bathtub. Her robe was laying on the counter. “Want to join me,”
Angel asked. “Something’s missing. One sec,” he said. Minutes later, he came in with two
glasses of zinfandel. “For you,” he said handing her a glass. He slid off his dress pants and
boxers, and slid into the tub behind her. “Much better,” he said as they sipped their wine. He
put the glasses by the tub. “Now where were we earlier,” Lucky said as his hands submerged in
the bubbles. “Can’t just relax can you,” she asked. He kissed her neck. “Never,” he said. She
felt his hand slide to her hip. “You are a horndog aren’t you,” Angel said. He nuzzled her ear.
“Lucky,” Angel said. “Mmm,” he said as he whispered in her ear.
His fingers slid down to her thigh. “Pass me the wine,” Angel said. His other hand slid over the
edge of the tub to hand her the glass of wine. “Mmm,” Angel said. “Tease,” he whispered as his
fingers moved to the inside of her thigh. She felt his fingers graze her. “So,” he said. “What,”
Angel said curling up closer to him. “The idea I had,” he said. “Getting a little ahead of yourself
aren’t you,” Angel said. “Meaning,” he asked. “Ask yourself something. How is that going to
look? Don’t you think it’s going to upset the kids,” Angel asked. “They love you,” Lucky
replied. “You don’t get it. Maybe you need it to be said some other way. Hmm. You are
rebounding and getting carried away,” Angel said getting up from the tub and grabbing her
towel. She slid her robe on, blew out the candles and took her wine to the bedroom.
He leaned back and smacked his head on the wall of the shower. “Ow,” he said. He finished his
wine and drained the tub, heading into the bedroom with a towel around his waist. “Angel,” he
said. She slid under the covers of the bed and turned the light off. He sat down on the edge of
the bed. The bed that they’d made love in. The bed that his dreams had come true in. The bed
that the woman he’d dreamt of for years laid her head down in every night. “I know what I
want. Even if you don’t know what it is, I do. No matter how long it takes you to believe me, I
won’t stop believing it,” Lucky said. “Enough,” Angel said. He slid under the covers, dropping
the towel to the floor. He wrapped his arms around her feeling nothing but her soft skin. “I
want you,” he said. “Sleep,” Angel said. “No,” he replied. He kissed her shoulder. “Angel,” he
whispered. “Yes,” Angel said. “I don’t want to be without you. I love having you in my life,
and so do the kids. I’ll do whatever it takes,” he said. His arms wrapped around her. “Angel,
say something,” he said. “Even if it’s not what you want right now,” Angel said. “As long as I
don’t have to be without you,” he said. Angel turned towards him and he kissed her, pulling her
to him.

15. -13-
Chapter 3
“Lucky,” Angel said as he let her up for air. “What,” he said. “You didn’t hear me,” Angel said.
He pinned her to the bed. “Heard ya, but think I have a better idea,” he said. He kissed her
again and held her close. “And what might that be,” Angel asked. He kissed her chest then
moved down her torso. “Seriously Lucky,” Angel said. She felt his scruff against her stomach.
“Lucky,” Angel said. She felt something warm against her. “Lucky,” Angel said. “Mm,” he
said. “Damn,” Angel said. He licked and teased her body. “Enough,” Angel said. He moved up
slowly, letting the stubble graze her soft skin. He kissed her and pulled her legs around him.
“Want me,” he teased. “You move one inch,” Angel said. “How about that,” he said as he slid
inside her. “Lucky,” she said. He kissed her and made love to her. Now he was determined. He
didn’t care if he had to stay there for days. He’d convince her. That night, he wrapped her arms
around her and she fell asleep in his arms. She didn’t know how long it would last, but for now
it felt perfect.
The next morning, she woke up to the sound of his cell phone ringing off the hook. She checked
the time. It was 5:30 am. “Hello,” he said. “What’s with the 5:30 am phone call,” he asked.
“What do you mean she took off?” Angel was awake and pulling her jeans on. “We’ll go look,”
he said hanging up the phone. She took a look at the door and found Erica asleep at the door.
She picked her up and carried her into the other bedroom and tucked her in. “How did you
know,” Lucky asked standing in the doorway. “She said she didn’t want to leave last night. Just
figured,” Angel said as she walked towards him and pulled the door shut. “Seriously. What I
said last night….I meant it,” Lucky said. “You know you are acting crazy. May as well enjoy this
while it lasts. One more night right? Then you go home,” Angel said walking into the kitchen.
He followed her and pulled her into his arms. “Why are you so anxious to get rid of me? Date
with Damon,” Lucky asked. Angel put the tea on and walked past him into the bedroom. “You
do don’t you,” he asked following her. “No,” Angel replied. “What? You’re not trying to get rid
of me or you don’t have a date with him,” Lucky asked. “Neither,” Angel said. She heard the
kettle whistle and went into the kitchen and made her tea. He followed her. “Who said I was
going back there,” Lucky said quietly so he didn’t disturb his daughter. “Don’t you dare tell me
that you are thinking you are going to stay here,” Angel said. Her cell phone rang.
“Hello,” Angel said. “Have a question for you. Remember when you said that you wanted to
buy the brownstone? That you could handle everything yourself after the money you won,” her
room mate asked. “Yeah,” Angel replied. “Rick asked me to move in with him. Is that okay,”
she asked. “When,” Angel asked. “Asap,” she replied. “When you coming to get your few
things,” Angel asked. “Tomorrow,” she replied. “There isn’t much. Just clothes, and my
bedroom stuff and the sofa,” she said. “No prob,” Angel said. “See you then.”
