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

go?”
    “Where are you off to?”
    “I told you that Derek the hockey player invited me to a party.”
    “I didn’t think it was this week. He just asked you the other day.” She frowned. “You should never accept a date the same week a man asks you.”
    “I know, but he was out of town. He dropped by Jared’s firmearlier in the week with the invite.”
    “There are those obnoxious little cell phones everyone insists on using twenty-four hours a day. He could have called.” Grandma continued with her stretches.
    “I get the feeling this was an impulsive thing on his part.” Charisma glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner of the living room. “I have to meet him downtown in an hour.”
    “Waita minute. He’s not coming to pick you up?”
    She shook her head. No way was she telling Derek she lived with her grandmother. “I thought it would be better to meet him at his restaurant because it’s closer to the event.”
    “You’re not going anywhere young lady. If he can’t pick you up at your house, he doesn’t deserve to go out with you.”
    “Grandma, that’s not fair!”
    Grandmacut off her exercise tape. “If you want to go out, call him and tell him to pick you up here or be prepared to crotchet with me on the couch tonight!”
    Feeling like a teenager, Charisma whipped out her phone and scrolled for Derek’s number. With any luck it would go straight to voicemail.
    He answered on the second ring. “Hello.”
    “Hello, Derek. It’s Charisma.”
    “Yes, I know.”He laughed. “You’re not backing out are you?”
    “N-no,” she stammered. Did he sound like he’d be disappointed? “I was thinking it would be better if you picked me up here at my grandma’s house.”
    There was a pause. She held her breath, waiting to hear laughter or some acerbic quip about why she lived with her grandmother. Looked like she’d be working on that blanket after all. FinallyDerek broke the silence.
    “Of course. I apologize for that. I should have insisted on it when we talked the other day. I can be there within the hour unless you need more time.”
    “No, that’s fine.” Charisma looked at her grandma and widened her eyes. “I’ll be ready.”
    “And he will come to the door like a gentleman. This isn’t curbside pickup,” Grandma said as she walked past, headedfor the kitchen.
    Derek overheard her and laughed. “Your grandmother’s right. What’s the address?”
    “I’ll text it to you.” Charisma disconnected the call, and her fingers flew over the virtual keyboard. She pressed send then went into kitchen. “Grandma, Derek will be here in an hour and he will be coming to the door to get me.”
    “Good.” Her grandmother poured a glass of lemonadethen took Charisma by the arm and led her to the steps. “Now come on, you have an hour to look beautiful, not that you need it. But let’s get to it.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I’m going to help you get ready. We can throw a few curls on that head of yours, and I have a diamond necklace your grandfather gave me for an anniversary that you can wear. It’s not that gaudy, eye-blinding junkyou wore when you dated that idiot Lamont, but it’s elegant. Hopefully there’s something in your closet that covers all your bits or we’ll be forced to go into mine.”
    “OK.” Charisma gulped. “Or maybe I could call Dana or Melina and see if they have something I can wear.”
    “You ladies today don’t know the art of respectful sexiness. There’s a way to make a man’s mouth water without showinghim the goods.”
    Charisma hugged her. “Thanks, Grandma.”
    “No thanks necessary. I’m determined to help you know your worth.”
     
    * * *
     
    Derek slid behind the wheel of his Aston Martin and punched the address she’d given him into the GPS. But first he’d make a pit stop. A quick call to his favorite florist and they were more than happy to put a flower arrangementtogether for him. Wanting to make a good impression, he