Read And To Cherish for Free Online

worse. My dad’s name was Howard. I could be a Howie.”
    “Howie?” Her head tilted.
    “Okay. Long story short - let’s just say, sometimes your name fits you. And sometimes it doesn’t. Like yours. Which is...?”
    “I would say your name fits you perfectly. Doctor. Samson. Reid.”
    She split his name into three distinct sections. His ears started buzzing slightly. This was really weird. And getting weirder. It was like they spoke, but they could be saying anything. Words and content didn’t matter. There was an undercurrent happening. It seemed to generate from her before reaching out and grabbing at him. The air felt more alive. Brighter. Electrified. He’d never felt anything like it. He had to physically restrain the urge to move closer to her.
    “Look. Um. Are you...alone?”
    It was stupid question time, but he hadn’t even managed to find out her name yet. His engine was running beside him, putting unnecessary pollution in the air, while the temperature wasn’t getting any warmer. He glanced over her shoulder, as if expecting others, and then looked back down at her.
    “Yes.”
    “You hungry?”
    “No.”
    “Thirsty?”
    A slight smile touched her lips again. A tingle slid through his belly as he watched it. He worked at stifling it. This was ridiculous.
    “I am replete.”
    “Well...maybe I can give you a lift somewhere?”
    “Where?”
    “I don’t know. I’d say your home, but maybe you’re from out-of-town. Maybe you’re booked at the hotel?”
    “No.”
    “Okay. Well. Maybe you don’t want me to know your address. I mean we just met, and...that’s a no, too. Got it.”
    He answered it himself. She’d shaken her head before he finished anyway. Okay. He didn’t know her name. He was failing on getting a date. He was going to have to figure something else out.
    “Well. Maybe I should turn off my engine, and...no to that, too?”
    She’d shaken her head again. Sam’s shoulders dropped.
    “Look. I’m running out of suggestions here, okay? I thought you might want to get to know me better. I’m all for that idea, trust me. And...oh, heck. Forget it. I don’t even know your name.”
    She looked at him for long moments, sending something electric toward him. Or something even more powerful. His hairs lifted. His eyes watered.
    “My name is Cherish.”
    Elation filled him. Sweetening the world just about everywhere. His voice carried it. “Cherish. Wow. Your parents named you accurately.”
    “It wasn’t my parents.”
    “Okay. Well. Whoever had the honor of sticking a name on your bassinet – they did a great job. Cherish definitely fits. Does this mean you’re open for a date, too?”
    “Which one?”
    Sam blinked a few times. It cleared his eyes. Then he smiled. “Any. All. I mean, I’m free this weekend. You want to take in a movie tomorrow night, maybe?”
    “A movie?”
    “Yeah. There’s a new one showing at the theatre. I could pick you up. Or meet you there. We could maybe munch on some popcorn, sip a soda. Maybe get a late supper afterwards?”
    “No.”
    Well. Crashing disappointment was a physical force, too. It hit about mid-gut level with sickening effect. He really didn’t know what to do. Sam pulled his gaze from hers and looked down. She was wearing high leather boots with her tight jeans. And damn! But she had a superfine bosom on display right in his line of vision, too.
    “Well. I guess that’s that. It’s uh...been nice meeting you, Cherish.”
    “It has?”
    “Yeah. Excuse me, but I think I should go now.”
    “Where?”
    “My home.”
    “Oh.”
    “Look. You’re probably going to have to step a little to the side. Okay?”
    “A little?”
    “There’s a vehicle behind mine. So, unless you move, we’re pretty much stuck.”
    “We are?”
    Sam sighed heavily. Audibly. He was really tired of being a loser with women. That sigh reflected it.
    “Look. I may be slow, Cherish, but I got the message. You’re sending out all kinds of mixed