“What was that,” Lucky asked. “She’s moving out,” Angel said. “Well,” Lucky said. “And I am
going to sell the place and find something new,” Angel said. “Why,” he asked. “Why should I
stay here? The bills would be huge, the mortgage payments are too much for just me,” Angel
said. “Hence why I said why,” Lucky said. “What? You’re going to move in,” Angel said. He
leaned towards her and she backed up. “You want it, take it. I am not going to stay here,” Angel
said. “There’s a rental downstairs right,” he said. “Yeah. I’ll give them the option to buy,”
Angel said. There was a knock at the door. Angel answered it. “Hey Angel. Can I talk to you a
second,” the tenant asked. Angel went into the hall then about 5 minutes later, came back in.
“What,” he said. “They’re moving. Now I really can’t afford it,” Angel said. “Yes you can.

16. -14-
We’ll move in downstairs. Then it’s not the same roof,” Lucky said. “$1,500 a month plus
utilities,” Angel said. “$1,700 plus utilities and I won’t take no for an answer,” Lucky said.
“What,” Angel said. He kissed her. “It’s going to work Angel. Even if I have to live downstairs
with the kids. Even if I have to be at an arms length to get you in my life full-time,” Lucky said.
“I swear. Sometimes you frustrate me to no end. Why can’t you just listen to me that this isn’t
going to work,” Angel said. “Because I know it will,” he said leaning her into the wall of the hall.
He kissed her. It was a passionate intense kiss that she couldn’t break. He pulled her into the
bedroom, locking the door behind them.
“Lucky. Your daughter is asleep in the other room,” Angel said as he slid her jeans to the floor.
“Meaning,” he said as he pulled off her hoodie. He leaned her onto the bed and pulled his jeans
off. “Lucky,” Angel said. It was passionate, intense, urgent. He had something to prove – he
was the one for her. Even if it took him making love to her daily for the rest of their lives, he
would do whatever it took.
Angel got up once she felt him fall asleep and got ready for work. She showered, then changed
and got his daughter off to school, then headed into the office. She pulled into the parking spot
then back up to her desk. There was a message on her desk:
Call me. Waiting for that date – Damon
Angel smiled. She shook her head, then picked up the phone and called him. “Was wondering
when I would hear from you after that yesterday,” Damon said. “I apologize for that. Lucky was
really not in a great mood,” Angel said. “What was up with him anyway,” Damon asked.
“Doesn’t matter. So as for this date,” Angel asked. “You never did give me an answer,” Damon
said. “Okay. How’s tomorrow night,” Angel said. “I’ll get someone to watch the bar. Whatever
you want to do. I promise,” he said. “Sounds good to me,” Angel said. “I’ll call you later
tonight,” he said. “Sounds good,” Angel said hanging up. She got back to her work.
Meeting after meeting that day, she started looking forward to Saturday night. One night out
with Damon, and things should be better. Lucky would realize she wasn’t going to be the
rebound. She finished her meetings and headed back to the apartment.
She came in and Lucky was inside with his daughters. “Hi Angel,” they said. “Hey yourselves,”
Angel said. She went into her bedroom and got changed into her jeans and tank top. She heard
the bedroom door close. “What,” Angel said. “Don’t get mad,” he replied. “What did you do
now,” Angel said. “They are staying with us for the weekend,” he said. “Us? When did us sign
a lease with your name on it? When did you become the owner,” Angel asked. “Don’t get
pissed,” he said. “There won’t be a bed in that room as of tomorrow afternoon,” Angel said. “I
know. The lady downstairs said they were moving out on the weekend as well. I’m going to
grab my stuff from the house and move things in on the weekend,” he said. “Lucky. Why didn’t
you ask me,” Angel said. “Forget how to use a phone?” “Angel,” he said. “This isn’t your home
Lucky. You are staying here because of meetings. That’s all,” Angel said. “I’m here because I
want to be with you. That’s all there is to it. Got me,” he said. “Yeah. Guess what? Rebound
still stands,” Angel said. She went to open the door and he leaned her against it. “Angel. Don’t
be mad. I want to be with you. I want to be with you every minute of every day. I am not going
back to her and this sure as hell isn’t a rebound,” Lucky said as he leaned in and kissed her hard.

17. -15-
Passion filled the room. He didn’t want to let her out of his grasp. He slid her jeans off.
“Lucky,” Angel said. “I want you. I want you so bad,” he said as his jeans dropped. He kissed
her until she gave in. “I know you want me,” he said. He moved her to the bed. He made love
to her then held her close to him. “Angel, I wasn’t doing it to upset you. I don’t know how else
to say it. I love you,” he said. There was a deafening silence in the room. She didn’t quite know
what to say. She tried to close her eyes and wake herself up from it, but she couldn’t. “Tell me
you didn’t just say what I think you did,” Angel said. “I love you. I love being with you. I love
how you smell after a hot shower, how you kiss me after one too many martinis. I love how you
always pull on your jeans when you get home so you can just relax.” “I have to get some dinner
together for the girls Lucky,” Angel said trying to slip away. “We’re going out for dinner. I
already made the reservations,” Lucky said.
Angel slid out of bed and got dressed. She freshened up and walked into the TV room.
“Daddy’s taking us all to dinner,” Emma said. “I heard,” Angel replied. She slipped her heels on
and they all headed out. “Figured that our favorite Italian place was good,” Lucky said. “Sure,”
Angel said sarcastically. They hopped into the truck and headed off to the restaurant. He tried
to grab her hand and she leaned towards the window.
The meal was quiet. The kids told Lucky and Angel about the workings of their days, then they
headed back to the brownstone. Angel was not in a good mood. The girls got tucked into bed by
their dad, while Angel had a hot bath….alone. She locked the door intentionally. An hour or so
later, she emerged and walked into her bedroom, locking the door behind her. “Angel,” he said
trying not to wake the girls. “No Lucky. I am sleeping alone tonight,” Angel replied. She turned
the lights off and lit her favorite candles. She leaned back in the soft bed with her favorite steamy
romance novel and settled in for the evening.
An hour or so later, he found the key and came into the bedroom. “You can’t avoid me,” he said.
