Page 85 of My Lucky Charm

He parks the car in front of a nondescript brick building with a simple Kim Murphy Studios logo etched on the glass door.

I glance over at him. “This will be painless.”

Without cracking a smile, he says, “You’re a liar.”

I grin at him—I can’t help it—and we get out and walk toward the front door. Gray pulls it open and lets Scarlett and me pass. I purposely inhale a deep breath of his scent as I pass by. This is, of course, an epic mistake because the second I do, I’m imagining fistfuls of his sweatshirt, his hands tangled in my hair, our lips moving perfectly in synch in the most delicious—

“Eloise?”

“Huh?” I look at Gray, afraid I’m going to overheat, then realize there’s a receptionist staring at me.

“Are you okay?” he asks, a quizzical look on his face.

“Yep,” I say, and then, to the woman behind the desk. “We’re here to see Kim. Grayson Hawke.”

“Oh, I know who you are.” The woman gives him a flirty once-over, and I feel instantly protective. I want to shout, “He doesn’t date during the season!” but manage to keep my mouth shut.

She stands up to reveal her miles-long legs and smiles at him. He looks at Scarlett, and I catch his concern. Gray doesn’t want anyone making a big deal over him. It’s odd enough we had to bring his daughter to a publicity shoot, and the last thing she needs is to see this drooling woman mentally undressing her father.

At least when I do it, I’m better at hiding it.

I step in front of him and smile at the woman. “Are you the one I spoke to on the phone?”

“Yes, I’m Misty.”

Of course, you are. I widen my smile in an attempt to fend off my ugly, jealous side. “Gray really doesn’t, you know, want anyone making a big deal over him.” I lean in, like I’m telling her a secret. “He has a—uh, young fan with him, and really wants to make the experience fun for her. So maybe keep things more G-rated. Is that okay?” If he wants to keep Scarlett out of the public eye, this feels like the best way to go.

It doesn’t count as lying. Scarlett is both young and a fan.

“Oh! Of course!” Misty says. “Don’t worry, I know just what to do.” And then she rushes off.

I turn and find Gray watching me, and I can’t be sure, but I think there’s gratitude behind his stormy eyes. Whatever it is, it makes my body tingle, and I divert my attention by looking around. The building is old, with tall ceilings, brick walls, and refinished hardwood floors. It’s not unlike Gray’s apartment that way, only it’s much, much smaller and much more cluttered.

A blond woman with black horn-rimmed glasses and baggy clothes rushes out into the lobby. “Good morning!”

I take a step forward, ready to help Gray navigate what’s bound to be an uncomfortable experience. “Good morning.”

“My husband and I are huge Comets fans.” She smiles over at Gray. “And Eloise made sure to let me know this isn’t your idea of fun, so we’re going to get you in here and make it as quick and painless as possible.”

He grunts an indistinct reply.

“Gray does have practice today, so quick is good,” I say. “And you have his uniform? I sent that over yesterday.”

“Yes!” Kim looks at Gray. “If you want to step into the back, Misty can show you where to change.”

I bet she can.

Jealous Eloise has a sarcastic streak.

“She tells me you’ve got a fan with you.” She smiles at Scarlett. “Do you want to help me get set up?”

“Sure!” Scarlett takes a step forward, and as she does, Gray glances at me.

“I’ve got her,” I say quietly.

He looks again at her, then at me, and his shoulders settle. He nods and walks through the doorway into the back where I’m sure ol’ Misty is waiting to help him get undressed. I’m internally rolling my eyes as I force myself to focus on Scarlett.

“I’m not sure what you have planned,” I say as Kim leads us into her studio space. Thankfully Misty is not in the dressing room, and there are two guys hanging around, most likely wanting autographs from Gray. “But I do want to make sure he’s comfortable.”

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