Designs on Haley

Designs on Haley Michael Flannery is the kind of man every woman dreams of—tall, handsome, intelligent, successful, and fiercely protective of those he loves. The talented architect has two goals: become a partner at Miller Engineering and Design, and find Miss Right. Haley Preston has two goals as well: start a new life, and learn not to be such a gullible idiot. The rich, beautiful interior designer has been duped and used. Never again. She has sold her immensely successful business in New York and moved back to Tennessee to rebuild her life. Sexual chemistry ignites an undeniable desire the moment they meet. Haley fights her attraction, but Michael will not be dissuaded. No one will interfere with his Designs on Haley. Will Haley's secrets tear them apart? Can Michael banish the ghosts of Haley's past? Is lust enough? Or does his blueprint for the future require true love? Genre: Contemporary Length: 54,357 words

DESIGNS ON HALEY

Nita Wick

ROMANCE

www.BookStrand.com

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A SIREN BOOKSTRAND TITLE IMPRINT: Romance

DESIGNS ON HALEY Copyright © 2012 by Nita Wick E-book ISBN: 1-61926-540-0 First E-book Publication: April 2012 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2012 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION For Pat, whose game-day attire inspired Haley’s outfit for the football game. Thank you for being my friend, beta reader, and fan. As always, I must express my gratitude to my fans, friends, and family for the wonderful support and encouragement. I would be lost without you.

DESIGNS ON HALEY NITA WICK Copyright © 2012

Chapter One Haley held her breath, pumping again on the leg press. Her thighs and calves burned. But that was good. Exercising to exhaustion was therapy, the only way she could forget her aching heart for an hour or two. Focusing on the next rep, she ignored the three men across the room doing sit-ups on the abdominal machine. They’d been watching her for half an hour. Two of them had already approached her this week. One had dared to come back a second time, even after she’d been as cold and rude as she knew how to be. Today the two who’d hit on her were obviously pushing the third guy to try. The two were elbowing each other and laughing. She imagined they were ribbing the guy about being a wuss. Or worse. She pumped her legs again, sweat trickling between her breasts. If she were honest with herself, she’d admit that the third guy was easy on the eyes. He was at least six foot four, maybe taller. And lean. Glancing toward him, she couldn’t help but notice how his abs rippled beneath the sweat-dampened, white T-shirt he wore. His golden blond cropped hair curled at the nape of his neck and around his ears. Since she’d refused to make eye contact with any of them, there was no way to know what color his eyes were. But he was one sexy man.

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All the more reason to avoid him like the plague. A handsome man was the reason she was here now, building a new home, hiding from the world, and trying to put the pieces of her broken heart back together. Tears stung her eyes. Damn it! The rage at those who’d wronged her had long since waned. Now the anger was directed at herself for being so blind, so foolish. And so unable to get over it. Six months. It had been six friggin’ months, and still she couldn’t even think about it without wanting to cry. The humiliation of being such a stupid, naïve, trusting idiot was too much to bear. She, Haley Preston, owner of HLP Designs, one of the most prestigious and sought-after interior design firms in the world, had been duped. Used. Yes, her heart was broken, but more importantly, her pride lay in smoldering ruins. Somehow she’d lost herself—her identity—and, along with it, the desire and drive it took to be the creative, brilliant interior designer the world adored. It hadn’t taken her long—only a couple of years—to become the interior designer for the rich and famous. Her seemingly unbridled imagination, exquisite taste, and bubbly, persuasive personality gained her one recommendation after another. HLP Designs had burst into New York society and spread worldwide in record time. And it had all ended even faster. Her muscles protested the continued abuse, but she pressed again, lifting the heavy weights in the casing behind her. A movement caught her eye, and she stifled a groan. The third guy had apparently been convinced to make his attempt to pick her up. He wiped a towel across his face and squatted next to her. Without looking at him, she didn’t give him a chance to speak. “Not interested.” There had been a time when Haley would not have thought herself capable of being so rude. He laughed. “Yeah, I know. But the guys wouldn’t leave me alone until I came over and gave it a shot.” Like most everyone here in Tennessee, his voice had a soft, slow, Southern drawl.

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She finished another rep before answering, panting as she released the weight. “So now you have. You can leave.” A moment of tense silence passed before he answered, “He must have ripped your heart out.” Startled, her gaze jerked to his. Green. His eyes were green. She swallowed hard. “What?” He didn’t smile. In fact, he seemed angry. “He cheated on you, didn’t he?” Stunned, she tried to form a pithy reply, but words eluded her. She hadn’t talked about it with anyone—hadn’t wanted to. Not that it would have made any difference. Unless she paid a therapist, there was no one in her life to talk to. His penetrating gaze held hers for several moments. Finally, she tore her gaze away, pushing again for the next rep. Exertion strained her voice as she answered. “Yeah, well, I haven’t managed to get the knives out of my back yet. So, I’d appreciate it if you’d just leave me alone to lick my wounds.” “Understood. When you’re ready to get back in the game, let me know. Sorry I bothered—” Haley cried out, her calf muscle cramping into a tight ball and sending searing pain through her leg. She reached for it, tears once again filling her eyes. He didn’t hesitate. Grabbing the balled muscle with both hands, he squeezed and massaged until it loosened. But even before the pain eased, Haley tingled at the feel of his hands against her bare skin. Heat radiated through her, racing through her blood, waking all her senses. She sucked in a strangled breath. His scent, a musky mixture of sandalwood, juniper, and man, set her heart racing. She closed her eyes, desperately trying to get control of her suddenly awakened libido. After it was obvious the cramp had eased, he still didn’t release her leg. She lifted her lids and found him watching her. His nostrils flared. He didn’t say anything. At least not with words. But his eyes

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told her everything she needed to know. He’d felt it, too. A lightning bolt had struck them, its residual energy sizzling and crackling in the air between them. Haley licked her dry lips. “Thanks.” He stared at her mouth and swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “You’re welcome.” She searched for a way to diffuse the electricity. “I guess I’m done for the day.” Haley grabbed her towel and stood, purposely keeping the machine between them. The sexy green-eyed hunk rose, his hands on his hips. “You should have some orange juice.” His deep voice caused another flutter in her already shaky midsection. “You may be low on potassium.” Surprise scattered her thoughts. “I…You’re right. I’ll get some before I hit the showers.” “Mind if I join you?” A tiny little devil tempted her, but common sense pushed the imp away. “As a matter of fact, I do mind. I told you before. I’m not interested.” “Yeah, I know.” He checked his watch, a thick, manly sports watch that was probably waterproof up to a hundred feet or more. “But in six minutes I’ll have won the bet.” His startling proclamation brought forth an unexpected laugh. When was the last time she’d laughed? “How much?” A shrug lifted his broad shoulders. “A beer.” “A beer? That’s it?” He smiled, revealing even white teeth and a mesmerizing dimple in his left cheek. “The way you’ve skewered every man who’s tried, I wasn’t about to risk more than that.” An answering smile formed on her lips before she could stop it. “Oh, all right.” She threw her towel over her shoulder. “But then you have to tell your friends to leave me alone.” “Deal.”

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Haley took a step toward the juice bar and instantly regretted it. Pain shot through her calf again, and she almost fell before she managed to shift her weight. Faster than she would have imagined possible, he was at her side, his arm around her waist. “Lean on me.” The words he spoke sent warm breath dancing across her ear. She stiffened, resisting the need to melt into him. His innocent touch sent a surge of lust through her and left her breathless yet again. A gentle pressure pulled her closer to him. Her shoulder met the solid wall of his chest. Haley lifted her gaze to meet his eyes. Green flames burned beneath long, dark lashes most women would kill for. “Damn.” She couldn’t even pretend to misinterpret the meaning of that one little word. The chemistry between them could not be ignored. Haley swallowed a moan, her nipples hardening in response to the primal heat permeating every inch of her body. What was wrong with her? Maybe it had just been too long since she’d had sex. That must be it. And this big, sexy hunk was the first man who’d done more than shake her hand in over six months. Regardless of the cause, she needed to get her libido under control before Green Eyes got the wrong idea. “I’m fine. You can let go.” Damn it all. She hadn’t expected her voice to sound like Marilyn Monroe singing “Happy Birthday.” His lips twitched. The blasted man was trying not to smile. “I don’t mind. Let’s just get you to the juice bar.” Haley sighed. “Okay.” If she could get to one of the bar stools, he’d have to let her go. Maybe then her brain would start functioning again. He helped her hobble to the juice bar, and with more than a little relief, she climbed onto the stool. After sliding onto the stool next to her, he ordered for them. “Two orange juices, please.” He turned to her and graced her with that heart-stopping smile, dimple and all. “I’m Michael.”

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Nodding, she almost gave him her name before she thought better of it. “Thank you for your help, Michael.” “You’re welcome, but this is where you tell me your name.” The bartender delivered their juice. Haley grabbed the glass and sipped before speaking. “I’ll save you the price of a beer, but that’s all you get. I didn’t say we’d make small talk.” He shook his head and grinned. “Two beers. I have to buy them each a beer if I lose.” He checked his watched. “And I need three more minutes.” Haley didn’t answer. They both sipped their juice. After a full minute of him staring at her, watching her, she couldn’t stand it any longer. “What?” “You’re beautiful.” His gruff voice sent a new round of butterflies flitting through her insides. “Is that the best line you can come up with?” “It’s no line. You are a very pretty woman.” “Yeah, right. I’m covered in sweat. My hair is in a scrunchy, for heaven’s sake. And I’m not wearing any makeup.” “I know. I’ll bet you clean up good.” He took another drink of his juice and winked at her. “You’re probably drop-dead gorgeous when you want to be.” Unsure how to answer, she changed the topic. “Have you won your beer yet?” He checked his watch again. “Almost. About forty-five more seconds. You haven’t been coming here long. Are you new to the area?” “Yes and no.” What the hell was she doing? This guy was not what she needed right now. She needed to get her act together first. She needed to figure out who she was and what she wanted to do with her life now that all her previous plans were in the toilet. “Care to elaborate?” She took a long swallow of the orange juice, emptying her glass. “Nope.”

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He rubbed his chin, drawing her attention to his five o’clock shadow. “It’s not working, you know.” “I beg your pardon?” “I love a mystery. Puzzles are my thing.” He narrowed his eyes and leaned toward her. “And you, lady, are the most intriguing enigma I’ve found in a very long time.” Her stomach turned a flip. That voice. Those eyes. The man was dangerous. She didn’t want a boyfriend, wasn’t ready for a relationship. A one-night stand was out of the question. Casual sex just left her feeling dirty the next day. Her body’s intense reaction was reason enough to steer clear of the guy. She stood, careful to keep her weight off the injured muscle. “I think you’ve won your bet.” He shrugged. “Yeah, but when I can’t tell them your name, I’ll never hear the end of it.” A smile tugged the corners of her mouth. “First time you’ve failed to get a name?” “As a matter of fact, it is.” He stood. “Guess there’s a first time for everything.” His dimple returned with that perfect smile. “I’ll just have to try harder next time.” Haley bit her lip. Some reckless, senseless part of her wanted a next time. For her own good, she should tell him to get lost. “Thanks again for the help with the cramp.” His smile slipped, and he blew out a deep breath. “Yeah. You should get the massage therapist to work on it for you.” “I will. Enjoy your beer.” She turned and leaned on the wall for support. After only a couple of steps, she stopped. Pivoting on her good leg, she spun around to see him walking away. She called out to him. “Michael.” He paused and looked over his shoulder, one brow raised in question. “It’s Haley.”

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Chapter Two Haley scanned the fitness center. An occasional clank of weights and the humming of a treadmill were the only proof it wasn’t completely empty tonight. Most people had better things to do on a Friday evening. A middle-aged woman power-walked on the treadmill. She couldn’t get a good look at the guy on the bench press, but his gray hair proved it wasn’t Michael. She frowned and headed toward the chest press machines. Haley chastised herself for being disappointed. Of course he wasn’t here. And that was for the best. She was a fool for wanting to see him again. Why had she told him her name? She hadn’t waited to see his reaction. He’d probably flashed that gorgeous smile again. If she’d seen it, she would have smiled back at him like an infatuated schoolgirl. Thank goodness she’d had sense enough to walk away. She pulled the pin and set the weight before straddling the machine. Haley closed her eyes and began to exercise. She’d realized that Michael was a distraction. Perhaps one she needed. At least she’d thought of him last night instead of the life she’d left behind. “Didn’t think you’d be here tonight.” The baritone voice washed over her, sending a shiver down her spine. She opened her eyes to find him leaning on the next machine. “Did I say you could talk to me?” The words might have stung him had she been able to keep a straight face, but the involuntary smile that accompanied them belied their venom. He sat down on the next machine and began working his biceps. They didn’t need any work as far as she could tell. After several reps,

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he spoke. “So there’s something I gotta know. Last night you said you haven’t gotten the knives out of your back yet. Knives. More than one.” Haley released the weight and stared at him. “A man who listens. I didn’t know there was such a creature.” A grin appeared, but it was gone before he spoke again. “Did he cheat on you twice?” She shook her head and pushed her arms together, the thick black cushions providing a temporary barrier. “It was two weeks before our wedding. I’d been planning it for over six months. I came home early from a business trip and found him in bed with my best friend, my maid of honor.” “Shit.” Haley didn’t look at him. “Yeah, that about covers it.” “I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall. What did you say to them?” “Nothing. They were asleep.” He stopped exercising and swung his leg over to face her. “What? You didn’t scream at them? Tell them off?” Haley shook her head. “Nope. I took out my cell phone and snapped a picture of them.” She paused, the clanking of the weights behind her signaling their release. “They didn’t even know I’d been there. They weren’t expecting me to return for two more days.” She met his eyes. “The next day I had five hundred copies of the picture made and had my secretary mail them to everyone who’d received wedding invitations.” He laughed. “Nice.” “I changed my phone numbers and the locks on my doors. Security at my apartment and company were instructed to remove both of them from the premises if they should show up. I had my lawyer file for a restraining order on both of them. I refused to see them—cut them out of my life completely.” “So you never talked to them again?”

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“No. I didn’t want to hear their excuses or apologies.” “Good for you.” Haley shrugged. “Not really. The pictures I mailed out to all our friends and his family had the desired effect. I heard through the grapevine Keith and Sheila were catching hell all over town. But there was something else I didn’t expect.” She took a deep breath. Why was she telling him this? She hadn’t talked to anyone about the whole ordeal, and here she was spilling her guts to a man who was still practically a stranger. “Go on,” he prodded, his voice hushed and low. Oh, what the hell. She might as well finish. Looking across the room at the woman on the treadmill, she continued. “Everywhere I went, I saw people who knew me. Knew all of us. They were nice to me, sympathetic. But they looked at me with pity in their eyes. I’d worked four years to earn their respect, build my company and a strong reputation. And suddenly I was the object of their pity. I couldn’t stand it. My heart was already broken, but that was the finishing blow. I lost it. I didn’t eat. I didn’t sleep. I couldn’t work. I tried, but I couldn’t do it anymore.” Her throat tightened, and tears filled her eyes. No, damn it. She wouldn’t cry again. She should be past the tears by now. “I sold my company, packed up, and came home.” “So Knoxville is home?” She found the courage to meet his eyes. His gaze held no pity, no censure. Relief spread through her. “I…” Exhaustion followed close on the heels of her relief. Months of tension eased, but it left her hollow and weak. “I don’t want to talk anymore. I’m going to get some juice.” He stood and offered his hand. “I think juice is just what you need.” Haley slipped her hand into his. A warmth and tingling spread through her, not quite as sharp and breathtaking as she’d received from his touch yesterday. This time a more comforting, peaceful

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feeling encompassed her. She searched his face. His eyes reflected his smile. He gave her hand a little squeeze and a tug. “Come on.” Without releasing her, he led her to the bar. She climbed on the stool, and he let go of her hand. The loss of his warmth disturbed her. The realization that she already felt some kind of connection with this man distressed her even more. She wasn’t ready for this. “Orange juice?” “I think I’ll have white grape this time.” He nodded and ordered for them. “So how’s the leg?” “Still sore. The massage therapist and the trainer on staff both cautioned me to rest it for a few days.” “And yet here you are.” Was he chastising her? “I was just going to work the upper body.” He took a drink of the juice the bartender delivered. “Be honest with yourself, Haley. You didn’t come here tonight to work out.” Her breath caught. Was he right? Or was he just a conceited jerk thinking she wanted to see him? She stared at her glass. “Why did I come here then?” He didn’t answer until she looked up and met his gaze. “To talk to a friend.” Haley bit her bottom lip. So maybe he wasn’t completely conceited. And maybe he wasn’t completely wrong either. “I didn’t know I had any friends here.” He smiled. “Liar.” Surprise warred with confusion. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “Think about it.” He leaned toward her. “Last night when you gave me your name…That’s when you accepted my friendship.” She thought back to that moment. What had possessed her to do it? Was it just the physical attraction? Or was it something else? Something deeper. She sighed. “Maybe you’re right.”

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“What’s this? A woman who admits when a man is right? I didn’t think there was such a creature.” His dimple made another appearance alongside his amazing smile. She laughed. Again. The second time in as many days. “Thanks. I needed that.” “My pleasure.” He finished his juice and stood. “See you tomorrow?” Haley hadn’t expected him to leave her so soon, but she was thankful for the means of escape. Her confession had left her drained, empty. And she wasn’t ready to reveal any more secrets. “I usually come around four on Saturdays. It’s less crowded by then.” “Four o’clock then.” He leaned down and pressed his lips to her forehead, just above her right temple. “Goodnight, Haley.” The tender gesture took her breath away. She watched him leave, noticing for the first time he wore jeans and cowboy boots. No workout clothes. He’d come here just for her. A nagging little voice urged caution. The man was too good to be true—sexy, handsome, polite, thoughtful. And he hadn’t pushed her. He’d just listened. She groaned aloud and held her head in her hands. With her luck, he would turn out to be a serial killer. **** At five after four, Haley left the dressing room and headed toward the main exercise facility, passing the private rooms where instructors conducted classes. Lively music came from the aerobics class. Calming, soothing soundscapes drifted to her from the yoga room. She wiped her palms against her royal blue tights. The color complemented her skin tone and hair. She’d even applied some waterproof mascara, a touch of blush, and some rosy lip-gloss. It wasn’t a crime for a woman to want to look nice. Oh, who was she kidding? She’d put it on for him, but she’d drawn the line at fixing her hair. Working out did not require hot curlers and hairspray.

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Haley searched the room for the man who’d occupied her thoughts for two days now. She didn’t see him yet, but the room was not nearly as empty as it had been the night before. Deciding he’d be able to find her at the abdominal machines, she chose one and sat down. Only five crunches in, his voice greeted her. “So where were we?” He sat on the adjacent machine and smiled at her. “Knoxville, right? You said you packed up and came home. Knoxville is home then?” She smiled and did another crunch before answering. “Good afternoon to you, too, Michael.” He chuckled and started his sit-ups. “Spill it, Blondie. You’ve left me hanging long enough.” Haley continued her crunches, answering his question while she exercised. “Actually I’m from Brentwood, a little town just south of Nashville.” “Brentwood, huh? The land of multi-million dollar homes where Nashville’s elite live.” “My parents had money.” She left it at that. They’d had loads of money, but he didn’t need to know that. “Anyway, I went to school at UT here in Knoxville.” “Really?” He paused, sitting up and staring at her. “So did I. When did you graduate?” “Five years ago.” “Ah. That explains why I didn’t see you there. It’s been seven for me. I was a couple of years ahead of you.” She shook her head. “We could have been in the same class and still missed each other. During graduation, I remember being surprised by all the names and faces I didn’t recognize. It’s a big school.” “Yeah, it is.” He returned to his exercises. “So are you still a fan?” She smiled. “Are you kidding? I bleed orange. How ’bout those Lady Vols, huh? Yet another basketball championship. I’ll bet they’re running out of room for the banners.”

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He grunted. “Did you see the game? LSU never had a chance.” “Of course I watched it. What kind of fan misses the championship game?” “What about football?” She stopped and sat up, catching her breath. “I buy season tickets every year.” “Let me guess. Fifty yard line.” “Actually they’re on the forty-five, the side closer to the student section.” He swung his leg over the machine and faced her. “I think I’m in love.” Haley laughed, not surprised this time that he’d managed to make her do it. “There are any number of men here in Knoxville who’d be in love with my tickets.” He grinned and winked at her. “Ready to work your biceps?” “Sure.” They changed machines, set the weights, and sat down. Haley wasn’t really ready for another round of questions, so she asked one of her own. “So what do you do?” “I’m an architect. Miller Engineering & Design.” Shock coursed through her. That was the company she’d used to design the home she was building a few miles out of town near Sevierville in the Smoky Mountains. Her new home would be about an hour away from Knoxville. She’d commissioned only the blueprints and building design, declining their interior design services. Why should she pay for something she could do herself? At least she used to be able to do it. She was the best. But that was before the betrayal, before she’d fallen apart. Michael might have been the architect who designed her home. The general contractor she’d hired had dealt with M.E.D. Conducting all business through the builder allowed her to remain anonymous. She really didn’t want the company falling all over themselves to please her.

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Haley and her interior design company were renowned throughout the industry. She’d have to be careful around Michael—at least until she knew him better. “So do you design office buildings or homes?” “A little of both. Whatever the assignment is. What do you do?” She considered lying, but realized there was no need. “Nothing at the moment. I sold my company, remember? I guess you could say I’m between jobs.” “What kind of company was it?” She should probably just tell him and get it over with, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. “The kind where you work six or seven days a week catering to the whims of the rich and famous.” “Hmm. You surprise me there. Somehow I pegged you for a lawyer or stockbroker, some kind of financial advisor. I just can’t see you pandering to anyone.” She grinned and slowed her pace on the machine. “The trick is to convince your clients what you’re selling them is exactly what they asked for.” His deep chuckled pleased her. “Now that I believe. And I’ll bet you were damned good at it.” And so it went for another week. Almost every day they’d meet and work out together for an hour or so. She’d managed to avoid any more conversations about her job, admitting only that she’d worked in Manhattan. She’d talked more about Keith and Sheila. For some unknown reason, she found it easy to talk to Michael. He listened and changed the subject whenever the topic became too melancholy for her. Their sessions always ended with a glass of juice and that tender kiss on her forehead. Friday evening they sat drinking cold cranberry juice. Michael sipped his drink, watching her. “What?” “I was wondering…Would you like to get a cup of coffee after the showers?” She shook her head. “No. I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

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His jaw tightened as if she’d angered him, but disappointment showed in his green eyes. “Okay. As much as I want to, I won’t push.” He leaned down to kiss her forehead and stepped around her. Haley smiled. “I could really go for a pizza, though.” He stopped, settled his hands on hips, and tilted head back to stare at the ceiling. She stood and walked around in front of him. “Do you like pizza?” He lowered his head, a crooked smile on his face. “You’re a wicked little witch, teasing me like that.” “But you make it so easy.” She winked and returned his smile. “I’ll meet you at the front door. Give me twenty minutes.”

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Chapter Three Haley didn’t want to leave her car at the fitness center, so he followed her to her apartment building where she parked her car and joined him in his SUV. Mia’s Pizza Parlor was crowded, mostly with teenagers and families with young kids. Michael assured her the restaurant had the best pizza in town. They waited on a bench in the foyer until a small booth emptied. She sat down, and he slid into the seat across from her. “So what kind of pizza do you like?” “You can put anything on it except onions, bell peppers, or anchovies.” He nodded. “Thick crust or thin?” “Thick. Oh, can we get extra cheese?” He shook his head and laughed. “I’m dreaming this, aren’t I? I’m going to wake up any minute and find my perfect pizza date was just a figment of my imagination.” “Perfect pizza date?” “Do you know how hard it is to find a woman who will even eat pizza these days?” Haley laughed. “Oh, they eat it. They just won’t eat it with you. I’ll bet they all order salads when you take them out to eat.” He lifted his widespread hands. “Exactly.” “I’ll work it off in the gym tomorrow.” After they polished off a medium pan pizza with six toppings and extra cheese, he drove her home and walked her to the front gate of her apartment complex.

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“So which one is yours?” Michael pointed to call box on the wall next to the gate. “I’m in 214.” She pulled the security card out of her wallet and turned to him. “It’s been a long time since I enjoyed a night out like that. Thank you.” “No, I’m the one who should thank you. That was the best pizza I’ve had in years. And the company was even better.” He grabbed her hand and brought to his lips. Heat spread through her. Damn, but she was tempted to ask him inside. “Will I see you tomorrow?” He let go of her fingers and stuffed his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “Sorry. I can’t. I promised Mom I’d help her plant some azalea bushes.” A smile tugged her lips. There was something appealing about a guy who’d help his mother with her gardening. “That’s a promise you’d better keep.” “Yeah. I don’t mind, though. Mom’s pretty cool.” Before she thought better of it, she asked for another date. “The annual orange and white football game is a week from tomorrow. Want to go?” “Are you kidding? Yes!” The back of his fingers brushed her cheek for an instant before his hand returned to his pocket. “You’re gonna break my heart, aren’t you?” “What?” “I’ve found this incredibly beautiful woman who eats pizza and likes to watch Vols football. You must be like some fairytale princess who disappears at midnight or something.” She shook her head. “No, but don’t be fooled. I’m told I can be a real bitch when I don’t get my way.” He wagged his brows. “You can have your way with me anytime you want.” She laughed. “Stop it.”

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The look he gave her simmered with a sexy heat that warmed her blood. “I’m going to kiss you now.” Haley sucked in a strangled breath. She wanted him to kiss her, but she shouldn’t. “Is that a warning? Or is it a half-hearted attempt at asking permission?” He shrugged. “Maybe both. Mom would want me to ask, but I’m not taking ‘no’ for an answer. You’ll have to admit I’ve been very patient.” She couldn’t argue with him. He had been patient. Since the moment they’d met, he’d made no attempt to hide the fact that he found her attractive. He wanted her, but he hadn’t pushed. Haley struggled to reconcile his atypical behavior. Or was it atypical at all? Michael was the kind who knew what he wanted and how to get it. If he pressed her for something she wasn’t ready to give, she’d have nothing more to do with him. And he had probably deduced that from the beginning. The man was as clever as he was sexy. Pushing her thoughts and reservations aside, she gave in to temptation. “I suppose a little kiss wouldn’t hurt anything.” He pulled his hands from his pockets and stepped closer. “I promise it won’t hurt at all.” Butterflies churned in her stomach, and her heart raced. She held up her index finger. “Just a little kiss. Okay?” He wrapped his hand around her finger and pulled it to his chest. “Just tell me when to stop.” His lips hovered above hers for a heartbeat then touched hers with a feathery caress. They moved over her mouth, barely touching, but she felt it all the way to her toes. Firm lips increased their pressure, and time stopped. Liquid fire sped through her veins. He caught her bottom lip with his teeth and gave it gentle tug. Haley’s lips parted, and his tongue teased the seam between them as if asking permission to enter.

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She couldn’t have denied him had she wanted to. All thought fled, and she leaned into him, opening her mouth, inviting that sinful tongue inside. His arm came around her, pulling her to him, pressing her into his hard chest. Her nipples pebbled in response. Michael accepted her invitation with an unhurried exploration. His tongue danced with hers. Her breath caught, and a soft moan escaped her throat. He answered with a growl and sucked the tip of her tongue into his mouth. Hunger spread through her as he nibbled her bottom lip before delving in again. Haley’s breasts ached, and she pushed them against his chest. The action sent a tremor to her core, triggering heat and moisture between her thighs. An image of the two of them in her bed flashed through her mind. The thought brought her to her senses. She stiffened, tore her lips away, and rested her forehead on his shoulder. Once she’d caught her breath, she whispered an apology. “I’m sorry. I’m not ready for this. Not yet.” He pressed a kiss against her hair. “Damn.” He stepped back and cupped her cheek. “I’m not used to waiting, Haley, but I understand why you need to go slow. I’ll try to remember. If I forget, don’t run away. Just tell me to slow down. Okay?” Oh, hell. What was she getting herself into? This man knew all the right things to say, and damned if he didn’t say them in the sexiest voice she’d ever heard. Even if the thought of a relationship didn’t scare her witless, how could she consider the prospect? She didn’t even feel comfortable telling him who she really was. Hiding her past was so much easier than facing it. Michael appeared to be waiting for an answer. With a deep breath, she nodded. “Okay. Thanks for understanding.” “I had a great time tonight. I’ll see you at the gym Monday.” Before she could talk herself out of it, she opened her purse, retrieved a pen and slip of paper, scribbled on it, and handed it to him. His brows lifted in surprise. “What’s this?”

