Blame it on the Stars (The Blame Game) Read Online Free Page B

much she was looking forward to this evening.
    The clock on her wall chimed six-thirty, and her doorbell rang.
    Catlin opened her front door . “Right on time. I should have expected that.”
    Steve ’s eyes gleamed as he looked her over. “I didn’t expect that you could look more beautiful each time I see you, but somehow you manage it.”
    She motioned him in. “Why, thank you. You look pretty spectacular yourself.”
    He ran his hand over the sleeve of his black suit. “What, this old thing?”
    “ Yeah, right.” She laughed, noticing the expensive cut and modern style of his suit.
    “ These are for you.” He handed her three red roses.
    “ They are lovely. Thank you.” She smelled the roses as she reached for a vase. “Let me get them in some water.” She went into the kitchen. “Is there significance to the number three?”
    “ Yeah,” he replied. “That’s how many the florist had left.”
    She walked out with the roses in a vase, and set them on a table. “Sure.”
    “ Why do you think there might be significance?” he asked her, amused.
    “ You seem like the type of man that has significance for everything he does.”
    He laughed. “You got me. So maybe three is for the three times I’ve gotten to see your lovely face.”
    “ How sweet.” She motioned to the couch. “Would you like to sit for a minute?”
    “ Sure.” He sat on the couch. “Nice place you have here.” He looked around the small, somewhat cluttered, little house, his face expressionless.
    Catlin laughed . “I realize it’s not Trump Towers, but it suits me fine. I live alone, I have very few needs. It’s got a garage and I enjoy the fireplace.”
    He shook his head . “I didn’t say anything.”
    She grinned. “Yeah, I could see the look on your face. What difference does it make to you, anyway? This is just dinner, remember. No commitments.”
    Steve stood. “Why do I think I’m going to regret saying that to you?”
    She smiled sarcastically. “I never forget the important things, either.”
    He cleared his throat and looked at her. “Somehow I feel like I haven’t gotten off to the best start.”
    “ Perhaps it was the insulting of my house…” she teased him.
    He laughed and shook his head. “I never insulted your house! Honestly, I didn’t! Well, I didn’t mean to, anyway! Maybe we should go eat.”
    Catlin reached for her jacket. “I don’t know how hungry I am anymore. But since I spent so much time getting ready, I am going to make you buy me dinner.”
    He took the jacket from her. “You spent a lot of time getting ready for me? By the way, it’s almost a crime to cover up these gorgeous shoulders.” He slipped her jacket on.
    “ Keep talking, buddy. You have a ways to go to get back in my good graces.”
    He opened the door for her, Catlin grabbed her purse, and they stepped out.
    “Look at this. You made such a big deal about my car. You drive a Beemer.”
    He opened the door to his BMW and she got in.
    “Yeah, but it’s a sedan—not a sports car , like yours.” He got in and started it up.
    She laughed. “Something tells me you could have a sports car if you really wanted one.”
    He shrugged. “I suppose so. But it’s not always fun getting everything you want. Sometimes anticipation is half the fun.”
    She looked out the window. “And sometimes anticipation can drive you nuts!”
     
    When they were seated in the restaurant, Steve asked Catlin “Do you like wine?”
    “ I drink wine, but just a little. I don’t handle alcohol well.”
    “ I’ll remember that.”
    She unfolded her napkin and placed it in her lap. “Don’t be thinking you’re going to get me drunk and agreeable, because I’m not that kind of a drunk. I’m more the barf-in-your-Beemer type. So just remember that .”
    Steve had been sipping water and choked at her comment. “I will definitely remember that.”
    They ordered, and relaxed over a glass of wine. “Catlin,” Steve began “I’m sorry if