Chocolate Goodies Read Online Free Page B

that’s wonderful. It sounds like you’re really dedicated to these boys.”
    “I am,” he confirmed. “I really believe that it takes a village to raise children, Coco. Most of the studentswho have come through my program show a marked improvement when they return to school. When they come to me, I get copies of their school records, which show that most are not bad kids. Many are growing up in single parent homes, and gangs provide the family they crave. Some are misjudged because of the way they dress or who they associate with.”
    “I guess I’m guilty of that,” she murmured.
    He flashed a winning smile. “It’s not too late to change your way of thinking.”
    “Point taken.”
    Ransom surveyed his surroundings as he finished his drink. “What are those?” he asked, pointing to the bottles behind the bar.
    “Vintage dessert toppings,” she responded. “You should try them. I created them by blending wine and chocolate. I have Caramel Chardonnay, Chocolate Raspberry Cabernet, Chocolate Espresso Merlot, Straw berry Champagne and Extreme Dark Chocolate Decadence.”
    “Now I’m impressed,” he said. “I’m definitely going to have to try them.”
    “I hope that you will,” she said. Ransom made her heart skip a beat.
    “Coco, I hope I’m not about to make a fool of myself, but would you be interested in having dinner with me tomorrow?”
    She released a soft gasp. “You’re asking me out? Like on a date?” Duh… He nodded.
    “Sure,” she said. “I’d love to have dinner with you.”
    He raised his eyes upward. “Thank you, Lord.”
    She laughed. “Okay, what was that all about?”
    “I was giving thanks. I’ve wanted to ask you out since yesterday, but I wasn’t sure what you’d say. I don’t even know if you’re seeing someone.”
    “I’m single,” Coco assured him. “Since you asked me out, I’m assuming you are, too.”
    “You assumed correctly.”
    Coco continued to search her memory, trying to place where she could have seen him. “Ransom, what did you do before taking on the plight of teens?”
    “I worked as a high school counselor for three years, and then as a songwriter at a big record label for four years, and I freelanced after that. I guess my name got around and I started writing for some major singers. It’s been really good to me. This is why I’m able to start this facility, and I hope to have them all over Los Angeles. I have another one opening soon in Inglewood.”
    “It sounds like you are truly one of the good guys,” Coco told him. “I really hope those boys appreciate what you’re doing for them. I certainly do.”
    “They show me by doing well in school.” Ransom checked his watch. “I guess I need to get back to my office. Coco, thanks for the drink and the conversation. I enjoyed both.” He pulled out a twenty and handed it to her.
    “The drinking chocolate was on the house, Ransom.”
    “This is a tip.” He dazzled her with an incredible sexy smile. “I look forward to our dinner tomorrow night.”
    She waited until he walked out of the shop before shouting, “Yes!”
    Amused, Valencia glanced over at her.
     
    Ransom took Coco to the Jade Empress Pavilion for their first date. She told him she had eaten there once before, but never in one of the private rooms.
    “This is nice,” she said, her eyes bouncing around the space, which was draped in rich but soothing jewel tones. “All the green foliage and rice paper lanterns really add to the ambience. I feel as if I’m away at an exotic retreat.”
    “I’m glad you like it,” he responded. “I wasn’t sure what you’d want to eat, so I might have overordered, but it won’t go to waste. I can take whatever we have left to the staff and students on Monday.”
    They sat down facing each other.
    Coco looked stunning in a teal-colored sundress that seemed to love her body, judging by the way the material fell around her hips and flattered her curves.
    Waiters started to bring the