His Leading Lady Read Free

been hiding?
    It took them almost an hour to finish the
sundae. Mark ate the lion’s share, as Penny had to curb her calorie
intake. She was satisfied fairly quickly and enjoyed watching him
chow down. He must burn up a ton of calories every day. He’s
trim. Her gaze trailed down his chest to his hips. Bet he’s
got washboard abs under that shirt. Hope I get a chance to find
out. Not tonight! Girl, slow down.
    Penny took a deep breath then hid her
embarrassment at her own thoughts by picking up her water glass for
a sip.
    “Are you convinced I’m not a rapist?”
    She grinned at him.
    “Will you let me drive you home?”
    “Only if you give this twenty back to
Darvin.” Penny handed the bill to Mark.
    “I’d like to shove it, but hell, yeah. I’ll
return it to him. So, you’re coming with me?”
    “Why not?”
    Mark paid the bill and pushed to his feet. He
placed his hand on Penny’s lower back to guide her out to his SUV.
The warmth from his touch sent a small sizzle up her spine. He
opened the car door. He’s a gentleman now, but is he going to
jump me in the front seat? When we get home? I hope not. She
snapped the seatbelt on and sat back. Apprehension mixed with
curiosity about this attractive man filled her mind. Her fingers
played with the strap on her handbag as he put the vehicle in
gear.
    Mark pulled into the parking lot of the
building where Penny lived and killed the motor. He inched his hand
closer to hers until they were touching. Can I see you again?” His
gaze met hers.
    “Maybe.”
    “Maybe?”
    “Look. Mark, you seem like a nice guy, but
I’m not into one-night stands, hooking up, or friends with
benefits. I’m serious about my career and don’t want to end up in
the tabloids, or screwed and dumped because you’re curious.”
    “Wow. A bit defensive, aren’t we?”
    “If you’ve had to deal with the crap that’s
come my way, you’d be like this, too. Even guys who seem nice end
up in a wrestling match. Star fucking is a popular hobby. I don’t
play.”
    “Does that mean you don’t date?”
    “I don’t date much. I’m very choosy.”
    “Guess that lets me out, huh?”
    Crap! Didn’t mean to shoot him down. She placed her hand on his arm. “I didn’t mean that.”
    “So, you do want to go out with me? I’m
confused.”
    “Could we start slow?”
    “Snail’s pace. Promise.” He raised his right
hand and crossed his heart with the other.
    “Okay.” She blew out a breath.
    “How about we…uh…go bowling?”
    She laughed. “I haven’t gone bowling since
high school. Sure. Great idea.”
    “Is there a bowling alley around here?”
    “Dunno. You recommended it, without knowing
if there’s one near here?”
    “It was the first safe thing that came to
mind.”
    “You’re funny. Go look it up. I have no
clue.” She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. After gathering
up her sweater and purse, she opened the car door.
    Mark’s hand on her shoulder stopped her.
“Wait. When? What time?”
    Penny bit her lip and rolled her eyes. “Let’s
see. How about Friday night?”
    “This Friday?”
    She nodded.
    “Can’t. Game on Saturday. I never go out the
night before a game. Saturday night?”
    “Sure. Can I come to the game?”
    “I’ll have a ticket waiting at the box office
for you. Two o’clock.”
    She smiled. “Sounds great!”
    “We’ll catch some dinner then bowling?”
    “You’re on.”
    “Can I have your number?”
    She plucked his phone off the seat, punched
her number in, and then saved it.
    “Call me, then I’ll have yours, too.” Mark
leaned over and brushed her lips lightly with his.
    “Thanks for the dessert,” she said.
    “You’re welcome.”
    “Until Saturday, then. Good luck, by the
way.” He smiled. She closed the door and stopped at the entrance to
her building. Touching her lower lip with her finger, she watched
him drive away. Could he be real? They don’t make ’em like that
anymore.

Chapter Two
     
    Saturday was a