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“My cell number.” She spun around and swiped the card to open the gate. Stepping inside, she closed the gate and met his gaze between the wrought iron bars. “Goodnight.” He lifted the paper to his lips and winked at her. Haley fled into the building before she did something really stupid like asking him to stay. She let herself into her apartment, locked the door, and leaned against it. Her purse vibrated, and her cell phone played a jingle. Digging it out, she pressed the button to answer. “Hello?” “I have the phone number of the woman with the sweetest kiss I’ve ever tasted.” Her heart fluttered at the sound of his voice. “Yeah, well, she can’t talk right now. She’s still breathless from that kiss.” Why had she said that? She shouldn’t encourage him. If it were possible, she would have sworn she heard him smile. “Sweet dreams, Haley.” Monday’s workout included a good bit of flirting. It was obvious to Haley that Michael knew just how attracted she was to him. It made her appreciate his patience all the more but intensified her trepidation. She really shouldn’t get involved with him. They sat at the juice bar enjoying a tropical mango juice. Haley shoved her doubts away and searched his face. “Same time tomorrow?” His smile slipped. “I wish I could. My boss set up a dinner meeting with a client tomorrow. And Wednesday night is out, too. I’m going—” “Stop. You don’t have to explain.” She offered a smile. “Are we still on for Saturday’s game?” He nodded. “Come hell or high water.” “Well, let’s hope for sunshine anyway. If I don’t see you before then, you can pick me up at ten Saturday morning.” “Okay.” He finished his juice and stood. “You know, it occurred to me earlier that you never told me your last name.”

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“You never told me yours either.” “It’s Flannery.” “I should have known it would be Irish.” She took a drink of her juice. “Come on, Haley. You’re killing me.” Letting out a deep breath, she whispered, “It’s Preston.” “Haley Preston.” His brows lifted. “There’s a famous interior designer with that name.” Hiding her shaking hands in her lap, she smiled at him. “Yeah, I know. I’ve heard of her.” He searched her eyes but let the subject drop. Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to her forehead as usual. Then he dipped his head and brushed his lips across hers. “I’ll see soon.” Haley let out another shaky breath and watched him leave. She should have told him. He’d been so patient, so understanding. And he’d been honest with her, hadn’t he? Didn’t she owe him the same consideration? She sighed and grabbed her towel. She’d tell him Saturday at the game. Haley toured the shell of her new home on Tuesday morning and spent the remainder of the day at the salon. She pampered herself with a facial, a manicure, and a pedicure. Then she endured the torture of a leg and Brazilian wax. She finished with a full body massage. Wednesday, she visited the furniture shop downtown, placing her order for a custom-made sofa and chairs. She chose end tables and a bookcase, too. Until recently, she still had no idea how she planned to decorate her new home. Haley Preston, one of the most sought-after interior designers in the world, had been unable to come up with a design for her own living room. Until now. The night before, while eating microwave popcorn, watching a movie on the classic movie channel, and thinking of Michael, the vision had come to her. For the first time in months, she pulled her art tablet and colored pencils from her closet and worked. It was well

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after midnight when she’d finished, pleased with her work and anxious to place the order for the furniture. Hunger pains drew her to the closest place for food. The mocha latte she’d had for breakfast was a distant memory, and she’d spent the whole afternoon at the furniture store. A soda and some crackers from the vending machines had stopped the growling for a while, but it was almost six o’clock. O’Malley’s Pub offered a menu in the front window. The stuffed potato sounded heavenly. A little bell tinkled above her head as she entered. She chose a two-seater booth in the front corner away from the bar and door. Grabbing the menu from its holder at the table, she scanned it one more time. A middle-aged waitress came to the table. “What can I get you, sweetie?” “I’ll have a stuffed potato with everything.” The woman scribbled down her order. “Anything to drink?” “Do you have sweet tea?” She looked up from her pad. “Of course we have sweet tea. Who doesn’t?” Haley smiled. “They don’t drink sweet tea in New York. It’s good to be home.” “Yankees. No taste at all.” She winked. “You want lemon?” “No thanks.” “This’ll only take a few minutes, sweetie. Be right back.” Haley was shocked at the size of the potato loaded with ham, cheese, sour cream, and fresh bacon bits. But she was even more surprised when she’d polished off everything but the skin. She was contemplating a slice of pecan pie when the front door opened. A pair of young women in their mid-twenties waved to the bartender and headed to the back. Returning her attention to the dessert menu, she wondered how long she’d have to spend on the Stairmaster for a slice of cheesecake. The front door swung open again. This time it was a young couple.

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The bartender called a greeting, but they, too, went toward the rear of the pub. At nearly seven o’clock, business was apparently starting to pick up. Haley looked over the desserts one last time and searched the room to find the waitress. Through the big mirror behind the bar, she saw her taking an order from the couple and two girls. They were sitting at a big table in the back. They must be expecting more to join them. On cue, the bell on the front door jingled again. A big guy in a leather jacket sat down at the bar, calling out to the bartender, “Hey, Jimmy. How ’bout a beer?” The door hadn’t even closed when the next couple entered. Haley sucked in a startled breath. Michael had his arm around the shoulders of pretty redhead. She was tall for a woman, probably about five foot ten. He laughed at something she said and guided her to the back of the pub. Haley watched them pass, her heart contracting. Why was she upset? It wasn’t like he was her boyfriend. He wasn’t cheating on her. Not really. How could she have let this happen? In the span of less than two weeks, she’d let herself fall for a guy she hardly knew. He was goodlooking and sexy as hell. Of course he’d have other girlfriends. He probably had a whole harem. And with his confident, but attentive, caring personality, he would have women falling all over themselves for a chance to go out with him. Through the mirror, she watched them join the group in the back. He held out the chair for the redhead. Then he leaned down and kissed her temple before sitting. Haley’s head fell back against the wall of the booth, and she closed her eyes. Did he do that out of habit? Or did he just know how much a woman loved that? Was it part of his game plan to do tender little things like that? Haley fished a twenty out of her wallet and tossed it on the table. It had to be twice the amount of her bill. She stood and walked to the door. It opened again before she could grab the handle.

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“Excuse me,” the guy said before his eyes widened. He stopped, blocking her exit. “Hey, Haley. I’m Brad, Michael’s friend.” Haley nodded. “I remember you from the gym.” “Where you goin’? Aren’t you stayin’?” “No, I…I can’t stay.” “That’s a shame. Maybe next time.” She couldn’t wait for him to get out of her way. She tried to go around him. “Yeah, maybe next time.” He stepped aside and held the door for her while she made her escape. The drive home included a self-inflicted lecture on her own stupidity. She shouldn’t be angry with Michael. It wasn’t as if he’d promised her anything. The man was nice to her, listening while she divulged her darkest secrets. He’d never taken advantage of her and had even asked permission to kiss her. He’d been the perfect gentleman. He’d called her friend. And that made it all worse. She’d poured her heart out to him. She was vulnerable, and he was probably just biding his time, waiting for the chance to add her to his harem. Fool that she was, she’d fallen for him, never once considering that he probably treated every woman he met the same way. Making them feel special was part of his charm. Her initial plan to swear off men entirely had been the right one. Even if she ever found a nice one, she’d be too stupid to keep her heart out of the mix. What was left of it anyway.

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Chapter Four “Leave a message at the beep.” “Hi, Haley. It’s Michael. I just wanted to say hello. I’ve missed you.” God, he hated voicemail. “Well, I guess I’ll see you at the gym tonight. Bye.” He closed his phone and shoved it back into his pocket. Resting his elbows on his drafting table, he stared at the plans for the office building. Jackson Maynor had commissioned a new building for his law office. He’d asked for a spacious entrance and waiting area with two floors of offices for himself and his underlings. He wanted bold, different. Michael had given him that and more. Since he’d met Haley, his work had been to the extremes. Either he was too preoccupied to concentrate and he got nothing accomplished at all, or he was an architectural genius. Since their date on Friday night and that kiss…Holy cow, what a kiss. He’d never been so turned on like that with just a kiss. At least not since high school when even the thought of kiss turned him on. Since that date, he’d been a genius. Maynor’s office design was one of Michael’s best ever. The minor additions and changes he’d made since meeting Haley had enhanced his latest masterpiece beyond anyone’s expectations. With construction already underway, he just needed to double-check a few structural stability details for the building inspectors. But today, anxiety plagued him. His brain could only focus on one subject. Haley. The woman was so…perfect for him. She liked Tennessee football and pizza. She was intelligent, easy to talk to. And man, was

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she beautiful. When she looked at him with those blue eyes of hers, he forgot where he was. Her hair was blonde, but it wasn’t out of a bottle. There were no telltale roots to be seen. Though she was a little shorter than his usual choice, only about five foot six, she had a body any model would envy. And every man who saw her drooled on himself. What he didn’t understand was how she could be oblivious to all of them. His friends were jealous because Haley had chosen him. And at the pizza place, every male in the room from teenager to senior citizen had stared at her. She hadn’t even noticed. How could she be so unaware of her own appeal? He’d learned quite a bit about her, but she was still a mystery in many respects. And she was hiding something. Hiding might be the wrong word. Maybe she was just withholding a few personal secrets until she felt she could trust him. Lord, he hoped she’d learn to trust him. He couldn’t blame her for being wary of men. Or anybody for that matter. The betrayal she’d suffered was enough to shake anyone’s faith in mankind. His cell phone vibrated in his pocket. He yanked it out and checked the number. Not Haley. He sighed and flipped it open. “Hello.” “I got the job!” Michael smiled. “That’s great, Meg. So you’ll be moving back soon then?” “I’m going back to L.A. to turn in my resignation, but I’ll work a notice. It’ll give me time to get things packed up.” He toyed with his pen. “You leave on Sunday. Right?” “Right. Will I see you tonight?” “Not tonight. I’m going to the gym.” A groan echoed in the receiver. “I guess I’ll have to join when I get settled. Maybe we can work out together sometime.” “Sure. That’ll be fun.” He stared at the plans on his table. “Thanks again for last night. I had a great time.”

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“Me, too. Just like old times.” Michael stretched his neck, trying to release the building tension. “Listen, Meg. I need to get back to work. Talk to you later, okay?” “Okay. Later.” “Bye.” He folded the phone and put it back in his pocket. Something felt wrong, but he was at a loss to figure what it was. Why hadn’t Haley answered her phone? He hadn’t heard from her since Monday. Maybe he was just missing her. His gaze wandered to the clock on his office wall. Three thirty. He could leave soon, but Haley probably wouldn’t be at the fitness center until after six. Forcing himself to focus on the work at hand, he pushed thoughts of the blueeyed blonde from his mind. **** After throwing together a ham sandwich, Michael watched the afternoon news program while he ate. He switched off the television, dumped his plate in the sink, and headed to the bathroom where he brushed his teeth and combed his hair. The nagging feeling that something was wrong wouldn’t go away. Haley hadn’t returned his call, but that shouldn’t bother him. The message he’d left hadn’t asked her to call. She would only have called if she didn’t intend to see him at the gym. Somehow that knowledge didn’t calm his worries. He leaned his head to one side, stretching his neck and staring at himself in the mirror. He was probably just imagining things. Twenty minutes later, Michael pushed opened the heavy glass doors and searched the gym. No Haley. Brad and Jack were at the bench press, and he strode across the room to meet them. “You guys seen Haley?” Brad was in the middle of a lift, but Jack answered. “No. Haven’t seen her tonight. How’s it going with her?” “Good. I think. But I haven’t seen her since Monday. I thought—”

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Brad cut in. “You saw her last night at O’Malley’s.” He started another rep. “No, I didn’t. She wasn’t there.” Confusion assailed him. Brad finished his set and let out a long breath before sitting up. “Yes, she was. She was going out as I came in. I spoke to her.” Michael shook his head in denial. “But Meg and I got there before you did. I didn’t see her.” Brad stood up. “Yeah, well, she was there. I asked if she was stayin’. She said she couldn’t.” Realization struck him. “Did she seem upset?” Brad shrugged. “I don’t know. She hardly said anything, but she sure was in a hurry to get out of there.” Michael wiped a hand across his face. “Shit.” “What?” Jack and Brad questioned in stereo. Shaking his head, he waved them off. “I’ll explain later. I gotta go.” Michael changed back into his jeans in record time and hurried to his car. He flipped open his phone and hit the call button. “Hello?” Thank God. “Meg, where are you?” “I’m at home, but I’m going out in just a few minutes.” He slammed the car door and jammed the key in the ignition. “No, you’re not. Stay right where you are. I’ll be there in ten minutes.” “What’s going on, Michael?” “I’ll explain when I get there.” He pressed the phone against his chin to close it and grimaced at the sound of his squealing tires. After making a quick stop to pick up Meg, Michael pulled up in front of Haley’s apartment building. “Come on.” He climbed out of his SUV, waited for Meg to join him, and moved toward the front gate. He stared at the call box. What number had she said? Pushing the one for apartment 214, he held his breath and waited. Haley’s voice sounded just as he was about to press it again. “Yes?”

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“Haley, it’s Michael.” Silence met his statement for longer than he would have liked. “Can I come in? I won’t stay long if you’re busy.” She didn’t answer, but a buzzing sound and the click of the lock on the gate gave him his answer. He grabbed Meg’s hand and dragged her behind him through the entrance and up the stairs. “Slow down, Michael. I don’t hang out at the gym like you do, remember?” Meg was out of breath by the time they reached the top of the stairs. Michael shook his head, tempted to laugh at her. Ordinarily he would have, but the tension gnawing at his gut all day wouldn’t allow it. He checked the number on a couple of doors to figure out which way to go. At the end of the hall, he knocked on the door labeled 214. It opened after only a brief wait. Haley’s gaze met his then strayed to Meg. Her eyes widened, and she bit her bottom lip. “Haley, I want you to meet Meg.” He put his arm around the redhead and pulled her closer. “My sister. Meg, this is Haley.” Meg spoke first. “Nice to meet you.” She offered her hand. Haley stared at it for a second before grasping it. “I…It’s nice to meet you, too.” She opened the door wider, inviting them inside. “Forgive me. I guess I wasn’t expecting Michael to have you with him.” “You didn’t know he had a sister?” Meg surveyed the apartment as she spoke. “Why am I not surprised?” Haley looked at Michael when she answered, her shoulders square and her jaw tense. “Michael and I haven’t known each other very long. I’m sure there’s a lot I don’t know about him.” Michael stepped closer to Haley. “I missed you at the gym tonight.” She shrugged. “I just wasn’t in the mood.” Meg crossed her arms. “Michael thinks you saw us together at O’Malley’s last night and got the wrong idea.” Haley’s cheeks reddened. “I did see you there, but…”

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Michael frowned. “You should have said hello.” “I didn’t want to crash your party.” Meg laughed. “Michael was right. You thought I was his girlfriend.” Michael cut his sister a look he knew she’d interpret as meaning “shut up.” She just grinned at him. He grasped Haley’s shoulders and turned her to look at him. “You know you’re the only woman I’m dating, don’t you?” Her shoulders lifted in another shrug. “Michael, it’s not like we’re a couple or anything. You can date other women.” He clenched his teeth and looked at his sister. “I need a minute alone with Haley.” Meg lifted her hands, palms up. “Where am I supposed to go?” Haley cleared her throat. “Umm, do you want to raid my fridge? There’s some wine coolers and some cookies, I think.” “Sweet.” Meg turned and gestured with her thumb. “That way?” Haley nodded and crossed her arms. Michael wasted no time. “I don’t want to date other women. Not now. You’re the only woman I’m interested in. Surely you know that.” “No, I don’t know that. You’re a good-looking guy, whose little black book is probably crammed full.” She turned away. “Damn it, Haley.” He took a deep breath, struggling to control his temper. He stepped behind her but didn’t touch her. “I knew you’d jump to the wrong conclusion. That’s why I brought Meg. You don’t trust me yet, and I understand that, but—” She spun around. “Why should I trust you? Why do I need to? We had one date, Michael. It’s not like—” He leaned down to bring his face closer to hers, demanding her undivided attention. “And you know I want more than that. I’ve been trying not to push you but don’t even try to pretend you’ve misunderstood my intentions.”

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Her blue eyes flashed, his first glimpse of her anger. “Oh, I understand your intentions all right. You want another notch in your bedpost. You want—” Michael yelled over her. “I am not Keith! Don’t punish me for his sins.” A stricken expression marred her beautiful features. “I…” She sucked in an uneven breath. Shaking her head, she rubbed her arms as if she were chilled. She stared down at her feet. “I think maybe we shouldn’t see each other anymore.” Her words hit him like a sucker punch to the gut. His rage died a quick death. Shaking hands cupped her face and tilted it up. “Don’t say that, baby. You don’t mean it.” Her eyes glistened with tears. “You’re right, you know. I’m putting you in the same category as Keith. Don’t you see? I’m not ready. I told you.” “I’ll wait till you are. Just don’t push me away. Give me a chance, Haley.” “I don’t know. I…” She shook her head and stepped back, putting space between them. He wanted to follow her, but he didn’t dare. Instead, he reached for her hands. Holding both of them, he whispered, “There’s something between us. You feel it. I know you do. You felt it the first time I touched you.” Her blue eyes closed for a moment. “That’s just physical. I’m attracted to you, but—” “It’s more than that. Yes, I want you.” He tugged on her hands to bring her closer. “I want you more than any woman. Ever. But it’s more than that. There’s just something about you.” Lowering his head, he brought his lips close to hers. He paused for a moment to give her the chance to stop him but prayed she wouldn’t. Relief washed over him when she lifted her chin and kissed him. It was only a simple little kiss, her sweet lips touching his for a brief moment, but his heart soared. Gathering her in his arms, he

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hugged her close and rested his cheek on her forehead. He breathed in the scent of her hair. God, she always smelled so good. The woman had one hell of an effect on him. He wanted her so badly he ached, but he held himself in check. Even if Meg hadn’t been in the next room, he couldn’t let himself move too quickly. She’d get scared and push him away. She already believed that spending time with him was like playing with fire. Last time, she’d been burned, scarred by both her fiancé and her best friend. The wounds were still healing. Haley lifted her head, surrender in her gaze. “Why can’t I resist you?” His heart skipped a beat, and he lowered his head to steal another kiss. Her hands skimmed his back from his waist to his shoulders. To his delight, she pulled him closer and parted her lips. She let him taste her sweetness, meeting him with a shy, tentative flick of her tongue. Fire engulfed him and shot straight to his loins. “I see you’ve made up.” Meg stood in the doorway, a wine cooler in one hand, a cookie in the other. Haley jumped, pulling herself free. Her cheeks flushed an adorable pink. “I’m sorry you got dragged into this.” “No problem.” Meg sat down on the sofa and took a bite. “These cookies are great.” Haley joined her. “Meg. Is that short for Margaret?” His sister wrinkled her nose. “Yeah, Mary Margaret.” A smile lit Haley’s face. “Mary Margaret Flannery. No denying your Irish Catholic heritage, huh?” Meg shook her head. “No. The red hair is kind of a giveaway, too.” Haley gestured toward the chair. “Sit down, Michael. You’re too tall. It makes me nervous having you tower over me.” Michael sat. The tension he’d suffered from all day disappeared, but his desire for the beautiful woman grew stronger every time he was near her. The whole situation had him contemplating the meaning

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of his reaction to the possibility of losing her. He’d all but panicked. Why? Haley turned back to Meg. “So how many of you are there?” “Oh, it’s just Michael and me. Mom had a miscarriage after me and didn’t get pregnant again. Dad died when I was seven.” Haley’s voice held a note of sadness. “I’m sorry. I lost both my parents a few weeks after I graduated from high school. They were killed in a car accident involving a drunk driver.” Meg frowned. “Man, that sucks. Dad had a heart attack. We’re lucky we still have Mom. Michael cut in. “Must have been hard losing both parents at the same time.” Haley nodded. “I was devastated.” Meg asked the question before he had a chance. “Do you have any brothers or sisters?” “No. I’m an only child. Mom was too busy for more kids. I think she only had me to please Dad. She loved me, but we were never really close. Dad and I were inseparable. We did everything together.” She turned to Michael and grinned. “Like watching Vols football. When I was little, I had a Tennessee cheerleader’s outfit I wore for the games.” “Do you still have one?” Michael winked at her. “I’d love to see you in one of those little skirts.” Meg groaned. “Men.” She looked at Haley. “So what do you do? Are you working tomorrow?” “I’m between jobs right now.” Meg sat up straight. “Really? Want to go shopping?” Michael smiled at Meg’s enthusiasm. Haley seemed surprised by the invitation. “Well, I…I was planning to go check on my house tomorrow morning. I’m having one built just outside of Sevierville.” Michael hid his surprise. He was about to question her about it, but Meg didn’t give him a chance. “Cool. Can I go with you? Then

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we can hit the outlets in Pigeon Forge. I want to do some shopping before I leave. Everything is so much cheaper here.” “Leave?” Haley asked. “I’m going back to L.A. on Sunday.” “You don’t live here, then?” Meg shook her head. “Not right now, but soon. I just got a position as public relations manager at Williams & Tanner here in Knoxville. L.A. was great for a while, but I miss home. I have to go back and work out my notice and stuff.” “Congratulations on the new job.” Haley turned to Michael. “Is that what you were you celebrating last night?” “No, she only found out today about the job. Last night we were just getting together with some cousins and old friends while Meg was here. I would have invited you, but Meg didn’t have a date and I—” “Oh, for Pete’s sake, Michael. You could have brought her along. I’ve been without a date before.” Haley leaned over and gave Meg a shove on her arm. “Hush. You’re lucky to have a thoughtful brother like Michael. I wish I had one.” Meg laughed. “Yeah, I know. But I’m his little sister. Giving him a hard time is part of my job description. So are we on for tomorrow?” Haley smiled. “Sure. I’d love to go shopping with you.” “Great. I can tell you all kinds of embarrassing stories about Michael.” Michael cringed. “God help me.”

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Chapter Five Haley pulled into the driveway of the Cleaver’s house from Leave It to Beaver, complete with the white picket fence. The front door opened, and Meg bounced out, her red curls springing with her movement. She came around to the passenger door and climbed in. “Hey. Mom had a dentist appointment this morning. She was disappointed about missing you. She really wants to meet you.” “She does?” Meg laughed. “Well, yeah. You’re dating her son.” “But it’s not like we’re…serious or anything.” Her brows lifted. “Maybe you’re not, but Michael is smitten. I’ve never seen him like this.” She reached for the seatbelt and pulled it across her. “I’m telling you, he was totally freaking out last night when he picked me up. He was so worried that you’d never speak to him again.” A mixture of panic and pleasure engulfed her. “I don’t know what to say.” “It’s okay. Michael told me a little about what happened to you. I can see why you’d be scared to trust anybody. But my brother really is crazy about you.” Haley stared at the steering wheel. Michael would have needed to explain why he was dragging Meg to her apartment. She hadn’t sworn him secrecy or anything. “Hey. I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to pry or push.” Haley shook her head and smiled at Meg. “What kind of sister would you be if you didn’t put in a good word for your brother?”

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She returned the smile. “Okay, so I’ve done my good deed. We won’t mention him again. Today is girls’ day.” Haley put the car in reverse and backed out of the driveway. “So how did you end up in L.A.?” “School. I went to UCLA. When I graduated from our Catholic high school, I was dying to get out and see the world. Mom and Michael tried to talk me out of it, but I wouldn’t hear it. After I got my degree, I landed a great job at one of the movie studios.” Haley kept Meg talking about Los Angeles. Having made numerous business trips there and spending time in the city while overseeing design projects, she knew enough to keep the conversation on restaurants and shopping and away from her personal life and Michael. She turned into her still unpaved drive and started up the hill. “This is where my property starts.” “Wow. You’re really in the sticks.” Meg leaned forward to look up the drive. “I can’t even see the house yet. How big is the property?” “Twenty acres. Total privacy.” Haley smiled. “I think that’s what I missed most when I lived in New York. I hated being packed into the city with the other sardines. Security guards at the entrance to my apartment and office buildings were a necessity, but they were also a reminder of just how dangerous it was.” “Yeah, I know what you mean. L.A. is like that, too. A woman I worked with was murdered last year. That’s when I started missing Tennessee.” Haley pulled to the side, well away from the contractor’s pickup truck and several other vehicles. A beehive of activity buzzed. The screech of electric saws and the thud of hammers reached them before she even opened the car door. “This is it.” She unbuckled her seatbelt and climbed out of the car.

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Meg shut her door and stared at the frame of the house complete with windows now. Her brows furrowed. “This is like dèjá vu or something.” “What?” Haley moved around the car toward her. Meg smacked her forehead with her palm. “Duh. It’s Michael’s design. That must be how you two met. Right?” “Well, actually no. We met at the gym.” Haley started walking toward the house, ignoring the cacophony of construction noise and enjoying the scent of the surrounding forest combined with the aroma of fresh sawdust. Meg followed. “So how did you end up working with Michael for the design?” “Are you sure it’s his? I mean, my contractor dealt with Miller Engineering, but I’m not sure it’s Michael’s.” “I’m sure. I had lunch with him the other day. He showed me the plans for the office building he’s working on now and sketches for a house he’d just finished. This is it. No question.” They reached the front porch. Haley stepped through the open door. Only last week the crew had still been blowing insulation. Now, bare sheetrock covered the studs, and the walls awaited her choice for finishing materials. Things were coming along fine. Meg stopped and put her hands on her hips. “So Michael hasn’t been here? Does he know you’re the one he designed the house for?” Haley had to raise her voice to be certain Meg could hear her over the pounding hammers. “No. Come to think of it, I hadn’t even told him I was building a house until last night.” She turned to walk farther into the house. Meg grabbed her elbow. “Wait a minute.” The woman stared at her with a look of confusion, maybe even anger. “Why haven’t you told him?” Haley shrugged. “I don’t know. We just haven’t talked about it yet. I guess we’ll get around to it sooner or later.”