“I can. It’s my brownstone. In 24 hours, you are a tenant. Period,” Angel said. “You trying to
tell me you don’t have any feelings towards me? Are you serious Angel,” he said. She got up
from the bed. She was fuming. “You didn’t ask me Lucky. You told me. It’s my damn
brownstone. If I wanted to offer you the downstairs apartment, I could have. If I wanted to offer
to let them stay, I would have. I care about you, but you are not going to control this. I am in
control in this space. I know you care about me and you think it’s love. It’s a big word to throw
around Lucky. I care about you, but I am not going to be a rebound or a home wrecker. Can you
respect that,” Angel asked. He pulled her towards him and kissed her. “Yes. That’s all I am
trying to say to you. I’m going to do things your way. You want to take our time, then we will.
Believe it or not, I do love you. Every smile. The way your eyes look when you are about to give
in. The way you try to fight me off, but know that you’ll give into me in the end. The way you
smell my cologne when you give me a hug thinking that I don’t notice. I love everything. If it
takes you time to believe it, then tell me what I have to do and I will,” he said. He kissed her
again. “Sleep and nothing else Lucky. Got me,” Angel said. “Snuggle,” he asked. “I swear,”
Angel said. He kissed her and wrapped his arms around her. “Promise me one thing. Promise
me that you’ll give it a chance. Please,” he said. “We’ll see,” Angel said. He kissed her again
and they fell to the bed.
Before she knew it, it was morning. The girls were awake and watching TV. Lucky was holding
onto her for dear life. She moved one inch and he was going to be awake. She tried to roll over,
hoping that would get him to let go. She rolled over to face him and he kissed her. “Morning

18. -16-
beautiful,” he said. “Where’s the release button,” Angel joked. He kissed her again. She heard
the phone ring. He handed it to her. “Hello,” Angel said. Her room mate was there to pick up
her things. “Okay. Will meet you downstairs,” Angel said hanging up. “Start of our new
chapter,” Lucky said. “Seriously. She’s going to be here in two minutes. I have to get up and get
dressed,” Angel said. He kissed her again, then they got up and got dressed.
The day was the longest one that either of them had been through in a while. Lucky took the
girls to his place to get their things. The downstairs tenants moved out, Lucky moved his things
in and got the girls settled. Angel’s room mate moved out, and Angel spent the afternoon
organizing the apartment. She got her sofa and extra bed from storage and set everything up. By
the time dinner rolled around, everyone was exhausted. The girls had dinner, then fell asleep in
their new place, and Lucky snuck upstairs to see Angel.
“Lucky, I thought you were putting them to bed,” Angel said. “I did. I wanted to make sure
things were ok with me and you,” he said. “Why? Another decision you made for me,” Angel
said. She sat down on the sofa. “Why are you all dressed up,” he asked. “I’m going out,” Angel
said. “With,” Lucky asked. “A friend. It’s girl’s night,” Angel replied. She knew it was a lie, but
she had to do this. “Surprised you have any energy left,” Lucky said. “Don’t have much, but
we’re just watching movies I think,” Angel replied. Her phone buzzed. “Wake me up when you
get back then,” Lucky said. “Yep,” Angel replied as she grabbed her purse. She headed out the
door and walked out the front door.
“Well hello there sexy,” Damon said as he opened the door for Angel then hopped into the car.
He kissed her hello and they disappeared down the street. “So, I grabbed the movie tickets,”
Damon said. “Perfect,” Angel said. “You sure you’re up for all of this? I mean you were moving
stuff all day,” he said. “It’s either that or we go somewhere and just relax. Either one,” Angel
said. He stopped at the theatre and got a refund on the movie tickets and they headed back to his
place. “Have a million movies to watch at my place anyway,” he said.
They pulled into the garage and headed inside. “Wow,” Angel said. “You haven’t seen it in
years. Had some spare time on my hands,” he said. He’d renovated an old Victorian home and
turned it into a state of the art home. It was absolutely stunning. Black leather furniture,
fireplace, high ceilings. Everything was beautiful. There were perfectly crafted hardwood floors
and huge picture windows. “Guess you had a lot of spare time,” Angel joked. “Could say that,”
he teased. They went and sat in the TV room in front of his amazing big screen and he popped in
a few movies. He turned the fire on in the fireplace and they curled up on the sofa. “I missed
this,” he said. “What? Just chilling together,” Angel said. “Figured I would have to wine and
dine you to get you here,” he teased. “We’re friends Damon. Remember,” Angel said. He kissed
her. “Don’t want friends,” he said. He leaned her onto the sofa kissing her as her back touched
the black leather. “Hold on,” Angel said as he moved over, laying on top of her. “What,” he
said. “What is going on in that mind of yours,” Angel asked. “Second chances,” he said. He
leaned in and kissed her again pulling her legs around him. “Damon, you know me better than
that. I thought this would be a nice relaxing evening. Getting to know each other again. This is
not what I had in mind,” Angel said. She attempted to slide away from him and he moved
forward, pinning her to the sofa. “Damon, cut it out,” Angel said. He kissed her. “Missed you is
all,” he said. “Then you’ll also remember that a fresh start means starting from the beginning
again,” Angel said. He kissed her and pulled her legs around him again.

19. -17-
“You smell so good,” he said. He unbuttoned her shirt. “Would you stop. You aren’t getting
any tonight Damon. Get used to it,” Angel said buttoning her shirt back up. He kissed her again.
She slid back on the sofa and stood up, grabbing her purse. “What,” he said. “I am not your bed
buddy Damon. I’m going home,” Angel said. “How you going to do that when I drove,” he
said. She grabbed the keys off his key ring and walked into the garage, pressing the garage door
opener and hopping into the car. She started it and backed out into the driveway. “You’re
serious,” he said. He walked out to the car. “Either you cut the crap or you can come get your
car at the bar in the morning,” Angel said. “Why are you being so damn difficult? I just want to
be with you,” he said. She put the car in reverse. “You don’t want me? Look me in the eye and
tell me you don’t want me,” he said. Angel backed out of the driveway and headed towards the
bar. About 10 minutes later, she pulled into the parking lot at the bar, dropped the keys off
inside and walked home.
