Prince Charming (Behind the Screen, #1) Read Online Free

to do?
    ‘Thanks for meeting me,’ he said.
    ‘It’s a pleasure. I’m glad I did.’ she smiled and sat down.
    Derek didn’t pull out the seat for her, but she was okay with that.
    ‘What can I get you to drink?’
    ‘I’ll have a red wine.’
    Derek returned with a glass of wine and half a pint of lager.
    ‘Cheers,’ he said.
    She lifted her glass and met his.
    ‘Hmmm nice.’ She took in the wine.
    ‘So how was your day?’ he asked.
    Harmony wondered about the questions, they were as thrilling as cutting her toenails, but she went along with them anyway.
    ‘My day was great. Just sorting out a few lessons before Monday. Teaching can be exhausting.’ She laughed lightly.
    ‘I bet it is. The kids must love you though.’
    ‘Some do and some don’t. I’m strict. It’s the naughty ones that don’t like me.’
    ‘I can believe that.’
    ‘How about you? How’s work?’
    ‘It’s okay. A lot going on that I can’t discuss.’ He wanted to tell her about the online stalker, but it hadn’t been verified, so he couldn’t.
    ‘I get the sense something serious is going on.’
    ‘Not really.’
    ‘Yes it is. I guess when the police don’t want to alert the public they keep things under wraps.’
    ‘Not always.’
    ‘Don’t worry, it doesn’t bother me.’ She drank.
    ‘Good, so let’s stop talking about work.’ he smiled. He was delighted to be with such a beautiful woman.
    ‘Fine, what would you like to talk about?’
    ‘What made you respond?’ he asked.
    She studied him a moment. ‘Well, for starters you look good. You’re a cop, that’s super sexy.’ She giggled.
    He laughed.
    ‘A detective, meaning you’re super smart.’
    ‘Go on, I’m liking this.’
    ‘I can see that!’
    ‘Seriously though, thanks for meeting with me.’
    ‘I’m glad I did. I had a date yesterday.’
    ‘You did? How did that go?’
    She knew she shouldn’t talk about other dates with her date, but she wasn’t one to follow some stupid rule. Harmony did what she wanted.
    ‘It was good, he’s a nice gentleman.’
    ‘Better than me?’
    ‘This isn’t a competition.’
    ‘Well it is for me. I want to win.’
    ‘I’m not something you win.’
    ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.’
    ‘I know, I’m kidding.’
    ‘Gosh, you’re a scary woman.’
    ‘I must be!’ she laughed. ‘Online dating isn’t for the faint hearted.’
    ‘I agree with you there.’
    ‘Yes well, that’s dating.’
    They moved on to different things. After drinks, Harmony had enjoyed herself so much that she agreed to continue the date and have dinner with him.
    ‘Consider yourself lucky. I rarely extend my dates.’
    ‘Well, in that case I’ll make it super special.’
    They’d chosen an Italian restaurant.
    ‘I’ll avoid the spaghetti! I don’t want to be slurping in front of my date.’
    ‘I bet you look cute though.’
    ‘Well you won’t see it tonight.’
    The conversation flowed. It was easy to speak to Derek. He seemed like the winner so far, but she still wanted to see Marcus on Thursday.
    They shared a pizza. Harmony wasn’t too hungry and Derek just went along with whatever she wanted. The meal was relaxed. They talked about favourite books, movies the theatre. Derek gave her the low down on his job, only the good parts. She did her best to keep up her lie as a teacher.
    Finally the meal ended, Derek walked her to her car.
    ‘I enjoyed tonight,’ she said.
    ‘I did too. Would you like to meet up again? Next weekend?’
    ‘I’d love too, but next weekend is fully booked. Is Friday any good for you?’
    ‘It depends what time. I’m at work.’
    ‘Evening is fine or whenever you’re free.’
    ‘Okay, let’s meet Friday. I’ll confirm time later this week if that’s okay.’
    ‘That’s fine. I look forward to it.’
    Derek moved forward, and she gave him her cheek. He kissed it lightly.
    ‘See you soon.’ She moved away, unlocked the mini and slid in.
    ‘Yes, see you soon.’ He watched