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Meg shook her head, the muscle in her jaw working and the signs of irritation becoming more evident in her features. Did she think Haley was hiding things from Michael? “How long have you been dating?” “We met two weeks ago. We’ve worked out together several times, but we’ve only had one date really. We had pizza one night after the gym.” Meg’s eyes widened, and her jaw dropped before she snapped it shut and shook her head. Her reaction confused Haley. “What?” “It’s just…” She shook her head again. “The way Michael acted, I thought you’d been dating for months.” “Why? What did he say?” “I don’t know. Nothing really. It was just the way he looks at you, the way he was so upset last night when he thought you were mad at him.” She sighed. “He’s really got it bad for you. Are you sleeping with him?” She’d no sooner asked the question than she threw her hands up. “No, wait. Don’t answer that. I don’t want to know.” Haley almost laughed. “No. I’m not sleeping with him. For God’s sake, Meg. I hardly know him. And to be honest, I’m not sure I’m ready for a relationship.” Meg frowned. “You’re going to break his heart, aren’t you?” “No. Meg, I really like your brother. I do, but…” Haley raked her hands through her hair. “It’s just that it’s all happening so fast.” The buzzing of a table saw began, and Meg yelled to be heard over it. “But you do like him.” Haley yelled back. “Yes, I like him. A lot. What woman wouldn’t? He’s a perfect gentleman, and he’s sexy as hell.” The saw stopped just as she finished her sentence. The last few words echoed throughout the house. The two women stared at each other. Heat rose to Haley’s cheeks. Two men in hardhats peered around a wall. She met their gaze. Meg started laughing. It must have been contagious because the two men

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chuckled, and Haley started laughing, too. In seconds, she and Meg had dissolved into a fit of giggles. Haley wiped tears from the corners of her eyes. Meg recovered first. “Well, I guess that’s all there is to be said about that.” “I think you’re right. Want to see the rest of the house?” “Sure.” “Come upstairs. I want you to see the view from my bedroom balcony.” Haley hurried up the flight of stairs. “Geez. Not you, too.” Haley stopped at the top and looked down at Meg. “What?” “Some of us don’t run up the stairs. Some of us like to be able to breathe when we get to the top.” She reached the landing and shook her head. Haley laughed. “You should work out more.” “Yeah, yeah. I know.” “Come on. The bedroom is this way.” Haley led her down the hall. She was pleased with the progress the crew had made since she’d last been here. French doors now hung where plastic had previously covered an empty frame. She pulled them open and walked out onto her balcony. “What do you think?” “Oh, my God, Haley. This is incredible.” Meg stepped to the railing. “Is that Wear’s Valley?” “Yes. Pigeon Forge is that way.” She pointed to the left and then directly in front of her. “And Gatlinburg is up there.” “So Cade’s Cove is over that way?” Meg pointed farther to the right. “Somewhere in there. I spent the day there once when I was in college, but I don’t remember exactly where it is.” Haley shrugged and looked out over the valley. Mountain laurel shrubs held tight pink and purple buds not yet opened but promising a riot of color in just a few weeks. Dogwood trees sported flowers of pink and white with yellow centers. Beneath

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the trees at the edge of the forest, wild columbine dotted the ground with tiny flames of orange-red blossoms. Birds chirped mating calls and squirrels scampered from tree to tree. Haley breathed deep of the fresh, fragrant air. Spring had arrived in all its glory. Meg turned and leaned against the railing, facing Haley. “Do you remember that old whitewashed church at the cove? And the cemetery behind it?” “Oh, yes. That was my favorite. I loved it.” “Mine, too. Maybe we can have a picnic there one day when I get back.” Haley smiled. “That would be nice.” “I know I said we wouldn’t talk about him today, but I think I should warn you.” Haley met Meg’s green gaze, so much like her brother’s. “What?” “When Michael finds out he designed your house, he’ll think it was providence or something. Divine intervention. Some kind of sign from above.” Haley’s heart thudded against her breast. “What do you think?” She shrugged and winked at her. “I think you’re going to have to buy me a fritter at the Apple Barn to insure my silence.” Relief coursed through her. Michael already believed fate had caused that leg cramp. He didn’t need to know about this. Not yet. Things were moving too quickly. He didn’t need any encouragement, divine or otherwise. Haley nodded. “Deal. We’ll add vanilla ice cream on top for good measure.” Meg grinned. “Sold.” **** Pigeon Forge had doubled in size since she’d last visited. Outlet malls had expanded and multiplied in number along with all the usual tourist attractions. They spent hours going from store to store, doing everything from trying on clothes to considering decorations for

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Haley’s new home. She didn’t buy anything for the house. It would be several more weeks before she could move in, but she made a mental note of the stores with things she might want. At lunch, they ate at the Apple Barn. As promised, Haley bought Meg one of their famous apple fritters a la mode. Afterward, the two resumed their shopping spree. Late that afternoon, Haley’s purse began to shake, and a musical jingle sounded. She grabbed her cell phone and flipped it open. “Hello?” “Hey, beautiful.” She couldn’t stop the smile spreading across her face. “Hi, handsome.” “Where are you?” “Right now we’re in one of those little shops that sells Christmas stuff all year ’round.” She fingered an angel ornament on display. “This is the second one today. Your sister really loves these places.” Michael chuckled. “Yeah, I know. If Meg had her way, we’d have the Christmas lights up all year.” He paused. “She hasn’t been telling stories on me. Has she?” Haley met Meg’s gaze across the display table. “You mean like how you used to wet the bed?” “I never—” He laughed. “You’re teasing me again.” “It’s so much fun.” “Uh huh. Well, apparently I haven’t learned to keep sheets completely dry.” Her brows furrowed. “What?” “I dreamt about you last night. When I woke up…Well, let’s just say things were a little damp.” “Michael!” Heat rushed to Haley’s cheeks. An image of him in his bed sent her thoughts into dangerous territory. “You’re not serious. Oh.” She laughed. “I guess turnabout is fair play. I didn’t expect you to tease me back.”

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“I wish I were just teasing. I swear you’re turning me inside out, babe. I haven’t had a wet dream since I was seventeen.” Haley turned away from Meg and whispered into the phone. “Stop it. You’re embarrassing me.” His deep chuckle sent a flutter through her stomach. “Tell me you’ve thought about me, too. A dream, a daydream. Anything.” How could she be honest with him? Yes, she’d thought about him more than she should. And yes, she’d dreamt about him. He’d shown up in that same dream she’d had over and over for months. Only this time when she opened her bedroom door, it had been Michael she’d found in bed with Sheila. She’d awakened with tears on her face and pillow—not the kind of wet dream he wanted to hear about. “Haley?” She watched Meg move to the next display of Santa figurines. “I have this little fantasy.” “Tell me.” A husky timbre colored his voice. “You’re at my apartment.” He didn’t wait long. “And?” “You’re doing my dishes.” A frustrated groan tickled her ear. “You’re a cruel woman.” A light humor replaced the huskiness. “Can I see you tonight?” “I think we’re going to eat dinner here before we come back. I’ll probably collapse when I get home.” She glanced at the tall redhead. “Your sister means it when she says shop till you drop.” “Never thought I’d be competing with my sister for time with my girlfriend.” Haley squashed the need to correct him. He would think of her as girlfriend no matter how she argued. And damn if she hadn’t started thinking of him as her boyfriend. “Tomorrow. Ten o’clock.” “That sounds great. I’m looking forward to it.” Haley found a Santa with a big orange T on his suit. She smiled. “Just so you know, I won’t be seen with you if you’re not wearing the colors.”

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He laughed. “Wouldn’t be caught dead without ’em.” “See you tomorrow then.” “Can’t wait. And Haley…” His voice grew soft. “I’ll be dreaming of you again tonight.” Her cheeks heated again. She couldn’t find the words to answer. Her train of thought had derailed when he’d switched the track back to sex. “Sweet dreams, babe.” “Goodnight.” She closed the phone. Meg approached. “So what did my brother say to make you turn three shades of red?” Haley shook her head, feeling the heat return to her cheeks yet again. “You don’t want to know.” Meg’s laughter followed her to the next display table. “You’re right. I probably don’t.”

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Chapter Six Michael pulled into the parking lot of Haley’s apartment, happy and nervous at the same time. And why was he nervous? He hadn’t been nervous about a date since high school. He’d seen Haley only twice this last week, Monday at the gym and Thursday when he’d brought Meg to Haley’s apartment. Neither night had been for more than an hour or so, and they hadn’t been alone. They wouldn’t be alone today either as much as he wished otherwise. Thousands of fans would pack the stadium. He pushed the call button for her apartment. Only a few seconds passed before her voice sounded. “Yes?” “Hey, beautiful.” “Hi. I’m ready. I’ll be down in just a sec.” The speaker clicked off. Having arrived a few minutes early, he hadn’t expected her to be ready. In fact, he’d hoped to have a moment alone with her before they left. Michael took a deep breath. Every bone in his body was telling him this woman was special. The connection he felt to her was stronger than he’d ever imagined possible. He’d always believed when he met the right one he’d know it. What he never considered was that Ms. Right wouldn’t know it, too. Maybe she did know it. The problem was her fear of being hurt again. Gun-shy and suspicious, even if she did sense the connection between them, she’d deny it. He needed to get her alone. He needed one-on-one, private time with her where he could make certain she couldn’t ignore the attraction between them. She claimed she wasn’t ready for a relationship, but that wasn’t entirely true. Haley may not

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be ready to make a commitment just yet, but she was tempted to try the waters. While jumping off the high dive into the deep was out of the question, she was already dipping her toes. Now if he could just coax her down the steps into the shallows, he might be able to earn a measure of trust. This time she wouldn’t be swimming with sharks. The gate opened. A pair of blue jeans hugging her legs and bottom provided the only relief to the orange and white. An orange headband painted with footballs held her hair back. Two-inch, orange T earrings dangled from her earlobes. A lacy, orange camisole peeked out from beneath a Tennessee cardigan sweater covered with orange and white yarn pompoms, an embroidered UT, and a depiction of Smokey, the bluetick coonhound mascot. A beaded orange and white charm bracelet dangled from her wrist, and white tennis shoes with orange shoestrings covered her feet. She smiled at him from behind orange-rimmed sunglasses. “Nice shirt.” He looked down at one of his favorite golf shirts. An orange and white checkerboard design paid homage to the end zone at Neyland Stadium’s football field. “Yeah, but look at you. Nice outfit.” She looked down at herself. “The blue jeans will have to do. I couldn’t find any orange ones, and I learned a long time ago that stadium seats and white jeans aren’t a good match.” Michael raised one brow and walked around behind her to admire her backside. “Mmm. I think those jeans will do just fine.” She shook head. “Let’s go.” **** The early April day proved to be perfect—sunny skies, a light breeze, and temperatures in the mid-sixties. Michael marveled at Haley’s enthusiasm. After singing “Rocky Top” while the marching band played, she alternately cheered and complained about the plays called by the coaches.

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Michael groaned after one play. “Oh, come on, Jones!” “Don’t blame him,” Haley argued. “Wilson missed his block.” Surprise left him speechless. She pointed at the big screen where the instant replay began. “Watch.” The video showed Wilson, the big offensive lineman, swiping at the defensive back without success. “Well, I’ll be damned.” He smiled at Haley. “I stand corrected.” The afternoon passed with shared nachos and popcorn and Haley winning the challenge on who could remember the most recordholding players at the school. After the game, he handed her into his SUV and climbed in. A squeaky hoarseness in her voice gave evidence of just how much she’d cheered. “Thank you. I had a great time.” Michael smiled. “I never would have guessed.” She laughed. “Sorry. I suppose I can get a little carried away.” “Don’t apologize.” He reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed myself more.” He put the car in drive and moved out the parking space to join a hundred other cars waiting to exit. “So I know this little place with the best fried chicken you’ve ever tasted. Interested?” “Fried chicken? Are you kidding? That sounds awesome.” “Great.” Michael hoped she wouldn’t freak out when she discovered which “little place” he meant. It took almost twenty minutes to get clear of traffic from the game. When they neared their destination, Haley questioned him. “Why does this look familiar?” He shrugged. “I guess you’ve probably been this way before.” She was quiet for moment. He turned right and was almost there when she looked at him, panic in her eyes. “Michael, you can’t be serious.” “Why not? Mom makes great fried chicken.” “Take me home.”

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He glanced at her long enough to see the sparks in her eyes before he returned his attention to the road. “Don’t be mad, Haley. Mom wants to—” “I can’t meet your mom!” “Why not?” “Because.” She shook her head, the alarm in her expression growing now that the house was in sight. “No. I can’t. She’ll think that we…that I’m…” “That we’re dating? That you’re my girlfriend?” She covered her mouth, and he wondered for a moment if she might hyperventilate. “You know what she’ll think. Then she’ll be upset and hate me if…No. Take me home.” He pulled into the drive, switched off the engine, and unbuckled his seatbelt. Turning to her, he grasped her hand. “Breathe, Haley.” She scowled at him. “I can’t go in there.” He sighed with dramatic flair. “I was afraid you’d react like this, but Meg wouldn’t listen.” “Meg?” “Yeah. She was telling Mom what a great time she had with you yesterday. They wanted me to spend the day with them, but I told them I was going to the game with you. Then Mom said something about supper, and Meg insisted I bring you. Of course, Mom got all excited.” Haley stared at the front door. “I’m going to strangle your sister.” “Not if I beat you to it.” Her features softened, but she didn’t respond. “Look, I’ll take you home if you want.” He pointed at the house. “But those two women in there will make my life miserable if I show up for supper without you.” Her beautiful blue eyes held uncertainty. “What did you tell your mom? About me, I mean.” “Nothing really. Meg’s the one who went on and on about how much fun she had shopping with you yesterday.” He gave her what he

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hoped was a reassuring smile. “She knows we’re dating, but she also knows that we only met a couple of weeks ago. So to her, you’re Meg’s new friend and my friend, too.” “Really?” He nodded. “Mom used to let us have friends over for supper all the time, but we haven’t done that since we were teenagers. I think she misses it.” She sighed, closed her eyes, and gulped. “Can we leave early?” He released the breath he’d been holding. “As soon as supper is over. I promise.” He stroked her hand with his thumb. “Do you think you can refrain from choking Meg for an hour or so?” A hint of a grin played on her lips. “I don’t know.” “Mom may not like it if you try to murder her only daughter.” Haley laughed and looked at the front door again, the tension in her features easing. “Will there be mashed potatoes?” He nodded. “Biscuits and gravy, too.” She sucked in a deep breath. “Let’s go inside before I come to my senses and demand you take me home.” Michael came around to open Haley’s door for her. She placed her palm in his and climbed down. He gave her hand a squeeze but refused to release it. They walked hand-in-hand to the door. Opening the door, he pulled her in behind him—not an easy task since she’d gone rigid at the threshold. A feminine squeal of excitement broke the silence. “Haley!” Meg bounded down the stairs. “I’m so glad you came.” Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she pirouetted. “What do you think? Doesn’t it look great on me?” Haley smiled. “Yeah, it does. Even better than when you tried it on yesterday.” “Well, today I have on the right essentials underneath it.” Meg hugged Haley. “Thanks for talking me into it.” Haley’s eyes widened in surprise at Meg’s impromptu show of affection, but she recovered with a laugh. “It’s your color.”

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Michael examined Meg’s dress with a critical eye. The turquoise served as a foil to Meg’s fair skin lending it a healthy glow, and it complemented her hair as well. “Haley’s right. You look great in that color.” Meg’s hands rested on her hips. “Who are trying to score the brownie points with, me or Haley?” She laughed. “If it’s me, it worked. What are you after?” Michael grinned. “Note to self. Complimenting my sister gets me brownie points.” He scratched his head. “How come that never works with Mom?” “’Cause your father used that strategy on me for years. I know better now.” His mother stood near the door joining the living room and kitchen. She wiped her hands on her apron. Haley stiffened next to him, her posture prim and straight. “Hey, Mom.” Michael pressed his palm to Haley’s back to guide her into the living room. “This is Haley.” His mother met them halfway across the room. “Hi, Haley. It’s nice to meet you.” Haley offered her hand. “Hello, Mrs. Flannery. It’s a pleasure.” His mother released a dramatic sigh and took her hand. “You make me feel so old. Couldn’t you call me Kate?” Haley offered a shy smile and nodded. “It’s nice to meet you, Kate.” His mother’s gaze examined Haley’s attire from head to toe. She stared at the tennis shoes. “Meg, you asked what I wanted for Mother’s Day.” She pointed at Haley’s feet. “I want some shoestrings like that.” “Aw, Mom,” Meg whined. “Wouldn’t you rather have a spa treatment?” Michael grasped Haley’s left forearm and lifted it. “I don’t know, Mom. Check out this bracelet.” As expected, his mother exclaimed over it. “Oh, my goodness! How cute. Look at the charms. Where did you get this?”

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Haley’s stance relaxed. “I found it one of shops in Pigeon Forge yesterday.” “I love it!” His mother addressed Haley. “Do you know you’re the first girl Michael’s ever brought home for supper? You know what that means, don’t you?” Haley paled. “I…” “Mom,” Michael growled a warning. His mother ignored him. “It means that he knew I wouldn’t approve of the other women he’s been dating.” She cut him a chiding look. “It’s about time you started dating decent women. There may be hope for you yet.” Haley bit her lip, her eyes smiling with relief. “No, he’s hopeless.” His mother laughed. “Supper is just about ready.” A bell dinged in the kitchen. “Ah, that’s the biscuits.” She called over her shoulder on her way to the kitchen. “Meg, help your brother set the table.” **** Michael reflected on the evening as he drove Haley home. Dinner had gone even more smoothly than he’d hoped. Thankfully, his mother didn’t ask questions about his and Haley’s relationship. Meg had even refrained from teasing them. His sister had kept the conversation going by talking about her new job, moving back to Knoxville, and finding an apartment. Haley had offered her apartment since she would be moving to her new home soon. He’d tried to asked questions about Haley’s house, but the three women had all but ignored him, making plans for Meg to stay with their mom until Haley moved. He glanced away from the road to steal a peak at Haley. She sat with her head back on the headrest, eyes closed. Although she’d relaxed during supper and raved about his mom’s cooking, her relief had been obvious when she’d climbed into his SUV for the ride home.

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Michael tore his gaze from her profile and forced himself to pay attention to the road. He recalled Haley’s reactions and responses to every question, every statement while they ate. After avoiding the topic of her new home, she’d become animated, excited even, about the idea of Meg taking over the lease on her apartment. Her enthusiasm hadn’t diminished at all when the conversation had turned to Meg’s new job, but an uncomfortable tension had emanated from her when his mom had asked about Haley’s profession. Again, Haley had repeated her usual “between jobs” explanation, but she’d pointedly avoided details. Once, she’d even looked at him with the nervous, helpless expression of a cornered rabbit. Taking that as his cue, he’d changed the subject and asked for dessert. Why was her former job such a secret? And in all his years of designing houses, he’d never met anyone who didn’t want to talk about their new home. Crazy thoughts of illicit professions and houses of ill repute skittered through his mind as he pulled into the parking lot of Haley’s apartment. Just as quickly, he dismissed the insane notion, despite the echoes of her words about catering to the whims of the rich and famous. No way could she be involved in something like that. Not Haley. But now he was bound and determined to find out just what kind of business the gorgeous woman had owned. And while he was at it, he’d find out why she didn’t want to discuss her new home. Haley’s soft sigh drew his attention. She pulled the handle on her door and slid down off the seat and out of his car. He pulled the keys from the ignition and followed suit to trail after her toward the front gate. She turned and smiled at him. “Supper with your mom wasn’t nearly as bad as I’d feared.” He shrugged. “I told you she was cool.” “Thank you so much for—” “Oh, no, babe. Don’t even think about sending me on my way. I’ve waited patiently all day for a few minutes alone with you.” He

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gave her his best pleading look. Even his mom had been hard-pressed to deny him anything when he used it. She shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” “Why not?” He ran the tip of his finger down her cheek and fought the triumphant smile brought on by the audible catch of her breath. Haley stepped back, putting more space between them. “I’m not going to sleep with you, Michael.” He sucked in a strangled breath. “I wasn’t asking you to.” Was he? He hadn’t actually thought about the specifics. He just wanted to get her alone, and yet now that she’d mentioned it, images of her wearing nothing but those big orange earrings distracted him. He pushed the enticing thoughts away. “But since you’ve brought it up, I have to ask. Why not?” “I can’t do casual sex. I’ve tried it. I just can’t.” He wasn’t sure he liked the implication. “Define casual.” Her gaze dropped. “You know. Sex just for pleasure. I can’t sleep with a guy if I don’t care about him. I did that once in college. I felt dirty and used the next day.” Michael could hardly breathe. It felt like she’d hit him square in the gut. Or maybe in the chest. An iron fist currently gripped his heart, preventing it from beating. He swallowed the lump in his throat, telling himself that she hadn’t yet had time to develop feelings for him. “I see. Well, I guess—” Haley reached for his hand. Her soft, blue eyes met his. “And if I do care about a guy…If I really like him…” The vulnerability in her expression both pained him and sparked a flicker of hope. “I can’t sleep with him without getting my feelings all tangled up. I just can’t keep it casual.” The fist released its hold on his heart. He took a deep breath and squeezed the hand that held his. “I think you know it wouldn’t be casual for me either.”

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She bit her lip. “That’s what I’m afraid of. I’m not ready, Michael.” Michael stared at her for a moment, considering his options. There were dozens of women out there who’d sleep with him tonight, but Haley was the only one he found appealing at the moment. He could seduce her. It ought to be easy enough. She wanted him whether she’d admit it or not. He could kiss her senseless and have her in bed within the hour. And then what? The answer slapped him with a cold, unwelcome certainty. She’d run. He had no doubt he could get her into bed tonight, but it would be the only time. And damn it all to hell, once would not be enough. He watched her bite her bottom lip, a nervous habit she exhibited whenever he did anything to try and move their relationship past the “just friends” stage. If he wanted long-term, he would have to find the patience. He brushed her cheek. “Then I’ll wait until you are ready.” Haley sighed and shook her head. “It might be a while. I don’t want to lead you on. You’re a great guy, but I don’t want a relationship. You can’t even have a real relationship without trust, and I don’t trust anybody—” He covered her lips with his fingers. “I’m willing to earn your trust, babe. But you have to give me a chance. Now invite me up.” Her eyes widened. “Michael…” “I just want to hold you.” He lowered his head and brushed his lips across her cheek to her ear. “I want to kiss you,” he whispered. She leaned into him. “I don’t know.” The breathless words told him otherwise. She did know. She knew she wanted his kisses, but she was afraid of being hurt. He’d show her she could trust him. He’d take her upstairs, and even if it killed him, he’d kiss her and hold her just like he said. No more. “Invite me up, Haley. I don’t want everyone in the building to watch me kiss you.”

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Chapter Seven Haley closed the door behind them, her heart racing. This was stupid. Why couldn’t she resist the guy? Dozens of sexy, handsome men had hit on her in New York over the years. She’d never had any trouble walking away from them. Why couldn’t she say no to Michael? Now here she was, alone in her apartment with him. Stupid, stupid, stupid. She stood facing the closed door, trying to remember all the reasons gorgeous men like Michael Flannery were bad news. He moved behind her, standing close enough for her to feel his heat. Her body reacted immediately. “Finally.” His warm breath stirred the hair next to her ear. Soft lips grazed her neck. “Alone.” She swallowed hard and closed her eyes. Stupid. But oh, so nice. He turned her in his arms. His gaze caught hers for only a moment before he claimed her lips. The kiss stole her breath and her will. Foolish or not, she’d be lying if said she didn’t like it, didn’t want it. His lips never left hers as his arm swept behind her thighs and lifted her. The floating sensation sent warning bells ringing in her head, but with his tongue tangling with hers, the alarm went unheeded. She clung to him, arms around his neck, and returned the kiss. Her breasts swelled and tightened. His hands skimmed down her sides, grazing the sides of the sensitive mounds. The touch had her moaning into his mouth, unable to reign in her body’s treacherous response.

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He broke the sensational kiss with a growl and leaned his head back. Haley realized he’d seated them on the couch with her in his lap. Judging by the solid ridge pressing against her bottom, his body had reacted as quickly as her own. His hand travelled down her leg to her foot. He pulled off her tennis shoe and tossed it under the coffee table. Her other shoe joined it along with Michael’s boots. He kissed her again, long and slow. His tongue traced her lips and delved inside to dance with hers. “Your kisses could turn a gay man straight.” A gravelly, husky tone enhanced his already sexy, baritone. “Are you gay?” “Hell no. So you can imagine what those kisses are doing to me.” She wiggled her bottom against him. “I don’t need my imagination.” He groaned. “Tell me about your house.” Haley stiffened. “Why?” He rubbed her back. “Because I’m an architect, and houses interest me.” His darkened green gaze roamed over her, his other interests clear. “And because I need a distraction.” She should just tell him and have done with it. Tell him everything. Tell him about the house and about her, who she was, what she did. What was the sense in hiding it anyway? He’d find out eventually. But should she tell him tonight? Now? Would he really believe that her house was a sign from above like Meg suggested? And if he learned that she was the Haley Preston—the multimillionaire, the award-winning interior designer to the filthy rich— would he treat her differently? Or would his pursuit of her intensify, increased by the lure of her money and fame? He nuzzled her neck. “We don’t have to talk if you don’t want to.” He nibbled the sensitive skin below her ear and trailed kisses to the pulsing vein at the base of her throat. She clenched her jaw. The man would have her begging him to take her if she didn’t do something. As tempting as it was to throw

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caution to the wind, a voice of reason, one filled with warnings of heartbreak and betrayal screamed for her to resist. “My house overlooks Wear’s Valley.” His lips stilled, and he rested his forehead against her shoulder. “On the mountain?” “Yes. It’s on a twenty-acre tract of land. You can’t see it from the road, but the view of the valley is incredible.” He lifted his head, but he didn’t meet her gaze. His fingertips traced the edge of her camisole. “Twenty acres. That must have set you back a pretty penny. How big is the house?” With a jolt, she realized her hand had been roaming across the broad expanse of his chest. She stilled it and shrugged, avoiding his gaze. “Big enough, but not too big. Three bedrooms, two and a half baths, a large den, an office.” “Are you warm?” Confused she looked into his eyes. “What?” “Your sweater.” He tugged on the sleeve. “Aren’t you a little warm?” She shook her head. Yes, she was very warm, but she doubted it had anything to do with the sweater. “I’m fine.” He grinned. “Liar.” “No really. I’m not uncomfortable.” But maybe it was a little warm in the apartment. She sat up straight and tried to climb off his lap. “I could adjust the thermostat if you want.” Michael grasped her hips and pulled her back. “Haley, that was code for ‘Can I take off your sweater?’.” “Oh.” The heat in her cheeks almost matched that in her nether region. “It’s been years since I dated someone new. I guess I don’t understand code anymore.” He chuckled. “No problem. In the future, I’ll remember to be more direct.” His smile filled her belly with butterflies. “Can I take off your sweater?”

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He’d already released the first button when she nodded. “Okay.” The word came out in a breathless whisper. She closed her eyes and ignored her screaming conscience. Yes, damn it. She knew it was stupid thing to do, but she didn’t care. It wasn’t as if he’d asked to remove her bra. Michael pulled the sweater off and draped it across the arm of the sofa. His palms slid up her bare arms. Electric current followed his movements. “Who designed your house?” She almost choked. “I…I didn’t even know the name of the architect until yesterday.” Panic engulfed her. She couldn’t tell him. Not now. Not like this with her senses dulled by his kisses and his touch. She groped for an excuse, a way to stall him. “Would you like to see it?” “Yes, I would.” He kissed the curve of her breast just above the lace of the camisole. “Very much.” She nodded and buried her fingers in his thick, blond hair. “We can go tomorrow.” Tomorrow she might be able to reveal her secrets without feeling like she was bearing her soul, too. A frown marred his features. “I can’t. I promised Meg I’d take her to the airport.” Relief coursed through her. An extra day would be even better. “Monday afternoon?” He shook his head. “I’ll be lucky to get out of the office before midnight on Monday. The interior design crew can’t seem to please Mr. Maynor. I’ll be working with them trying to come up with something.” Thank heaven. “What about Tuesday?” “I don’t know, babe. I can’t promise anything until Mr. Maynor is happy. This design could make me a partner.” He stared into her eyes. “You understand, don’t you?” Haley smiled. “Of course.” She snuggled against him, pleased with the delay. She’d have more time to figure out just what to say. With her head on his shoulder, she sighed in contentment. “I’ll show

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you the house some other time. Maybe the floors will be finished by then.” His hand stroked down her back, over the curve of her hip, and down her thigh while the other cradled her head against his chest. She took a deep breath and inhaled the scent that somehow excited her and calmed at the same time. How could she be so aroused and yet so tranquil? Just being near Michael had her hormones in overdrive, but sitting here with him seemed so right. **** Haley’s lids fluttered open. Michael’s heartbeat thrummed an even rhythm beneath her ear. She looked up and scanned his features, boyish and innocent as he slept. A peek at the wall clock stunned her with the revelation that she’d been here in Michael’s lap for more than two hours. Then again, if her bladder hadn’t sent her a wakeup call, she had no doubt she could have spent the entire night right here. Carefully, she eased out of his arms and stood. She gazed down at him, watching him sleep. What kind of man has a woman alone in her apartment for hours and doesn’t try to seduce her? And why was she disappointed about the fact that he hadn’t taken advantage of the situation? She should be happy. He’d given his word, and he’d kept it. It was what she’d wanted. Wasn’t it? She choked back an irritated groan and stepped away from him. In her bathroom she relieved herself and washed her hands. The woman in the mirror stared back at her, miserable, confused, frustrated, and torn. Already she missed the heat from Michael’s body, the strength and safety he provided. But was she really safe in his arms? Or would he demolish her heart as Keith had done? Haley cursed beneath her breath. How could she even compare Michael and Keith? The tall, sexy Irish architect was nothing like Keith. They were both male, and while that alone made her weary, all similarities ended with their gender. Keith had been more concerned

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with his hairstyle than with friends or family. The fact that image and social standing had been top priorities for Keith had been her main reason for sending out those pictures in the wedding cancellation notices. She knew the damage to his precious reputation would hurt him more than anything else she could do to him. Michael wasn’t like that at all. He didn’t pursue her because of her money or elite status. He didn’t lie to get what he wanted. The man must have known he could have easily seduced her. She’d been unable to deny his kisses or even hide her reaction to them. He’d done exactly as he’d promised. He’d held and kissed her. But damn it all, she wanted more than that. Her body craved his touch, yearned to feel his hands against the bare skin of her breasts, ached to have him fill her. And why should she deny herself? She was a grown woman, not some teenaged virgin. If she slept with him now, there would never be any doubt that he’d wanted her. Her. Not her money. Not a place next to her in high society. Michael only wanted her. Haley pulled the orange camisole over her head to reveal a silky peach bra trimmed in white lace. It wasn’t Tennessee orange, but it was as close as she could find in the lingerie store she and Meg had visited in Pigeon Forge. She slid the jeans over her hips and kicked them off. The orange socks followed in quick succession, leaving only the bra and matching lace panties. She brushed her hair and teeth, dabbed on a little perfume, and examined herself again in the mirror. Color rose to her cheeks but not from embarrassment. Just considering what she was about to do had her skin flushed, her heart racing, and her sex pulsing. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She wanted Michael. There was no denying that. Yes, she could very well end up with a broken heart again. She already liked him too much. In only two short weeks, she’d managed to fall for the guy. Hard. Sleeping with him would only increase the emotional

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connection, at least for her. She’d just have to make sure she wasn’t blinded by the promise of love this time. Looking back on the years she’d spent with Keith, she recognized the signs of his infidelity. Too bad she’d only realized it after she’d been slapped in the face with irrefutable proof. She’d been naïve and foolish. Not this time. This time, if she were going to have a relationship with Michael, with any man, she would do it with open eyes. She would watch for hints that not only indicated duplicity but also anything that might show a weakness in the relationship. With the benefit of hindsight, it was easy to see that she and Keith hadn’t really been suited for each other. She just hadn’t understood it at the time, hadn’t wanted to. Everyone, including Sheila, had assured her that she and Keith made the perfect couple. If she’d been honest with herself and listened to her head a little more and her heart a little less, she could have saved herself a lot of heartache. The idea of a relationship scared the hell out of her. So did the prospect of spending the rest of her life alone. She whispered to the woman in mirror, “Haley Preston, you’ve wallowed in self-pity long enough. Get a backbone.” She straightened and headed to main room. Michael still slept, just as she’d left him. Leaning down, she braced her arms on either side of his head and brushed her lips across his. He stirred but didn’t wake. She kissed him again, this time running the tip of her tongue across the seam of his lips. He murmured her name and clutched the sides of her face. In the space of a heartbeat, the kiss turned incendiary, fanning the embers of desire in Haley she’d fought to keep banked. His mouth opened under hers, and he kissed her with an intensity that left her dizzy. Breathless, Haley pulled away and held out her hand. “Come to bed.”