She came in quietly so she wouldn’t wake Lucky up. She headed upstairs and slid on her satin
pajamas and slid into her bed. She put her head on the pillow and closed her eyes. About 10
minutes later, Lucky slipped into bed with her. He wrapped his arm around her and kissed her
shoulder. “Damon piss you off,” he whispered. She turned towards him. He kissed her and
held her in his arms. “How,” Angel said. “Saw you get into his stupid car. Did you think I
wouldn’t figure it out,” Lucky said. “I just,” Angel said. “I know. Fact is, you’re back where you
belong. End of discussion,” he said. He kissed her again and held her, kissing her chest, her
shoulder, her neck. “Lucky,” Angel said. He kissed her. “Wanted to remind you,” he said. She
kissed him then snuggled up with him and they fell asleep.

20. -18-
Chapter 4
Angel got up in the morning and Lucky was downstairs with the girls. She made some coffee, as
she felt the need, and curled up on the sofa watching an old movie. Lucky came upstairs around
10. Angel was curled up on the sofa still watching her movie. “Well beautiful. We having a bum
around the house day or what,” he joked. “We’re having a ‘my back is killing me’ day,” Angel
said. He sat down beside her and started to massage her back. “Better,” he asked. Angel
nodded. “Bed. Easier to massage there,” he said. “Girls,” Angel said. “With their mom,” he
said. He carried her into the bedroom and laid her on the bed, grabbing her massage oil and
warming it between his hands. She closed her eyes and relaxed as he massaged her back.
“Lucky, no stress today okay,” Angel said. “Just close your eyes,” he said. He massaged her
then stopped and something slipped into her hand. She opened her eyes and found an envelope.
“What’s this,” Angel said. “Open it,” he replied. She opened it and saw the separation
agreement signed by both of them. “What the,” Angel said. “Figured you’d want proof. I told
you this is what I wanted,” Lucky said. Angel rolled over and handed the envelope back to him.
“That’s nice,” Angel said getting up and walking back into the TV room to the sofa.
She sat back down and watched some more of her movie. He sat in shock in her bedroom.
“What the hell do you mean that’s nice,” he said getting up and walking into the other room.
“That’s nice. What else did you want me to say,” Angel said. “That you agree with me,” he said.
“About,” Angel said yawning. “Don’t pretend you don’t remember what I said Angel. Don’t
you dare,” he said. “What? That we’re going to be together no matter what? That’s the rebound
emotion talking Lucky,” Angel said. “Why the hell do you keep trying to convince me that this
isn’t for real? That my feelings for you aren’t what I think they are,” Lucky asked. “Time will tell
Lucky,” Angel said. “Then stop saying it. You know I’m right,” Lucky said. “Fine,” Angel said
ejecting the DVD and flipping on HBO. “You aren’t taking me seriously are you,” Lucky asked.
“Don’t have the energy to fight with you,” Angel said. She leaned back onto the pillow and got
comfortable as her favorite show came on. “Repeats of Sex and the City,” he teased. “Can
definitely relate,” Angel said. Lucky laughed. He shook his head and sat down behind her on the
sofa, pulling her into his arms. Little did Lucky know it was a sex and the city marathon.
By the end of the last episode, they were both starved. Angel got up to start making some dinner,
and Lucky stood in front of the counter. “What,” Angel said. “I’ll take care of it,” he said. Angel
went and sat back down and found another movie to watch. A half hour or so later, he came out
and handed her a plate. “What’s this,” Angel said. “Angel hair pasta and steamed veggies with
white wine sauce,” he said. “Really,” Angel said. He grabbed a plate for himself and handed her
a glass of wine. “What’s this,” Angel asked. “Angel’s Gate wine,” he said. “I get it. Okay.
Going a little overboard,” Angel said. “Wine from home,” he said. “Tease,” Angel said. They
sat on the sofa and finished their dinner and wine, laughing and cracking jokes. It started to get
back to normal. Things were less tense and a lot more relaxed between them. They curled up
and fell asleep together laughing on the sofa.
The next morning, Angel woke up to the smell of coffee. Lucky made breakfast. She went to get
up from her bed, then questioned. “How the hell did I get into bed, and why am I…” Lucky
walked into the room. “Had to,” he said. “Couldn’t find the lingerie,” she joked. “No point,” he
said. He kissed her and put his coffee on the night stand. “What happened to taking time,”
Angel said. He kissed her again and slid his robe off. “Don’t even start Lucky. I have work,”
Angel said. “It’s only 6:30,” he replied sliding into bed with her and pulling her legs around him.

21. -19-
“Then you planned this did you,” Angel said. He pinned her arms to the mattress and kissed
her, taking her breath away. She was out of excuses. He made love to her so tenderly, so
passionately that they lost all track of time. She knew she loved him, but was it enough? Was it
just a rebound fling?
They finally fell out of bed and he drove her into work. She went up to her office, grabbed her
morning tea and settled in for her workday. She had meeting after meeting after meeting. When
5pm finally hit, she headed out the door. Lucky was in the truck at the front door of her office.
“Shouldn’t you be with the kids,” Angel asked. “They’re with her until Wednesday,” Lucky said.
“No wonder you’re in a good mood,” Angel said. She hopped into the truck. “Got one hell of a
surprise for you,” he said. “Guess you found something to top how I woke up this morning, did
you,” Angel said. “Tempting. I tried to top it, but this will have to come in a close second,” he
replied. “And what would that be Lucky,” Angel said. “Mmm. I’ll show you when we get
home,” Lucky said. “You always say that,” Angel replied as they made their way through rush
hour to get back to the brownstone.
