Read Online Craving Her Curves by Nora Stone - Free Book Online Page A

something this big,” he said.
    “Yeah, I know. This is insane,” I said. We sat there in silence for a few moments.
    “I think it’s just because...” he started, then stopped.
    “Joey, I didn’t sign up for all of this. I’m not even totally excited about seriously dating,” I said softly.
    “We’ve only been on one date, Charlotte. It hasn’t been long enough to be considered serious yet; the press just makes it seem like that. I really had no idea it was going to be like this, seriously,” he said. I sighed.
    “I know, but the fact remains that this insanity is part and parcel with the whole going out with Joey Parker thing. Serious or not. I don’t need this, Joey; I have enough going on in my life,” I said.
    “Are you breaking up with me after one date?” he asked.
    “I’m just saying that I don’t think I’m the right girl for you. You need someone who is okay with all of this, all the time. I’m not okay with this after one day!” I said, putting my arm across my eyes. I had a headache.
    “I disagree,” he said. I paused.
    “You disagree with what, exactly?” I asked.
    “I think that you are the girl for me, Char,” he said. He sounded so sincere, too.
    “How can you say that after one date and a day of pure hell?” I asked.
    He laughed softly. “I just know. I can feel it in my gut,” he said. I snorted.
    “Your gut?” I repeated.
    “Yeah, my gut. I always follow my instincts: they never steer me wrong. And right now, they are telling me that you are the girl for me,” he said.
    “You want me to live in my own personal circle of hell because your gut says so?” I said with a grin. He laughed softly.
    “Look, I can’t do anything about the press. You know even better than I do, they’re going to do what they want regardless; they’re going to keep calling you, me, and anyone else they think might know something until they either get what they want, or another story comes along,” he said. I sighed.
    “You’re right,” I replied.
    “I wish I could take it all, so you wouldn’t have to deal with it, but I can’t. What I can do is ask that you don’t hold it against me. Give me one more chance, Charlotte. Let me cook dinner for you tomorrow at my place. There won’t be any paparazzi around to take any more pictures here. Just you, me, and my cooking,” he said. I sighed again. I needed Isobel to be here and tell me what to do.
    “I don’t know,” I said softly.
    “Please, Char. I’m begging you. I am a big, burly football dude and I am begging you.  Please let me cook dinner for you tomorrow night,” he said. I smiled in spite of my resolve to be serious.
    “Joey, stop,” I said, trying to hide a giggle.
    “Pleeeeaaaaase, Charlotte,” he drew it out like a little kid and the laugh escaped my lips before I could catch it.
    “Fine, I’ll let you cook for me. Just stop doing that,” I laughed. He snickered.
    “What, begging? I will beg you for anything and everything if that’s what it takes to keep you in my life.” He said. I pulled my legs up underneath me and grinned. He really was a great guy. And what did I know... who was I to say his gut wasn’t right?

CHAPTER TWELVE
    T he next night, after changing my mind about dinner countless times over the course of the day, I’d finally gotten dressed for the date. Six times, actually. I hadn’t really settled on the outfit I was wearing; I’d just refused to let myself change again, texted Joey that I was running late, and now I was currently slipping my shoes on in the elevator with my keys in my teeth.
    Joey’s directions to his building had been easy to follow, but as I stood there in front of the high rise, glass fronted, marble foyer building that had a waiting list and an interview process before you were even allowed to tour the place, I stopped.
    “Wow,” I said under my breath. I felt like I shouldn’t touch anything because I might not be able to replace it in there.