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Michael’s eyes appeared glazed and unfocused for a moment. She knew the instant he became fully awake, aware of what she’d said. He sucked in a quick, unsteady breath and stood. She took his hand to lead him to the bedroom, but he remained rooted to the floor. “I can’t.” Shock filled her. “Why not?” “Sitting with you here on the couch was almost more than I could stand. There is no way in hell I can lie next to you and not touch you, Haley.” His hungry gaze roamed her nearly naked body. “Especially with you dressed like that.” Haley grinned. She’d spent so much time arguing with herself over whether or not to give in to her desire, she’d forgotten about his promises. “I’ve changed my mind. I want you to make love to me.” She tugged on his hand again. He stepped toward her. “Are you sure?” She closed her eyes and whispered, “I want you.” “Will you regret it in the morning?” His hand caressed her cheek. “Maybe.” “It would kill me if you did.” Remorse and a touch of anger filled his voice. “I don’t want a one-night stand, babe. I want more than that, and you know it. We should wait until you’re sure you won’t regret it.” “No.” She slid her arms around his neck. “I think I’ll regret it more if we don’t make love. I’m tired of being a coward, Michael. Afraid to feel. Too scared to risk being hurt. I want to live again.” Pulling his head down, she kissed him. “I want you. I know it sounds cliché, but I ache for you. I want you so bad it hurts.” A smiled tugged the edges of his mouth. “I don’t mind clichés.” He lowered his head and took her lips. His tongue plundered her mouth, his unspoken demand clear. As devastating as his kisses had been before, he’d been holding back. A wave of lust crested and crashed around her, sweeping away any restraint. Just when she feared her knees would buckle, he clasped her buttocks and lifted her.

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The hard ridge of his jean-covered arousal she’d felt against her belly now rubbed the lace panties over her mound. Hot moisture burned her already throbbing core. She lifted her dangling legs to encircle his lean hips and bring his length closer to her. He growled into her mouth but didn’t break the kiss as he strode into the bedroom. Next to the bed, he loosened his grip and lifted his head. Haley didn’t want to let go of him, but she needed to get him undressed if she wanted him inside her. And by heaven above, she wanted, needed that. Her thighs released the grip on his hips, and she slid down him until her feet touched the floor. He brushed a lock of hair away from her face. “Are using birth control?” Her jaw went slack. She was supposed to be smart about it this time. How much more stupid can a woman be? “Geez. I didn’t even think about it.” She shook her head. “No. I…Not since I left New York. There’s been no need for it. I don’t even—” His fingertips stopped her. “I’ve got it covered.” He pulled his wallet from a back pocket and flipped it open to retrieve a condom. “See?” Relief coursed through her. “Thank you.” He tossed the condom on the bed and laid his wallet on her nightstand. “Now. Where does it hurt?” “What?” He lowered her to the bed. “You said you wanted me so bad it hurts. Show me where it hurts. I’ll kiss it and make it better.” Haley laughed. “My use of clichés has rubbed off on you.” “Show me.” A grin softened his husky demand. She ran her finger along the lace trim of her bra. “Here.” His lips followed her fingertip. “Here?” “Mmm. Yes.” She ran her palms up the rippling muscles of his back to bury her fingers in his hair.

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He released the clasp at the front of her bra and pushed the silky material aside. “Does it hurt here, too?” His index finger and thumb tweaked the already tight nipple. A whimper escaped her. “Yes.” His hot mouth closed over the peak. He laved and suckled with a tenderness that touched her heart. Nevertheless, his ministrations tugged at the center of her being and sent shockwaves rolling through her. A moan voiced her blissful agony. Michael’s lips trailed kisses to her other breast. His tongue flicked the turgid nipple. “And here?” “Oh, yes!” Her fingers tightened in his hair, and she pulled him down to suckle her. She arched beneath him, her need growing ever more insistent. He rose above her and found her lips, giving her another kiss that left her limp, breathless, and helpless. His hand skimmed her side to her hip to catch the thin strip of lace of her panties. “Wait.” She could hardly speak, but she wanted equal footing. “Oh, God, Haley. Don’t—” “You’re wearing too many clothes.” She tugged the edge of his shirt. In a flash, he stood and yanked off the shirt, throwing it heedlessly on the floor. His jeans joined the shirt, and he yanked off his socks. His dark boxer briefs hugged his lean frame, the bulge of his erection stretching the fabric and straining against the elastic waistband. He bent forward to rejoin her. She stopped him with a foot planted on the middle of his chest. She pointed at his underwear. “Those, too.” His wicked grin matched the gleam in his eyes. “Yes, ma’am.” Haley sat up as he pulled the briefs down. She gasped at the sight of him. The man was six foot four. Every part of him was larger than average. She reached for him. A hiss of indrawn breath preceded the whisper of her name. Haley lifted her gaze to his face. With his eyes closed and his jaw clenched,

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he stood more beautiful than a Greek sculpture. Michelangelo could only have dreamed of such a model. The broad expanse of his chest had only a sprinkling of golden blond hair a shade or two darker than that on his head. Defined abdominal muscles rippled and tensed. Each ridge, every shadow called to her, enticing her to trace her fingers, her lips, her tongue across each plane and contour. She placed a kiss just above his navel and licked and nipped her way across the washboard ridges. Her mouth drifted lower until her chin brushed the silky tip of the staff she still held in her hand. The temptation proved too much, and she licked the rim with a teasing flick before taking him into her mouth. Long fingers speared her hair and gripped her head. “God,” he groaned. Splayed fingers speared her hair and grasped her head. His lean body shuddered as she continued to lick and suck him. A sound suspiciously similar to a growl filled her ears just as he tugged her head back. Before she could even question his reason for stopping her, his lips slammed down on hers with a kiss as feral and wild as the growl she’d heard. His passion and need vibrated through her, assuring her that she was not the only one pushed beyond her limits. He broke the kiss, his breathing ragged and raspy. Pushing her back on the bed, he grasped the sides of her panties again. This time she lifted her hips to help him remove them. She reached for him, ready for him to fill her and ease the throbbing ache at her core. Michael tossed aside her underwear, his gaze never leaving her body. He sucked in an audible breath and traced his fingers over the smooth skin of her mons. It sent shivers through her, but there was nothing cold about his touch. Liquid heat leaked onto her thighs. Now. She needed him inside her now. His brows rose. “A Brazilian wax?” Haley grinned despite the mind-numbing need gripping her. “Do you like it?”

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He nodded. “Oh, yeah.” His gaze finally rose to meet hers. “Definitely.” Leaning over her, he slipped his hands beneath her torso and scooted her farther onto the bed. His warmth surrounded her for a brief instant, but he pulled away again too soon. She grasped his shoulders only to have him slide lower. A lock of hair tickled her belly just before his lips brushed the folds of her labia. Haley gasped, “Michael!” “It hurts here, too, doesn’t it?” he whispered against her sensitive skin. She hardly recognized they gravelly tone of her own voice as she answered, “Please. I don’t want to wait any longer.” “I need to taste you first.” His fingers parted the folds, and his tongue slid across her clit. Her nerve endings jumped as if his tongue were a live electrical wire. She bucked, but he held her still. With his palms applying a firm pressure to her hips and his thumbs still spreading her, he licked her again. “Mmmm.” His voice hummed against her, and his perfectly wicked tongue stroked her to a maddening frenzy. She clutched his head. “Michael, please!” she panted. It had been too long. She was too close. “Please! I want to come with you inside me.” He lifted his head. His dark, green gaze met hers. “You will.” The low timbre of his reply thrilled her as much as his words. “But first I’ll just take the edge off for you. I want this to last a while.” Without waiting for her answer, he returned to his feast. Haley gripped the bedcover beneath her and surrendered to the wave of passion crashing over her. She rode the crest for an all-toobrief moment then shattered with a force that sent her into a black velvet pool shimmering with incandescent diamonds. His name slipped past her lips unbidden as she floated in weightless abandon back to the present. She opened her eyes to find him watching her.

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“Beautiful,” he whispered. He reached for the condom, tore open the package, and rolled it over his erection. “I want to see that again. Soon.” Michael settled between her legs and spread them wide with his knees. He leaned forward to kiss her, a soft, tender caress. Haley tasted her own musky juices on his lips along with the flavor so uniquely Michael. Her arms moved around him, and she kissed him with an abandon she had never experienced. While the explosive orgasm had indeed eased her frenzied need, she still ached to feel him inside her. She lifted her hips, forcing the tip of his shaft past her opening. He groaned into her mouth and sank his full length into her. She sighed in contentment. Ah, had there ever been such pleasure? Had anything ever felt so right? So perfect? She rocked her hips against him and returned his kisses. He withdrew but returned immediately, setting a steady, solid rhythm. She reveled in the feel of him inside her. His body fit hers to perfection. Already she felt the tension building toward another orgasm. Haley raked her fingers down his back and squeezed his taut buttocks. His lips left hers, and after trailing sweet kisses down her jaw to her throat, he rested his chin on her shoulder and stilled. “Damn, babe. Nothing has ever felt so good. I don’t know if I’m going to last much longer.” Even as she tightened her legs around his hips, luxuriating in having him buried to the hilt inside her, she lamented the loss of the electrifying rhythm that had her senses reeling and her body humming. She turned her head to nuzzle his ear. “It won’t take much longer for me.” He lifted his head and smiled at her. “Are you sure?” His rhythm resumed, and he watched her.

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She bit her lip as her breath hitched. A whimper filtered through her lips as his pelvis pushed against her clit. Unable to answer verbally, she nodded. “Come for me, Haley,” he murmured. His mouth covered the pulse at the base of her throat and one hand kneaded her breast. His thumb and forefinger tweaked the hardened nipple. Her body reacted to his sensual assault with an unadulterated intensity that had her thoughts evaporating and leaving her in a fog. He drew her higher and higher with every deep, filling stroke, every nip of his teeth, every caress of his skillful hands. Her body tensed, responding like the engine of a finely tuned muscle car. And he’d pressed the petal to the floor. “Look at me,” he demanded, his voice low and gruff. Haley lifted heavy lids to obey his command. His pace increased, and with each stroke, he ground against her. The motion sent her reeling out of control, falling over the edge of a precipice, the heights of which she’d never dreamed. Her vision blurred as she stared into his eyes. She screamed and clutched him, her only anchor to this world. Darkness relieved only by bursting pinpoints of light crept closer, threatening to engulf her. Her body convulsed around him. “Haley.” She felt him tense and heard his raspy shout just as oblivion took her. Haley slowly regained her senses. She lay nestled next to Michael in a warm, peaceful cocoon, her body still thrumming with the afterglow of their lovemaking. Had she fainted? She drew a deep breath. If she hadn’t, she’d come as close as she’d ever been. She lifted her gaze to search Michael’s face. He gave her a lazy smile and kissed her temple. “I’d better go clean up.” With a soft groan, he sat up and nodded toward the door adjacent to the bed. “Is that your bathroom?” “Mmm hmm,” she mumbled, shocked by the bereft feeling she encountered at the loss of his warmth.

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“Be right back.” He disappeared into the bathroom within seconds. Haley sat up and stared at the closed door. An emotional onslaught slammed into her. Disordered thoughts and feelings choked her, and tears filled her eyes, spilling onto her cheeks.

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Chapter Eight Michael threw the used condom in the little yellow trash can next to the toilet and washed himself with a sunny, yellow washcloth he found hanging neatly next to the sink. A quick glance around the small room confirmed a few things he’d already begun to learn about Haley. The woman kept her apartment clean, but she didn’t appear to be a neat freak. That was a good thing since Michael tended to be a bit messy. He wasn’t a slob really, just not quite as picky as his mom. As a teen, he’d butted heads with his overly tidy mother on a regular basis regarding the state of his bedroom. He and Haley should get along well enough in that department. Staring at himself in the mirror, he paused to consider the direction of his thoughts. He was already thinking of living with Haley. The idea would no doubt scare the hell out of her. Ordinarily, it might have rattled him, too, but not now. Not with Haley. Since they’d first met, he’d felt no reservations at all about the possibility of a serious relationship with her. Quite the opposite. And he found it damned irritating that the only woman he’d ever felt that way about was also the first woman he’d dated who wasn’t thinking of marriage. Michael took a deep breath. Maybe tonight would change her mind. They’d been perfect together. It was the best sex he’d ever had, hands down. And if he’d judged the intensity of her climax correctly, she had no reason to complain. Maybe now she’d reconsider. He entered the bedroom and stopped short. Haley had covered herself and sat crying, her nose pink, her cheeks streaked with tears. His gut clenched as his hopes died. “Haley, why are you crying?”

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She looked up at him, sniffed, and swiped at her cheeks. Shaking her head, she offered a small smile, but she didn’t answer. He sat facing her on the edge of the bed. “Damn it, Haley. I told you I didn’t want to do this if you were going to regret it.” “I don’t. Not at all.” She shook her head again. “It’s just…” He tried to wait for her to finish, but impatience won out. “Just what?” Haley took a deep breath. “I never knew it could be like that.” Confused, Michael asked for clarification. “So…you’re crying because the sex was good?” She laughed. “It wasn’t just good. At least not for me. For me, it was incredible. And if I’d married Keith, I could have gone my whole life and never known it could be like that.” Her hands waved before her. “I never knew why people thought sex was so wonderful. I mean, yeah, I always enjoyed it. I’m a young woman with a healthy sex drive, but still…It was never like that.” Michael nodded, relief coursing through him. “It was pretty damned special for me, too, babe.” She smiled at him but quickly turned more serious. “Do you think that’s why he cheated on me?” Michael clenched his jaw. “What?” “Do you think Keith cheated on me because I couldn’t respond to him like I responded to you?” The mere mention of the man’s name raised Michael’s blood pressure. “He cheated on you because he is a lying, no-good, scumbag son of a bitch.” Haley’s eyes widened. “I didn’t realize you two had met.” Her lips twitched as if she repressed a grin. Michael closed his eyes and struggled to control his anger and resentment at the man who’d hurt Haley so badly. “I may not have met him, but I’ve met plenty like him. Men and women. They are selfish and greedy. And they don’t care who they hurt, who they have to use, or how many lies they have to tell.” He reached for her hand

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and held it. “If he wasn’t satisfied with your sex life, he never should have asked you to marry him. He was using you, Haley.” She nodded. “I know. But he and Sheila did quite a number on me. I’m still trying to get over it.” “I understand, but to be honest, it really pisses me off you’re thinking about him when you’re with me.” Haley shook her head. “Oh, no, it’s not like that. Not at all. I’m thinking about me. About how I was willing to settle for mediocrity. I was so stupid. I deserve better than that. Don’t I?” “Yeah, you do.” He squeezed the hand he still held. “I hope I’m better than that.” She searched his eyes for what seemed like forever before she spoke again. “Michael, I still don’t think I’m ready to commit to a relationship—” “Babe—” She covered his lips with her fingers. “Let me finish,” she admonished. “I’m not ready to dive headlong into anything, but if you’re willing to take it slow…I mean, a day at a time, you know? I think I could handle that.” He kissed her fingertips and drew her into his arms. “Slow works for me.” They sat in silence for several minutes until Haley yawned. “I’m sleepy.” “Are you throwing me out?” She tilted her head up to look at him. “Do you want to stay?” Michael nodded. “Hell, yes. If you don’t mind, of course.” Haley drew back. “Well, I suppose it depends on what side of the bed you want.” He smiled. “The middle.” Her jaw dropped, and she released an indignant huff. “That way, no matter which side you choose, you’ll have to stay close to me to keep from falling off the bed.” He smiled and winked at her.

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A bubble of laughter burst forth, and her eyes twinkled. “You’ve got it all worked out, I see. I never had a chance, did I?” He moved to crawl beneath the covers with her. “Nope.” Sliding his arm behind her head, he pulled her to his side and kissed her temple. The smell and feel of her had his body tingling in response. “Damn.” He sighed. “I wish I had another condom.” Haley lightly punched his ribs. “Go to sleep.” “Yes, ma’am.” **** Michael squinted at the clock, his vision still blurry with sleep. Nine thirty. He needed to leave soon. He looked at Haley. She slept so peacefully in his arms it seemed a crime to move and risk disturbing her. He didn’t have much choice, so he extracted himself from the bed. After a quick trip to the bathroom, he pulled on his underwear and jeans. He fastened them and glanced toward the bed. Haley lay watching him. “I told Meg I’d take her to the airport.” He felt guilty leaving this way. Haley grinned. “I wish I had a brother like you.” “I could call a cab for her if—” “Don’t you dare. You said you’d take her, and you’re not going to stand her up because of me.” He sighed and sat on the bed. “Fine. I’d better get going then. I need to stop by my apartment to shower and shave first.” She stretched, and the sheets slipped to her waist revealing those beautiful breasts he hadn’t been able to get enough of last night. “Is this where you say you’ll call me?” Leaning over, he kissed the swell of one breast and cupped the other in his hand. “I’ll call. And if you don’t answer, I’ll come over and press that annoying doorbell-button-thing until you let me in.”

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“Oh, no, not that. Anything but that.” She smiled and sat up. “I’ll answer.” She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for a wonderful night, Michael.” “I should be thanking you,” he argued with a shake of his head. He brushed his lips lightly across hers. “Listen, I need to run a few errands after I see Meg off—dry cleaners, grocery store—” She cut him off with a wave of her hand. “Me, too.” She stood and padded toward the bathroom. “If I don’t hear from you tonight, maybe you can call me tomorrow.” She paused at the door. Michael couldn’t take his eyes off her naked body. He stood and adjusted his jeans to accommodate his body’s response to her. Damn. He really didn’t want to leave right now. He hoped Meg knew what kind of sacrifice he was making for her. “I’ll call this afternoon.” She smiled and waved as she disappeared into the bathroom. **** “You’re late.” Michael tossed Meg’s suitcases in the back seat. “Sorry, sis. I overslept.” He shut the door and climbed into the driver’s seat, unperturbed by his sister’s tone. Meg closed the passenger door and pulled on her seat belt. “Likely story.” “Come on, now. I’m only ten minutes late. It’s not the end of the world.” Michael put the SUV in gear and pulled out of the driveway. Meg remained silent for several minutes while he negotiated the light Sunday traffic to reach the interstate. Once there, he cut a glance over to confirm what he already knew. She’d been watching him the whole time. “What?” “You slept with her.” Her tone could have been a simple statement or an accusation. He wasn’t sure which. “What makes you think that?” he hedged.

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“That stupid grin you’re wearing. And I don’t just think it. I know it.” She groaned. “Michael, don’t you think you’re rushing things a little?” “Not that it’s any of your business, but no, I don’t. I like Haley. We’re both adults. I think we can make our own decisions.” Meg turned toward him in her seat. “Maybe so, but the girl has issues.” He frowned at her. “You would, too, if your best friend slept with your fiancé.” “Yeah, but don’t you think she should get over that before you two get involved?” He gritted his teeth. “She’s trying. I think I can help her. What’s with the third degree here, anyway? I thought you liked Haley.” “I do. I just don’t want to see you hurt, big bro. She’s…” Meg paused with a sigh. “She’s got secrets, okay?” Had Haley told his sister something she hadn’t told him? “What kinds of secrets?” She shrugged. “Even if I knew, it wouldn’t be for me to tell you.” Michael couldn’t contain the growl that rumbled through him. “Meg,” he warned. “So help me—” “I don’t know! All right? I don’t know what she’s told you or what she hasn’t. I just know she’s hiding something. She never gives a straight answer when you ask about her past. She hedges and changes the subject when you ask about her job or the business she owned. And I swear she looks so familiar. It’s like I’ve seen her somewhere before, but I can’t remember where. She just—” “Okay, now you’re rambling.” Having made the exit to the airport, he focused on merging with the cars heading toward the terminal. “Unless you’ve got some solid evidence that I shouldn’t trust her, I’m content to take my chances.” “Be careful. Okay? Try not to rush into anything.” “Yeah, okay,” he grumbled.

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“You’ve really got it bad. Don’t you?” Unlike her usual teasing, sarcastic response, this time sincere concern rang in Meg’s voice. He parked the car in the temporary visitor lot and turned toward her to scan her features. “Remember how I always said when I met the right one, I’d know?” Meg nodded. Michael unbuckled his belt and pocketed his keys. “She’s the one.” “You’re sure?” “Yep. I knew she was different the first time I laid eyes on her. And since the first time I kissed her, I’ve known she was special. But after last night…Well, I’m sure.” She released her seat belt and leaned over to hug him. “That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you,” she whispered. “Don’t let her get away.” Releasing him, she reached for her purse. “Find out what she’s hiding. Get it out in the open so you can deal with it. ’Kay?” “Yeah. That’s tops on my to-do list.” Michael opened his door. “Oh, and for God’s sake, keep that Irish temper in check,” she added. He chuckled. “Mine’s not as bad as yours.” Meg watched him retrieve her luggage. “Like hell it isn’t. I mean it, bro. She’s already as skittish as newborn colt. You’ll scare the bejeezus out of her if she sees that temper before she gets to know you.” “Point taken.” He hoisted one bag over his shoulder and grabbed the handle on her rolling case. “No need to worry about it. I may have a temper, but it’s slow to ignite.” “Not always. Nothing sets you off faster that finding out somebody lied to you.” Michael cut a glance at his sister’s profile. “You think she’s lying about something?” Meg strode next him through the doors of the terminal. “No, I’m not saying she’s lied to you, but she may not have been completely

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honest either. Keeping secrets isn’t easy to do without a few white lies here and there.” Michael digested that bit of truth and followed her to the ticket counter. He left the airport almost an hour later, assured that Meg was on her way. Anxious to return to Haley, he hurried through his errands, rushing through the grocery and stopping at the drug store for extra condoms. He’d carry several from now on to be sure he wasn’t limited like he’d been last night. After picking up his dry cleaning, he put things away at home and checked his watch. No wonder he was hungry. Time for dinner. He reached for the phone. “Hello?” Her voice brought a smile to his face. “Hey, beautiful.” “Hi, handsome.” “If I were to show up with a thick crust pizza with extra cheese, would you let me in?” A pregnant silence greeted his question. He waited. “I don’t know, Michael.” The uncertainty in her voice didn’t bode well. What had changed since this morning? Did she regret their night together? A lump formed in his throat. “Haley, I won’t let you do this.” “Of course, if you had Kung Pao chicken and egg rolls…” His head fell back. He’d fallen for it again. “You love teasing me like that, don’t you?” Soft, feminine laughter laced her answer. “You make it so easy.” He chuckled but sobered quickly. “I thought you were having regrets.” “No regrets. When you get to know me better, you’ll learn not to try to predict my reactions.” “I’m looking forward to getting to know you better.” “Michael?” she whispered, a seductive, husky tone to her voice. His body reacted as if she’d touched him. “Yes?”

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“Hurry,” she whispered. A long pause filled his mind with visions of their lovemaking, images of her naked body arched beneath him. “I’m hungry.” He smiled, bit his lip to keep from laughing, and shook his head. “I’ll be there in thirty minutes.” **** Michael knocked on Haley’s door and waited. She’d buzzed him in at the front gate without so much as “hello.” Within seconds the scrape of the deadbolt echoed in the hallway just before she opened the door. A smile lit her eyes. “Mmm. That smells good.” She ushered him inside and reached for the bag. He chuckled. “I’m glad to see you, too.” Haley laughed and rose on her toes to give him a peck on the cheek. Unwilling to settle for such a small token of affection, he caught her around the waist and captured her lips. The kiss instantly set off a firestorm between them. Her mouth opened beneath his, and he took full advantage, delving in to taste the sweetness he’d craved all day. She broke the kiss all too soon with a breathless whisper, her blue eyes smoky with desire. “Let’s eat.” He let her go and followed her to the table where she’d already put out plates, silverware, and wine glasses. As she pulled the boxes from the bag, he moved behind her to grasp her hips and pull her against him. Knowing that she wanted him made him impatient to be with her. He nibbled her neck with teasing licks and soft kisses. Her hands stilled, and she leaned into him, pressing her sweet little ass against his arousal. A soft moan sent a current of electric need through him.

