Read Online Double Date by R.L. Stine - Free Book Online

her hand free. Her smile faded. “We’ll go—as soon as you get the charm bracelet for me. I’m
daring
you, Bobby. You can’t wimp out on me.”
    He stared into her eyes, trying to see if she was serious or playing with him.
    She was serious.
    â€œJust take it from the case, and let’s go,” she urged, leaning close to him. Again her breath tickled his neck, exciting him. “You saw how easy it is. Now it’s your turn.”
    He hesitated, lowering his eyes to the glass case.
    â€œYou’re not a wimp, are you?” Samantha demanded softly. “You’re not a chicken-livered wimp, are you?”
    â€œNo one
ever
calls me a wimp,” Bobby replied seriously, his eyes on the silvery charm bracelet.
    â€œWimp!” Samantha teased. “Wimp wimp wimp!”
    â€œShut up,” Bobby said sharply.
    â€œWimp wimp.”
    â€œShut up. I’ll get you your stupid bracelet,” he told her.
    He glanced toward the back of the jewelry department. There were two salesclerks, both helping customers.
    He turned to check out the store exit. No security guard in sight.
    He swallowed hard, took a deep breath. “Here goes,” he whispered.
    He grabbed the lid of the glass case with both hands, lifted it—and set off a loud alarm.

chapter 14
Caught
    â€œ
O hh!” Bobby let out a startled cry as the loud bell rang out over the store.
    â€œGrab it! Grab it!” he heard Samantha shout.
    He grabbed the charm bracelet with a trembling hand. Dropped it. Grabbed it again.
    He pulled his arm back, letting the glass lid slam shut.
    The alarm bell rose over the sounds of the store.
    Before Bobby realized it, he was running. Running through the bright blur of colors and lights. Running through the deafening
clang.
    His heart thudding in his chest, he held the bracelet in front of him—and ran.
    Where was Samantha?
    He didn’t see her.
    He saw only the open doorway. A woman bending over a kid in a stroller. A teenage couple behind her.
    â€œHey—stop! Somebody stop him!”
    He was out of the store now, running through the crowded walkway.
    Samantha?
    He turned and made his way toward the food court.
    â€œWatch out!”
    He stopped short to avoid colliding with two little girls walking with their arms around each other’s waists.
    He spun around. Anyone chasing him? Any sign of Samantha?
    â€œOh. There!” he uttered breathlessly. “Whew!”
    Samantha stood right behind him, not even out of breath. She reached out and motioned for him to hand over the bracelet.
    Still gasping for breath, Bobby dropped it into her hand.
    â€œBobby, what a beautiful gift!” she cried with mock surprise. She gazed at the bracelet, then threw her arms around his neck and kissed him enthusiastically on the cheek. “I love it! You’re so thoughtful!”
    She slid it over her hand, onto her wrist, and jangled it in his face. “You have such good taste, Bobby. It must have been really expensive!” She burst out laughing.
    â€œYou really crack yourself up, don’t you!” Bobby said, shaking his head.
    â€œYeah, I do,” she admitted, grinning as she examined the shiny charms.
    â€œYou’re going to get us killed or arrested or both,” Bobby muttered, still struggling for his heart to stop racing.
    â€œJust trying to have some fun,” Samantha replied. She jangled the bracelet. “I really love it.”
    â€œWe’d better get going,” Bobby urged. “They’re going to be looking for us.”
    â€œCan we get a milk shake first?” Samantha asked. “I have such a craving for a milk shake.”
    â€œNo way,” Bobby replied, nervously glancing over her shoulder. “The security guards—”
    He stopped in midsentence and let out a choked cry.
    Samantha turned to follow his gaze.
    â€œOh, wow,” Bobby whispered. “It’s Bree!”
    Bree stood at a