Always Tried and Proven Read Online Free Page B

mirror, and sighed.  She decided she'd best pull her hair up, and fashioned it into a chignon, fastened with jeweled combs that complimented her outfit.  She added light, tasteful makeup, a silver and turquoise belt, bracelet and earrings.  Then, she joined Sadie in the living room.
         Sadie gaped at her in astonishment.  "Oh, my!" she said lightly.  "You look smashing!  Callie, you're incredible.  I don't think I've ever seen such a beautiful woman."
         "Get real."  Callie drawled, picking up her purse and two garment bags. 
       When Sadie protested that she was gorgeous, she shot her a dark look.  "Thanks."  She added almost sourly. 
        Sadie’s gushing made her want to turn around, and change into something less “smashing”.  She wasn’t used to thinking about the clothes she wore;  she was an entertainer and as such, she was always looking sharp.  But if it was going to draw any extra attention to her from this man … she would certainly change!
         Sadie widened her eyes, and shrugged.  "Just my opinion.  And I mean it sincerely."
          Callie sighed.  "I know you did.   I'm sorry." She grumbled.  "You know, I think I should drive myself, in case I run short on time."
         "All right."  Sadie agreed.  "I'll ride to the restaurant with you, and Sam can follow us.  Drive around to the street and I'll meet you there, after I check to see if Sam's arrived.  He should be here by now."
         Callie nodded.  When she pulled out of the drive, she saw that Mr. Stringer had indeed arrived, in a sparkling, new, white Cadillac Seville.  She tried not to look at him, but it was somehow very difficult.  She continued to be acutely aware of him, as he followed them to the restaurant that Sadie had decided on.  Once, her gaze met his in the rear view mirror; and she quickly darted her eyes away.
         When she had parked and locked her truck, Sam came up between the two ladies and put an arm around each of them.  Callie literally jumped when she felt his warm hand settle around her waist.
         “Callie, I'm glad you could come.  You two look lovely this evening.  I'll bet I'm the envy of every man on the Eastern Seaboard, tonight."
         Callie tried to smile, but it was a stiff and completely insincere attempt to be polite.  She only just wanted to run out from under his arm!  His closeness upset her balance, horribly.  She kept her lip buttoned and her eyes on the floor until they were seated in a booth.
         She suddenly stopped breathing, when Sam sat down in the booth beside her.  She just could not believe it!  Every nerve in her body was screaming with anxiety.  To make matters worse, he stretched his arm along the back of the booth behind her.  She felt absolutely miserable.  She shot Sadie a stunned look, as her friend sat down in the only seat left, but Sadie seemed totally unperturbed that Sam had chosen to cozy up to Cal. 
         "So, Callie.  Where are you working tonight?" he asked, seeming unaware of her discomfort.
         She shot him a nervous look, and then stared at her hands.  "It's a place called the West Valley Saloon." She answered tightly.
          "Is it a nice place?  Or, not so pleasant?" he continued.             
         She gave him a bold look, taking obvious offense.  "It is very nice.  I don't knowingly play any other kind." She told him in a chilly voice. 
         "I am quite certain of that.  But asking got you to look at me, didn't it?" he asked lightly.  A teasing smile played around the corners of his mouth, and Callie stiffened her neck.  She wanted to be angry, but all she could feel was confusion.  His blue-green eyes probed hers playfully.  He looked almost boyish and yet, very sexy, when he looked at her in that teasing way.
         Callie bit her lip and averted her eyes.  Tonight, he was wearing a crisp, white linen shirt and he had a silk