Read Online Love Is a Battlefield by Annalisa Daughety - Free Book Online Page B

it was a mischievous expression that stared back.
    We’ve really got to start obedience school.
    â€œI’m heading down that way.” Ace motioned toward the residential area of the park. “Why don’t you and Sam hop in my truck, and I’ll give you a ride?” He took another peek at her bare feet. “I don’t imagine running barefoot is too comfortable.”
    Kristy decided then and there it was all her mother’s fault. She was the one who had always harped on good manners. And it seemed as though ever since Kristy’s life had imploded, those manners had been getting her into one situation after another. She should’ve just hung up when Robert called to ask her out. But no, she had to politely accept. She should’ve called him later and told him that she couldn’t go, but again, she knew how rude it was to cancel a date at the last minute. And now she couldn’t think of a way to say no to Ace’s offer without being completely boorish. “Thank you,” she mumbled.
    When Ace opened his truck door, Sam hopped right in. Kristy climbed in behind him, and he jumped onto her lap and pushed his head out the window.
    Ace put the truck into gear and snickered softly.
    She whipped her head around.
    He grinned and motioned toward the dog. “It looks like he’s decided he likes you again.”
    In spite of her embarrassment, her own lips couldn’t resist turning upward. In less than a minute, they were in front of her house. She glanced over at Ace and considered apologizing for her appearance. But she was pretty sure it was one of those situations where the less said, the better. “Thanks for the lift. My feet appreciate it.”
    â€œNot a problem.” With that smile, he could’ve easily starred in a toothpaste commercial. Or any commercial for that matter. But no matter how he looked, she couldn’t forget that he had her job. And no matter how immature it was, she planned to hold it against him.
    Kristy hoisted Sam from the seat and attempted to walk with dignity up her front path. Not an easy feat, all things considered. Once on the porch , she turned and waved good-bye to Ace.
    â€œHave fun on your date!”
    Kristy was pretty sure she saw a wink as he pulled away.
    She closed the door behind her and leaned against it. One look at the living room clock and she jerked upright. Only thirty minutes to finish getting ready. Sam scampered to his favorite perch on the back of the couch where he could look out the window.
    Just as she walked into the bedroom to find an outfit, the phone rang. She hit the speaker button and made her way over to the closet.
    â€œHello.” Kristy flipped through her overstuffed closet in search of a perfect first date outfit. It had been so long since her last first date, she wasn’t sure what to choose. For the millionth time, she wished there were a way out of it.
    â€œHey girl.” Vickie’s voice filled the room. “Are you ready for tonight?”
    â€œActually, no. I had a little mishap, but I’m back on track now.” she pulled out her favorite dark denim skirt and wiggled into it.
    â€œA mishap?” Vickie laughed. “That’s so unlike you.”
    Kristy was known in her circle of friends for being the one “things happened to.” They found it very funny and often told “Kristy stories” to people who didn’t even know her. There was nothing worse than meeting a friend of a friend and having her say, “Oh! Kristy. Aren’t you the one who...?” Fill in the blank.
    â€œWhat do you think about my dark denim skirt?” She changed the subject. Fashion had always been one of Vickie’s strong points, and Kristy desperately missed living with her and getting her stamp of approval before setting foot out of the house.
    â€œSounds good. And maybe strappy sandals. Try those metallic ones from Ann Taylor Loft that you bought the