They headed inside to the scent of curry snapper. She loved that smell, and nobody made it
better than Lucky. “You know you should have been a damn chef,” Angel teased. They walked
upstairs and he had set the table with candles, chilled her favorite white zinfandel and set the
table for two. A single red rose laid upon her plate. “So what’s with the romantic setting? You
trying to get Lucky,” Angel joked. He slid her jacket off. “Missed you is all,” he replied. He
unbuttoned her blouse. “Okay. You undressed me once in the past 24 hours already. Chill,”
Angel said. He handed her a gift bag. “What’s this,” Angel asked. He unbuttoned her blouse
and slid it off. She shook her head and opened the gift. “Wow,” Angel said pulling the pale lilac
satin robe from the bag. He slid her skirt off and slid the satin robe over her shoulders. “Wow,”
Angel said. “The second I saw it I knew you would love it,” Lucky said tying the satin sash
around her waist.
They sat down to their romantic dinner and relaxed. Lucky slipped on his satin boxers and they
put their feet up, talking about old times and reminiscing by the fireplace. After almost 2 bottles
of wine, Angel was falling asleep. He turned off the fireplace and carried her to bed. He slid
under the covers and she slid the satin robe off, dropping it to the floor. “Damn you look good,”
he said as she slid on top of him, straddling him on the bed. “Why thanks,” Angel said. She
leaned towards him and he leaned in for a kiss. She sat back up. “Tease,” he said as he tried to
pull her to him. She pinned his arms down. “What are you up to,” he asked. She slid her bra off
slowly and enticingly. He tried to lean forward to kiss her, but she pushed him back down.
“Don’t make me pull out the handcuffs,” Angel joked. He leaned back onto the bed. “What are
you thinking,” he asked. She grabbed the remote from the side table and turned on the CD
player. “You aren’t,” he said. She teased and taunted him until he couldn’t restrain himself
anymore.
He flipped her onto her back and slid his satin boxers off. “What’s wrong Lucky,” Angel teased.
“You are so gonna get it,” he joked. She slid out from under his grasp. “Think I’ll sleep on the
sofa,” Angel joked. He Chanced her into the hall and pinned her against the wall. “No sofa for
you,” he said as he slid her g-string off. His hand slid between her thighs. “Admit you want me.
Admit you can’t live without this,” he said as he leaned against her. She didn’t know what she
was thinking as the alcohol rushed to her head. “Can’t live without what,” Angel joked. She
could feel him. Her tease had worked it’s magic. He turned her to face him. He pulled her legs

22. -20-
around his waist and fucked her against the wall. Everything was so different this time. He was
forceful and somehow it was even more of a turn on for her. He wanted her so badly. She could
feel it in every movement.
Once they finally gave into each other, they curled up on the floor together. “You are such a
damn tease,” he said. “And damn good at it,” Angel joked as he leaned her onto the carpeted
floor. “What,” Angel said. “Why can’t you just admit it,” he asked. “Admit what Lucky? I feel
the way I do. What else do you want me to say? Do you want me to lie to you,” Angel said.
“No. For once, I want you to be honest. Answer this for me,” he said. “What’s that,” Angel
replied. “Do you care about me,” he asked. “Of course I do. You are my best friend,” she said.
“Do you love me,” he asked. “In a way, yes,” Angel said. He got up. “What the hell does that
mean,” he asked. “I do love you, but I also know that you still love her Lucky. That’s not
something that gets turned off like a light switch. I try to hold myself back because I know this
might not last,” Angel said. She got up and wrapped her robe around herself walking back
towards the bedroom.
He leaned against the hallway wall. “How the hell can she think that,” he asked himself. Angel
climbed back into her bed and turned the lights off, slipping the satin robe off. Lucky walked
towards the bedroom and saw her curled up under the covers. “Someday she’ll realize how
much I love her,” he thought to himself. “Time’s all she needs.” He sat down on the edge of the
bed. She didn’t move a muscle. He slid under the covers.
She felt his fingertips graze her skin. She knew he was worried at that moment. She had finally
said what she’d been thinking all this time. His arm wrapped around her and pulled her closer
to him. He laid a single kiss on her shoulder. “Angel,” he whispered. She tried to ignore it. He
kissed her neck, then moved up to her ear. “Stop,” Angel said. “Why,” he said. “You can’t see
why I said it can you? You can’t see past the lust. You married her for a reason Lucky. You had
two beautiful little girls with her for a reason. You loved her. You still love her,” Angel said
getting up from the bed. She threw on her jeans and her shirt, grabbed her clothes for the next
day and her toiletries and purse and walked out the door.
She hopped into her car, heading to the hotel that was next door to her work. She checked in and
fell fast asleep on the bed, still in her jeans. The next morning, she woke up, got changed for
work, checked out and threw her bag into the car. She grabbed breakfast and headed into work
early. She told her assistant that she wasn’t accepting calls from Lucky or Damon. By lunch,
there were 5 messages from Lucky. “I’m sorry. She said she couldn’t be disturbed,” her assistant
said. “This is important. Is she in a meeting or something,” he asked. “No,” he replied. “Then,”
Lucky asked. “She’s working on a project that is very time-sensitive. She asked not to be
disturbed. That’s all I know,” the assistant said. “Fine. I am coming down there then,” Lucky
said hanging up.
By the time he got down to her office it was just after 4. Angel had left early for the day. Lucky
walked in and headed up the elevator. Seconds later, Angel stepped off the elevator and hopped
into her car, heading to the brownstone. “I’m here to see Angel Heart,” Lucky said. “She
actually just left for the day. You missed her by minutes,” her assistant said. Lucky ran down
the steps and out the front door just as her car turned off the street towards the highway.