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Haley turned in his arms and pulled his head down for a kiss. The desire in the kiss—the pure, uncensored lust—had him fighting for control. Her roaming hands slipped beneath his shirt to his waist where she tugged on the button of his jeans. She never broke the kiss, her tongue sliding against his in wanton invitation. In a flash, she’d undone his zipper and had him free, hard and throbbing in her hands. Those magic hands worked their spell in union with her incendiary kiss, turning his mind to mush. Michael was lost to all conscious thought save that of keeping reign of his body’s need to spill himself. He received a much-needed reprieve and a moment to regain a bit of control as her arms circled his waist and squeezed his buttocks. She broke the kiss and waived his wallet before him. He hadn’t even realized she’d relieved him of it. She raised her brows. “Did you restock?” Her husky, seductive tone had him ready to lift her to the edge of the table and take her right there, forget the condom and damn the consequences. He managed to refrain from acting on that impulse long enough to nod. Haley put the wallet in his hand and pushed his jeans and underwear down over his hips. He flipped open his wallet to retrieve the condom. She grasped his shoulders, silently turning him toward the dining chair and gave him a little shove. He sank down into it, and Haley took the condom from his fingers. Her heavy-lidded gaze met his as she used her teeth to tear open the package. His body jumped in response, his heart skipping a beat as his body thrummed in anticipation. She bent to roll the rubber over his erection then straightened and reached beneath the floral mini skirt she wore to peel off her panties. His mouth went dry, and he licked his lips. Her eyes focused on his mouth before she buried her fingers in his hair and kissed him again. Her tongue traced his lips and delved past them, eliciting a groan of impatient need. Hunger, ravenous and wild, spiked through him. He

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slid his hands up the back of her thighs to cup her bottom and pull her closer. Haley lifted her head and caught his gaze. Her eyes, dark and glazed with passion, promised him untold pleasure as she straddled the chair. Without hesitation, she grasped his erection and guided him to her. She slid down onto him until she’d impaled herself to the hilt. Her scent and heat surrounded him. She sighed and rocked against him, arching her back and spreading her legs wider for deeper penetration. Michael ground his teeth together and fought to keep from coming right then and there. No woman had ever pushed him so far beyond his limits so quickly. Hell, he felt like a sixteen-year-old with his first girl. But he’d be damned if he left her behind. Reaching between them, he used his thumb to massage her clit. Her breath caught, and she jerked against him as a low moan rumbled through her. He continued to work her clit as he used his free hand to caress her breast and tease her nipple through her T-shirt and bra. She bucked and braced her arms on his shoulders. Throwing her head back, she increased her rhythm, lifting herself slightly. The increased friction nearly sent him over the edge. Michael sucked in a strangled breath. God, she was beautiful. And her hot, tight body fit him to perfection. She slid down over him again and again, driving him mad with the need for release. His orgasm hung by a thread, so close he knew he’d come any second whether she was ready or not. He pinched her nipple and pressed harder against her clit. She tightened around him, and he lost it. A groan escaped him as his orgasm shook him to the core. He exploded inside her. Moving his hands to her hips, he grasped them, pulled her against him, and held her still while he buried himself completely within her. Haley screamed and stiffened, the walls of her sheath contracting around him. Just when he thought his orgasm was beginning to wane, her climax brought forth more juices, milking him relentlessly. His

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head spun from the intensity of it, and he buried his face in the valley between her breasts, trying to catch his breath. Once his racing pulse had slowed, he lifted his head. Haley bit her kiss-swollen lip, a blush staining her cheeks. “Sorry. I don’t know what got into me.” He grinned. “Note to self: Bring Haley Chinese food every night.” A laugh shook her, and her rosy color deepened. “I swear I’ve never done anything like that before.” “What? Brought a man’s fantasy to life?” He wagged his eyebrows with wicked inference. “You fantasize about having sex with your Chinese food?” She giggled. He shook his head. “No, babe. Men daydream about having a woman want him so bad that she pushes him down in a chair and takes what she needs. In my fantasies, you ride me until you scream your pleasure.” He hadn’t thought it possible, but her blush darkened even further before she ducked her head, resting her chin on his shoulder. “I did scream.” Smiling, he hugged her close. “Yes, you did. And it was even better than I’d imagined.” Haley kissed him on the neck and lifted herself off him. “Why don’t you clean up while I reheat supper.” Michael counted his lucky stars while he washed in the bathroom. On the way out of the bedroom, a box on the nightstand drew his attention. He walked over and picked it up. A grin spread across his face. “Those are the right ones, aren’t they?” Haley’s voice surprised him. She leaned against the doorframe, watching him. “Yeah.” “I found the wrapper next to the bed this morning.”

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He returned the box of condoms to the nightstand and strode across the room to her. “You should have bought the economy size box,” he teased. Her smile slipped. “One day at time, remember? I’m not ready to think long term yet.” He pulled her into his arms. “Who said anything about long term? I was talking about tonight.” She smiled and shook her head. “Nice save.” He nuzzled her neck and pulled her hips against his. “You think I’m joking, don’t you?”

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Chapter Nine Michael lay sated and sleepy. Haley nestled in his arms with her head on his shoulder. After supper, they’d made love again and again. Thoughts of the future and Haley’s reluctance to commit to a relationship swirled through his mind. Meg’s warning bothered him. He had to get Haley to trust him with the secrets of her past. They would never be able to build a future together until they dealt with whatever skeleton lay hidden in her closet. He sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Now was as good a time as any. “Haley?” he whispered. “Hmm?” “What are you hiding?” he asked, careful to be sure he only sounded curious, not accusatory. She looked up at him, confusion in her drowsy gaze. “What?” “Why won’t you tell me about what you did in New York, what your life was like, what kind of business you had? What are you hiding?” She stiffened next to him. “I just…I don’t want to talk about it.” He stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers. “Whatever it is, you can tell me. I won’t judge you.” She sighed. “I’ll tell you everything when I show you my house, okay?” Confused, he searched her face for an explanation. “What does your house have to do with New York?” “Nothing. And that’s why I want you to see it first. I’m not the same person I was in New York. I want you to see how I want to spend my future before I tell you about my past. I just…” She closed

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her eyes. When she looked at him again, they held a plea. “I don’t want you treat me differently. I think I like the woman you see in me. I don’t want that vision to change.” “I like the woman I see, too.” He kissed her, a slow, sweet caress before he continued. “Nothing you tell me will change that, babe. But I hate having the secrets between us. I can handle anything but lies. A relationship is built on trust and honesty.” Her eyes widened. He hurried to clarify his statement. “Even when we’re taking that relationship one day at a time, Haley. We have to be honest with each other.” She remained silent for a moment then nodded. “You’re right, but I…” “What are you so ashamed of? Just tell me and—” “I’m not ashamed!” “No?” “No,” she huffed. “I was respected, even admired. I have nothing to be ashamed of. It’s just that I’ve changed so much. Or maybe I haven’t really changed at all. Maybe I was just pretending to be that woman everyone saw. Maybe that wasn’t really me.” Her heavy sigh blew across his chest. “You need to see my house—the place where I intend to start a new life and leave the old one behind. Then I’ll explain the rest. Okay? Can we go tomorrow when you get off work? I know you said you may have to work late, but it’s staying daylight longer now.” He disliked waiting even that long, but relief spread through him with the realization that she wasn’t trying to put it off indefinitely. “Sure. I’ll tell them I have to leave at six whether we’re finished or not.” He’d take Haley to her house and keep her there until she told him everything—every last secret she had. There were limits to his patience, and he feared he was drawing painfully close. “Thank you,” she whispered.

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Michael kissed her temple and breathed in the scent of her hair. How had she come to mean so much to him so quickly? He hadn’t lied to Meg. Haley was definitely the girl he’d been looking for. She was Ms. Right. Now he just had to make her realize it. And that wouldn’t happen until she let go of the past. She said she’d been respected and admired. If that were true, why couldn’t she tell him? Suspicion nudged the corners of his mind, but no solid answers presented themselves. He drifted off to sleep, determined to find those answers after work the next day. **** Monday morning arrived too soon. Haley awoke with Michael’s erection pressed against her hip and his hands kneading her breasts. He made love to her—not as slowly as she would have liked, but with great pleasure and satisfaction nonetheless. He slipped from the bed even before his breathing had slowed to normal. “Sorry, babe. I hate to rush off like this, but I’ll be late if I don’t get going.” “It’s okay. I understand.” She stretched and sat up, pulling the sheet up over her torso. Michael pulled on his jeans and reached for his shirt. “Why don’t you come by the office for lunch today?” Haley sucked in a deep breath. Walking into an architectural and design firm might not be such a good idea. By and large, people in Knoxville didn’t pay much attention to what happened in the big cities like New York or Los Angeles, but there were always a few people fascinated by celebrities and the upper echelons of society. And Haley had built quite a name for herself in the interior design world as well as the who’s who of New York. If they didn’t recognize her face, they’d know her name just as Michael had. She really needed to spill the beans to Michael before he found out by accident. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. You’ll be busy and—”

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“I won’t be so busy I can’t eat lunch.” He sat on the bed to put his shoes on. “In fact, you’d be doing me a big favor if you’d bring me a sandwich or something. I may not have time to go out. You wouldn’t let me starve. Would you?” She bit her lip and stifled a groan. “All right. Anything in particular?” He finished with his shoes and leaned over for a quick kiss. “Surprise me.” **** Haley stopped at a little deli not far from Michael’s office. She bought two different sandwiches—one with cold cuts and lots of toppings, the other a Philly steak and cheese. She’d let Michael choose the one he wanted, and she’d have the other. She stood outside the quaint little building with the big sign reading Miller Engineering & Design and took a deep breath. With her hair in a ponytail, very little makeup, and the ultra casual jeans she wore, she doubted anyone would recognize her. Most of the pictures printed of her in the design magazines had her in sleek business attire or wearing a formal dress with her hair styled and makeup applied just so to provide a glamorous image. She was anything but glamorous today. Reaching into the pocket of her cardigan sweater, she pulled out her cell phone, flipped it open, and pressed the buttons until she found Michael’s number. He answered immediately. “Hey, babe.” His voice held a smile. She recited the greeting she’d rehearsed. “I’m outside your office. Are you ready for lunch? It’s a nice day. Maybe we could eat at the little park down the street.” If she could avoid going into the office, there would be less to worry about. “Better not. We’re getting nowhere on these designs, and since I’m leaving at six, I’d better eat while we work. Come on in. I’m in

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Carla’s office. Tell Sue at the front desk, and she’ll show you how to find me.” Haley closed her eyes and fought to control her nervous jitters. “Okay. See you in a minute.” She closed the phone and slid it back into her pocket. With a deep, fortifying breath for courage, she pushed through the door and approached the desk. The prim, silver-haired Sue welcomed Haley and gave her directions. “Turn down the hall on the right. Second door on the left.” Haley thanked the woman and quickly found her way to the correct office. The door stood open, and Michael’s voice floated to her. “I don’t know. I still don’t think this is what he wants.” A feminine voice answered. “Yeah, well, maybe if he’d actually tell us what he wants we could give it to him.” Haley stepped into the room. “Hi.” Michael’s smile accompanied by his dimple diminished the nervous jitters. “Hey, babe.” He crossed to her, brushed his lips across hers, and took the bag of sandwiches from her. “Carla,” he said as he put the bag on the table, “this is Haley, my girlfriend.” Once again the title of girlfriend gave Haley pause, but the kneejerk reaction lessened each time she heard him say it. He slipped his arm around Haley’s waist and gave her a squeeze. “Haley, this is Carla, M.E.D.’s design team coordinator.” Haley almost slumped against Michael in her relief. He hadn’t used her surname in the introduction. “It’s nice to meet you, Carla.” “Hi, Haley.” Carla moved forward and held out her hand. Haley tossed her purse to the desk and took the hand the young woman offered. A tall brunette with brown eyes, Carla seemed to be a friendly, outgoing person. “Michael said you’d be bringing him something to eat.” After shaking Haley’s hand, she glanced at Michael. “I’m going to get my lunch from the fridge, and we can keep working while we eat. I’ll be right back.”

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Once Carla was out of sight, Michael turned Haley in his arms and kissed her soundly. “It’s been hard to concentrate this morning. I keep thinking about you.” Haley grinned. “Thinking about what I’d bring for lunch, I’ll bet.” He chuckled. “My thoughts have been far more carnal in nature.” He grasped her hips and pulled her against him as he lowered his head for another kiss. His mouth lingered on hers, teasing and tasting. Haley’s own thoughts scattered from the worry that she might be recognized. Her only conscious consideration became the need to touch Michael. “Ahem.” Carla voice broke the spell. Haley pulled out of Michael’s arms with her cheeks burning. “Sorry.” “No problem.” Carla winked at Michael. “Just figured I’d let you know you had an audience.” Feeling very warm, Haley removed her sweater and hung it on the back of a chair. “I brought two different sandwiches. Choose which one you want, and I’ll have the other.” Carla slid behind her desk, removed the lid from a bowl, and poured salad dressing over the contents while Michael made his selection. She took a bite and stared at Haley for a moment with her head tilted to one side. “You look so familiar. Have we met before?” Haley sucked in a steadying breath. “No. I don’t think so.” With her brows knitted in confusion, Carla pursed her lips. “Maybe you just look like someone else.” She took another bite of her salad and let the topic drop. Haley struggled to banish the panic threatening to engulf her as she watched Michael bite into the Philly steak and cheese he’d chosen. He’d pulled one of the chairs closer to Carla’s desk. Michael looked up at her. “This is great, babe. Thank you. Now sit down and eat with us.” Haley jerked, realizing she’d been frozen to the spot. She pulled the chair with her sweater closer to the desk and removed the

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wrapping from her sandwich. Before she could take a bite, Carla pointed at the drawings behind her. “I don’t get what he doesn’t like about it. He said he enjoys scuba diving and loves aquariums. He should like the colors and theme.” Haley scanned the design proposal displayed along the office wall. The colors were fine, quite attractive really. The textures might be improved, varied a little more. The lighting and atmosphere appeared complementary, but there was something keeping the design from flowing as it should. The longer she looked at it, the less she liked it. Her gaze drifted to the plans framed on easels across the adjacent wall. Haley stood and moved toward them to get a better look. Three sketches she knew to be the architect’s rendering of interior walls for the room stood next to the floor plans. She traced her fingers along the lines of one drawing. “Oh, Michael,” she whispered. “This is incredible.” “Thank you. I think it’s some of the best work I’ve ever done.” Haley stood with her back to him, but she didn’t turn around. She couldn’t take her eyes of the sketches. They were breathtaking. “Such strong, bold lines. So crisp and clean. They draw your eye from one point to the next with such fluidity.” Carla spoke. “Yes, it’s been a pleasure to work on this project. At least it was until Maynor shot down three proposals. I don’t get it. How can he not like it?” Haley swiveled toward the interior design drawings then looked back at the sketches Michael had made. “Because it’s all wrong.” The room fell silent. Haley glanced toward the desk. Two pair of eyes stared at her in surprise. They spoke at the same time. “Why?” Michael questioned. “What do you mean?” Carla stood and walked around the desk. Haley pointed at the architectural floor plans. “The focal point of the room should be here. Not the center like you have it.” She stepped

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toward the colored drawings of the design proposal. “See? The way you have it, you’ve interrupted the flow of the lines, the very thing that makes this building so spectacular. Why on earth are you working against it?” Carla’s hands rested on her hips. “I…I’m not sure what you mean. We were trying to enhance the lines.” Haley shook her head. “No need. The lines speak for themselves. Think of it in terms of makeup. Sometimes less is better. Let me show you.” Haley moved one of the drawings aside to reveal a large sketchpad. Choosing a dark gray piece of artist’s chalk, she quickly sketched the corner of the room. With a hurried glance she checked the floor plan to be sure her lines were accurate. She returned the gray chalk and grabbed a dark blue one. “Start here and work your way out. Use darker blues in this corner to give the illusion of deeper water and gradually lighten as you move to the outer edges.” Haley changed chalk colors twice more and then reached for the gray again. She began drawing furniture. “Put the sitting area here.” Within seconds she had the outline of two chairs, a sofa, three tables and various sizes of plants drawn. “And the aquarium goes here. It should be at the focal point. Oh, and make the aquarium twice the size.” She drew a huge aquarium filling the corner of the room. “You’ll need more textures, too. You could use underwater coral and other sea creatures as a guide.” She chose a red-orange and dotted one of the chairs. “See the contrast?” Switching the orange out for a deep green, she colored in one of the plants. “The plants should be darker on the light end and—” “Stop.” Michael voice held a warning. She turned to him in surprise. His eyes pinned her in a cold, humorless glare. He stood, the muscles in his clenched jaw working. “You’ve heard of her,” he growled in low, harsh tones.

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With shaking hands, she returned the chalk to its holder. “Michael, I was going to tell you—” “Right. Tonight or tomorrow. Eventually. Maybe you should have done it before you made of fool of me. Damn it, Haley!” he bellowed. “How could you lie to me about that? Why?” Haley swallowed hard. “I just—” “Did Keith and Sheila teach you how to lie like that?” His voice boomed, echoing off the walls. “Or did you teach them? Maybe you’re more like them than you want to admit.” The blow couldn’t have been more effective if he’d actually hit her. His words knocked the breath out her. They hung heavy in the air. “What the hell is going on in here?” An older man stood in the doorway, his features lined in disapproval. His gaze slid from Michael to Haley to Carla then darted back to Haley. “And why in God’s name is Haley Preston in this office?” Michael spoke first. “I’m sorry, Ed. I—” “Oh, no.” The man looked past Haley to the drawings behind her. “No. No. No! Damn it, Flannery. You know I can’t afford Haley Preston. What the hell were you thinking?” Haley assumed the older man must be Ed Miller, owner of M.E.D. and Michael’s boss. She stepped forward. “It’s my fault.” Michael grabbed her elbow. “I’ll take care of this. I apologize for the disruption.” Mr. Miller blocked the door. “I want an explanation. Now.” Haley nodded. “I’ll explain everything. May I speak to you privately?” Michael’s grip tightened. “No, I’ll explain. Miss Preston—” “I think I’d rather hear this from the lady. Go cool off, Flannery. Carla, Miss Preston and I need to borrow your office.” Mr. Miller crossed his arms and moved away from the door. He jerked his head toward its opening. “Out. Both of you.”

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Michael leaned down and whispered in her ear. “This discussion is not over.” He followed Carla out of the room and threw one last angry glare back at Haley. Haley sighed, her insides quaking. “I’m disappointed in you, Miss Preston. I would have expected—” She held up her hand, “Please, Mr. Miller. I know how this must look. Let me explain.” He nodded. “I’m all ears.” With his arms crossed, his scowl and defensive posture did nothing to calm Haley’s nerves. “This…” She gestured toward the drawing she’d made. “Was just me getting carried away. I’m sorry. You see, Michael and I are dating.” Shaking her head, Haley sighed. “Well, we were dating. He’ll probably never speak to me again after this.” She swallowed hard, forcing away the tears choking her throat and filling her eyes. “I came here to have lunch with him. They were having trouble with the design, and I was just trying to help.” Mr. Miller grunted. “He should have known better than to let Haley Preston help with—” “But that’s just it. Michael didn’t know who I was. I didn’t tell him.” “Everyone in this business knows your name, Miss Preston. Are you telling me you’re dating, but he didn’t know your name?” “I lied to him. A lie by omission. I didn’t tell him the truth.” She rubbed her forehead with a shaking hand. “I never told him I was an interior designer. And when he recognized my name, I played it off like it was just a coincidence. I didn’t…” Didn’t what? Want him to know? Trust him? “I’ve been keeping a low profile.” His brows rose in surprise, or maybe it was disbelief. “Why?” “I sold HLP. I…My personal life fell apart, and so did I.” She pointed at the drawings. “I couldn’t do that anymore. The ideas wouldn’t come. So I moved back here to start over. I needed a new life.” She took a deep breath. She’d been a coward. How could she explain that? “When I first met Michael a few weeks ago, I didn’t

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want him or anyone else to know who I was. He doesn’t even know he’s the one who designed my house.” “Flannery did your home?” His eyes widened. “Mr. Mulligan, my contractor, worked with your company and Michael.” Haley shoved a few loose strands of hair out of her face. “I had planned to take him out to see it tonight. I was going to tell him everything.” Her eyes burned with unshed tears, and she blinked to keep them from falling. “I guess it’s too late now.” “Mulligan. I remember that home. Were you satisfied with Flannery’s work?” “Pardon?” Haley had trouble concentrating on the man’s words. “Oh, yes. Yes, of course. My home is wonderful. It’s exactly what I wanted. I couldn’t be more pleased. Michael is a talented architect.” “High praise coming from you. You’re not just saying that because he’s your boyfriend, are you?” “No. Not at all. If I’d been dissatisfied with any of it, you would have heard. I paid good money for the service. I expected no less than I received.” He nodded, his stance softening. “Good. Speaking of money…” He gestured to the drawings. “What are we going to do about this?” Haley stared at the drawings. A part of her rejoiced to know she could still produce work of this quality. Another part withered and retreated all over again. The reemergence of her confidence and creativity had cost her Michael. It wasn’t worth it. “You can have them. As long as it’s understood that Michael is not responsible for my actions.” “No, I can’t use these without paying.” He shook and frowned, his gaze on her designs. “They’re damn, good. Any chance of putting the price tag within my budget? Your usual rates are exorbitant.” Haley pushed aside the emotions drowning her to defend her business practices. “Mr. Miller, my fees were justified and quite reasonable for the services provided. HLP Design supplied not only original interior design plans but also a team of trained professionals

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for the implementation of those designs. I supervised every project from start to finish. My clients received hundreds of hours of skilled labor as well as superior designs.” “I see your point.” He rubbed his chin and moved closer to the drawings, examining each one. “I have my own team. I think they can handle it with your direction. How much for the design and consultation?” Haley considered the question. She certainly didn’t need the money. “Do you know that house next to the children’s hospital where they allow parents and families of the sick children to stay?” “Hospitality House?” “Yes. On the way over, I heard on the radio they’re in need of donations. Make a contribution to them in my name. Fair enough?” Haley held her breath. She wanted out of this room, out of the building. “Would seventy-five hundred be acceptable?” “Fine. I’m sure they’ll appreciate your generosity.” She reached for her purse, relief coursing through her. “How long will it take you to finish the details? And when will you be available for consultation? ” Haley’s breath caught. Any escape would only be temporary. This sketch was far too rough. She’d have to provide a complete proposal and be available to answer any questions the team might have. A quality design lay in the details—the very details that were too vague or even missing in these drawings. “Limited consultation only. I’ll have completed drawings to you by next Monday. Then I’ll meet with your team on site for a couple of hours once they’ve had time to study the design. After that I’ll be available by phone. Agreed?” Mr. Miller offered his hand. “A pleasure doing business with you, Miss Preston.” Haley shook his hand. “I’ll need to take the architect’s rendering with me.” She picked up the floor plan and sketches. “And my

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drawing.” She tore the page from the sketchpad and hurried to the door. A heartbreaking thought crossed her mind just as she reached it. She looked over her shoulder. “Mr. Miller, if your architect prefers not to work with me, please don’t force him. Any consultation I provide will not require his assistance.” Not waiting for an answer, she left the office, her attention focused on finding the exit, praying she’d make her getaway without having to speak to anyone else. If the people in this firm were like those of the other architectural and design companies she’d visited, they’d all want the opportunity to meet The Haley Preston. Dear God, please let me out of here. Haley didn’t breathe until the door closed behind her. She found her car, jammed the keys in the ignition, and sped away. A red light gave her the first real, undistracted opportunity to reflect. She clenched her teeth and closed her eyes. Cowardice had caused her to lose the only good thing that had happened to her in months. Haley Preston was a spineless chicken who couldn’t face the world. And she certainly couldn’t face Michael right now.

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Chapter Ten Michael stared out his office window. Describing his outburst as a loss of temper was an understatement of monstrous proportions. He still couldn’t believe he’d said that to her. He rubbed the back of his neck. Even Keith probably wouldn’t have stooped that low. A knock sounded behind him. Mr. Miller stood in the open door. “I owe you an apology.” “No, sir. I—” “Don’t argue with me. Last I checked, I’m still the boss around here.” He smiled. “And you’re the best damned architect I’ve ever worked with. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.” Michael looked past his employer into the hall. “Where’s Haley?” Mr. Miller stuffed his hands in his pants pockets. “She left.” Stifling a groan, he titled his head back. “Great. She didn’t even let me apologize.” “She didn’t think you’d want to speak to her. In fact, the last thing she said was that I shouldn’t force you to work with her on the project.” “Work with her? You’re going to use her design?” The older man smiled. “Yeah. Maynor is going to love it.” “That’s a given. It’s wonderful.” Michael shook his head in amazement. “You should have seen her working. It was like watching a story unfold, or no…like a ballet. It was incredible. It only took a few moments for me to realize that she was the famous designer, but I was so shocked it took me several minutes to remember that she’d lied to me. She completely stunned and awed me by how quickly she

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worked. I didn’t even have the presence of mind to stop her. Do you know she did all that in about ten, maybe twelve minutes?” Miller’s jaw dropped. “Are you kidding me? Damn. Our whole I.D. department couldn’t have done that in an hour. Hell, they’ve been working on it for almost two weeks and haven’t come up with anything half that good. No wonder she gets paid the big bucks.” Michael gave a nod. “So it cost you a pretty penny, huh?” “No. She wouldn’t accept payment. We agreed on a donation to Hospitality House instead.” “Sounds like something she’d do.” He sighed. “She’s got a heart of gold, but after her last relationship, she has trust issues.” “If the rumors are true, she has good reason. I heard something about pictures of her fiancé in bed with a friend of hers.” Michael spoke through clenched teeth. “They’re true. She was devastated. Why didn’t I hear about it?” “It’s hard to believe you didn’t.” Mr. Miller snapped his fingers. “Wait. I think it happened last fall. Weren’t you on vacation around Thanksgiving?” “Yeah. Meg and I took Mom to Ireland for a month. I guess when you’re out of the country, you miss all the gossip.” His boss grunted. “Shortly after the scandal, she sold HLP Designs.” Michael nodded. “I think this design is the first she’s done since all that happened.” “Well, she hasn’t lost her touch.” “That’s just it.” Michael rubbed the back of his neck again, the tension there unwilling to release its grip. “I think she believed she had lost it. I remember her saying something about how she couldn’t work. It all makes sense now. That’s probably why she didn’t tell me who she was.” Mr. Miller agreed. “She said as much when we talked.” He wiped a hand over his face. “She got a nasty glimpse of my temper. She may never speak to me again.”

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His boss took a step toward the door. “My first glimpse, too. You’re downright scary when you’re angry. She seemed pretty upset, but I got the feeling she blamed herself more than you. Oh…By the way, she said she was pleased with her house.” His brows furrowed. “What?” “Mulligan’s mystery owner.” Shock overwhelmed him for the second time today. “That was Haley?” Mr. Miller chuckled. “Take the rest of the day off, Flannery. You look a little pale.” He waved and left Michael’s office. It took him a moment to recover. Circling the desk, he pulled his cell phone pocket. He punched redial and waited. Four rings and Haley’s voice mail answered. He cursed and tried again. “Michael?” Carla stood at the door holding Haley’s sweater. “Miss Preston must have left her sweater in my office.” She laughed when the musical tone sounded. “It’s ringing.” Closing his phone, he muttered a string of curse words as he crossed the room. “Thank you.” He took the sweater from her. Carla hesitated. “I can’t believe I actually got to watch Haley Preston work. She’s amazing.” Michael stared at the pink sweater. “Yes. She is.” His colleague frowned. “Don’t you think you were a little hard on her?” “No.” Before Carla could respond, he added, “I was an ass.” She laughed. “I’ll second that.” **** Michael’s fist landed with a solid thud against the exercise bag. “Geez, man. Take it easy. You ’bout knocked me down with that one,” Brad complained. Michael sent him a smirking glare and hit the bag again.

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“He still hasn’t found her yet, huh?” Jack quipped as he joined them. Another heavy punch knocked Brad off balance. “Glad you’re here. You hold this thing for a while.” Jack took Brad’s place and grunted as Michael landed another blow. “Damn. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so worked up over a woman before.” Michael ignored the statement and continued pummeling the bag. Brad grimaced. “Hey, man. You don’t really want her back anyway, do you? She lied to you.” Michael paused. “She hid the truth. She didn’t really lie.” “Same difference,” Jack muttered. Michael shrugged. “Maybe, but I know why she did it. And the truth doesn’t change anything.” Grabbing his workout towel from the bench, he wiped the sweat from his face and neck. Jack stepped around the bag. “If it doesn’t change anything, why are you still pissed about?” Michael shook his head. “I’m not.” Brad rubbed his chest. “Like hell you’re not. I’ve got bruises to prove it.” “Oh, I’m pissed. Mad as hell and getting madder by the minute.” He flung the towel back to the bench and returned to the punching bag. “Because you can’t find her.” Jack resumed his potion and groaned as Michael began beating the bag again. Michael nodded. “It’s been four days. Four fucking days!” A rock-hard blow elicited a grunt from Jack. Michael glanced up at him. “She hasn’t called. She hasn’t been to her apartment, and she hasn’t been here at the gym—I checked with management. The contractor building her house hasn’t seen or heard from her either. She could be dead for all I know!” He hit the bag so hard it sent a wave of pain through his hand and up his arm. “Ah. You’re not mad. You’re worried,” Jack quipped.

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Michael opened and closed his fist to relieve the sting. “I’m mad because she’s making me worry. Damn it!” “The spoiled little rich girl is probably lying on a beach somewhere,” Brad grumbled. “No,” Michael argued. “She’s promised Miller the design on Monday. She doesn’t have time for that.” “You don’t think she went back to New York, do you?” Jack asked. Michael raked his hands through his hair. “No. Nothing there for her. She said she sold everything.” Brad’s brows furrowed. “I don’t get it. Why is she hiding from you?” Michael took a deep breath and considered the question. Jack offered his theory. “You probably scared the hell out of her when you lost it the other day. Damn, you even scare me when you’re pissed.” Michael rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s possible, but I don’t think that’s it. If I’ve learned anything about her, it’s that she hates confrontation. She runs from it. She ran from the whole mess in New York, and now she’s running from me.” Brad handed Michael a bottle of water. “Well, if you ask me, you’re better off without the bitch.” Michael grabbed Brad’s shirt and yanked him forward, nose to nose. “Don’t you ever call Haley that again,” he warned. The man paled and threw his hands up in surrender. “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! I didn’t mean anything by it.” Jack laid a hand on Michael shoulder. “He didn’t mean it like that. He likes Haley. He was just trying to make you feel better, Mike. Any woman who hurts a buddy is referred to as a bitch.” Michael released Brad and let his head fall back. He stared at the ceiling. “Sorry.”

