Page 18 of My Lucky Charm

She gives me a knowing look, and a horrible thought zaps my insides. Does she know? She couldn’t possibly. I hid my Jay Mistake perfectly.

“Every man is your type, Eloise,” she says.

I frown.

“I just mean you see the good in everyone. Remember Cody . . . what was his last name?”

“Taylor,” I say, knowing where this is going.

“You’d think bailing him out of jail—twice—would’ve been enough to knock some sense into you, but you never want to believe anything bad about anyone.” Raya snaps her fingers, remembering— “And that other guy, the one with the neck tattoo—”

“Buck.”

She winces. I wince. Buck had zero redeeming qualities.

“And that super boring gamer guy who lived in his mom’s basement.”

“I get the point.” Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I look away. “I won’t mess it up.”

“Good,” she says. “Because I do think you’ll nail this job. It’s a great opportunity. Do it, Eloise. I believe in you.”

The words are so simple, they shouldn’t affect me the way they do. But it’s Raya. I’ve always wanted her approval.

“There you two are,” Poppy says. “Are you hiding?”

“No,” I groan. “Raya is just reminding me of all my dating disasters.”

Poppy’s eyes light up, like this is a fun game and she wants to play. “Did anyone mention Joey Amato yet? The one who smelled like feet and garlic?”

Both of my sisters start laughing, and I try to be a good sport, but honestly, the older I get and the more broken relationships I collect, the harder it is. My theory that everyone could possibly be “the one” hasn’t worked out so well.

“I’ve made a decision about the job.”

At that, Poppy goes still, a hopeful look on her face. “And?”

“And I’m going to do it.” I glance at Raya, whose face is encouraging and only slightly concerned.

I make up my mind right there that I’m going to be the best companion that man has ever had—and kiss or no kiss, I’m not going to let my heart get even slightly involved in any of it.

Not at all.

Nope.

Not even a little.

Chapter Five

Eloise

Typically, I don’t get nervous.

But this guy, sitting across the table from me, is making me nervous.

Or maybe it’s not Gray. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m currently in a conference room in the offices of the Chicago Comets practice facility, staring at a photo from the last time the team won the Stanley Cup.

I know that’s exactly what Dallas is hoping happens this year and part of the reason he lobbied so hard to get Gray on the team. I know because it was the topic of conversation at Sunday dinner.

A conversation Gray hardly participated in. If at all.

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