Lucky You (Pine Ridge Romance Book 1) Read online

  Lucky You

  Holly Stevenson

  Copyright © 2019 by Holly Stevenson

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be

  reproduced or used in any manner without written

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  To Marmie,

  for your support,

  encouragement and love.

  You are in my heart

  always, always, always.

  Chapter One

  Five minutes into her blind date, and Piper vowed never to go on one again.

  “We had a reservation. There must be some mistake,” Greg complained.

  The girl at the hostess stand shrugged. “I can’t find your name on the list. The wait time is about ninety minutes. Do you want me to put you down?”

  Piper could barely hear her over the waiting room din. The Stetson was one of the most popular steak houses in Denver, and on a Friday night, it was packed. She ignored her rumbling stomach as Greg eyed the waiting room and gave an exasperated sigh.

  “Ninety minutes?” He shook his head in disgust.

  Piper smiled. “It’s okay. We can go somewhere else, if you want?” She hoped he’d opt for a fast-food option. Anything to make this date go by faster.

  Greg shook his head. “I made a reservation. Anderson, party of two. This is totally unacceptable.” He turned and glared at the hostess. “I want to speak with the manager.”

  Piper took his arm, forcing his attention away from the wide-eyed hostess. She worked in the restaurant business and understood that situations like this happened. The last thing this poor girl needed was an unruly customer when the place was packed. “I don’t mind waiting. Really,” she insisted. “It will give us time to get to know one another.”

  Greg’s shoulders relaxed. He was a handsome guy—she’d give Savannah that. And as an aspiring lawyer, he had ambition, but that was where his charms ended. How had she let her friend talk her into this?

  She clutched her purse as she waited to see what he would decide. The Stetson was an excellent steak house—not as good as the Silvermine, where she worked—but still. She didn’t want to get blacklisted forever.

  Greg dropped his hand from its grip on the hostess stand and turned to Piper. “Fine. But I don’t want to wait here.”

  The hostess slid Piper a grateful look and handed Greg a buzzer. “We’re close enough to the mall that it should reach in most stores. I’ll try to bump you up sooner. Sorry for the inconvenience.”

  He rolled his eyes and took the buzzer. “Some would suggest a mistake like this warrants more than an apology—like a free dessert or something.” He crossed his arms. “It’s the least you could do for ruining our evening.”

  Piper bit her lip, imagining the conversation she would have with Savannah once this date was over.

  The hostess gave a curt nod. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  Greg straightened. “That’s more like it.” He turned to Piper and offered his arm. She hesitated a moment before accepting it, feeling a little awkward since they’d barely exchanged more than a few sentences.

  “Wanna check out the mall?” he asked.

  She forced a smile. “Sure.”

  They walked out of the restaurant together and Piper breathed in the cool spring air. Even the crowded parking lot and noisy traffic nearby couldn’t ruin the glorious Colorado springtime. She smiled at the blossoming trees near the restaurant before Greg broke through the happy moment.

  “So how long have you and Savannah been friends?”

  Piper noticed how he trained his face to be impassive. She didn’t blame him for being curious—Savannah was stunning. “Since grade school,” she answered.

  Greg lifted an eyebrow. “And you’ve stayed friends all this time?”

  Piper nodded. “There are four of us, actually. We formed a bond in fifth grade that just sort of stuck. Things like that happen in small towns.”

  “Savannah mentioned you lived in her town. What’s it called again? Pine Valley?”

  “Pine Ridge,” Piper corrected. “It’s a great little place. Close enough to Denver when you’re in the mood for city life, but far enough away to enjoy the mountains and people of a small town.” She knew it was sneaky, but she wanted to bring up Savannah again to see how he would react. “Savannah didn’t mention we were roommates?”

  Greg’s eyes widened and Piper gave an inner smirk. Yeah, he was totally into her friend.

  “No.” He shook his head. “She didn’t say much at all, actually. Other than to find out if I was single and tell me she had a friend I might hit it off with.” There was an awkward pause. “She was the wedding planner for my brother’s wedding, so she was a little preoccupied.”

  Piper made an interested noise as if she didn’t know this already. Savannah worked for a successful wedding planning company, and as such, felt qualified to play matchmaker for her friends. Hence the blind date.

  Greg attempted to carry on the conversation. “Do your other friends room with you, or is it just the two of you?”

  “Just the two of us, though the others live in Pine Ridge as well. Leah stays with her mom who has Alzheimer’s, and Jade recently moved back from New York. She lives with her parents, but she’s engaged and will be getting married this summer. The four of us try to connect at least once a week.”

  “That’s cool.” He paused. “So one of your friends is engaged . . . and the rest of you are single?”

  Piper eyed him, attempting to hide a smile. “Currently.” Maybe it was strange that three attractive twenty-five-year-olds were all single, but they’d had their fair share of heartaches over the years. Especially Savannah. Which was why she tried so hard to play matchmaker for her friends, swearing off romance for herself. Poor Greg didn’t stand a chance.

  They arrived at the mall entrance and Greg reached for the door, but someone else beat him to it.

  “Allow me.”

