Page 45 of Family Bonds- Gabriela & Luca

“Good,” she said. “That’s the correct emotional state.” She patted his leg and winked. “You’ll be alright.”

“If I break out my wallet, will they leave me alone faster?”

“Well, depends on how much you let fly. If it’s a lot, you might find yourself circled by the vultures.”

“How about if I just slip into the casino unnoticed while the bidding is going on?”

She opened the car door for them to get out. If she didn’t, she’d find them sitting here all night going back and forth.

And as much fun as it was, it was also way too tempting.

The way he glanced at her in the dim light.

The smell of whatever he had on. Could be soap. Could be aftershave since he’d cleaned up really well.

Though she had to admit she liked the rough look of his facial hair on his days off.

Or maybe it was just his presence that was enough to suck her into his vortex, blinding her to the fact that he had a ton of baggage he might be trying to pretend he didn’t.

“You won’t be alone in the casino. That could be your best bet of the night.”

“Blackjack it is. Your cousin Eli can get my money tonight.”

15

FEELING HIM OUT

“There you are,” Selena Mills said, coming up next to him at the bar.

He thought Gabriela was pulling his leg about her family.

She pulled it all right. Yanked him almost across the seat into her lap.

She wasn’t off either.

He’d been introduced to many as a work colleague. He’d talked to Hudson and Carson, and a few other medical professionals that he’d met at the hospital.

But it was Gabriela’s family who seemed to be the closest trying to feel him out.

Like her mother who stood next to him now. He still held onto his blood type though.

“I’m here,” he said. “Can I get you a drink?”

“White wine,” Selena said to the bartender.

The bar was open, but he threw a twenty on for a tip and grabbed his beer.

“It’s a nice event,” he said. “The food is great.”

There were canapes stationed around the room for guests to walk over and fill plates. He liked that better than a sit-down meal.

It also allowed you to see all the items on display for auction.

Mainly artwork, vases, bowls, glasswork. All handmade from artisans throughout Massachusetts.

Many of those artists were here in the room, mingling and discussing their work.

He’d already talked to Laine Connors-Mills, who Carson had introduced as his wife, and had a painting and a vase up. The vase caught his eye and he wondered why.