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“She’s fine. Don’t worry about her. She’s holed up somewhere working on the design like you said,” Jack assured him. “You’ll see her on Monday.” Michael prayed Jack was right. If she did show up on Monday, which would he do first? Kiss her? Or turn her over his knee? He took a swig from the water bottle and frowned. “I think I need something stronger than water. Let’s get out of here before I tear something up. I’ll buy you two a drink. Irish whiskey never fails to calm my temper.” **** Haley placed the chalk in its tray and stood up. She pressed her hands to her back and rubbed at the stiff muscles. Turning, she ran her fingers across the floor plans and picked up one of Michael’s sketches. Disappointment and sadness washed over her yet again. She’d screwed up everything. Michael would probably never speak to her again. Several times this week she’d considered calling him to apologize. Each time she’d decided against it. His hurtful words rang in her head. He’d compared her to Keith and Sheila. Maybe he was right. She returned the sketch and looked back at her work. She’d begun the task of unpacking her supplies and rearranging the office as soon as she’d arrived at her parents’ home in Brentwood on Monday evening. Now it was Friday and she’d completed four drawings, one for each corner of the law office’s lobby. Two would have been enough, but the work had kept her busy. She’d labored from morning to night. Somehow, designing the décor for Michael’s building had made her feel closer to him. And, lord, she missed him. She missed his dimpled smile and his laughing green eyes. She longed for his kisses. And when she finally fell into bed each night, she ached for his touch. Could she live in the house he’d designed? When she’d moved back to Tennessee, she’d decided not settle at the

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home where she’d grown up. There were too many memories here— too much of the past she wanted so desperately to leave behind. Now, before she could even start that new life, she’d tarnished her future home by spoiling her friendship with its architect. How could she be happy in that home? Every room would be a reminder of the only friend she’d made since leaving New York and a constant indictment of the guilt she bore in losing that friend. Hell. Who was she kidding? Michael had been more than just a friend. No matter how she’d fought to keep from moving too quickly, she’d begun a relationship with the man. Then she’d murdered that newborn relationship with her lies. Haley stared out the window. Bleak, gray clouds brought spring rains for the second day in a row. The dreary scene matched her mood. She’d hoped to go running, but constant drizzle had kept her inside. She switched off the light and left the room. She’d go use the treadmill for a while then soak in bubble bath with a glass of wine. Maybe she would actually sleep tonight. Tomorrow, she’d spend the day at the spa. Somehow she would get through Sunday. Monday she would drive back to Knoxville and take the design proposal to Mr. Miller. She might see Michael. She hoped she did. Even if he spurned her, at least she could stop wondering whether he hated her or not. **** Haley pulled into the driveway of Michael’s mother’s house. A sporty red convertible sat in front of the closed garage door. “Looks like something Meg would drive,” she mumbled aloud. But surely she wasn’t back from California yet. Grabbing an envelope from the passenger seat, Haley opened the car door and walked to the front porch. She laid the envelope in the rocking chair and turned to leave. The front door opened. “Haley!”

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Sucking in a deep breath, Haley turned and tried to smile at Meg. “Hey. I didn’t think you’d be back so soon.” “Got back yesterday.” She reached for the envelope. “What’s this?” “The keys and security card for my apartment. I’ve decided to stay at my parents’ place in Brentwood till the house is finished.” Meg frowned. “So that’s where you’ve been. Why haven’t you called Michael?” “He doesn’t want to talk to me.” Haley swallowed. “Like hell he doesn’t! Haley, he’s been looking for you all week.” Haley searched Meg’s eyes. “Really?” Meg’s expression turned incredulous. “How could you doubt it? I told you he was crazy about you.” “You don’t know how angry he was, Meg.” The redhead sighed. “So you got a glimpse of his temper, huh?” With a shrug, Haley crossed her arms. “He had good reason. I lied to him.” “About what?” She shook her head. “It’s a long story. I’m sorry. I have to go.” Meg grasped her arm. “No. You have to call Michael.” “Meg—” “I won’t let you do this to him. At least talk to him. You owe him that much.” Meg tugged Haley toward the front door. “You can use Mom’s phone.” Haley dug in her heels. “I’m on my way to M.E.D. now. If he wants to talk to me, I’d rather do it face to face.” Surprise etched Meg’s features. “You’re going to his office?” With a quick nod, Haley pulled her arm from Meg’s clutches. “I have to drop off some drawings for Mr. Miller. I’m sure I’ll see Michael while I’m there.” The range of emotions playing across Meg’s face became animated. Surprise changed to confusion. “What kind of drawings would you have for Mr. Miller? Are you an architect?”

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Guilt at not having been honest with Meg spurred her confession. “No, I’m an interior designer. I’m doing the décor for the lobby of the law office Michael designed.” “But M.E.D. has interior designers. Why would they need you? Did Michael get you the job? I don’t understand.” Haley rubbed her arms, suddenly chilled by the memory of how this particular job had started. “I had lunch with Michael and Carla last Monday. They were having trouble pleasing Mr. Maynor, and I tried to help with the design. That’s when Michael got so angry with me.” “Why?” “Because he realized who I was when I started working on the design.” Haley bit her lip. “Meg, I used to be one of the most soughtafter interior designers in the country—maybe even the world. I had international clients—very rich clients. Your brother recognized my name when we met, but I told him it was just a coincidence. I lied to him about who I was.” “No wonder he was ticked. Not only did you lie to him, but you made a fool out of him.” “I didn’t mean to,” Haley defended. “I was going to tell him.” “Did you tell him about your house?” She shook her head, her heart aching. “I didn’t get a chance. Mr. Miller interrupted our argument.” Meg reached out and covered Haley’s hand. “I can see you regret it. Tell him you’re sorry. He’s still pissed, but mostly because you haven’t called him. He’ll calm down if you apologize. Trust me on this. I’ve been on the receiving end of my brother’s temper too many times to count. He’ll forgive you.” Haley found herself enveloped in a tight hug. The gesture shook her. After being utterly friendless and alone for months, she’d forgotten what it was like to be comforted. “I hope you’re right.”

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“I am. I know my brother. And I know how he feels about you.” She released her hold and shoved the envelope into Haley’s hands. “You keep this. Brentwood is too far away to suit Michael.” **** Haley pulled the heavy leather portfolio from the trunk and stared at the front door of M.E.D. Michael would be inside. She tucked the portfolio under her arm, closed the trunk, and smoothed the skirt of the dove-gray business suit she wore. After she gave the proposal drawings to Mr. Miller, she would ask to see Michael. It had been a week. He should have had time to deal with his anger. Haley stopped at the desk. Sue used the telephone intercom to alert Mr. Miller. “Good, good. Send her back, Sue.” Haley heard Mr. Miller’s voice through the phone’s earpiece though she stood several feet away. Sue smiled and gave her directions to the owner’s office. Haley followed the main hall to the very end and turned into the open door of a large office decorated in heavy wood antiques. An oriental rug covered the stone tile flooring. Mr. Miller sat behind a huge, dark monstrosity that served as his desk. He stood and motioned for her to come farther into the office. “Good afternoon, Miss Preston.” “Hello, Mr. Miller. I have the design panels for your team to study.” She opened the portfolio and withdrew the poster-sized drawings. “I’m sure they will find these have sufficient detail, but to make certain there is no confusion, I’ve also made a list of paint colors and specific fabrics used.” She leaned the drawings against an overstuffed leather chair and retrieved the folder with her list from the side pocket of the portfolio.

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“Excellent!” Mr. Miller moved around the desk. “But please, Miss Preston, let’s put these up where we can see them.” He took the drawings to the far wall. Polished wood bookshelves lined the wall, but a display tray ran the length of the shelf about halfway up. With great care, he balanced each drawing on the ledge. He stepped back and examined her work. Haley moved across the room to stand next to him. There had been a time when Haley would have held her breath waiting for the client’s reaction. Once she’d been an amateur with a vision—hopes and dreams of making a name for herself. She’d done that in spades. Now as she stood next to Mr. Miller, she had no doubt he would love her design. It was good. Damn good. She remained silent, waiting for his opinion. Footsteps echoed off the tile in the hall. They drew closer with each step and stopped directly behind her near the vicinity of the office door. Haley’s breath caught. A warm, tingling sensation ran down her spine. She didn’t need to turn around to know who stood at the door.

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Chapter Eleven Haley took a deep breath and reminded herself to be professional. Without looking back, she called to him. “Good afternoon, Mr. Flannery. Would you like to see the design proposal?” Mr. Miller turned his head to look at her. His gaze drifted past her then back. “How did you know it was Flannery?” The question stunned her? How could she explain it? “I…” She searched for an answer. None came, so she posed a question of her own. “Are we expecting someone else?” “Actually, yes. Mr. Maynor asked to be notified when you arrived. He should be here shortly. He wants to meet you.” Mr. Miller waved to Michael. “Come on over here, Flannery, and take a look at these.” Haley gathered her courage and turned to watch Michael’s approach. His eyes burned with green fire, but his expression held not even a hint of his thoughts. He crossed the room, his unreadable stare never leaving her face. Michael stopped within inches of her, close enough for her to feel his body heat. He towered over her in silence. Hints of anger flashed in his eyes, but he said nothing. She couldn’t hold his gaze. It hurt too much to do so. Meg had been wrong. Michael didn’t really want to see her, not unless he wanted to blast her for her lies. Despite the heat he radiated, Haley suffered an icy chill. She rubbed her arms and stared at her drawings. Neither man said anything for several moments. Mr. Miller moved from one drawing to the next, examining each one with a critical eye. Finally, he addressed Michael. “What do you think?”

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Haley peeked up at Michael, anxious of someone’s opinion of her work for the first time in years. Would he like it? Would it meet his expectations? Michael scanned the display before his gaze met Mr. Miller’s. He offered a curt nod, but anything he might have said was stalled by the arrival of Jackson Maynor. Mr. Miller met him at the door with an enthusiastic greeting. “Come in, Jackson, and meet Miss Preston.” He made the introductions. Haley plastered a smile across her face, shook the man’s hand, and pretended she wasn’t miserable. Michael had yet to speak to her, and the quiet but hostile vibe he emanated made her want to seek cover. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Maynor.” Maynor glanced at the drawings and did a double take. He released Haley’s hand and moved to look more closely at them. “These are incredible,” he said. “Can you really make my office look like this?” Mr. Miller laughed. “You bet we can. Miss Preston is the consummate pro. She has provided fabric details and color palette hex codes. Everything will be exactly as you see in those drawings.” Maynor smiled and returned his attention to the sketches. “Amazing. This is even better than I imagined.” He nodded. “The critics are right, Miss Preston. You are the best interior designer in the country.” Haley swallowed the lump in her throat. I used to be. “Thank you.” Unable to stand Michael’s silence and enmity any longer, she stepped to the chair to grab her portfolio and purse. “I need to be going. When will the building be ready for the design team?” she asked Mr. Miller. He rubbed his chin. “Next week some time, I believe.” She peeked at Michael before answering. He regarded her with narrowed eyes. She resisted the urge to frown at him and returned her gaze to Mr. Miller. “I’ll call you next Monday to arrange an on-site

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meeting with your team. Until then, they should study the sketches and order the necessary materials.” She moved to leave, all too aware that Michael followed. Mr. Maynor stopped her. “Wait, Miss Preston. I wanted to speak to you about something.” Haley clenched her jaw and tried to hide her irritation. “Yes?” “Ed here says you did the design in return for a donation to Hospitality House.” She nodded. “I want to help, too. Here’s my idea. We arrange an open house debut. Black tie, champagne, caviar. Everything high class. We charge two hundred dollars a ticket and donate the proceeds to Hospitality House.” He waited for her reaction. “That sounds like a fine idea, Mr. Maynor. I—” “You’ll do it, then?” Confused, she shook her head. “Do what?” “The publicity, the media. Interviews. No one will pay two hundred dollars a ticket unless they know you’re the one who did the interior design. And they’ll want to meet you. You’ll have to attend the event.” Panic gripped her. The last thing she wanted was to find her name splashed across tabloid and newspaper headlines again. She took a step back and bumped into Michael. The contact sent a jolt of awareness through her and increased her already racing pulse. “Oh, no, I don’t think—” Mr. Miller interrupted. “You know he’s right, Miss Preston. Charitable event or not, there will be very little interest and, in turn, very little money raised without someone of your celebrity status associated with it.” “But—” Michael’s warm breath hit her ear just before his whispered growl. “Don’t you think it’s time you stopped hiding?”

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The condemnation in his voice hurt. She batted away the tears stinging her eyes. Yes, she’d been hiding—hiding from the media, hiding from everyone in New York, hiding from herself, and hiding from the truth. Haley Preston was a coward. She swallowed hard. What did it matter anyway? The truth about who she was and her past humiliation couldn’t be hidden forever. Wasn’t her all-too-short relationship with Michael proof of that? In defeat, she surrendered. “Fine.” Maynor smiled. “We’ll set up a press conference immediately. When are you available?” “No, I won’t be available for the press.” She clutched her purse and portfolio to her chest. “You can use my name, show some of my previous designs, whatever you want. I’ll attend the event, but that’s all.” Mr. Miller argued, “That’s not enough, Miss Preston.” She pinched the bridge of her nose to ease her budding headache. “Oh, but it is. Don’t you see? The more unavailable and elusive I am, the more attention you’ll get. Everyone—the press in particular—will be falling all over themselves to find out where I’ve been and what I’ve been doing since I left New York. The moment you release my name, the paparazzi and rag sheet journalists will descend like vultures. The last time my name was in the gossip sheets, they were speculating that I’d checked myself into some kind of rehab clinic.” She sighed, straightened her spine, and took a step toward the door. “Mr. Maynor, your open house will be the most highly anticipated and well-attended event since last year’s AlabamaTennessee football game. But only if I remain invisible until that night.” Ed Miller laughed and clasped Mr. Maynor on the shoulder. “The woman is as smart as she is talented, Jackson. She’s right. No one can resist a mystery.” Haley took another step toward the door. Her heart stopped as a hand gripped her elbow.

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“I’ll see Miss Preston out.” Michael’s deep voice brooked no argument. Michael ushered her forward, all but dragging her down the hall, the grip on her elbow relentless. Rather than heading toward the front door, he turned left down another corridor and pulled her into an office. He shut the door behind them and turned to her. With a sneer, he snatched her portfolio and purse from her and tossed them on the sofa. Haley backed away from him until her back touched the door. She reached for the handle, uncertain of whether it was safe to stay in the room with him. His fit of temper when he learned she’d lied had been nothing compared to fury he exhibited now. She feared for the office furniture. He could very well start throwing things any minute. Oddly enough, she realized, she wasn’t afraid for her person. She may not trust him with heart, but she’d seen how he treated his mother and sister. He would never physically hurt a woman. She’d bet her life on it. His dark countenance no longer void of expression, Michael’s anger etched his every feature. He stood toe to toe with her, looming over her. “Where the hell were you?” His gruff tone increased her alarm, but she fought back. “Excuse me? What gives you the right to—” She cringed as he smacked his palms against the door on either side of her head. His nostrils flared. “Don’t fuck with me, Haley! My patience ran out days ago.” Something flickered in his eyes. Pain? No matter how quickly the emotion was swallowed by his anger, she couldn’t ignore what she’d seen. “Brentwood. My parents’ house,” she confessed. He closed his eyes. “I didn’t know you still owned the place.” She shrugged. “Well, I do. All my stuff is there, my drafting tools, my art supplies. I needed them to do the design.” His eyes opened again, but fury still boiled in their green depths. “Why didn’t you call?” he snarled, each word clipped and harsh.

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Surprise left her speechless. “I…” She licked her lips. “I wanted to, but I didn’t think you’d want to talk to me.” He sucked in a deep breath and released it in a rumbling growl. His hands grasped her head, and his mouth slammed down on hers, demanding, punishing. She tensed but only for an instant. Despite the ire driving the kiss, an underlying desperation tugged her senses and begged to be sated. He wanted her, needed her. She raised her hands, buried them in his hair, and kissed him back, their tongues and mouths dueling, fighting for dominance and control. He groaned into her mouth and slid his arms down her sides, over her hips and lower. The anger in his kiss relented to the passion, but his lips never left hers. Warm palms pressed against the bare skin on the back of her thighs between the tops of her stockings and the silk of her panties. She realized he’d lifted her skirt just before his hands moved higher. The sound of fabric ripping splintered the silence, and cool air met the bare skin of her bottom as her panties fell away. Haley whimpered against his lips and pressed her aching breasts to his chest. A zipper hissed. He lifted her against the cold, wooden door and broke the kiss. “Wrap your legs around me,” he demanded. Defiance was not an option. She needed him inside her. With a quick, smooth motion, she obeyed. Her thighs hugged his hips. His erection nudged her opening for only a second before he thrust inside. She moaned, the pleasure too much to bear. Sweet, hot friction discharged electrical currents of pure joy through her body. Fast and hard, his pace heightened her senses and drove her mad with need and desire. She kissed him, teased his lips and tongue— tasted that delicious essence she’d missed so much. In mere moments her body reached a perfect place of ecstasy. She arched against him, and his mouth muffled her cry of satisfaction.

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The whisper of her name preceded a shudder that shook them both. Haley’s lungs heaved with the effort to catch her breath. His vise-like grip around her torso hampered her ability to take in air, but she loved it. Michael’s arms held her. He lifted his head from where it rested on her shoulder and stared into her eyes. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?” “No,” she whispered. “We need to talk.” Unsure of how to answer, she simply nodded. He lifted her away from him and offered support until she was steady on her feet. A brush of his lips across her temple nearly undid her, the tender gesture bringing tears to her eyes. God, how she’d missed him. Michael straightened his clothes and retrieved her mutilated panties from the floor. A brief grimace crossed his face as he walked to the desk with them. He stuffed the scrap of silk in his pocket and opened his desk drawer. Moving back to her, he offered her cell phone. “The battery is dead. I left it on, hoping you’d call.” She finished straightening her own clothing and took the phone from him. “Thank you.” He rescued her portfolio and purse from the sofa and handed them to her. “Let’s get out of here.” Haley followed him, avoiding eye contact with the secretary as they passed. Once outside Michael guided her to the left with a hand at her back. She resisted. “My car is over there.” “You can ride with me.” He pressed her forward. “But I’m parked at a meter. They’ll tow my car,” she protested. His jaw tightened. “Fine. We’ll take your car. Give me the keys.” He held out his hand. “Why don’t I just follow you?” He gave her a deprecating smirk. “I’m not letting you out of my sight, babe. Give me the keys.”

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She frowned, pulled the keys from her purse, and slapped them in his hand. “Thank you.” He didn’t say another word during the drive. Haley peeked at him several times, but he kept his attention on the road. After about fifteen minutes, they pulled into a small condominium complex. “Where are we?” she asked. “My condo.” Volunteering no additional information, he exited the car and strode around the front to open her door. In silence, he led her to an apartment door, unlocked it, and motioned for her to enter. An overstuffed, brown leather sofa dominated the front room. A matching recliner sat adjacent to it, facing a big, flat-screen television. Cream-colored blinds covered the windows and a brown and cream area rug covered a portion of the wood floor. The furniture looked comfortable enough, but Michael led her toward the wooden table in the dining room on the left. He pulled out a chair. “Sit.”

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Chapter Twelve Haley crossed arms. His tenderness after their heated mating in his office had encouraged her to overlook his commanding, dictatorial behavior, but this was too much. “I am not your poodle.” A heavy sigh pierced the air, and he dragged a hand over his face. “Point taken. Please sit down, Haley.” She hadn’t expected the immediate capitulation, but the tick in his jaw told her he still struggled with his temper. Not wanting a return of the angry bear he’d been earlier, she nodded and sat in the leather padded dining chair. He slipped off his business suit coat, draped it across the back of another chair, and sat facing her. “You should have called.” “You were so angry. I didn’t think you’d want to talk to me,” she explained again. “What was the last thing I said to you when Ed kicked me out of the room?” he asked, his tone almost patronizing. Haley frowned. “You said I was like Sheila and Keith.” His eyes widened. “No. I said, ‘This conversation is not over.’ That should have told you I wanted to talk to you.” She thought back. He had said that. Why hadn’t she remembered? “And I never said you were like Sheila and Keith. I didn’t mean it like that at all.” He grabbed both her hands and held them. “I’m sorry, babe. I was feeling like a fool, and I lost my temper. That was a low blow. It was uncalled for. Please forgive me.” Haley swallowed. “I’m sorry, too. I was going to tell you. I—” “I know. You were going to tell me that night. When we went to your house,” he finished for her.

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She nodded. “You designed my house.” He smiled. “Ed told me. And I’m guessing you didn’t tell me about it because I would know just how rich you are. That home wasn’t overly large, but it has to be costing a small fortune to have it built.” She shrugged. “If you knew I had money, you might have realized that I was the famous interior designer. At first, I didn’t want anyone to know who I was. After I got to know you, I considered telling you, but I liked the way you treated me. Even if you were rushing things, I didn’t want your image of me to change. I liked the woman I was when I was with you. I’m not the Haley Preston from New York. I’ve changed. I didn’t want you think I was still that woman.” He squeezed the hands he still held. “Haley, you’re lying to yourself now. You may have changed your lifestyle and moved to a slower pace. You took a break from your profession, and maybe you even changed your goals.” He lifted one hand to caress her cheek. “But you’re still the same woman.” “No, I’m not. I don’t feel anything like the same woman,” she argued. “You’re still the girl you’re father raised. Maybe you’re a little older, a little wiser, but you’re still Haley Preston, the best interior designer in the world.” She smiled but shook her head. “A bit of an exaggeration, don’t you think?” That adorable dimple accompanied his grin. “Nope. I knew you were damned good, but I’ve never seen anything so perfect as that proposal I saw today. Jesus! How do you do it?” His words warmed her. He’d liked her design. The only person whose opinion had mattered to her in such a long time liked it. “When you have a perfect architectural design to work with, it’s easy.” He sat back in his chair, surprise written in his features. “I think that’s the best compliment I’ve ever received.” “It’s the truth.”

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Michael watched her for a moment but grew serious again. “From now on, when you leave town, you will tell me where you are going, how long you plan to be gone, and you’ll leave me a number where I can reach you.” He paused before adding, “And you will damn well call me when you get there so I don’t worry.” The abrupt change of subject shocked her for a moment. The dictator had returned and so had her irritation. “You sound like my father!” He stood up, knocking his chair back several inches. “And that surprises you? He loved you. He worried about you. You were his girl!” He grasped the back of Haley’s chair and leaned down to bring his face close to hers. “Now you’re mine.” Haley’s breath caught. His? He thought of her as his? While her heart rejoiced, warning bells chimed. This was all happening too fast. He hovered over her, dwarfing her, intimidating her. She shoved at his chest and stood, instant rebellion to the attack on her independence eclipsing the emotional trepidation. “Exact what does that mean? I’m yours? You think you own me now?” She walked across the room to stand behind the sofa and rested her hands on the soft, brushed leather. Michael followed her and stood directly behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. “It means I care about you, babe. I was crazy with worry this last week. Please don’t do that to me again. I don’t think I can take it.” She melted against him, unable to fight such soft, pleading words. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. Michael nibbled her neck. The hard ridge of his arousal nudged the crease of her bottom. Her body reacted immediately as always— her heart racing, blood singing in her ears, her sex pulsing with need. His hands caressed her body, her breasts, her hips. “I can’t stop thinking about the fact that you’re not wearing any panties.” His touch and the timbre of his low, deep voice brought forth hot moisture between her thighs.

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“Those were some of my favorite silk panties.” She pouted. His hands slipped beneath her skirt and slid over the tops of the silk stockings she wore. “I’ll buy you some new ones.” His fingers found her center and stoked the slick folds. “And I’ll be more careful when I take them off.” “I can’t think when you touch me.” He chuckled, his breath warm on her ear. “Good,” he whispered. She turned and sought his lips. His kiss, slow and tender, held none of the anger and hostility of his earlier kisses, but the passion remained. Haley sank into him and surrendered to her desire. Like it or not, she was his. Michael ended the kiss, scooped her up, and took her to the bedroom. There he removed her shoes, skirt, blouse, and bra but left her stockings and garters in place. “So sexy,” he mumbled against her skin as he trailed kisses over her body. She spent the next couple of hours in a haze of pleasure. Michael made love to her with a slow, methodic precision, caressing and kissing every inch of her flesh. Nothing remained untouched. Though the passion reached equal heights, this coupling was nothing like the rough, frenzied mating at the office earlier in the afternoon. He filled her, all of her—body, mind, heart, and soul. Sated in every possible way, Haley laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. **** She awoke to a loud rumble. It took a moment to determine if the sound had come from her stomach or Michael’s. Lifting her head, she looked into Michael’s sleepy eyes. “Sorry,” he murmured. “I didn’t have lunch today.” Haley’s gaze found the digital alarm clock on the nightstand. “Goodness. It’s after seven already.” She stretched. “I’m starving. I thought it was my stomach that woke me.” He chuckled. “Let’s shower and find something to eat.”

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She slipped out of the bed and took a few steps toward Michael. He stood with his hand extended, waiting for her to join him. With a start, she noticed stickiness on her thighs. She stopped short. Turmoil bubbled inside her belly. “You didn’t use a condom.” Surprise registered in Michael’s features. Raking his hands through his hair, he took a deep breath. His cheeks puffed up, and he blew it out slowly. “Christ,” he mumbled. He dropped his hands to his side. “I’m sorry. It never even crossed my mind.” Haley couldn’t fault him for that. Never once had birth control entered her thoughts. “You didn’t use one this afternoon in the office either.” She wrapped her arms around herself and tried to keep her rising panic at bay. “What if I get pregnant?” she whispered as she stared at the floor. When he didn’t answer immediately, she lifted her gaze to his. He appeared to be mulling over the options. He shrugged, and a grin played around his lips. “Then I guess we’ll have a baby.” His happy-go-lucky attitude did little to calm her panic. “You mean I will have a baby. You’ll just—” A long finger covered her lips, and he gave her a sharp look. “No,” he growled. “We will have a baby. And don’t think for a second I will let you make decisions about our baby’s care without me.” Haley sighed, relieved that she wouldn’t be raising a child alone if she were pregnant. If she were pregnant. “The chances are low that I’d get pregnant after only a few times. We’ll just have to remember to use a condom until I can call my doctor and get the pill.” “Don’t you want kids?” His question hung in the air. “Yes, someday. Not now,” she hedged.” And certainly not until after I’m married.” “We can fly to Vegas tonight and take care of that.” His green eyes twinkled as he wrapped his arms around her. “Ha. Ha. Very funny.” Michael stared down at her in silence. Haley tensed. “You are kidding, aren’t you?”

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He shook his head. “No.” She didn’t like the course this evening had taken. Babies? Marriage? “Let go of me.” “I won’t let go, Haley. Ever. You’re mine. Remember?” She looked into his eyes. The emerald depths reflected no doubt and, surprisingly, no irritation. They held only a tender, possessive love. Love? Haley drew in a slow, deep breath. A warm, calming emotion teased her senses. She fought it. “This is too fast. I’m not ready.” “Then I’ll wait.” He brushed a lock of hair from her face. “Babe, I know you’re scared. I know you have doubts. But I don’t.” His hands moved to her shoulders. “Don’t expect me to pretend otherwise. I’ll try to be patient, and I will try not to push you. But I won’t hide how I feel about you.” “How can you be so sure? You haven’t known me that long.” “Tell me something.” He lifted her chin with his finger. “How did you know it was me this afternoon in Ed’s office?” She shook her head. “I don’t know.” “There weren’t any mirrors. The blinds on the windows were partially drawn, so you wouldn’t have seen my reflection there. How did you know it was me?” he pressed. Haley admitted defeat. He obviously knew the answer, but he wanted her to confess it aloud. “Fine. I knew because I felt you there.” “You felt me?” She sighed. “Yes, damn it. I felt you.” Just how far did he intend to take this confession? “I don’t know why, but it’s like I have some kind of radar where you’re concerned. I get this…feeling, and I know you’re near. I can’t explain it so don’t even ask.” He nodded. “I know that feeling. I have it every time you enter the room, too. It can be a little unsettling, don’t you think?” Shock stole her breath. He felt it, too? “Yes. I…It’s strange.”

