1 Dead Girl's Guide to Style Read Free

then he m ight call back. What could be the worst that could happen? I’d hate the guy and have to suffer through a whole night of looking at his hideous outfit? Based on past experiences, how much worse could this date be?
    I grabbed the phone again and punched in the number before I had a chance to change my mind. The first ring sounded and then another. If I was lucky he wouldn ’t answer. I loved getting voice mail—that way I could just leave a message. Caitlin couldn’t say that I hadn’t tried to call him.
    After four rings, I was just ready to hang up when a sexy baritone voice answered. I hadn ’t expected that, but I wasn’t going to get my hopes up too much. He could look a lot different than the smooth sound suggested. Besides, it wasn’t about the looks anyway. I just didn’t want this guy to be weird. He could have model good looks, but if he was bizarro, I would run from the reception hall before they could say ‘chicken dance’.
    “My friend gave me your number ,” I managed to get out. “For a date.”
    “That was thoughtful of her,” he said.
    Well, he seemed pleasant so far, I guessed. That was when I realized Caitlin hadn’t even told me this guy’s name.
    “I ’m sorry, but Caitlin didn’t give me your name.”
    “ Caitlin didn’t?” He sounded confused as if maybe I’d just woken him from a nap.
    “No, she didn ’t,” I repeated.
    Oh, great, let the weirdness begin.
    “You do have a name, right?” I asked.
    “My name is Max Dupree.” His deep voice reverberated through the line, piquing my interest.
    “It’s nice to talk to you, Max.” After a long pause, I asked, “Do you want to meet me at the Starbucks on Main tomorrow?”
    “How about I meet you across the street at the Fountaine Cemetery?” he said.
    I paused. What kind of date wanted to meet at the cemetery? The vampire creepiness was already starting. I’d known this guy would be weird. At least now I knew that he was probably a vampire. I was going to get Caitlin for this.
    I sig hed, then said, “Sure. I’ll meet you at the entrance.” He’d better not pull any funny business though.
    “It says on my caller ID that this is Vamp Style?” he asked with curiosity in his voice.
    “Yes, that’s me. My name is Hadley Wilds, but I assume Caitlin must have told you that much. Or did she forget to tell you my name too?”
    “Who?”
    Oh, this guy really was out of it. “Caitlin. You know, Clark’s girlfriend,” I said.
    “ You own Vamp Style?” he asked.
    I guess ed she hadn’t shared too many details about my life with this guy after all. That was probably for the best. The less he knew about me the better off I’d be.
    “ Yes, I do. I’m a stylist for the newly turned,” I said in my best professional voice.
    Hey, I always had to promote my business. Times were tough and I had to use any chance I could to put my company’s best high heel forward.
    He paused and then said, “Well, I could use help in that department.”
    Oh great, he ’d probably meet me wearing his PJs.
    “Do you need my help before the wedding?” I asked.
    “What wedding?”
    I sighed and said, “Caitlin’s cousin’s wedding. So do you need help?”
    Another hesitation, and then he said, “No, I guess not.”
    Maybe I should bring a suit as a backup plan. Whatever. As long as he wasn’t wearing sweats and a T-shirt with holes in it, I’d make the best of the evening. Of course, just then the thought hit me that maybe he wouldn’t wear anything at all. Yeah, he could be a total freak.
    “I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said.
    I hung up with a sigh. All that I could do now was hope for the best.

Chapter Two
    The next afternoon I was at home attempting to style my hair. After thirty minutes I decided I’d wear it down and wavy. My only concern was the heat. I’d probably regret not having my hair in an updo off my neck.
    I lived in a recently remodeled small carriage house. It was a cramped space, but I liked the