Wicked by Any Other Name by Linda Wisdom Page A

still in high school and I left off all makeup but lip balm. “Thank you, Reed; words every woman loves to hear.”
    He bent his head down toward hers. “I was able to obtain tickets to the Bon Jovi concert playing down at the casino next weekend, and I hoped you might like to go with me.” His teeth flashed white.
    She rubbed her nose to stop the tickling sensation she always felt when Reed got too close to her. She wasn’t sure what cologne he wore, but she always felt the need to sneeze anytime Reed moved into her personal space.
    â€œI’m so sorry, Reed, but Blair and I have plans for this weekend,” she lied without one ounce of guilt. “We have company coming soon and we need all our free time to prepare for them.”
    If she hadn’t been looking at him directly she would have missed the flash of what she swore was fury in his forest-green eyes.
    What’s he so mad about? I hate lies and I’m having to give him a whopper. If anything, I should be mad at him for making me lie! she rationalized.
    â€œIf I’d had more notice I could have rearranged things, but I can’t leave Blair to do all the work herself.” She started feeling a nasty pinch under her arm. If Reed hadn’t been quick enough to grab her coffee, it would have spilled on both of them. He moved it to the table where it sat out of danger. She mentally zapped a stinging pinch back to Blair.
    â€œSince my sister would feel the same way, I can understand.”
    â€œReed.” A woman with auburn hair that positively shimmered under the lights stepped up and placed her hand on his arm. The look she flashed Stasi felt like a challenge, although Stasi wasn’t sure why.
    â€œRhetta, this is Stasi Romanov. She’s one of our local shop owners, along with her friend Blair. Stasi, this is my twin sister, Amaretto. Rhetta for short.”
    â€œYes, I’ve heard of you.” Rhetta’s smile was borderline glacial.
    And I’m sure not one word was good and I just bet you’re not too happy that your brother is pursuing me, either. Stasi’s smile gave away nothing of her thoughts. “I’m very pleased to meet you. I know Poppy was happy you would be visiting.”
    Rhetta turned to her brother. “Agnes wants to talk to you.”
    Reed nodded. He paused before he moved away with his twin. “I don’t give up easily.” His smile was supposed to make it a tease, but Stasi felt as if she was being stalked.
    She breathed a sigh of relief once she was alone.
    â€œThese cookies are so good. I don’t know what Reed and his sister put in them, but I swear I have more energy after I have a few of these.” Marva bustled up and set several oatmeal chocolate chip cookies on her plate. She arched a questioning eyebrow at Stasi.
    Stasi shook her head. “I already had a couple.” She wondered how many more lies she’d be telling before the evening was over.
    â€œThen you have much better willpower than I do,” Marva chuckled. “I don’t know how you can stop.” She paused long enough to pick up a cinnamon muffin. “Roger! We need to talk about the play!” she called out, hurrying after her prey.
    Stasi picked up her coffee and sipped the hot brew while she watched the byplay between Blair and Jake. Blair moved forward and Jake moved back.
    â€œWhy do I feel as if I’m looking at me and Reed?” she murmured. “It’s not just Reed, I don’t want anyone.”
    As if her words triggered the sight, dancing red hearts seemed to flash before her eyes. And if that wasn’t bad enough, she could clearly see Trevor Barnes standing beneath the hearts in all his glorious splendor. She closed her eyes tightly, but the image only became more intense. Stasi swallowed the squeak that threatened to erupt even as the coffee turned to acid in her throat.
    I should have sicced Cupid on Carrie. He never likes anyone