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He smiled. “Strange? I think it’s cool. Special. And that’s how I can be so sure, Haley. I feel it.” How did a woman fight that? In surrender, Haley laid her head on his bare chest. She needed a change of subject. Her empty stomach rumbled, and she seized the opportunity. “You must not feel too strongly about me if you’re willing to let me starve to death.” His laugh shook them both. “Let’s hurry up and get that shower. Then we’ll raid my fridge before we both expire of hunger.” The shower had taken a bit longer than expected with Michael insisting that he help her wash. Truth to tell, she’d very much enjoyed helping him wash, too. And if the hunger pains hadn’t driven them out, Haley had no doubt they would still be in the shower instead of sitting at the table finishing ham and cheese sandwiches and potato chips. She wore one of his T-shirts. It hung to her knees, and the picture of domestic contentment did not escape her. Michael had pulled on a pair of jeans but opted to skip the shirt. He drained the last of a glass of milk and sat back. “Well, it wasn’t steak and lobster, but it did the trick. Feel better?” “Mmm hmm,” Haley mumbled around another potato chip. She reached for her milk. “Much better, thank you.” Michael stood up, grabbed their plates, and put them in the sink. He turned toward the bar and reached for something. He brought it over and laid it before her. Haley stared at the key, unable to speak. He sat down next to her. “I want you to have it. You know, just in case.” “In case of what?” she whispered, not certain she wanted to hear his answer. “In case you accidentally leave something here and need to get it. In case we’re meeting here, and you get here first.” He smiled at her. She searched his eyes. “In case you want to move in,” he added with a shrug.

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There they were again—alarm bells clamoring away, warning her to run for dear life. Haley tore her gaze from his and looked back at the key. Hot on the heels of an unsettling discussion of babies and marriage, a new conversation of moving in together was not what she’d expected. She forced herself to move past her knee-jerk reaction to any mention of long-term relationships and consider her options. Flashes of the past week without him reminded her of how much she’d missed him, how much she’d come to care for him. Would it really be such a big mistake to move in with him? It’s not like she couldn’t leave whenever she wanted. “Hey, babe.” He reached over and grasped her hand, giving it as squeeze. “Don’t freak out on me, okay? I like waking up next you. That’s all. And I wouldn’t mind doing it every day.” Haley nodded. She could get used to waking up next to him, too, but she wasn’t about to admit it right now. Nevertheless, it was a tempting prospect. “I saw Meg before I came to your office.” Michael’s brows furrowed in confusion. “You did? Why? Where?” “I stopped by your mom’s house to drop off the keys and security card for my apartment.” He clenched his jaw. “Your house can’t be ready to move in yet. I was there last week looking for you.” She stood and wandered over toward the living room. “No, I was thinking I’d just stay in Brentwood until it was finished.” His chair scraped the floor and only a moment passed before his hand was on her arm, spinning her around to face him. “That’s not going to work.” His low, quiet voice told her he didn’t like the idea. “I can’t commute almost three hours one way to work every day.” Haley stifled a grin. He wouldn’t even consider being separated from her, and he had immediately assumed he’d be spending the nights with her. The man would not be denied. She took a long, deep breath. “Maybe I shouldn’t have offered her the keys without talking to you first.”

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“No. It’s fine. Now you’ll have to move in with me.” The tension in his jaw disappeared, replaced by a smug satisfaction. Haley shook her head. “Meg wouldn’t take the keys. She said I needed to talk to you.” He gave a short laugh. “My sister knows me too well.” A frown marred his features. “I wish she’d taken the keys, though. She’d have been doing me a favor.” She bit her lip and fought the foolish desire to throw caution to wind. As tempting as it would be to move in with him until her house was finished, fear and uncertainty wouldn’t let her take that leap of faith. “Haley, you’re shaking.” With a nod, she smiled. “I tend to do that when I’m scared.” He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “Scared of what, baby? I’m not pushing—” “I know.” She pulled back to look up into his face. “I’m just not ready. I’m sorry.” He stared down at her, tenderness and a hint of disappointment in his gaze. “It’s okay. But I want you have the key just in case.” “Just in case I change my mind?” He chuckled. “Yeah. And all the other reasons I mentioned.” He caressed her cheeks, suddenly serious again. “All my cards are on the table, babe. No aces up my sleeve. No hidden trump cards. It’s all out there for you to see. No more secrets between us, okay?” The pressure of committing to a relationship eased. Warmth spread through her veins, and the uncertainty receded. The alarm and voice of warning quieted. “No secrets, huh?” “None.” “Hmm. Well, then, I guess I should tell you that I can’t cook.” Haley hung her head in mock shame. His laugh rumbled through the room. “Neither can I, but I know where all the best restaurants and take-out places are. And I make a mean ham sandwich. We’ll manage.”

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Haley seized the opportunity to tease him further. “Okay. I snore when I have a cold, and I never balance my checkbook.” “I can sleep through just about anything, and your checkbook does not figure into this relationship.” He crossed his arms, daring her to argue. The reference to his lack of interest in her money sidetracked her train of thought. She’d sought to lighten the mood, steer the conversation away from the gravity of contemplating a long-term, serious relationship. He wouldn’t let her. Michael cupped her face in his hands. “I know you’re scared. I know how hard it is for you to trust anyone. But don’t expect me to avoid the subject altogether. I can’t help wanting to have you around all the time.” He paused. “Permanently.” A fist gripped her heart. Despite his promise not to push her, Haley felt cornered again. Michael must have felt her tension. “Hey. I’m just letting you know how I feel. That’s all.” He winked at her. “Stay here tonight. We can find a movie to watch. I’ve got microwave popcorn. Butter flavor.” Thankful for the change of subject, Haley agreed. “Never could resist popcorn with lots of butter.”

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Chapter Thirteen Haley slipped from the bed as soon as Michael went to shower. She found the coffee and started a pot. After locating a pan, she scrambled some eggs. As planned, the toast popped up just as Michael entered the kitchen, adjusting his tie. She smiled at him and spooned the eggs onto plates. “Hungry?” “I could get used to this.” He hugged her around the waist and kissed her cheek. She laughed and ignored the possibility that he was bringing up the subject of her moving in again. “Don’t bother. I seldom eat breakfast, but I was hungry this morning.” “Same here. I’ll pour the coffee.” Haley kissed Michael good-bye and returned to her apartment to shower and dress. After unloading all the personal belongs she’d packed before offering Meg the apartment, she left to inspect the progress on her house and spent more than an hour with the contractor approving the additional floor samples he’d procured. The wood floors she’d chosen for the bedrooms, living room, foyer, and hallway were already being installed, but tile for the kitchen, dining room, bathrooms, and patio, had not yet been ordered. Unlike all the times she’d poured over the samples before, today she’d had no trouble making her decisions. As she looked back on those decisions now, she realized how much Michael had influenced them. Without considering why, she’d picked a cream tile with shamrock green accents for the master bathroom. For the kitchen, an earthy tan with gold flecks reminiscent of the linoleum in Michael’s kitchen had caught her eye. Since she’d

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finally decided on the kitchen floors, the color of the granite countertops had been finalized. Michael would like the dark brown. Haley shook her head and pushed open the door at the furniture store. Within an hour, she’d ordered three bedroom suits. Again, the one for the master bedroom turned out to be heavier, bolder, and even a bit more masculine than she would have chosen a few short weeks ago. She left the store and marked the furniture off her mental list. Soon she’d need to make the final selections on the bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Maybe she’d do that tomorrow. It was almost five o’clock when she pulled into the drive at Michael’s mother’s home. Glad to see the red sports car, Haley approached the front porch. The door opened before she had a chance to knock. “Hey,” Meg greeted her. “I’ve tried to call Michael twice today, but he’s been in meetings. Did you talk to him? What happened?” Haley smiled at Meg’s curiosity. “Yes, we talked.” “And?” Haley bit her lip in an attempt to keep from smiling. “You’ll have to wait a little longer for the apartment.” “Thank goodness.” Meg heaved a relieved sigh. “You don’t want your own apartment yet?” Haley teased, knowing the woman’s relief stemmed from concern for her brother’s happiness. “Of course I do. But not if it means Michael gets his heart broken.” Haley covered her smile with her hand and looked away. “I think we’ve come to an understanding. He knows I’m not ready for any commitments.” “I think Michael would marry you today if you’d agree.” A swallowed hard. “He suggested Vegas.” A grin transformed Meg’s serious expression. “Mom would kill him if he ran off and eloped. She has dreams of a having the sanctuary

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at the Immaculate Conception Church filled to the brim with guests and flowers for both our weddings.” With a wrinkle of her nose, Haley responded. “She doesn’t have to worry about him eloping with me any time soon.” “So you’d rather have a church wedding?” Meg’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Geez, Meg. You’re as bad as your brother. I don’t even want to talk about marriage right now. Not for a long while. We met less than a month ago for heaven’s sake!” The redhead smiled before she reached out and gave Haley’s shoulder a little shove. “You know I’m just teasing. And don’t let my brother bully you into anything either. I love that guy, but I swear, when he decides he wants something he will not yield until he gets it. I think the only time he didn’t get his way was when I went to California for school. He badgered me relentlessly, trying to change my mind. He thought he knew what was best for me. It caused a rift between us for a little while, but once he realized I was happy at UCLA, he came around.” “You’re one courageous girl to stand up to Michael like that. When he gets mad, he is…Well, let’s just say I’d be less intimidated by an angry grizzly bear.” Meg giggled. “He can be downright scary.” She tilted her head. “But you know he’d never hit you, right? He’d never hit a woman. Ever.” Thinking back to the day before in Michael’s office, Haley recalled the concern she’d felt for the furniture. Not for a moment had she believed he would physically harm her. Maybe she wasn’t such a bad judge of character after all. “He practically had steam coming out of his ears yesterday, he was so mad. I thought he was going to break something.” She shrugged. “But I never feared for my own safety.” “Good. Don’t be afraid to stand up to him, Haley. My brother is a great guy, and he always means well. But sometimes he’s as

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hardheaded as they come. Don’t let him railroad you into doing something you’re not ready for.” A groan escaped her. “Your warning comes too late. Even if it didn’t, you make it sound as if it’s easy. I wouldn’t be dating him at all if the blasted man weren’t so damned persuasive.” “Maybe it’s just easier for me since I’m his sister. You’ve got the hots for him. I’m sure his methods of persuasion are more difficult for you to fight than the guilt trips he uses on me.” Meg winked. “You’ve got that right.” Haley’s pulse quickened as images flooded her mind of Michael’s most effective methods. “I’m so glad you and Michael worked things out.” Haley once again found herself enfolded in a hug. This time she hugged Meg back, welcoming the woman’s friendship. Meg released her. “Maybe we can go shopping again soon.” “Let me know when you’re ready. I had a great time. I’d love to do it again.” Haley started to leave but changed her mind and turned back. “You busy? Want to come to the gym with me? I’m meeting Michael there in a few minutes.” “Oh, I don’t want to be a third wheel.” Meg’s red curls bounced as she shook her head. Haley waved off her concerns. “Nah, you’d be doing me a favor. Michael’s friends, Brad and Jack, will probably be there. Your brother usually works out with me, but I can tell he misses his buddies. I don’t want him to feel like he has to choose between us.” Meg still hesitated. “Go on. Get some workout clothes and tennis shoes. I’ll wait for you in the car.” Haley didn’t give her chance to say no. She spun on her heel and headed toward her vehicle. ****

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By the time Meg and Haley had changed into their exercise attire, Michael, Brad, and Jack had already found each other and were laughing about something while Brad did reps on the bench press. Haley’s heart warmed at Michael’s welcoming smile, his dimple deep and pronounced from the wide grin. He stepped toward her, kissed her cheek, and then nodded at Meg. “Hey, sis.” Meg greeted the men. Brad and Jack both looked over Meg’s form-fitting exercise pants with more appreciation than Michael found acceptable. He gave them both a warning glare that said, “That’s my sister.” Haley offered her own greeting. “Hey, guys. Listen, I never had a chance to apologize. Sorry about the beer I cost you.” Brad and Jack looked at each other as if she’d spoken in a foreign language. Michael put his arm around her. “What do you want to do first? Maybe the Stairmaster?” Haley resisted and watched the two men closely. Neither would make eye contact with her. “He told me you had the bet going, you know. He asked me to help him win. That’s cheating. Wouldn’t you say?” Both men looked at each other first then to Michael. He pressed harder on her waist to steer her away. “It was just a beer. Let’s go.” Jack spoke up. “Oh…yeah. Yeah, it was just a beer. No big deal.” Haley felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She twisted out of Michael’s grasp and confronted his friends. “There was never any bet was there?” Brad glanced at Jack again. “Well, sure there was. We bet a beer. We do it all the time.” Anger filled the empty pit that sinking feeling had created. “You’re a lousy liar, Brad.” “Haley…” Michael began.

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Haley poked him in the chest with her finger. “We will discuss this later,” she managed to say between clenched teeth. She turned to Meg. “Come on, let’s go use the ellipticals.” Michael moved to intercept her. “Wait.” She skirted him and snapped at him over her shoulder, “Later.” Haley found two open elliptical machines next to each other, climbed on one, and set the incline and resistance. She started peddling. Meg pressed buttons on her machine. “So I take it Michael lied to you about some kind of bet?” “The day we met.” Haley gave a short recap of the lie. “I fell for it hook, line, and sinker.” “He’s a guy. It’s what they do to get a girl’s attention.” Haley didn’t answer. She didn’t want to talk about it right now, so she changed the subject. “They’re putting in the floors at my house.” For several minutes, they spoke about the progress her contractor had made since Meg had seen the house. The conversation slowed, and to prevent a return to their previous topic, Haley changed the subject again. “I have a bone to pick with you.” “Me? What did I do?” Meg sounded winded from her workout. The girl really needed to exercise more often, even if she wasn’t the least bit overweight. “Oh, there’s this little issue of your bright idea of me having dinner with you and your mother. How could you do that to me? Didn’t you realize how uncomfortable I’d be?” Haley glanced over at Michael’s sister. Meg quickly schooled her features to cover a look of utter bewilderment. “Uh, sorry. I…I guess I didn’t consider that.” Haley slowed her pace and searched Meg’s eyes. The young woman looked away. Resentment tore through Haley. “It wasn’t your idea, was it?” “Well, I wanted—”

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“Don’t lie for him, Meg,” Haley cautioned. “I have trust issues, remember? How can I trust people who lie to me?” Meg frowned. “Okay, okay. I didn’t know anything about it. Exactly what did he tell you?” “He fed me some line about how you’d ask him to bring me to dinner in front of your mom and how neither of you would forgive him if he showed up without me.” Haley increased the incline and tension to maximum levels. “I am such a gullible idiot.” “So he wanted you to meet Mom. You should be flattered,” Meg argued. “He played me.” Sweat trickled between her breasts. The muscles in her legs burned. Better to focus on the pain her legs than the ache in her heart. Silence reigned between them for the next few minutes until Meg slapped the stop button her machine. “That’s it, Haley,” she panted. “I can’t do any more.” Haley looked down at her machine and checked the timer. Thirtytwo minutes. The girl was really out of shape. “I haven’t done this in years. I swear, I can already tell that I’m going to be sore tomorrow.” She bent to rub her calf muscles. Guilt washed over her. She hadn’t meant to take her anger out on Meg. “Let’s go sit in the steam room a while. That will help keep you from being too sore.” Michael intercepted them halfway there. “Hey.” Haley narrowed her eyes at him. “Add fried chicken to the list of things we need to talk about later.” He frowned and looked toward Meg. “Oh, no,” Haley snapped. “Don’t look at her like that. She tried to cover for you just like your friends did.” “Haley—” “Not now.” She pushed passed him. “Where are you going?” he called after them. Meg answered him. “Steam room.”

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Without conversation, Meg and Haley donned terry robes in the dressing room, and made their way to the steam room. Haley pushed the door open. A cloud of hot fog hung heavy in the air, but she gave silent thanks for finding the space blessedly empty. Condensation caused drops of water that fell from the ceiling to form small puddles on the seats. She swiped at the water and sat on the wet bench. Meg chose a spot adjacent to her and jumped with a start as the loud steam sprayers clicked on. They shut off after about twenty seconds. Meg leaned back on her elbows. Her voice echoed off the tile. “Don’t be too mad at him, Haley. Whatever he did, he only did it to get closer to you.” “I’m not really mad at him. Well…maybe just a little.” Haley sighed. “I’m more upset with myself than anything. When am I going to learn not to believe everything people tell me? I might as well have ‘sucker’ tattooed on my forehead.” She tilted her head back just in time for big drop of water to splat said forehead. With a frown, she tried to wipe it away. The tiny droplets of steam coating her face hampered her efforts. “So you fell for a line. Do you know a woman who hasn’t?” Meg countered. “Maybe not, but I’m the worst. If you look up gullible in the dictionary, you’ll probably find a picture of me next to it.” Though shrouded in fog, Meg’s frown was plain. “Oh, puhleeease. If you’re going to beat yourself up, Haley, at least do it over something that’s true. Like your inability to accept when somebody really cares about you.” The roar of the steam sprayers prevented Haley’s response. Or they would have if she’d had one. When the room finally fell silent once again, she decided a change of subject would be for the best. “Want to go shopping tomorrow?” “Of course.” A smile immediately replaced the frown Meg wore. “But I can’t. I promised Mom I’d go to with her to work at the

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mission tomorrow. But we should go Thursday or Friday. I start my new job on Monday.” “I have another meeting with my contractor Thursday. Let’s plan to go on Friday. We’ll go to the mall in Nashville this time. Sound good?” “Perfect. I haven’t been to Nashville in years,” she answered. “It’s a date then. I’ll pick you up around eight Friday morning. We’ll get to the mall just after it opens since they are in the central time zone.” Meg slid closer and laid her hand over Haley’s. “I’m glad we’re friends. No matter what happens between you and my brother, I hope we’ll always be friends. I know you probably don’t want hear this, but I wouldn’t mind having you as a sister-in-law.” “Stop it! You’re right. I don’t want to hear it. I’m not ready to think about marriage.” “Okay. Okay. I get it.” “But I like the idea of a wild, red-headed friend.” On impulse, Haley leaned over and hugged Meg. Meg squeezed her back. Haley missed her friends. After Sheila’s betrayal, the pain and anger had drowned out all other feelings. But in the last couple of months, the loneliness of her solitary existence had left her hollow. Relief spread through her with Meg’s hug. The locks of her self-made prison clicked open. Freedom beckoned. The sprayers engaged again. Over the noise, Meg yelled at her. “Let’s get out of here!” They stumbled from the steam room, giggling like schoolgirls. Haley tugged her wet robe away from body. “I’m soaked through. Let’s hit the showers and call it a night.” Ringlets of loose hair made curlier from the steam framed Meg’s face and hung down over her eyes. She pushed them out of the way with impatient swats. “I hope you weren’t expecting an argument.” Without looking, Haley knew Michael watched them from across the room. The heat of his gaze never failed to warm her skin. She

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glanced toward the abdominal machines as she turned the corner. Her tall, blond Irish lover sent her a look that caused butterflies in her stomach and knocked another hole in the protective wall she’d tried to build around her heart. **** Michael stopped his pacing to look out the window again. “Where is she?” he muttered. He’d caught Haley as she and Meg were leaving the gym. She’d sworn she would come directly here as soon as she dropped off Meg. Was it taking longer than usual? He checked his watch again. No, she probably wouldn’t be here for at least another five minutes. Why had he agreed to meet her at his apartment? He should have insisted they meet at hers, but she had reasoned that his condo was much closer to his mother’s house than Haley’s apartment. She would drop off Meg and meet him here. Unless she planned to avoid him. Michael cursed under his breath. Would she run again? Haley had finally begun to trust him if only a little. How would she deal with the knowledge that he’d fudged the truth? Hell, he’d lied—white, harmless lies, but lies nonetheless. He’d worked so damned hard to earn her confidence. Had he destroyed what little faith he’d managed to build? Headlights flashed across the window. A degree of relief eased the building tension. Michael watched through the blinds as Haley got out of her car. She approached the door, and he opened it for her. “Thanks.” She moved past him to set her purse and keys on the counter. “So what are we doing for dinner tonight?” “I think we should talk first.” He’d waited long enough. She released an aggrieved sigh and crossed her arms. “Great.” Her reaction confused him. “What?”

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“When a woman says ‘we need to talk,’ it means she’s mad or hurt, and she wants an apology. When a man says it, it means he has prepared a lecture, and he expects you to listen.” He stared at her serious expression and burst into laughter. Her eyebrows rose. “Laugh all you want, but you know it’s true.” He nodded. “I guess you’re right. I just never thought about it that way.” “Well, let me warn you. I’m in no mood for a lecture, and since I’m not the one who lied this time, I don’t feel like I deserve one.” “I’ll admit I’ve thought a lot about what I want to say, but I wouldn’t call it a lecture. It’ll be more like me pleading for forgiveness.” She caught her bottom lip between her teeth before waving off his suggestion. “Let’s just skip it and find something to eat.” The prospect tempted him, but a nagging suspicion told him they really needed to settle this. Haley made a habit of avoiding anything unpleasant, even when it would be better to clear the air. He held out his hand. “We’ll make it quick.” She groaned and put her hand in his. He led her to the sofa and sat with her. “I’m not sorry I lied about the bet. It kept you talking to me. You wouldn’t be here with me now if I hadn’t come up with something.” “You couldn’t have found a more honest way to keep my attention?” she scoffed. “Not in the split second I had to think of something,” he countered. “Fine.” She crossed her arms again, her irritation evident. “Why did you lie to me about Meg inviting me to dinner and all that?” He shrugged. “I wanted to know how you’d fit in with my family, and—” “For heaven’s sake, Michael! We’d only just met. You—” He raised his voice to match hers. “And I was already certain that you were someone special. I needed to see how you’d get along with

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Mom. I thought it would be easier for you to meet her before we…you know, got serious.” Her brows knitted. “Why? It’s usually customary to introduce a significant other to your parents after they become significant.” “Maybe. But one time I was dating this girl, and we ran into her parents at a restaurant. They were leaving as we came in. I remember thinking the whole time that this man knew I was sleeping with his daughter. I’ve never been so uncomfortable in my life.” Haley took a deep breath. “I guess I would have felt pretty awkward meeting your mom if we’d already slept together. But why couldn’t you just tell me that? Why did you have to play me? I hate knowing that you manipulated me like that.” He reached for her hands and held them. “I thought you were going to hyperventilate that night, babe. I knew if I told you the truth, you’d freak out.” “I was already freaking out. Knowing that you were thinking about a serious relationship would have only made it worse. But I still hate the way you played me,” she grumbled. Michael grinned. “You hate it now, but someday you’ll be laughing and telling our grandchildren how their grandfather tricked you into meeting his mother.” Her eyes widened, and she jumped up. “Don’t say things like that!” He stood and followed as she paced. “What?” “Yesterday it was babies and trips to Vegas to elope. Today we’re grandparents already! Will you just slow down? Please!” She covered her face with her hands. Michael smothered a laugh and took her into his arms. “I’m sorry, baby.” He kissed her forehead and drew back to gaze into her eyes. “It’s just that when I look at you, I see my future—the future I know I want. I can’t help it. Stuff like that just comes out before I realize it.” “But…” She closed her eyes and shook her head. “But what?” he prodded.

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“I’m really trying to…to accept the possibility of a relationship— a long-term relationship.” “I know, Haley. And I know it’s not easy for you after what happened. It means the world to me that you’re giving me a chance.” He lowered his head to kiss her. She stopped him with a finger against his lips. “You said it yourself. A relationship is built on trust and honesty. How long can this relationship last if we’re building it on lies?” Michael clenched his jaw and pushed back his frustration at having his words twisted and used against him. “I was wrong. A relationship is built with trust and honesty. Its foundation is the emotion, the connection between us. Besides, neither of us has lied about anything important.” “Your lies may not have been—” “Neither were yours. Did you lie about being a Vols fan?” She rolled her eyes. “Oh, like that’s important.” “It’s an interest we share, something we have in common. Did you lie about the kind of pizza you like? The kind of books you read? The music you listen to? The movies you like to watch?” She shrugged and stared down at his chest. “That sweet sigh I hear just before you go to sleep—the one that says you’re content, happy lying next to me. Is that a lie?” Haley shook her head. “Look, our relationship is not built on anything we’ve said to each other. It’s built on what we share, what we feel.” Slipping his finger beneath her chin, he forced her to meet his gaze. “When I hold you in my arms, it’s like I’ve found something I’ve been missing. It’s…it’s that feeling you get that lets you know I’ve walked into the room. You didn’t lie about that, did you?” Haley shook her head. “No. I always know when you’re there. Even when there are dozens of other people, like at the gym. I know when you’re watching me.” Michael smiled. “No use trying to spy on you, huh?”

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“Guess not.” She returned his smile. Relief coursed through him. “Am I forgiven?” Haley sighed. “I forgave you before I ever left the gym. I didn’t want to fight with you. Remember?” Michael grasped both her hands and brought them to rest on his chest. “Yes, I remember. But it wasn’t settled. I didn’t want to sweep it under the rug and have it come back to haunt us. Sometimes we need to argue, babe.” She gazed up at him with her beautiful blue eyes. “But I don’t like to fight.” He raised one brow sardonically. “I never would have guessed.” Haley laughed and hit his chest in a playful swat. “Smart ass.” With her mood lightened, he forged ahead. “I think that’s part of the reason you’re having so much trouble getting over Sheila and Keith. You never had it out with them.” She stiffened, her defensive walls resurrected. “And I don’t want to. I never want to see either of them again.” Michael shook his head. “What if they had apologized? Wouldn’t that have made it easier?” “No.” She narrowed her eyes. “You needed the opportunity to settle things with them.” “Things are settled.” “No they aren’t. You said you haven’t seen or spoken to them at all. You didn’t even cuss them out when you found them together. You just took a picture and left without waking them up. How can things be settled?” She looked away. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s all done and over with.” “Haley—” “I’m not going to argue with you about this any longer.” She reached for her keys and purse.

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Michael slipped his arms around her waist from behind, effectively trapping her. “Fine. But you need to realize that we will argue from time to time. We will fight. All couples do.” She relaxed, set her keys and purse back on the counter, and turned in his arms. “I told you. I don’t like to fight.” Lowering his head, he brought his lips close to hers. “Do you like to kiss and make up?” Her arms slid around his neck, and her fingers threaded through the hair at the nape of his neck. “Yeah. I like that part.”

