1 Dead Girl's Guide to Style Read Free Page B

with mysterious dark bedroom eyes and a roguish smile. There was no way he could hide his sexiness. Vampires were notoriously charming and seductive.
    Before I knew what was going on, I found myself envisioning running my fingers through his thick dark hair. Okay, I was getting carried away. The fashion guru in me knew that he would even look good in the aforementioned sweatpants. At least Caitlin had gotten this part right and sent me on a date with a hunk of a man.
    He returned my stare as he neared. He looked dashing… and deadly.
    When he reached the gate, he said, “Are you Hadley Wilds?”
    I nodded, and for a moment found myself speechless. His presence was even more compelling up close.
    Finally, my voice worked, and I said, “Are you my date?”
    A small grin twisted the sides of his mouth. Max was even more handsome when he smiled. Maybe this date wouldn’t be so bad after all. Now that he was close, I could see that he wore a black button-down shirt and black pants. Did he think we were going to a funeral? Caitlin was off the hook for now. He was okay so far. A little creepy, but okay.
    “I suppose I am,” he said as he gave me a slow appraising look.
    “Are you ready to go?” I asked as I gestured down the sidewalk.
    Max smiled brightly. “Yes, I’m all set.”
    He walked out from the graveyard and moved along the sidewalk beside me. Oak trees lined our path and branches swayed with the wind.
    “I hope you don’t mind if I ask why you wanted to meet here?” I glanced at him.
    He stared ahead and then said, “I was visiting a grave before you arrived.”
    Oh, well, that made sense, I guessed. “I’m sorry. Was it a loved one?”
    Max glanced at me and then said, “Yes.”
    That was all he offered, so I didn ’t press the issue. Maybe I’d find out from Caitlin later, although she hadn’t provided any details about this man thus far.
    I looked him up and down. “You said you needed help from a stylist.”
    He flashed that dazzling smile again. “It’s been hard adjusting. I could use a little help.”
    “It looks like you did okay for tonight.” I couldn ’t help but offer a smile.
    And to think that the only smile I ’d thought would cross my lips tonight would be when I said goodbye; I had been completely wrong.
    “Don’t be fooled. I had help from someone at the store. I don ’t have many other clothes other than this.” He gestured at his shirt.
    “Well, stop by my office and we can work out a plan for you,” I offered.
    “I’d like that,” he said.
    Max and I continued down the sidewalk, but my anxiety increased. This wasn’t first-date jitters. A strong presence sent out a vibe from somewhere not far behind us. I cast a glance over my shoulder, but didn’t see anyone.
    We ’d only taken a few more steps when all of a sudden Max grabbed my arm and yanked me to the side. I stumbled, but managed to keep myself upright. He dragged me behind a tree near the edge of the graveyard. This was it. Max was going to kill me—as in permanently kill me. He probably had a stake and would stick it through my heart. I’d be nothing more than a pile of ashes. Paying the rent next month or having to go to the dentist for my fang checkup wouldn’t be an issue any longer. I hoped Caitlin would feel terrible for setting me up with this creep.
    With his hand covering my mouth, I was ready to punch him in the ribs with my elbow. I’d just started to put that plan into action when I saw the men run past. These weren’t joggers either. They were way overdressed for that. Actually, they wore suits and looked as if they were headed to a wedding too.
    When they ’d passed, Max released his hand from my mouth. “I’m sorry I grabbed you like that.”
    I straightened my dress and looked at him. “I can see that now, but if you ever do that to me again I will be forced to inflict great pain upon you. What is going on? Do you owe a gambling debt?”
    He shook his head. “They’ve been trailing