23. -21-
He hopped into the truck and followed. She bypassed most of the traffic and parked her car,
heading upstairs to her section of the brownstone. As she was coming back out from her quick
change, Lucky was coming up the steps. “I need to talk to you,” he said. She ignored him. He
grabbed her hand. “Angel, please,” he said. He tried to talk to her. He had to make her
understand. “What do you want Lucky,” Angel asked. “Get in here,” he said. They went back
into the brownstone and sat down in his unit. “What,” Angel asked. “I see where you were
coming from okay. Maybe it is too soon. Maybe I did rush this. The fact is, I know what I am
feeling. I’ll give it time. I’ll back off. I don’t want to lose you,” he said. “Done,” Angel asked.
She got up and walked out the front door, hopping into her car. She sped off as he walked out
the front door.
She had to get away. Quiet time. Some time to herself to think about what had happened. She
pulled into her favorite spa, that she’d managed to book a massage at, and headed inside. She
laid down for a massage but heard a familiar voice. It came into the room. “Dylan,” Angel said.
Her head rose and looked right at him. “Well what do you know. It’s Angel,” he said walking
towards her. “Since when do you work here,” Angel asked.
Dylan was a real piece of work. He’d used her to get back at an ex years before. She’d fallen
hard for him - too hard. A year and a half together and he’d left her as easily as he’d found her.
He had sandy blonde hair and hazel eyes. He was a master at the massage. He was a master at
driving her insane in bed too. They’d had a passionate and lustful relationship for that entire
year, not being able to keep their hands off one another. He still had an effect on her, but she did
notice one small detail – no wedding ring.
“So what brings you here,” Dylan asked. “Needed a massage. How’s the girlfriend,” Angel
replied. “Isn’t,” he replied. “What happened? She realize you were just trying to make her
jealous,” Angel said. “Ha ha very funny,” he said. “Don’t tell me. Lilac and lavender oil right,”
he said. “Yes please,” Angel said. He flipped on the music and started the massage.
She looked so good to him. He knew she’d been working out. She was even more tempting than
she was when they were an item. The deeper he massaged, the closer he got to tipping past just a
massage. He moved slowly down her back. He couldn’t tempt himself. He slowly moved back
up her back then realized that she was topless under the blanket. He tried to concentrate on the
massage. “Why’s your back so stiff? New man,” he teased. “Stress,” Angel replied. “What’s his
name,” Dylan asked. “Lucky,” Angel replied. “Lucky? As in your friend Lucky,” he asked.
“Just get rid of the knots okay,” Angel asked. “We are going for a drink after this missy,” he said.
“Fine,” Angel said. He massaged until the knots were gone, then Angel slipped into the change
room. She came out in a short jean skirt and a top that fit her like a glove. She slid her heels on
and walked towards the cash desk.
“So as for that drink,” he whispered as she paid for her massage. “On the house madam,” the
cashier said. “Thanks again,” Angel said. She walked towards the door. “Backing out,” Dylan
asked. “Nope,” Angel said walking out the front doors. She headed to her car. “Since when do
you drive a flashy car,” he asked. “Since I started making more money,” Angel replied. “So
where did you want to go for that drink?” “Perfect ten. Down the street. Could just come with
you and show you,” he said. Angel unlocked the doors and they headed down to the lounge
he’d chosen.

24. -22-
They walked in, and were seated in a cozy quiet corner booth. “I wonder why you like this
place,” Angel said sarcastically noticing that they were in the darkest corner. “So what is up
between you and Lucky,” Dylan asked. “Why does it matter? Has nothing to do with you,”
Angel said. “So I take it that means that you’re single,” Dylan said. “As far as you’re concerned,
no,” Angel said. “Why’s that,” he asked. “Because I only make those kinds of mistakes once,”
Angel replied. “What can I get you,” the waitress asked. “Bottle of cabernet – Wolfblass,” Dylan
said. “Special occasion,” Angel asked as the waitress headed off. “Seeing you again is enough of
an occasion for me,” Dylan said. “And still with the smooth lines,” Angel joked. “You didn’t
expect me to totally change my spots did you,” he teased sliding a hand along her smooth thigh.
“Think so do you,” Angel said sliding his hand back into his own lap. “Already know what you
look like naked,” he whispered. She felt his arm slide around her shoulder. “Which would mean
what? Think it’s going to be easier the second time,” Angel asked. He leaned towards her,
sliding his hand into her hair and pulling her within kiss range. “Wanted to do this since I saw
you this afternoon,” he said. “Do what Dylan,” Angel asked as the waitress poured their glasses
of wine. “Thank you,” Dylan said not moving a muscle. The minute the waitress stepped away
from the table he leaned in and kissed Angel.
She tried to put space between them. “Dylan. This isn’t your private residence. You aren’t
getting any in this restaurant,” Angel whispered. His hand slid up her leg and under her jean
skirt. “Would you,” Angel said pushing him away. “You know you want to feel it,” he
whispered. He grabbed her hand placing it on his erection. “That’s supposed to be impressive
why,” Angel asked. His hand slid between her legs. She grabbed his hand. “I don’t think so,”
Angel said. “Then let’s finish the wine and go to my place,” Dylan said. “To talk and nothing
else,” Angel said. “You’ll change your mind when you get there,” he said.
They finished their two glasses of wine, then headed to his place. Angel knew what would be
awaiting her at home. She followed him. The minute she pulled into the long driveway, she
knew this wasn’t the same person she’d known before. He used to live in a tiny place, now it was
a 2,000 square foot home. She parked her car and he took her hand, leading her to the front door.
“And just how the hell did you manage this,” Angel asked. They walked in. “A hell of a lot of
saving, since I didn’t have to try to impress you,” he joked. Angel turned to walk back out the
door. “I’m sorry. It just came out,” he said. “I’ll tell you what I told you years ago Dylan.
Money doesn’t impress me,” Angel said. He grabbed her hand. “Let me show you around at
least,” he said.
