A Ring for Cinderella by Judy Christenberry Read Free Book Online

all settled.”
    Susan crossed her arms, hoping it would keep Zach from noticing her trembling fingers. “Have you noticed how everything is always settled your way?”
    He took the wind out of her sails with his quiet response. “How would you like to settle things, Susan? I thought you didn’t want to hurt Gramp.”
    “Of course I don’t want to hurt him! He’s such a dear!”
    “He said I could call him Gramp,” Paul said from the back seat with great satisfaction. “Now I have a grandfather. Can I tell Manny?”
    Susan moaned, trying to think how to answer.
    Zach didn’t hesitate. “Of course you can, buddy.”
    Gasping, Susan turned to glare at him. In a fierce whisper, she said, “Paul is mine! Not yours! I make the decisions about him and don’t you forget it.”
    He met her glare with a cool stare before turning his attention back to his driving. Nothing more was said until he parked the car by her apartment.
    “Is there anything I can do to help you pack for tonight?”
    “Not! Nothing. Come on, Paul.” She opened her door and helped Paul out. She hoped Zach would remain in the car, but she should’ve known better. He was right behind them as they went up the stairs.
    “Put on your pajamas and gather up clean clothes for tomorrow, sweetie,” she ordered Paul, suddenly feeling tired. “I’ll go talk to Rosa.”
    Ignoring Zach, she opened her front door and crossed to Rosa’s door. By the time she’d finished explaining the need for her brother to stay over, Paul was beside her, carrying his new books, excitement on his face.
    “Can I stay, Rosa?”
    “Of course you can. Manny is getting ready for bed.”
    “I got new books about a dog!” he said as he scooted underneath Rosa’s arm.
    “What about a good-night hug for me?” Susan called. Her brother spun around, raced back to hug her, then ran off again.
    Rosa laughed, then sobered. “You okay?”
    “I’m fine. I’ll be here tomorrow at the regular time.”
    “All fight. Have a nice night”
    Susan stood on the landing, taking a deep breath after Rosa closed her door. Yeah, right. A nice night. Finally, she opened the door to her apartment, finding Zach standing in the middle of the living room, waiting.
    Without a word, she walked into her room. The only suitcase she had was an old, scuffed overnight bag, but she couldn’t exactly use a paper sack, so she dragged it out of the back of her closet It took only a couple of minutes to put in what she’d need for tomorrow.
    When she came out with the bag in her hand, Zach stepped forward to take it. After getting a good look at what he was carrying, he looked at her, one brow slipping up in question.
    Her cheeks red, she said, “That’s all I have.”
    With a gentle smile, he said, “It’s more than I’ve got, so don’t worry about it”
    His kindness eased her embarrassment.
     
    Susan had never stayed in a hotel room before. She didn’t want to confess such inexperience. Things were scary enough without having to deal with Zach’s scorn. So she followed him into the brightly lit, elegantly decorated lobby.
    He waved aside the bellboy’s offer to take her suitcase and approached the check-in counter. To her surprise,
     the lady behind the counter greeted him by name.
    “Good evening, Mr. Lowery. We have your new key all ready, and we’ve transferred your belongings to your new room.”
    “Oh, thank you. I was going to ask about that,” he said with a smile, but Susan was beginning to know him and saw a tenseness in his posture.
    “I won’t need your key back. We’ve already changed the code on the door.”
    “Right. Well, we’ll just go on up.”
    “Of course. And call if you need anything.” Then the woman shifted her gaze to Susan. “Congratulations, Mrs. Lowery.”
    “Thank you,” Susan murmured, trying to present a proper bridal air.
    Zach took her hand and started toward the elevator.
    “Is everything all right?” she asked softly.
    “Later.”
    They rode