The Way Home Read Online Free Page B

woman?”
    â€œI certainly hope she’s not strange.”
    â€œVery funny. So do you want to talk to her or not?”
    Cal sighed again. No, he didn’t. But he’d have to face this sooner or later, and he might as well get it over with. “Yeah, I guess so.”
    â€œDo try to restrain your eagerness,” Cynthia said dryly. “Remember, this woman paid good money for you. You could at least show a little enthusiasm. How much, by the way?”
    â€œFive hundred.”
    She gave a low whistle. “All I can say is, you better make this date something to remember. I’ll put her through.”
    â€œWait! Did she give you her name?”
    â€œNo. Don’t you have it?” Cynthia asked in surprise.
    â€œI cut out early that night. She hadn’t gone back to pay yet. They said she’d be in touch with me.”
    â€œWell, it’s payoff time now. Have fun, lover boy.”
    Cal grimaced and took a deep breath. This was the most awkward thing he’d ever done, even if it was for a good cause. He just hoped the woman could at least carry on a decent conversation, or it would be one very long evening.
    He heard the call go through and, remembering Cynthia’s comment about how much money the bidder had paid, forced a pleasant note into his voice. “Cal Richards speaking.”
    â€œMr. Richards, I believe we have a date.”
    He frowned. The voice was oddly—and unsettlingly—familiar, and a wave of uneasiness swept over him.
    â€œYes, I think we do,” he replied warily. “I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name the night of the dinner, although I have a feeling we’ve met.”
    â€œYes, we have. This is Amy Winter.”
    Amy Winter? The reporter? Impossible! Fate wouldn’t be that unkind, not after he’d endured being auctioned off in front of hundreds of women, let himself be humiliated for charity. It couldn’t be her!
    â€œMr. Richards, are you still there?”
    It was her, all right, he realized with a sinking feeling. Now that she’d identified herself, he recognized that distinctive, slightly husky voice. His headache suddenly took a turn for the worst, and he closed hiseyes. “Yes, I’m here. Look, Ms. Winter, is this a joke?”
    â€œHardly. I paid good money for this date. And I have the receipt to prove it.”
    â€œBut why in the world…?” His voice trailed off as her strategy suddenly became clear. He wouldn’t talk to her in a business setting, so she figured he’d have to in a social situation. A muscle in his jaw clenched, and his headache ratcheted up another notch. “It won’t work, you know,” he said coldly.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œDon’t play innocent with me, Ms. Winter. You’re still trying to get me to talk about the trial. Well, forget it. You wasted five hundred dollars.”
    â€œIt went to a good cause. Besides, how do you know I didn’t bid on you because I really wanted a date?”
    â€œMs. Winter, anyone who looks like you doesn’t need to buy dates at an auction. Let’s stop playing games. You bought a date, I’ll give you a date. And that’s all I’ll give you. How about dinner Friday night?”
    â€œHow about sooner?”
    â€œSorry, that’s the best I can do.”
    â€œOkay. Just name the time and place.”
    â€œI’ll pick you up. That was part of the deal.”
    â€œDon’t put yourself out.”
    Cal frowned. She sounded miffed. And she had a right to, he conceded guiltily. As Cynthia had said, she’d paid good money for their date, whatever her motivation. He took a deep breath and forced a morepleasant tone into his voice. “I’ll be happy to pick you up. Just give me your address.”
    She hesitated, and for a moment he thought she was going to refuse. But in the end she relented and they settled on a time.
    â€œI’ll see you Friday, Mr.