Read Online Slap Shot by Rhonda Laurel - Free Book Online Page A

I’d like you to take a look at something.” She nervously moved the papers around on her desk looking for a catalog. “I found some really nicestemware that’s a little fancier than what you currently use at the Slap Shot. I think it will jazz the place up. That got me thinking about changing the silverware and china as well. These subtle changes will be the perfect complement to the new décor. I know it’s not what we discussed, but I got inspired.”
    “I’ve liked all of your ideas so far. Order whatever you want. I trust you.”
    “Also, I found some really nice table linens. Consider it a gift from me since I wrecked your birthday.”
    “Now it’s my turn to say you shouldn’t have .”
    “Jared already OK’d it and no one should have to spend their birthday arguing with Lamont. I’ve done it and it was terrible.”
    “It wasn’t a total loss. I got to put Brayer in his place.”
    “This is all becoming a lot morecomplicated than I expected, but I believe the end result could be fantastic. I don’t know how far you’re willing to go with this.”
    He looked at her. “All the way.”
    “OK then,” she said quietly.
    Charisma couldn’t help looking at the way Derek’s jeans clung to his ass and thighs for dear life as he walked out of her office and down the hallway. Her skin still tingled where he’dmassaged her shoulders for a few moments. Images of Derek hot, sweaty, and naked flashed in her head. She walked over and turned down the thermostat to her office so she wouldn’t overheat.

 
     
     
     
    CHAPTER FOUR
     
    Charisma fumbled with the earring for the third time, trying to get the trembling in her hands under control. What had she been thinking, accepting Derek’s invitation? Simple. She hadn’t been thinking. He’d charmed his way past her guard. And it was too late to back out now.
    They were bound to be the talk of the party,since news of their fake affair was still circulating. Derek didn’t seem to care. In fact, he’d called her twice to make sure she hadn’t changed her mind. She was bound to see some familiar faces tonight. The fake friends who loved to hang out with her when she was dating Lamont. Once she and Lamont broke up, she couldn’t find a single person who wanted to be within a hundred mile radius of her.A few of these “friends” even tried getting their hooks into Lamont, despite the information that came to light about their troubled relationship. And then there was Lamont. What if he showed up? He wasn’t a client of Luke’s, but that never stopped him from showing up somewhere he didn’t belong. From what she’d heard from the few people who would still gab with her, Lamont was hoping Luke wouldtake him on as a client now that Seth had retired. Another thing to worry about.
    She put the earring down and took a deep breath. She needed to look polished tonight. Classy. Elegant. Dignified . Maybe she should focus on her hair and makeup. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to go for a straight or curly look. The four dresses on the bed weren’t screaming “wear me,” and she’d run out of herfavorite lipstick and hadn’t realized it. She had less than an hour to make a miracle happen and get on the road to Philly to meet Derek at his bar.
    Frustrated, she went downstairs to get something to drink. She wouldn’t dare sip or eat after she finally decided on what she was wearing and got dressed. She also wanted to make sure her grandmother was settled for the evening before she left.Charisma found her in the living room exercising to her Granny’s Groove aerobics tape. Since she’d been living here, she’d seen another side of her grandmother. People in the family didn’t give her enough credit. She was still sharp as a whip and very active for someone of her age, keeping busy with her hobbies and caring for the great grandchildren in the family.
    Charisma leaned againstthe archway. “Grandma, I’ll be leaving soon. Do you need anything before I