Lucky in Love by Kristen Brockmeyer Read Free Book Online

the gym teacher goggling at me. "Where the fuck are you, you slimy little rat bastard?"
    My nemesis climbed slowly out from under the bleachers, followed by a distinctly mussed-looking, large-breasted blonde who sat behind me in my remedial math class. That was my brother—ever the ladies' man. Addy gasped behind me, but I was too caught up in my rage to note it.
    "'Sup, Lucky?" He swaggered out into the middle of the basketball court.
    Then he winked.
    It was that wink that put me over the edge. His eyes widened sharply a fraction of a second before I tackled him, sending him sprawling. I straddled his chest, effectively pinning his arms to his sides, and like Ralphie in The Christmas Story , I proceeded to beat the smug, shit-eating grin right off his face.
    Everything was a furious blur for a few minutes after that, until big hands grasped me under my arms and pulled me off of my brother. I swung around, still fired up from the heat of battle, my fist connecting with Chance's cheekbone before I could stop myself. I glanced back at Jack, whose perfect aquiline nose was now bleeding profusely and canted slightly to the right. For the first time in his life, Jack was eying me with wary respect mingled with a healthy dose of fear. Around us, dozens of gaping students, eight flabbergasted teachers, three stunned teachers' aides and one incredulous principal all avidly watched and waited for further drama to unfold.
    I was suddenly and completely mortified and my eyes filled with tears. I turned to run out of the gym, but Chance grabbed my arm.
    I didn't want to look up at him, keeping my eyes on his burgundy and gold Panthers football sweatshirt, but when I did, he was smiling that devastating smile and looking down at me. I mean, really looking at me. Like he was seeing something new. Leaning in close, he murmured in my ear.
    "Let's make sure they all have plenty to talk about while you're out of school on indefinite suspension."
    And then, despite his already swelling cheek, he kissed me. Yanked me right up against him, hip to hip and chest to breasts—in front of God and everybody—and kissed me brainless. His breath smelled like peppermint and his mouth tasted like glory. It felt like every dream and wish I'd ever had all came true in that one explosive moment, and all I could think was, I'm in so love with him.
     
     
     
    Chapter 10
     
    Louie, bored with my mental retrospection, had fallen asleep on my lap, and the rain pattering against my windows was the only sound in my otherwise silent apartment. A chilly breeze teased the back of my neck, reminding me that the hole in my window was still gaping, and my kitchen floor covered with window and chandelier shrapnel. I carefully transferred my sleeping cat to his favorite afghan, and went to the kitchen. I tried to shake off my now-morose mood enough to wonder if I had renewed my renters insurance and how much an Art Deco chandelier that had been picked up off the curb was worth, but I couldn't bring myself to care.
    Once the counters were wiped clean of rainwater and glass, and the view from my window of the vigilant Fisher in his blue sedan had been obstructed by a giant piece of duct-taped cardboard from the basement storage room, I sat down at the kitchen table and tried to decide what to do next.
    It was only Monday afternoon and I didn't need to go to work until Wednesday. Addy was on her honeymoon, so I couldn't call her and invite her out. Julian had already gotten his Y&R fix and was probably back at the old folks' home contemplating the delicious salisbury steak dinner he'd be experiencing at 4:00. I probably wouldn't see him again for a couple days. 
    I was suddenly depressed. My life, which had been bumping along just fine, felt like a whirlwind had torn through, ripping off that big old Band-Aid I had on my heart, covering the hole where Chance used to be. And everyone knows it's impossible to restick a Band-Aid that's been ripped off.  
    I could feel