Read Online Charmed (Death Escorts) by Cambria Hebert - Free Book Online

dress…” He glanced at the stairs again. Without another word he took off, rushing up the stairs and out of sight.
     
    A woman dressed in a black beaded lace gown came rushing over. “All guests are to remain downstairs,” she said, then looked down at the half-cleaned-up mess. “What happened?”
     
    I don’t know why I tried to smooth things over. I wasn’t here to help him. But the words just came out anyway. “I’m sorry. I startled him and he dropped the glass.” One of the waiters looked up at me sharply. He knew I was lying. I gave him the evil eye and turned back to the woman who was likely hosting the party.
     
    “I think he was embarrassed and just wanted a moment alone to compose himself.”
     
    As if on cue, Charming descended the stairs, looking unruffled and polished as ever.
     
    “I didn’t mean to cause a commotion,” I said, drawing away her stare. “This is a lovely event, one of the best I’ve ever attended. And your gown is just stunning. I bet that beading was all hand sewn.”
     
    She straightened under the compliments and was about to reply when Charming arrived at my side. “Madam,” he said ultra smoothly. “Please allow me to pay for the broken glass.”
     
    “That isn’t necessary. Accidents happen.”
     
    He grinned, showing off his perfect white teeth. “Well, then allow me to make a second donation this evening. Would you care to lead the way?”
     
    He held out his arm and she all but tripped, wrapping her wrist and arm around him. They began to walk away toward the donation table when he glanced over his shoulder. “Sister, dear,” he said, his voice sickeningly sweet. “Don’t go anywhere just yet.”
     
    And that was my cue to leave.
     
    I dug my coat check ticket out of my clutch and turned it in, wondering after several minutes if the guy decided to go to the store and buy me a new one because it took so long for him to bring it back. When he did arrive, I snatched it out of his hand and didn’t bother to put it on but went out the great double doors and onto the porch (if you could even call it that. It was bigger than my entire apartment).
     
    On my way to the stairs, I wondered how long the valet would take to find my Jeep.
     
    Charming appeared out of nowhere, taking me by the elbow and pulling me around. “Where do you think you’re going?” he growled.
     
    “Away from you.”
     
    Someone passed by and glanced at us. Charming dropped my arm and smiled. “You shouldn’t be out here without your coat. You’ll catch a cold.” He took my coat and held it out like any gentleman would.
     
    The passerby smiled and moved out of earshot.
     
    “Wouldn’t want you to die ,” Charming intoned when I slipped my arms into the sleeves.
     
    “Gee, how thoughtful of you to be concerned,” I said dryly.
     
    “What the hell are you doing here?” he said low.
     
    “I’m here for charity,” I said innocently.
     
    “What’s the cause and how much did you donate?” he asked, rocking back on his heels and slipping his hands into his slacks.
     
    Even when he was acting like a pompous ass, he looked like a perfect Ken doll. Idiot.
     
    “It’s called the save-an-innocent-woman fund. And thankfully, screwing up your plans didn’t cost me a thing.”
     
    “You can show up here tonight, try and make me look like an idiot, ruin my chance of getting to know the Target—”
     
    “Her name is Rosalyn,” I interjected.
     
    He talked right over me.
     
    “But there is always tomorrow. And the next day. I’m not going to give up.”
     
    “I told her you were gay.”
     
    That got his attention.
     
    He stood there for long moments, his perfect jaw practically unhinged from his face. “You did what ?” he finally asked, shocked.
     
     “I admit, you’re good. You managed to impress her already. I had to do something to lessen the blow of that charm that seems to work on everyone but me.”
     
    The look—the anger—that crossed his