A Ring for Cinderella by Judy Christenberry Read Free Book Online Page A

in silence to the top floor. When they got off, Susan noted there were only two doors. Zach moved to the door on his right, pulling her along behind him.
    He slid the key in the door just as the second elevator door slid open. A waiter got off, pushing a cart. “Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Lowery. Mr. Peter Lowery ordered a surprise for you.”
    “Great,” Zach muttered. He pushed open the door. “Go ahead.”
    “Certainly, sir. That way I can hold open the door for you to carry your bride over the threshold.”
    Susan tried to cover her gasp with her hand. When she looked at Zach, she read the answer to her unspoken question. Yes, he would be carrying her over the threshold.
    He set down her small bag and reached for her. He swung her up into the air with an ease she admired. The man was strong, as Paul had said.
    The waiter beamed at them, seeming to wait for something else. When Zach’s lips covered hers, she knew what it was. And discovered that the kiss at their wedding wasn’t a fluke. When this man touched her, she seemed to lose control. Her head was spinning when he slid her down his body.
    That didn’t reduce the excitement racing through her body.
    Immediately, the waiter removed several domed lids to reveal Gramp’s present, an array of cheeses, crackers and a beautiful pile of chocolate-dipped strawberries, along with another bottle of champagne.
    Then he bowed and waited for Zach’s tip.
    Susan turned away, hoping to hide her excitement... and her fear.
    That’s when she saw the room she had entered. Or rather, the suite. The beautiful living room had a wall of windows looking over Kansas City. It opened into an elegant dining room. She assumed the door on the nearest wall was the bedroom. She thought her entire apartment was smaller than just the living room and dining room.
    The snap of the door closing behind the waiter had her spinning around. “It’s so big.”
    “Not big enough.”
    She stared at him, wondering how spoiled he must be to need more space. “How can you say that?”
    “Because it’s only got one bed, Susan. Unless you’ve decided you want to share, that’s going to be a problem.”
    Her cheeks flamed. “Oh.”
    “That’s why I was upset. I hadn’t thought about the fact they would automatically move my clothes and cancel my room. I guess I had too much on my mind.”
    “Oh,” she repeated, unable to think of anything to say. Then, she said, “The couch is a big one. I’ll sleep there.”
    “No,” he said with a sigh, “I’ll take the couch.”
    “But I’m shorter than you. It will be more—
    “Susan!” he snapped. “I’ll take the couch!” He stomped away from her without waiting for an answer. At the dining table, where the waiter had placed the food, he began filling a plate.
    “You’re hungry?”
    “No. But Gramp will get a report on whether or not we enjoyed his gift. Come eat something.”
    As she reluctantly filled a plate, he opened the bottle of champagne and poured two glasses.
    “I-I don’t usually drink,” she said shakily.
    He smiled at her, which increased his attractiveness.
    She sighed.
    “And you already had a glass at the wedding?” he asked.
    “Well, a couple of sips only.”
    “You’re a high roller, aren’t you, Susan?” His smile sharpened.
    “I don’t know what you mean.”
    “Nothing. I was teasing. Want to sit down?”
    “I’d rather just go to bed,” she whispered. When his eyes lit up, she realized her mistake. “Alone! I meant alone.”
    “I was afraid that was what you meant. Can’t you eat a little more?”
    She removed more domed lids and looked at stuffed mushrooms, chicken wings, deviled eggs, and she sighed. “I—I suppose.”
    He put his plate and glass on the table and crossed to her. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll tell Gramp I kept you too busy to eat.” He took the plate from her hand.
    “Oh.” The meaning of his words brought the blood to her cheeks again. “Thank you.” And she rushed