But, just like that, a few condescending snickers from the new guys in sales, and she
felt all of thirteen again. A young girl on the verge of womanhood, unfortunately toppling
into maturity with a body built for sex. Men wanted her, and women mostly disliked her,
threatened by her appeal. Hailey snorted. If only they realized she was all show and no
action.
The few men she’d dated over the years had complained of her tension whenever sex
was involved. And her one serious boyfriend, the lover she’d broken up with a year ago,
had left her for another woman, claiming Hailey had too many issues regarding their
intimacy together. Apparently, that made it okay to boink his next-door neighbor.
Just thinking about Jerry the Worm made her see red. She’d really thought he might
beThe One. After so much time doubting herself, she’d found a man to love her for
herself, or so she’d thought at the time. She ought to face facts. She didn’t have what it
took to hold onto a man, and especially not a man other women would drool over.
An image of Gage made her frown, depression weighing her down. He was great to
look at, and a hell of a man to dream about. If only dreams could come true. What the
hell would she say if she ever met him face to face?
Hi, I’ve seen you naked. You’re gorgeous, perfect, and the man I masturbate to
nightly. But I’m too nervous about my own body to share it with you. Thanks for playing?
Sighing, Hailey had just lifted the handle to the car door when a large hand covered
hers, scaring her speechless. Turning her in his arms, her dream man asked in a deep,
husky voice as smooth as molasses, “Where are you off to so soon, honey? You’re going
to miss the best part of the show.”
www.samhainpublishing.com 11
Marie Harte
Chapter Two
Hailey leapt back, crashing against her car, and stared at Gage with wide eyes.
“What?”she squeaked.
“Baby, even those honey-brown eyes aren’t enough to make me go away quietly.
You and your friends have been watching me. I know it and you know it.” His voice
grew louder, attracting the attention of a nearby resident.