  Piper turned and caught her breath. The guy who held the door smiled at her, showcasing a dimple and warm brown eyes that reminded her of chocolate. He dipped his head and a strand of dark hair fell across his forehead.

  “After you,” he said.

  Piper’s mouth opened but no sound came as she and Greg stepped through the entrance. Those brown eyes seemed to tease her as she passed.

  “Drew, always the gentleman,” a feminine voice teased.

  Piper glanced over her shoulder and her stomach fell at the sight of the gorgeous brunette with Drew. He had a girlfriend. Of course.

  Piper turned her attention back to Greg who was asking which store she wanted to go in. She thought for a moment. “Do you mind looking at clothes? There’s a boutique over there that I love.” She pointed across the crowded hall to the shop, forcing herself not to look over her shoulder for one last glance of Drew eye candy.

  “Sure,” Greg answered, barely concealing a yawn.

  Piper led the way into the shop. Greg gravitated toward the men’s section while Piper rifled through some racks of women’s shirts. It didn’t take her long to find something she loved—a gorgeous hunter green top that would set off her eyes and be perfect for her interview tomorrow.

  She turned to find Greg to tell him she was heading toward the dressing rooms, when her heart jumped into her throat. Drew and his girlfriend were across the store, looking through clothes. He made eye contact with her and held it a few seconds, his mouth drawing into a slow smile that set her pulse racing.

  Piper turned around, her heart hammering like a moto
r as she made a beeline for the women’s dressing room. What kind of a guy made eyes like that on a date? She frowned. A playboy hot guy who cheated on his girlfriend, that’s who. She forced herself to calm her racing pulse. No matter how fluttery this stranger made her stomach feel, she wasn’t about to fall for a player.

  The attendant helped Piper find a dressing room, and she tried on the top. She turned, examining all angles before smiling in satisfaction. The flowy fabric fit her slim frame perfectly, hitting just the right balance between stylish and professional. She would pair it with her white skinny jeans and heels . . . with a matching handbag, of course.

  Piper changed and exited the dressing room, still smiling. When she looked up, she stopped short. Drew’s girlfriend sat in the waiting room chair, nervously drumming her fingers on the armrest. She stood when Piper came out.

  Piper tilted her head. “Sorry, were you waiting for this room?”

  The girl shook her shiny, runway worthy dark locks. “No.” Her brown eyes tightened. “This is going to sound really weird—but I was actually waiting for you.”

  Piper arched a brow. “Me?”

  The girl shyly lifted a shoulder. “Yes. I’m so sorry, but my brother promised to buy me dinner if I found out your name—and if you’re dating that guy.” She nodded in the direction of the store.

  Piper knew she meant Greg, but all she could focus on was the delightful revelation. “You mean that guy you’re with is your brother?”

  The girl gave an embarrassed laugh. “Yeah. Lame that we’re hanging out on a Friday night, I know. But I just broke up with someone and Drew isn’t dating anyone right now, so . . .” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

  Piper’s stomach gave an excited flip as she nodded. She had to think this through rationally. While there was no denying she had an instant attraction to Drew, could she really trust a guy who hit on her while she was on a date? She shook her head, her thoughts all jumbled.

  The girl shifted. “If you don’t want to tell me, it’s totally okay. You’re probably with that guy, right?”

  “No,” Piper answered hastily. “It’s just a blind date.” She twisted the hanger in her hands. “Look, I’m really flattered that he asked, but—” she paused, warring with her heart, “this isn’t the best timing for me. Please tell him I said thanks.”

  The girl nodded. “I understand. But just in case, he asked me to give you this.” She handed Piper a scrap of paper with the name Drew Carson and his phone number scribbled on it. No business card. Piper tried not to read too much into it, but the truth was, she was looking for a man with a bit more ambition.

  She smiled. “Thanks . . . uh?” she paused, waiting for the girl to supply her name.

  “Olivia.” She smiled back. “And you are?”

  “Piper. Piper Robinson.”

  Olivia nodded. “Is it okay if I tell Drew your name? He might throw in dessert.”

  Piper laughed. “Sure.” Why not?

  “Thanks.” Olivia nodded and turned as if to leave but hesitated. “If you change your mind about the timing, give Drew a call. He’s a bit mischievous sometimes, but they don’t come much better. Plus, he has a thing for redheads.” She gave a friendly wink and left the dressing room.

  Piper didn’t move. Normally she would have blanched at the redhead comment, preferring the more accurate auburn description of her dark red hair, but she was numb. Had she really just turned down one of the hottest guys she’d ever seen—a guy who sought her out—because it was bad timing?

  “Excuse me, are you done with this room?” a woman asked, her arm straining under the weight of a dozen untried outfits.

  “It’s all yours,” Piper answered, forcing her feet to move out of the dressing room. She kept her head down, too embarrassed to look up and see if Drew and Olivia were still in the store.

  “There you are.” Greg practically bumped into her as soon as she emerged. “I thought maybe you bailed on me.”

  Piper gave a guilty shrug. “Sorry. I ended up trying something on.” She held up the shirt as proof. Her neck prickled and she felt herself being watched. She glanced over and saw Drew give her a regretful smile before leaving the store. Olivia tossed her a little wave and followed him out. Neither of them had bought anything.

