If I Run
by
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The woodsy smell of Luca’s cologne filled her senses, and Gabby was helpless in defending herself.
In one quick movement, before she could untangle herself from him, Luca’s strong arm was wrapped around her waist and Gabby found herself searching his face as it hovered mere inches above hers. She was unable to resist his charm. All thoughts of his arrogance and smug attitude were gone, snuffed out by the look of helplessness that shadowed her. Maybe just one dance would be OK.
“You look just like a princess tonight, Gabriella.”
His other hand gently brushed across her cheek sending a tingling through her body that went clear to her toes.
“Th … thank you.”
“Dance with me?”
She felt incapable to do anything but follow as he released his grip from her waist and gently took her hand, leading her to the dance floor. Gabby wasn’t sure what possessed her—maybe she trusted her friends’ intuition more than her own, maybe it was the way her stomach fluttered every time he spoke to her—but she reluctantly allowed Luca to, once again, wrap his arms around her and pull her close, their feet working circles beneath them. There was something about the way that he looked at her that had her surrendering her heart instead of listening to her head. OK, she would accept his apology. And maybe even dance once with him. But there was no way she would ever accept that vacation from him. Her head and heart were in agreement on that!
“Gabriella, might I just say that you are the most beautiful woman here tonight. And taking a risk that I might be conjuring up an unpleasant memory, I would also dare to mention that this shade of blue is even more stunning on you than the shade of blue you wore last night.”
Hard as she tried, Gabby couldn’t hide the grin that slowly crept over her face, and soon the two of them were laughing together as they joked about the events of the evening before. Relaxing more than she thought possible, as she listened to Luca continue speaking, Gabby made no effort to stop dancing at the end of the song. In fact, they continued to dance through two additional slow songs, before finding themselves joining Devin and Emily back at the table as the band stepped up the beat to a more fast-paced sound. Within minutes, Dr. Phillips made a stop at their table, and Gabby was surprised that he, too, had previously met Luca.
“Luca, I see you’ve met my Gabby. Isn’t she just stunning tonight?”
Luca’s eyes drifted from her to Dr. Phillips, a quizzical glance conveying his confusion.
“Your Gabby, sir? I don’t remember you mentioning a daughter.”
Gabby saw the flash of emotion cross Dr. Phillips’s face. She knew exactly where his mind had wandered.
“Not exactly my daughter,” Dr. Phillips cocked an eyebrow. “Didn’t she tell you that she was married to—”
“—Married to my job,” Gabby cut in.
She was not about to disclose one bit of information to Luca about her past relationship with Dr. Phillips. It wasn’t his business to know.
“I’m Dr. Phillips’s employee.” She turned her attention to Luca with a smile on her face, hoping Dr. Phillips would leave it at that.
“Oh, I see,” Luca nodded.
The look of confusion on Luca’s face said he didn’t have a clue, and she was happy with that. The conversation stalled momentarily, causing Gabby to fidget with her dress. Her gaze volleyed between the two men as she anxiously hoped Dr. Phillips would take this as his cue to leave and Luca would drop the subject. But then slowly, Gabby watched the expression on Luca’s face change from what seemed to be surprise, to pure joy. His lips turned up into a mischievous smile that sent a chill down her spine.
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About the Book
Gabby has experienced a lot of loss in her young life—and the impact has been great. By the time she returns to Asheville, she just wants to live simply and move ahead with her life. With her cousin Devin and her best friend Emily by her side, she safely tucks away her memories of a troubled past along with her feelings, seeing no reason to look back. But when a dark-eyed, handsome stranger unexpectedly shows up in town and plants himself in the center of her life, Gabby finds herself unsettled by the man’s charm and attention. Luca stirs in her feelings of such intense anger and frustration—and a spark that threatens to intensify, engulfing her heart in flames. When those safely hidden memories of her past come rushing forth—along with the fears—Gabby faces a battle more fierce than anything that she’s ever experienced. Will she finally be able to confront the past with all its pain and learn to really trust God? Will she be able to find true peace—and possibly love—again?
About the Author
Several years ago, Brandy Bennett-Baker responded to God’s gentle nudging to begin writing faith-based fiction with a desire to touch her readers’ hearts, inspiring them to grow in their relationship with God and to have hope in a difficult world. Her characters have flaws, insecurities, and real struggles, but with faith, perseverance, and the love of others, they overcome those difficulties to find joy and peace. Brandy wants her readers to know they are not alone, that everyone faces hardships and challenges, but that we have a God with real power to change peoples’ lives.
Brandy lives in Battle Creek, Michigan, with her husband, Tony. They enjoy camping, boating, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Her first book, Forever, My Love, is available on Amazon.