Read Tales of the Ragoon, Kate's Movie Star for Free Online Page B

pointed to the
entrance to the parking lot.
    They sat down to their meal in silence, both
subdued by Kate’s revelation. She was mentally kicking herself for
telling him about her mother. Runyon drummed his fingers on the
table. Someone came by and set glasses of water in front of them.
Runyon remarked on the nice décor in the restaurant. Gradually the
mood lightened.
    He really is naturally charming, Kate thought
to herself, as she watched a man carrying menus approach.
    “May I offer you a glass of fine wine this
evening?” asked the man as he sat the menus in front of Kate and
Runyon.
    Runyon responded by asking for something that
Kate had never heard of. The man nodded.
    “And a glass for your lady?” he asked
pleasantly.
    Kate gave him a bright smile and opened her
mouth to consent to his offer.
    “None for her, thank you,” Runyon replied for
Kate with a warning glance at the girl sitting opposite him.
    Kate scowled at him. He was depriving her of
an excellent opportunity to display her maturity. When the waiter
turned away, she stuck her tongue out at Runyon who promptly choked
on the sip of water that he was taking. That gave Kate a small
measure of satisfaction, even when Runyon chuckled at her.
    It wasn’t long before he had her smiling. He
shared several humorous tales of his Hollywood friends. He told her
about places that he had been. By the end of their meal, Kate
realized that she had thoroughly enjoyed herself. She was a lot
less stressed as they drove away from the hotel.
    As they were moving along Main Street, Runyon
remarked on the new theater complex. Kate mentioned that a movie
that she wanted to see was playing. Runyon groaned and derisively
used the term, ‘chick flick.’ He pointed out that an action movie
was also playing. A few minutes later, Runyon and Kate were
standing in front of the ticket office arguing. Finally, they
compromised. Grumbling under his breath, Runyon purchased tickets
to the ‘chick flick.’
    The movie was a lot better than he had
expected. And when he realized that Kate was genuinely enthralled,
Runyon was glad that he had given in. Kate was truly enjoying the
movie, even if, every now and then, she felt a little tingle when
her fingers slid against Runyon’s as they reached simultaneously
into the large bucket of buttered popcorn.
    As they got into his car, Runyon was teasing
Kate about tearing up during the movie. She indignantly replied
that she never had.
    “So where do couples go to make out after a
date?” asked Runyon.
    “McConnell Park,” answered Kate promptly, and
then she added hastily, “Not that I’ve ever been there.”
    Runyon laughed. “We had a good time for our
first date,” he said as he parked in front of Kate’s house.
    Kate was startled. “This wasn’t a date,” she
said as she shook her head.
    “We went to dinner, and then we saw a movie,”
replied Runyon. “I hate to break it to you, Kate, but most people
consider that a date.”
    He paused as Kate reached the front step.
    “Kate.”
    She turned, still thinking about what he had
just said. Runyon put his hand on the back of her head, leaned
forward and kissed her.

Chapter Three
    Runyon Settles In
    “Hey!” she declared softly as she pulled
away.
    Runyon smiled his trademarked smile. Kate
ignored it.
    “You could have asked. You’re supposed to
ask. And remember, the Ragoon rules say that I can refuse.”
    “It was just a kiss, Kate.” Then he frowned.
“That wasn’t your first kiss, was it? You do know how to kiss,
don’t you?”
    Exasperated, Kate grabbed Runyon’s head
between her hands and brought his face down to hers. She kissed him
hard and then quickly slid her tongue deep into his mouth, just as
her father opened the door.
    Kate heard the door, heard her father clear
his throat, and suddenly realized how the situation must seem. She
flung herself back and away from Runyon, her face on fire.
    “Uh…uh…,” she stuttered.
    Her father looked pained. Runyon