  “Friends of yours?” Greg asked.

  “No.” Piper bit her lip. Why was her heart stinging? Drew was a complete stranger. A completely hot stranger. She grimaced.

  “Can you hurry and buy your shirt?” Greg asked. “Our table is ready.” He held up the glowing buzzer.

  “Oh! That was fast.” Piper looked for the cashier. No line. “I’ll ring this up really quick.”

  Greg nodded, and Piper rushed to the cashier, stuffing the piece of paper with Drew’s number on it into her purse . . . just in case.

  Chapter Two

  Drew stole one last look at the gorgeous redhead. She met his eyes, and he gave her a wistful smile before walking out of the boutique store. There was something about her face. He’d been drawn to her the moment he saw her walking in the parking lot, arm-in-arm with that guy who looked like his pants were on too tight. He shook his head. Olivia said he wasn’t her boyfriend. More points in her favor. He turned and waited for his sister.

  Olivia exited the boutique, pinning him with a look. “I cannot believe you made me do that. It was totally awkward!” she said as she caught up to him.

  “Sorry, sis. I owe you for that.” He bent his head and offered his most contrite look.

  She scoffed and slapped his arm. “Yeah you do. You’re going to buy me dessert.” She waved her hand in the air. “She must have thought I was a complete psycho—practically attacking her as she came out of the dressing room.”

  He made a face as they strolled down the crowded walkway. “So, explain it one more time—that guy wasn’t her boyfriend, but she said it was ‘bad timing’ to call me?”

  “That’s what she said.” Olivia tossed him a smirk. “The one girl who turned you down in your whole life. How does it feel?”

  He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Pretty good, actually. Grandma is onto something. This whole experiment is working out well so far.” He smiled to prove he meant it, but Olivia knew him too well.

  She grinned and pointed a finger. “You’re totally bummed. I can see it in your eyes.”

  He looked to the ceiling and slid his hands into his pockets. “Guys get turned down all the time. It happens.”

  “But not to you.” Her brown eyes danced with mirth.

  Drew was about to say it didn’t happen to Olivia either, but stopped himself just in time. She was still hurting over her recent breakup with Spencer. Another gold digger, out for a claim. Drew had pegged him right off, but Olivia had been blinded by love. Fortunately, she’d seen Spencer’s true colors before they’d gotten engaged.

  “So where do you want to go now?” Olivia asked. “Where would the ‘common’ people shop for fun?” She winked to show she was teasing.

  Drew shrugged. “You lead the way. I’m fine with whatever.”

  Olivia’s face fell, and she nudged his side. “Come on. You’re not going to be any fun to hang out with if you spend the rest of the night moping.”

  “Who’s moping?”

  She shook her head. “How can you be that upset about a girl you saw for a total of five seconds?”

  Just then a group of college-aged girls passed and several of them eyed Drew, giggling to each other and looking over their shoulders as they walked away.

  Olivia smiled and nudged his arm again. “See? You could have any girl in this mall—with or without your cover as ‘Drew Carson.’” She slowed her pace. “Want me to walk behind you so I’m not mistaken for your girlfriend again?”

  He laughed and took her arm. “No. I’m not in the mood to flirt with random girls in the mall. What is this? High school?”

  “Isn’t that what you just did?” Olivia arched her eyebrows at him and then hurried on when she saw
his smile fade. “But that’s what we’re supposed to do, right? Act normal?”

  Drew rolled his eyes and nodded. Getting shot down by that girl had definitely been normal. No one who knew him as Drew Livingston III had ever turned him down—or left him alone. Money had practically ruined his parents’ marriage. It had alienated family relationships. His great-grandfather, Andrew Livingston, had founded National Liberty Bank—creating an empire worth billions. But Drew had a feeling Great-grandpa would roll over in his grave if he knew what that wealth had cost their family. Which was why their grandmother had come up with The Plan. Neither he nor Olivia could inherit before living a ‘normal’ life, which entailed a job and meeting normal people—without revealing their true identity.

  Olivia had thought she’d met Spencer through a “normal” online dating website, but he’d figured out who she was and targeted her for her money. Drew hated seeing his sister being used. They’d been attempting to live like average Americans for a few months, only taking advantage of the family wealth to help pay for college degrees. Drew had been excited about this new venture, but after being shot down by that gorgeous redhead, he began to doubt. Had the only reason people liked him before been for his money?

  Olivia dropped his arm and huffed.

  Drew looked at her, his brows creasing in confusion. “What’s wrong?”

  She tilted her hip. “Alright, Debbie Downer. I’ve got one more piece of information I was holding out on until I was sure you were going to buy me dessert.”

  He cocked his head, narrowing his eyes. “What information?”

  Olivia inspected her nails, looking smug. “I may have been able to find out the redhead’s name.”

  Drew grabbed her arm. “You did? What is it?”

  “Piper Robinson. She gave me permission to tell you.”

  Drew dropped his hand and grinned. Piper Robinson. A unique name. It should be easy to find her online.