Chasing Charlie: A Romantic Comedy (The Texas Two-Step Series Book 1) by Kathy Carmichael Page B

be cursed. All she’d done was buy one little red dress. Who would suspect it could cause all these problems?
    She should have known there was no such thing as small risks. They came in only one size, extra-catastrophe.
    The phone jingled again. Charlie hesitated before answering it. "Research. Charlie Nelson."
    "Hi, Charlie, we need to talk."
    Philip’s voice grated down her spine. Who else was going to call today? She never received personal calls at work, or at least so rarely she could count the calls for the past month on one finger. "What’s up?"
    "I’ve done some thinking, and I believe you’re wrong about not seeing each other. I was serious when I proposed."
    She couldn’t help but suspect the only reason he’d even thought of marrying her was because she’d dumped him before he had the chance to think of it first. What was it about the forbidden that seemed to appeal to men? "We don’t have anything in common. I think that says it all."
    "Meet me for dinner tonight and let’s talk."
    "I already have plans." Plans to either attend a shower or hide under her bed.
    "You’re going out with that Neanderthal again, aren’t you?"
    "No, Philip." Not only hadn’t he been the one to break up with her, now he was jealous because another man seemed interested.
    She thought of all the lonely nights she’d spent over the years. If only she’d realized that the secret to getting a man’s attention was making him believe he had competition. And if that was true, surely the reverse would be as well. "That was just a joke. He’s not seriously interested in me. I’m going to a bridal shower tonight. Now, if you don’t mind, I need to get back to work."
    "If you’re sure you don’t want to reconsider my proposal?" He sounded a lot less certain himself. So much for being serious and wanting to talk.
    "No. I have to run now. Bye." Biting back a laugh, Charlie replaced the receiver. What was happening to her?
    The phone chirruped again. She snatched up her handbag and literally ran from her desk. No telling who was calling now and what they’d want from her. She might have known the peace couldn’t last.
    As she headed toward her car, she saw Jane behind the checkout desk. "I’m going to lunch."
    "But it’s only ten forty-five!"
    Not even eleven o’clock? She checked her watch. Sheesh. It felt like the end of the day. "I’m starving. I’ll be back." Rushing out the door, she made a beeline for her car.
    She’d simply had to get away from the phone. Tossing her bag into the passenger seat, she started the engine. But where should she go? Charlie steered her car in the direction of the mall and Rose’s Dress Shop.
    It probably wasn’t a bad idea to look at some dresses. Every time she’d opened her closet this week, all her outfits seemed dull and drab. She could use something more colorful, although she would steer clear of any shade of red.
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    O n Thursday morning , Davis picked up Jim on the way to the mall, glad for the company. He’d put off buying a ring for Charlie for as long as his conscience would let him. But they were supposed to go to the lake on Friday and he didn’t have much time left.
    There was just something about buying an engagement ring that made it seem so real, rather than the masquerade it really was. At least the mall would have window displays and lots of choices.
    The parking lot wasn’t as crowded during mid-week as it was on weekends, making parking easy. Entering the mall through a side entrance, Davis saw they were almost alone in the spoke of shops leading from the main mall area.
    The sound of their footsteps seemed to echo off the glass windows showcasing the stores’ wares.
    As they neared the store directory, Jim spoke up. "I’m glad you’re buying Charlie a ring."
    "Well, if I didn’t, Mom would suspect something was wrong."
    "Are you telling me you still aren’t serious about Charlie? I’ve always wondered about what drove you to date so many women, but wrote