It had a huge kitchen with marble floors and stainless steel appliances. It was perfect for a chef –
anyone who loved to cook at all would have been in heaven. The den was warm and cozy with a
fireplace that was perfect for a cold winter’s night. He showed her around the rest of the house,
then stopped in front of the bedroom. He opened the door and her jaw dropped. Black satin
bedding and a room surrounded in seashells – her dream room. “Well,” he asked. “Since when
have you been the seashell type,” Angel teased. He took her hand, leading her inside the
bedroom and to his balcony. “This was the whole reason I bought the house,” he said as he
opened the French doors to the balcony. You could see the lights across the city. It was a
breathtaking view. She leaned against the railing and he leaned his body against hers wrapping
his arms around her.
“So what do you think,” he asked. “About,” Angel replied turning around and walking back
towards the doors. “The house,” he replied. “Pretty nice little place you have here,” Angel said

25. -23-
as he took her hand. He pulled her back into his arms and kissed her. She pushed him away.
“Talking remember,” Angel said. She walked back downstairs. He followed. “Movie,” he
asked. “Fine, but don’t think you are getting any,” Angel said. He led her into the TV room and
they sat down on the plush leather sofa. He flipped through the movies and popped one in. “So
what’s the feature tonight,” Angel asked. “The Notebook,” he replied. Angel started to laugh.
“You know it’s your favorite,” he said. He wrapped his arm around her and they curled up
together watching the movie. By the end, they were talking and laughing together as they had
years before.
He leaned in towards Angel to kiss her. “Think it’s time I headed home,” Angel said. She slid
out from his arms and headed to the front door, then slipped her heels on. “Why are you
running away from me,” he asked. “Not running. Just think it’s better we leave this as platonic
friends,” Angel said. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, taking her breath away. “Stay,”
he whispered. She backed up and grabbed the door knob. He leaned her against the door,
kissing her harder. “Gotta go,” Angel said as she opened the door and walked towards her car.
“Chicken,” he said. “Nope. Smart cookie,” Angel teased unlocking the doors of her car. He
followed her. She got to her car and was about to open the door when he leaned her against it
kissing her again. “Don’t want the night to end like this,” he said. “I have to get home,” Angel
said. He kissed her again, slipping the keys from her hand. “Seriously. I have to go,” Angel
said. She grabbed her keys and hopped in the car. “Call me tomorrow,” he said. Angel nodded
as she pulled out and headed home.
Lucky had been racking his brain all evening. The minute he heard the key turn, he turned the
TV off. “Where the hell did you go,” he asked. “Doesn’t matter,” Angel replied. “Damn well
does to me,” he replied. Angel walked past him into the bedroom and slid her skirt and top off,
then slipped into her satin nightgown. He stood in the doorway watching her. “What Lucky,”
she asked. “Who,” he asked. “Who what,” Angel replied. He shot her a look that could kill.
“An old friend,” Angel said. The look told her that she wasn’t getting any sleep until she
divulged more information. “I went and got a massage at the spa,” Angel said. “Dylan,” he
asked. “Didn’t know he was a masseuse,” Angel said. “And,” Lucky asked. “We had a glass of
wine and talked and I came home,” Angel said. “Right,” Lucky said. “Why the hell am I
explaining myself to you? I am not your damn girlfriend or your wife Lucky,” Angel said. She
went into the bathroom and brushed her teeth, then hopped into her bed. Lucky sat on the edge
of the bed.
She could sense he was upset. “What,” Angel asked. “Why,” he asked. “Why what? Why did I
talk to him,” Angel asked. “Why don’t you want to be with me,” he said. “Lucky, we have been
over this. I care about you, but I am not your girlfriend. You are still married to her,” Angel said.
“What’s your excuse going to be in a month,” he asked. “Meaning,” she replied. “Meaning it’s
final in 26 days,” Lucky replied. “Then we’ll figure it out then,” Angel replied. He slid into bed
next to her, wrapping his arm around her and pulling her close to him. “I don’t want to wait 26
days Angel. I want to be with you period. No going on dates with other people, nothing. Just
you and me. Please,” he said kissing her neck. His fingertips grazed her shoulder as he slid the
strap off. He kissed her shoulder where the strap had been. “Lucky,” Angel said. She turned
over to face him and he kissed her, pulling her closer and into his arms. She couldn’t say no to
him. She never could. “I just,” she tried to say. He kissed her again, slipping the satin teddy off
of her. He pulled her leg, wrapping it around his. “This is how we’re supposed to be,” he said.
He slid his boxers off and their bodies entwined.

26. -24-
Chapter 5
The next morning, Angel woke up and headed into work. She knew that it was going to be a
really long day. She had a meeting that was an all day event, and had a feeling that she’d be
doing overtime that day.
Lucky headed into the office hoping that he’d finally convinced her to see things his way. He sat
down at his desk and started going through the endless emails. Mid-day, he called to talk to
Angel. “She’s in an all day meeting Lucky,” her assistant said. “Can you let her know I called,”
he asked. “Not a problem. She said if you called to let you know she’d be working overtime
tonight,” her assistant replied. “Thanks,” Lucky replied as he hung up. He was disappointed,
but came up with an amazing surprise for her. He made a few calls, then got back to work.
“Lucky,” his partner said. “What’s up,” Lucky replied. “We have to send someone out to redo
the California contract. You up for it or do you want me to go,” he asked. A grin came across his
face. “I got this one. Will leave Saturday,” Lucky replied. He called the travel agent. “Two
tickets roundtrip to Los Angeles,” he said. The next call - to Angel’s boss.
Angel came out of her meeting and headed for her office. She knew there would be a million
emails. She walked in and saw lilies on her desk. “Where,” Angel said. “They just showed up
with no card,” her assistant said. She thought about it and knew who they were from. She
smiled. She checked the clock. “Dammit,” Angel said. “What,” her assistant asked. “You go.
