Six Degrees of Desperation (Dirty Tricks) Read Free Page A

and
wandered into the makeup department for new eyeliner and eye shadow
to go with her costume and mask for the Cowboy Masquerade Ball. At
the counter, she laid out her selections.
    Sadie scanned the items without commenting
on any of them.
    With a sigh, Charli relaxed. Everything
would work out all right. As soon as she saw Connor tonight, she’d
tell him about her sexual exploits and assure him that they were
over. Not having heard from Original Sin in what was going on six
days now, what were the chances he’d show up in her life tonight of
all nights?
    Sadie slid her purchases into a plastic bag
and handed back her credit card . “I’ll see you at the ball,
tonight?”
    With a smile, Charli nodded. “I’m working
it. Look for the harried saloon girl slinging drinks.”
    “Watch for me, I’m coming as Belle Starr.
Even found a plastic Colt revolver and holster to wear with my
dress.”
    “You’ll be beautiful, but you might get
frisked at the door, especially if you’re packing.”
    Sadie grinned. “Oooh, you really think so?
That would be fine with me as long as it’s not Greta Sue. Give me
one of the hunks and I’m all for a little foreplay.” The clerk’s
laughter followed Charli out the door.
    Her steps lighter, Charli hurried toward her
car, ready to get home, take a nap and rinse off before she
reported for bartending duty at the Ugly Stick this evening. They’d
be open extra late with the festivities of the ball, so a little
rest wouldn’t hurt. And if Connor stayed late as well…She hugged
the bag of condoms and lubricant close.
    A brightly painted SUV stood in front of her
little cottage with the words Sweet Temptation’s Florist painted in
hot-pink scrolling letters.
    Charli pulled into her driveway and got out,
tucking her bag of purchases close to her side.
    “Hey, Charli.” Bunny Leigh bounced out of
the driver’s seat and waved. Then she rounded to the rear hatch,
opened it and retrieved a large bouquet of yellow roses mixed with
happy white daisies. “These are for you.”
    Charli stopped, her empty hand going to her
chest. “For me? Who sent them?”
    “Don’t know. Whoever purchased them called
in the order while I was in the back. The name might be on the
card.” Bunny extended the bouquet. “Careful, they’re heavy. It’s
one of my favorite bouquets, yet.”
    “It’s lovely.” Charli’s eyes filled with
tears. She’d never received such a beautiful array of posies.
“You’re really good, Bunny. Thanks.” Anxious to get inside and tear
into the little yellow envelope sticking out of the middle of the
arrangement, Charli hurried up the steps. She set the flowers on
the porch and unlocked the door, scooping the flowers up into her
arm and rushing inside.
    Once in the kitchen, she dropped the bag and
the vase on the counter and ripped the envelope from the plastic
holder. Inside was a single flat card with words written in bold
print.
    Love you naked.
    Charli flipped over the card, searching for
a signature, initials, anything that would indicate who had sent
them. Panic made her turn over the card several more times until
she gave up and told herself the sender had to be Connor. He was
the last man to see her naked.
    “Hey, beautiful.” A deep rumbling voice
sounded behind Charli.
    She spun, the hand clutching the card
pressed against her chest. “Oh, Connor! You scared the crap out of
me.”
    He smiled.
    His blue eyes melted Charli’s knees.
    “The front door was open, and when I knocked
on the frame, no answer, so here I am.” He held out a bunch of
pretty red roses. “These are for you.”
    Charli reached for them, the card still in
her clenched fist, too many thoughts winging through her head to
make sense. “Th-thank you.”
    Connor’s gaze moved past her to the flowers
on the counter, a frown pulling his brows together. “Nice.” He
glanced her way. “Should I be jealous?”
    Charli swallowed hard, the lump in her
throat settling into her belly. “Uh,