Page 30 of A Second Chance Christmas Kiss

“I’ve been slammed. It just died off.” She jerked a thumb toward me. “Did he tell you he blackmailed me into dinner?”

Gretchen and Kent froze, like they didn’t know what they should say.

I was surprised she said it so casually, but I went with it. “Yep.” I moved toward my coat and then walked toward her, putting on a smile. “I did blackmail her, and she must pay up. She doesn’t know where I’m taking her, but it’s a good thing you guys can attest to the fact that I’m not kidnapping her or something.”

They both laughed.

“What’s the status on Max?” Melody asked.

Gretchen shrugged. “Suspended for two days, but he will be off for Christmas break anyway. Now I’ll just have more Christmas help.”

Melody hummed in agreement. “Send him my way if you’re not busy.”

Gretchen winked at her. “I will.”

Melody turned to fully face Kent and Gretchen. “Seriously, do you guys know where he’s taking me?”

Was that excitement in her tone?

Chapter Eleven

Melody

When we stepped out of the bookstore, it was chilly, but luckily there was no wind. “Where are we going?” I asked, feeling tentative.

Charles moved beside me, pointing down the street. “The first place is to my car.” He put his elbow out. “Miss, may I escort you?”

“I’m good.” Then I hesitated. “Where are we going, really?”

Charles looked amused. “You do realize I’m not some crazy person. You’ve known me for a long time. I’m not going to take you somewhere that I won’t bring you back from.”

His smugness was getting on my nerves. “You do realize that people should tell you where they are taking you before you get into their car. That’s stranger danger 101.”

The side of his lip quirked up. “Something you probably had to teach to your son. What age did you teach that?”

The question threw me off guard, but I remembered. “Kindergarten.”

He nodded. “That seems to be the right age.”

I wasn’t sure if he was trying to get me off my game. “So where are you taking me?”

His face sobered. “To Villa Lamont.”

I didn’t recognize that name as a local one, and then I snapped my fingers. “In Newcastle? That’s an hour and a half away. I’m not going an hour and a half to a restaurant.”

“An hour and a half by ordinary car,” he corrected, reminding me about the resources of the King family. “I covered the bookstore, and you promised me dinner. And if I’m correct, Melody Harris doesn’t break her promises.”

Chapter Twelve

Charles

As we reached my Ferrari, Melody shook her head. “You always liked the best cars. Even when we were young, you would come pick me up in your grandfather’s cars.”

I opened the door for her and shrugged. “I guess I haven’t changed much.”

She seemed to get the meaning in my words, and she grimaced as she lowered herself into the car.

I shut the door and dashed around to get in the driver’s seat. I couldn’t believe I was on a date with her, that she’d agreed. I’d called Grandmother earlier, and when I’d told her and Hazel about it, they had both let out little whoops. It was ridiculous, but it felt nice. I hadn’t felt this kind of teenage thrill in a long time.

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