I’ll be here for a while,” Angel said. “I needed the overtime anyway,” her assistant said. “Okay,
but you’re out of here at 6,” Angel said. “No problem. Did you need anything at Starbucks,” her
assistant asked. “Venti,” Angel said. Her assistant headed out.
“Now what is a beautiful woman like you doing stuck in an office,” Lucky said leaning against
the door jam. “Overtime,” Angel replied. “Hmm,” Lucky said. He put something down on the
chair in front of her desk. “What are you up to Mr. Lockheart,” Angel asked. “Nothin,” he
replied with a grin ear to ear. Angel went through her emails and Lucky sat down on the sofa in
her office. “Okay. I know you are up to something,” Angel said. He pointed to the table in her
office. “What the,” Angel said. He’d brought a picnic dinner, knowing it would be a late night.
“You are just full of surprises today aren’t you,” Angel said. “Who are the lilies from,” Lucky
asked. “No card,” Angel said. Lucky laughed. “So all this was part of your plan was it,” Angel
asked. He handed her a glass of sparkling cider. “Could say that,” he said. An email caught her
eye. “Vacation time approved,” she said aloud. She didn’t remember booking vacation time.
“How much time do you have anyway? Like 5 weeks by now,” Lucky asked. “Well, according
to this, six weeks, minus the three days next week, but I didn’t book it off,” Angel said. “Guess it
will come in handy then,” Lucky said handing her a box with a red bow on it. “What are you up
to now,” Angel asked. “Open,” he said. She opened it and found two plane tickets to California
– one had her name, the other was in Lucky’s name. “So now you are chatting with my boss are
you,” Angel asked. “Had to go and it would be a shame to have to go alone,” Lucky said.
Angel shook her head with a grin. “Never a dull moment is there,” Angel said. “Nope,” Lucky
said. He opened the basket and handed her a plate. “If I didn’t know better I would think you
were trying to lure me into something,” Angel said. “Nope. Figured you would be hungry,”
Lucky said. They had some dinner, then Angel finished up her emails. “Who’s looking after the
kids if we go,” Angel asked. “What do you mean if,” Lucky said. She gave him a look. “She
wants to show them her new place,” Lucky said. “What do you mean,” Angel asked. “We sold

27. -25-
the house. New owners are moving in on Sunday,” Lucky said. “That was fast,” Angel said.
“And for a hundred grand over the asking price,” Lucky said. They packed up the picnic basket
and got ready to head home. “So seriously, who were the lilies from? They weren’t from me,”
Lucky said. “From a girlfriend of mine,” Angel said so as to not arouse suspicion. They locked
up and headed to the cars. There was a single rose under her wiper. “Now that is more your
style,” Angel said. He kissed her. “Darn right,” he said.
They headed back to the brownstone. They headed upstairs and relaxed on the sofa a while. “So
how was your day,” Angel asked. “Not too bad. A ton of emails as usual, but other than that,
not half bad,” Lucky said. “Still can’t believe you did all of this,” Angel said. He pulled her into
his lap and kissed her. “Better start believing,” Lucky said. He slid her heels off then
unbuttoned her blouse. “Putting me to bed too are you,” Angel asked. He slid it off and carried
her to the bedroom. He laid her on the bed and pulled his shirt and tie off. He laid down beside
her. “What,” Angel said as she leaned her head against his shoulder. “Would you have ever
thought,” he asked. “Nope. Still can’t,” Angel said. He kissed her. “Believe it or not, I’m all
yours,” Lucky said. He kissed her again and leaned into her arms. They fell asleep a short while
later, still dressed.
The next morning, they got up and Lucky drove her into the office. He kissed her goodbye and
she ran inside. “So I guess you figured out who they were from,” her assistant said. “Have a
pretty good idea,” Angel said. “He was pretty hot. Gave me his card,” she said. She handed the
card to Angel. She knew it was Dylan. She laughed and handed it back to her. “He’s a great
masseuse,” Angel said. Angel got to work and her assistant tried to guess why Angel was in
such a good mood. Normally after that much overtime, she would have been tired at least.
Lucky sat back at his desk and contemplated the next step. He drafted up a few contracts and
then came up with the perfect plan. His phone rang. “Yes Mandy,” he said. “Thought I would
let you know. That judge friend of yours tried to push the papers through faster. Friday next
week,” she said. “Fine,” he replied. “I’m moving in with him,” Mandy said. “Figured that
much,” Lucky said. “He asked me to marry him,” she said. “Good luck then,” Lucky said
hanging up. He leaned back in his chair thinking. The memories came rushing back to him. All
the good times that he’d shared with Mandy were up in smoke. Every good memory they’d
shared felt like a lie. The best thing that came from all of that were his girls. He called his lawyer
and asked for a custody agreement to be made. “What do you want in there,” he asked.
“They’re with me during the week and she has visits every weekend. If she remarries, then he
can’t adopt them. We decided that neither of us is doing the support since we both make about
the same. If they demand support then she would have to give it to me,” Lucky said. “Will get
that drafted and will send it to you in your email in about an hour or two,” his lawyer said.
Lucky hung up and leaned back in his chair. “Ten years gone. Wasted,” he said to himself.
“Contracts for California will be here on Friday,” his partner said noticing Lucky’s mood. “Yep,”
he said. “What’s up,” his partner asked. They’d been friends for years. “Ten years gone,” Lucky
said. “What do you mean,” he asked. “Mandy and I. Final as of next week,” Lucky said. “You
know, I haven’t seen you happy as you’ve been the past few weeks. She makes you happy,” he
said. “She thinks it’s a damn rebound,” Lucky said. “Last time I saw you that happy was before
you married Mandy,” he said. “Still, she’s getting remarried already,” Lucky said. “Poor guy,”
his partner joked. He threw the stress ball at him. “We need a drink. The office stuff can wait
until tomorrow,” he said. They locked up and headed off to the lounge nearby.