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Chapter Fourteen “You didn’t.” With only a few days left before the fundraiser, Michael thought it best he warn Meg. He shook his head. “I didn’t. The publicity guy did. I only gave him the idea.” “Are you crazy?” Meg’s coffee cup hit the table with a thud. He sent his best apologetic look to the ladies in the next booth at the little coffee shop. Obviously irritated by Meg’s outburst, their accusatory glare to him they blamed him for his sister’s indignation. Michael lowered his voice and tried to calm Meg. “She needs closure, sis. She never had it out with him. Never told him off. Never even saw him again after she found him in bed with Sheila. I think that’s why she’s had so much trouble putting it behind her. She needs to see him. Talk to him. Realize that she’s over him.” “Maybe. But at the fundraiser?” Meg frowned. “Not the best idea you’ve ever had, bro.” “You have a better one? What other excuse is there to get the bastard in the same room with her?” Michael sipped his coffee. He’d thought long and hard before approaching the publicity coordinator. “You have a point, but I still think it’s a bad idea.” Michael shrugged. “Too late now. He mailed it yesterday.” Haley needed to put this behind her for good. How could he convince her to look forward to a future together when the past still haunted her? “We should warn Haley.” He shook his head. “No way. Haley avoids confrontation at all costs. That’s what got her to this point in the first place. If you tell her

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Keith might be there, she will find some excuse to bail on the fundraiser.” “She can’t bail. She’s the main attraction,” Meg scoffed. “Trust me. She’d run. She’d plan to make a brief appearance then head for the hills.” Michael held Meg’s worried gaze. “No. We can’t tell her. Understood? As much as I hate the idea of him being anywhere near her, Haley needs to talk to him. It’s the only way she’s going to get past this. I wanted to send Sheila a ticket, too, but I couldn’t get an address for her.” “Thank heaven for small favors. A cat fight at your swanky event would not go over well.” “I don’t think there would be a fight. Haley hates to fight.” Michael stood and grabbed his briefcase. “I need to get back to work, Meg. Thanks for meeting me here. I wanted you to be prepared to support Haley if Keith actually shows up. I need her to know that we are there for her. I’m hoping our support will give her the courage to confront the asshole.” Meg stood, too. “I’m just going to pray he doesn’t show. I’ll be there for Haley. I agree she needs the closure, but I don’t like the idea of trying to give it to her at the fundraiser.” Michael sighed. “Yeah. I wish there were a better way.” **** Four weeks had flown by in a haze for Haley. If she wasn’t busy finalizing details and overseeing the work on her home, she was at the new law office working with M.E.D.’s design team. Though she hadn’t planned to do more than provide minimal consultation via the phone, Haley had ended up directing the project. Now that she stopped to consider it, the blame resided squarely with Michael. He’d engineered the whole thing, innocently asking her to accompany him or bring his forgotten briefcase to him at the work site. Each time

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she’d stepped into the building, she had been drawn in by an interior design team member. It hadn’t been easy to avoid the host of reporters and photographers constantly staking out M.E.D. and Maynor’s new office building. She’d gone to great lengths to be certain none of them followed her home or found her apartment. Fortunately, the press remained unaware that she was dating Michael. Everyone at M.E.D. had been told in no uncertain terms they were not to speak to the press about anything. Everyone involved in the project and fundraiser had been sworn to secrecy concerning anything even remotely involving Haley. The bigger the mystery, the more successful the event would be. Her relationship with Michael had settled into a comfortable but immensely passionate bond. He made an effort not speak too much about any possible future they might have together, and she had learned not to panic if he slipped and mentioned marriage or children. Their lovemaking had lost none of its intensity. If anything, the attraction and chemistry had only increased. Haley reveled in the knowledge that Michael couldn’t resist her. Several times she’d taken great pleasure in seducing the sexy man. Once, she’d even pulled him into a partially furnished and yet unused office at the Maynor building for a heated quickie on the bare desk. He’d resisted at first, citing the presence of the entire M.E.D. design crew only a few feet down the hall. His surrender had been a sweet victory, one that erased any remaining insecurities she’d developed concerning her own sexual skills after Keith’s infidelity. Haley slid her foot into a glittery silver stiletto. With practiced ease, she donned the second shoe and stood before the full-length mirror. The glamorous, jet-setting A-lister she’d once been in New York stared back at her. With her hair meticulously arranged in a formal updo, Haley surveyed the virtual stranger. Her ivory designer dress clung to every curve. Crystal beading caught the light and glistened on the bodice, and swirls of iridescent stones flowed across

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her hip down to the slit just above her knee. The woman in the mirror would be at home on any red carpet. No wonder people hadn’t recognized her. Months of jeans, ponytails, and little or no makeup had helped her to hide the life she’d once lived. She sighed. Dressing up like this had always been fun. Not tonight. Her stomach fluttered with uneasy nervousness. She liked her new, peaceful life. A part of her felt guilty, as if she were betraying some intangible ideal by stepping back into the trappings of her former lifestyle. A knock followed quickly by Michael’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “Haley?” He’d used the security card and key she’d given him to get into her apartment. “Coming.” Haley grabbed the silver clutch containing her cell phone, lipstick, and keys and stepped into the living room. Michael stood near the door. The tux he wore suited him to perfection. Its dark simplicity and lack of the usual shiny, silk lapels accentuated his uncommon height and golden coloring. A crisp white shirt and black bowtie completed his formal attire, but nothing about the sleek suit could draw her attention from his handsome face. His penetrating, emerald gaze perused her with deliberate languor. “You look amazing.” Haley might have been offended that he sounded so surprised if she hadn’t detected a hint of desire in the hushed tones of his deep, southern drawl. “Thank you. You look pretty good yourself.” He stepped closer. “This is going to be a hell of a long night.” With his lack of experience in attending high society functions, he probably had no idea just how long it would seem, but Haley wondered at his reasoning. “Why?” His heated stare travelled the length of her and back up again, and he licked his lips. “I will be thinking of nothing all night but getting you home and out of that dress.”

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Haley smiled. “You don’t like it?” she teased. Michael returned her grin. “Love it. And I will like it even better when it’s lying on the floor.” She laughed and did her best to hide her reaction to the seductive image his words elicited. “Are Meg and your mom in the car?” He nodded. “I had the chauffer pick them up first, just as you asked. They were both exclaiming over the luxury of the limo you’ve rented. Even Meg was impressed. Not an easy thing to do. Working at the movie studio, she’s seen some pretty fancy rides. I believe she labeled your choice, ‘the ultimate in sophisticated elegance.’” “I’m glad she likes it.” Haley tucked her hand at Michael’s elbow. “Let’s not keep them waiting.” A moment later, Meg and Kate greeted her warmly as Michael helped her into the limo. “Oh, my, you look like movie star,” Kate proclaimed. Meg nodded. “I think I would have recognized you if you’d been all dolled up like this when we met.” Haley sought to change the subject. “Look at you two ladies. Kate, you could be Meg’s sister. You are radiant this evening.” Kate smiled and murmured a soft thank you. “And Mary Margaret Flannery…” Haley paused while Meg rolled her eyes at the use of her full name. “You look fabulous!” Meg patted her hair, pulled up in a stylish twist with a few of her red curls framing her face. “I do clean up pretty well, don’t I?” Haley laughed. “So here’s the plan. Michael, when we arrive, you’ll exit the car first and then escort your mother inside. Meg and I will follow.” Michael frowned. “I’d rather us stay together. I like the idea of escorting three beautiful women.” Haley shook her head. “No, that wouldn’t be the right impression. Meg, I’m sure you will agree. When dealing with the press, image is everything. Michael escorting your mom will be big hit.”

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Meg nodded. “The handsome architect fawning over his mother will play quite well with the media.” Haley agreed and turned back to Michael. “Besides, when Meg and I get out the car, every available camera will be aimed at us. Meg and I are well acquainted with the skills needed to successfully navigate the gauntlet.” “Now, hold on just a sec, Haley.” Meg’s voice betrayed her nervousness. “I know how it works, but I’ve never had those cameras pointed at me before.” Haley giggled. “Well, it’s about time you got the attention you deserve then. Just think how pleased your boss will be when he sees his new PR girl’s picture on the front page of the lifestyle section in tomorrow’s paper.” Michael chimed in. “You’re a ham in front the camera, sis. Don’t pretend you aren’t excited about being the center of attention. And Haley is right. The publicity will be great for Williams and Tanner.” Meg sucked in a deep breath. “The paparazzi can be ruthless. I don’t know if I’m the best one to be at your side for this, Haley.” “Are you kidding? Everyone will be intrigued by the tall, sultry redhead standing next to me. That gorgeous teal dress you’re wearing will complement my white one perfectly for the publicity shots. And who better to have with me than a PR expert?” Haley waited for Meg’s reply. Kate reached over and patted Meg’s hand. “If anyone can share the spotlight with grace and confidence, it’s my Meg.” Meg smiled at her mother’s encouragement. “You’re all laying it on pretty thick, you know.” “Is it working?” Haley winked at Meg. “Yes.” She sighed. “But you’re going to owe me another apple fritter after this.” “Deal.” A long red carpet had been added to the sidewalk leading into the Maynor Law Office, and crimson velvet ropes formed a barrier to

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hold back reporters and curious onlookers. As predicted, smiles of approval greeted Michael and his mother. Haley grasped Meg’s wrist when she moved toward the door to exit the limo. “Wait just a minute. Let you mom enjoy the attention.” Meg smiled and watched her wave at the crowd. “She’s loving this.” Kate glowed with maternal pride as she gazed up Michael. “Yes, she most certainly is.” When Michael and Kate had almost reached the entrance to the building, Haley nudged Meg. “Okay. Knock ’em dead.” Meg glanced back at Haley and took a deep breath. “I can do this.” Clearly the statement had been an effort to convince herself rather than reassurance for Haley. Haley nodded. “Try not to steal my thunder.” The redhead laughed and put one long, slender leg revealed by the slit in her dress on the ground and winked at Haley. “Let’s give a good show.” Murmurs hummed through the crowd with Meg’s appearance. Haley paused only a moment before following. A chorus of cheers erupted as soon as she left the limo. “Haley! Over here!” one photographer shouted. A reporter with a microphone leaned over the rope. “Miss Preston! Give us statement?” Haley glanced at Meg. An almost imperceptible nod accompanied a brilliant smile. “You should say something but make it short and sweet. Leave them begging for more.” Haley grinned. The woman had stepped out of the limo and assessed the environment with the speed of a skilled professional. She showed no sign of her earlier nervous jitters. Haley leaned toward the microphone. “Thank you all for coming. Your support of Hospitality House is much appreciated.”

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“Can you tell us about the design idea? How did you decide on the undersea theme?” “Miller Engineering and Design’s team created the theme. I only helped expand and polish it.” Haley took the opportunity to put in a good word for Michael’s firm. “Ed Miller is fortunate to have such a highly skilled and professional team working for him.” “Miss Preston!” Another reported leaned in and pushed his microphone forward. “Where have you been during your hiatus?” Meg laughed and answered for her. “Pigeon Forge. She’s been shopping.” Chuckles rumbled through the crowd. Meg grasped Haley’s elbow. The tall redhead leaned down to whisper in Haley’s ear. “Time to go. The questions will only get more personal.” Haley nodded and followed, waving at the crowd and touching the outstretched hand of a wide-eyed little girl on the way. The girl giggled and beamed up at the woman next her. With more than a little relief, Haley entered the building and left the throng of admirers and paparazzi behind, but her respite was short-lived. Michael and Kate joined them and stood with her while Jackson Maynor welcomed her with enthusiastic praise. At least a half dozen cameras clicked and flashed. More reporters and photographers dressed in formal attire surrounded them. And so the evening progressed. Every time a reporter asked about the cancelled wedding plans or any other personal matter, Meg stepped in to deflect and deter the offenders with pithy answers or comments. The woman amazed Haley with her ability to control the rabid media horde. Mr. Maynor drew everyone’s attentions and offered a toast to the brilliant architect and talented interior designer who had given him such a wonderful place to work. He then presented an oversized cardboard check to the director of Hospitality House. With the evening’s “business” at an end, he encouraged the guests to enjoy themselves and signaled the live orchestra to resume their music.

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Maynor, a widower himself, had taken an interest in Kate. He’d invited her to join him on the couch near the huge aquarium to admire the exotic fish. Since Meg had finally convinced the reporters to disburse and allow them to enjoy the party, Haley now sipped champagne in relative peace. “Meg, I can’t thank you enough,” Haley remarked. “The evening has been so much easier than I expected. You’re amazing.” “Easier?” Michael’s eyes widened. “It’s been a nightmare fending off the press. How could it have been worse?” Haley and Meg laughed together. Meg recovered first. “You have no idea what the press is capable of.” Michael shook his head. “I thought they’d never leave us alone.” Meg’s gaze bypassed Haley and focused on the front door for at least the twentieth time this evening. Haley swiveled to follow her stare. “Okay, you’ve been watching the door all night. Who are you looking for?” Meg glanced at Michael before answering. “No one.” She shrugged. “I’m just curious about everyone here. I want to see what they’re wearing.” Various members of the Knoxville community introduced themselves to Haley, Meg, and Michael. Without the reporters to impede them, attendees took the opportunity to congratulate Michael and Haley on a job well done. The trio had hardly moved from their spot near the center of the lobby. “Lovely woman,” Haley commented as a local matriarch departed. “Yes, she…” Meg’s smile died, her gaze once again on the entrance. “What’s wrong?” Haley turned toward the doors. Her stomach tightened. Champagne sloshed from her flute in her attempt to keep from dropping the glass.

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An all-too-familiar man scanned the room, his hands in the pockets of his tuxedo pants. Above average height, lean, and smooth shaven, he hadn’t changed a bit since she’d last seen him. Dark hair, perfectly styled, completed his cover model image. Panic threatened, but the flash of a camera served as the slap she needed. In an effort to hide her tumultuous emotions, she took a sip of champagne and met Keith’s gaze over the rim of the glass.

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Chapter Fifteen Haley spun around to face Meg again. “That’s who you’ve been watching for, isn’t it?” Her voice wavered. “I…Well…” Meg looked to Michael again. He didn’t answer. Michael just drained his champagne, his focus never leaving the front entrance. “How did you know he would be here?” Haley questioned. Meg didn’t reply quickly enough. “Damn it, Meg. How did you know?” Michael answered. “Because Maynor’s publicist sent him a ticket.” The words knocked the breath from her as if she’d been punched in the stomach. The blow made her lightheaded and dizzy. “You knew, and you didn’t stop him? Why didn’t you tell me?” Michael touched her cheek. “Because you would have found a way to avoid seeing him. You need to have it out with him. You need closure, babe.” Haley sucked in a strangled breath and struggled to keep a straight face. “And you think it’s something the dozen or so reporters and photographers here need to witness?” Michael clenched his jaw and quickly scanned the room. He muttered a colorful oath. “I hadn’t considered that. I didn’t realize they’d be circling like vultures the way they have tonight.” Clasping her elbow, he tried to guide her toward the hallway. “We’ll use one of the offices. Haley stiffened and pulled her arm away, trying not to make a scene. “It doesn’t work like that, Michael. Even if we were able to get

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to an office without the press pouncing on us, we would never get out.” She pinned Meg with an accusing glare. “You knew about this and didn’t warn me?” “Haley, I’m so sorry. I prayed he wouldn’t show. Michael—” Meg glanced over Haley’s shoulder. “Oh, my God. Here he comes.” Haley emptied her champagne glass in one long swallow. “Haley.” Keith’s voice turned her stomach, and Haley thought she might lose the champagne. She took a deep breath and adopted what she hoped would be viewed as a pleasant expression. Already the clicks and flashes of cameras told her the media had noticed Keith’s arrival. Any juicy tidbit would start a feeding frenzy for those piranhas. Haley swiveled to greet her ex. “Keith.” “You are more beautiful than ever. I’ve missed you.” She wanted to respond with a scathing remark of how little she’d missed him, but she feared she would not be able to deliver it without losing the forced smile she’d plastered on her face. “Why are you here?” she asked, and placed her empty glass on the tray of a passing waiter, glad to rid herself it. Nothing would draw more attention than the sound of shattering glass if it fell from her shaking hands. His brows rose in surprise. “You invited me. You sent me the ticket, didn’t you?” Michael’s low baritone cut in, his tone laced with loathing. “I arranged for your ticket.” Keith glanced at Michael. “Who are you?” “I’m—” “Michael Flannery, the architect who designed the building,” Haley supplied in an effort to prevent any unnecessary conversation. Keith nodded and extended his hand. “Keith Feinman.” Michael stared at the offered hand but made no move to accept the gesture. Keith narrowed his eyes and put his hands in his pockets. “Why would you send me a ticket?”

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Haley took a step to stand between the two men, her back to Michael. “Because he doesn’t like me very much,” she replied with a forced laugh. “Haley,” Michael growled. “Stay out of this, Michael.” Meg moved toward her brother and out of Haley’s view. “I think you’ve done enough here.” Though reeling from Meg’s betrayal, Haley still appreciated the woman’s efforts to avert a scene. Haley focused her attention on Keith. “Even if I had sent the ticket, why would you come?” Keith’s features softened. “Because I wanted to see you. I hoped you’d let me apologize. I prayed you would finally listen to my side of the story and give us another chance.” Haley stifled the hysterical laughter threatening to burst forth. The press would have a field day if she made a fool of herself. “I’ll make you a deal, Keith. You get me out of here without turning this into a three-ringed circus, and I’ll hear you out.” “Oh, no.” Michael touched Haley’s shoulder, his voice oozing a protective warning. “You’re not going anywhere with him.” Haley faced Michael and resisted the urge to point her finger at his chest while she spoke. He stood so close she had to tilt her head back to see his face. “Number one: You don’t get to make that kind of decision for me.” Michael’s face darkened. A scowl exhibited his displeasure. “I—” “Wipe that angry look off your face unless you want to see it all over the tabloids at the grocery store.” Haley knew the media would love to see any of them lose it. “She’s right, bro.” Meg’s smile, however false, accompanied her statement. Haley did her best to match the woman’s expression. “Number two: You’ve left me no choice. Thanks to you and your domineering, I-know-what’s-best-for-you attitude, I must now exit stage right with Keith and smile as if it were all planned.”

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Meg nodded. “Good plan.” The redhead gave Keith her attention. “Do you have a car?” He nodded. “I asked the driver to be ready to leave soon if I decided not to stay.” Meg laughed as if he’d said something amusing. Her gaze returned to Haley. “Wave like you’re saying goodnight. Then go straight for the door. Walk quickly and pretend you’re talking to each other to discourage anyone from stopping you.” “I don’t like this, damn it,” Michael grumbled. Keith ignored him and offered his arm to Haley. She stared at it for a moment, part of her unwilling to touch the man she’d come to hate. Haley squared her shoulders and slipped her hand through the crook of Keith’s elbow. Her insides quivered in disgust, but she smiled and waved. Emotions swamped her. Disappointment. Anger. Pain. Oddly enough, none of those feelings were directed at Keith. Michael and his sister had betrayed her. Just when she’d learned to trust again, they’d done the unthinkable. Keith led her to the door and into the cool night, all the while keeping up a steady dialog. The words themselves made no difference, and Haley made no attempt to listen or answer. She simply tried to appear interested and keep that damned smile on her face. “Just drive and see that we aren’t followed,” Keith instructed the chauffeur as he helped Haley into the car. Once settled in the back seat, she held her breath until the driver pulled away from the curb. She searched behind them through the dark-tinted window, hoping, praying they would make a clean escape. Several press people hurried toward vehicles. Fortunately, Haley’s unexpected early departure had caught them unaware. Parked cars blocked one exit. At the other, a hired valet attempted to calm the three reporters apparently demanding their keys. Haley breathed a sigh of relief. “That architect guy your new boyfriend?”

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Haley wasn’t certain how to answer. Yes? No? Not anymore? How could he have done this to her? “None of your business, Keith.” She sighed. “Okay. You held up your end of the bargain. I can do no less. I’m listening. Say what you need to say and have done with it.” Her ex-fiancé frowned. “I’d hoped you would be more…” Keith paused as if he couldn’t find the right words. “Happy to see you?” Haley supplied. He shook his head. “Receptive.” “I’m sorry you were led to believe that I sent the ticket. I didn’t. I wouldn’t have. I changed my phone number for a reason. I didn’t want to talk to you.” “I know. And I don’t blame you.” Keith leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “But you never let me apologize. You never let me explain.” “Explain?” Haley’s voice rose a notch. With conscious effort, she modulated her tone. “What’s to explain, Keith? You and Sheila were naked in bed together. The room reeked of sex.” “We’d been drinking. Drugs, too. We were at a party. I swear I don’t even remember how we got back to my apartment.” Haley swallowed. “You and Sheila always did like the drugs.” “I haven’t touched them since that night.” He reached for her hand and squeezed it. “The drugs cost me the best thing that has ever happened to me.” She pulled her hand away, her mind racing, searching for something that made sense. “I’m so sorry, Haley. I never meant to hurt you. Can’t you give me another chance? You know I love you.” His smooth voice brought memories flooding back. How many times had she heard those words? “Okay. So you were stoned out of your mind that night. What about the other times?” Keith’s eyes widened. A practiced, almost theatrical look of confusion quickly masked the shock that flitted across his face.

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“Other times? I don’t know what you’re talking about, sweetheart. I never…There were no other times.” Haley’s chest constricted, pain radiated from the vicinity of her heart. She forced a laugh. “Money may not be able to buy happiness, Keith, but it will certainly loosen lips.” He stared at her. “Do you really think I would give you another chance when I know you’re lying now? I know there were other women. And I know that night wasn’t the first time you slept with Sheila.” His nostrils flared as he took in a deep breath. “Who told you?” Haley couldn’t answer. She couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t swallow. “I would have been honest, but I didn’t want to hurt you more than I already had.” He leaned forward, his voice pleading. “I’ll regret losing you for the rest of my life. I screwed up. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me. Give us another chance.” She drew in a strangled breath and released the death grip she held on her clutch purse. “Not in your wildest dreams, Keith. I could never trust you again. It’s over.” He nodded and wiped a hand across his mouth. His gaze fell away. “I had to try.” Haley pressed the intercom button and gave the driver her address before speaking to Keith again. “I’m surprised Sheila didn’t come with you.” “Guess you haven’t heard.” He leaned back in his seat, an unfamiliar look of defeat in his eyes. “Sheila is in a psychiatric rehab clinic. Her family had her committed as a danger to herself after she attempted suicide.” She swallowed the news like a bitter tonic. Many times she’d contemplated ways to cause the woman bodily harm. But she’d never actually wished her dead. How could she? They’d grown up together, best friends since junior high.

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They rode in silence for several minutes, Haley doing her best to keep from spewing the contents of her roiling stomach all over Keith’s perfectly shined, black leather shoes and his designer tux. The chauffer pulled into the parking lot of her apartment complex and cut the engine. She scooted closer to the door, anxious for escape. “Who told you, Haley?” Keith asked again. Haley wanted to smile just to spite him, but she couldn’t muster the strength. “You did, Keith. Just now.” “You…You mean you didn’t…” The corners of his mouth curled in a half smile. “Well done. I never would have expected that from you. You’ve changed. Grown.” The door opened. “You and Sheila changed me. Taught me not to believe everything I’m told. Guess I should thank you for that.” “I really am sorry, Haley. Even more so now than before.” He sighed. “Seeing you again…It really is true. You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” “Good-bye, Keith.” Haley climbed out of the car and took a deep breath of the cool night air, determined to walk away with her head held high. God, she hurt. Having her suspicions confirmed burned like acid, eating away her heart, her soul. This is what Michael had thought she needed? This unbearable pain? This was supposed to heal her? Give her closure? The overbearing, know-it-all architect should have killed her instead. Death would have been so much more merciful. Shaking, Haley fished her key from her purse and unlocked the security gate. She hurried up the stairs as quickly as she could without tripping on her dress, opened her apartment door, and rushed to her bathroom. A short time later, she brushed her teeth and gargled with mouthwash in an effort to banish the lingering taste of bile. Fortunately, she’d made it to the sink before losing the contents of her stomach.

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Her apartment phone rang again, the third time in fifteen minutes. As she’d been indisposed when the first two calls came in, she’d had no choice but to let the answering machine take care of them. This time she made a conscious decision to ignore the call. Talking to anyone at the moment was not a good idea. Her tattered emotions already threatened to engulf her. The machine clicked on. “Haley, it’s Meg. Please call Michael as soon as you get this. He’s called your apartment and your cell phone at least a dozen times. He wants to call the police. He’s worried, Haley. I am, too. Please let us know you made it home safely.” Haley swallowed hard. How could she speak to either of them right now? They had deceived her. Michael was the reason it hurt to breathe. He’d purposely hidden the knowledge of Keith’s invitation. Suspicions filled her mind. Had he been the one to suggest it be sent? If so, not only had he forced her to see and talk to Keith again, he’d arranged it so that she would have to do it in public. She closed her eyes, struggling to keep the tears at bay. She could only imagine the photographs that would be splattered across every tabloid cover, every newspaper, every celebrity gossip magazine in the country. She’d done her best to maintain composure, but cameras had a way of revealing one’s inner thoughts. If even a single flash had managed to permeate the façade she’d erected the moment Keith entered, the emotions captured would be bared for all the world to see. She clenched her fists. It had been a mistake to agree to the fundraiser in the first place. Michael had accused her of hiding. Damned right, she’d been hiding. But if he or Meg or anyone else had been stalked by the press the way she’d been after the scandal of her cancelled wedding and Keith’s infidelity, they would have hidden, too. If one hid long enough, the public would forget. Where would she hide now? Haley grabbed her clutch from the bed and pulled out her cell phone. She pressed the power button. Though she’d taken it with her,

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she’d left it turned off. Punching up the message menu, she entered a text. “I’m safe. Keith is gone. I don’t want to talk to anyone right now. I need to be alone for a while.” Haley selected the numbers for both Meg and Michael and hit the send key. She sat down on the bed, her mind racing. Michael would likely be here within minutes of receiving the message. He had a key and pass code. She wouldn’t even be able to keep him from getting in. Haley dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt, tossed some clothes in a suitcase, and made a hasty escape. The answer was obvious. Her lawyer, her accountant, and several others had been hounding her for weeks. They all needed to see her for one reason or another. She’d do what the press least expected. She would hide in plain sight. By plane, New York was only a few hours away. **** Michael paced his office. She’d been gone over a week now. He’d arrived at her apartment only twenty minutes after receiving the text message. Dresser drawers hung open, and empty space in her closet announced her departure. The evening gown she’d been wearing lay in a heap on the bathroom floor. She’d run. Again. After leaving several voice mail messages on her cell phone, he’d finally received another text. She’d be in New York until all the legal and financial business she’d been avoiding was settled. That’s the last he’d heard from her. Over a week and still he hadn’t spoken to her. She hadn’t returned his calls. At first he’d been angry, frustrated. Yes, he’d made a mistake. But damn it all to hell! Didn’t she know he’d only meant to help her? Didn’t she realize he hadn’t done it to hurt her? He sank into the chair and held his aching head in his hands. He’d managed to learn the name of the hotel where she was staying, a fivestar, high security place frequented by celebrities. If he flew to New

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York, would security send him away at the door as they had Keith and Sheila? Would she deny him the chance to apologize as she’d done them? “You look like road kill.” Michael met his sister’s gaze. She stood in the doorway of his office, a scowl of disapproval on her face, her hand on her hip. “What are you doing here?” he grumbled. Great. Just what he needed. Meg strode across the room, set her purse down, and settled one hip on the corner of his desk. She crossed her arms and stared down at him. “I’m disappointed in you, bro.” “Join the club.” “I’m serious.” The look she gave him reminded him of their mother when he’d come home late or brought home a less than satisfactory report card. “Why haven’t you gone after her?” Michael sighed. “I told you. I won’t even be able to get close to her.” “You don’t know that. Maybe she’ll tell security to let you in.” He leaned back in his chair and pinched the bridge of his nose. The headache he’d had for days intensified every time he argued with his sister. “She won’t even answer my calls. Do you really think I should fly to New York so I can leave a message with the concierge?” Meg’s stern expression softened. “What if you were almost certain you would have chance to speak to her? Would you go then?” He leaned forward and flattened his palms against the desk. “I would have been there a week ago if I thought I had a chance in hell of getting close enough to her to talk.” His sister nodded. “Good. Just wanted to make sure I didn’t call in all these favors for nothing.” She opened her purse, pulled out a small white envelope, and tossed it on the desk in front of him. “What’s this?” He opened the flap to retrieve the contents.

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“My sources say Haley sent her RSVP to a ritzy annual charity ball. She pointed at the slip of paper Michael now held. “That’s your golden ticket to see her. The address is on the back. Penthouse suite.” Michael stood, scanning the date and time. “It’s tomorrow night.” She retrieved her purse. “You’d better pick your tux up from the cleaners on the way to the airport. You’re going to need it.” Michael’s thoughts turned hopeful for the first time in days. He moved around the desk and hugged her. “Thanks, sis. I owe you big time.” “And don’t think for second I’m going to let you forget it.” He chuckled and released her. “Good to hear you laugh again. I need to get back to work. And you need to get out of here.” She strode toward the door and waved. “Bring her home. I’m tired of you moping around like a lost puppy.”

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Chapter Sixteen Haley stood in front of the double doors of Manhattan’s most prominent and reportedly most successful psychiatric and drug rehab clinic. Ever since Keith had told her of Sheila’s attempted suicide, guilt had plagued Haley. Had she driven Sheila to it? The flight to New York had seemed longer than ever before. The added blow to her battered heart had hurt more than she’d thought possible. But surprisingly enough, the pain had begun to ease already, leaving only guilt in its place. “Why should I feel guilty?” she’d argued with herself as she lay in her hotel bed, unable to sleep. She hadn’t been the one who cheated and lied. She hadn’t betrayed her best friend. Still...If Sheila had tried to kill herself, the woman must have been suffering the same kind of emotional emptiness, hopelessness, and misery Haley had endured. Maybe Sheila had deserved it. But Haley had recovered. Sheila apparently hadn’t. Gathering her courage, she pushed through the doors and approached the desk. “Can you direct me to the room of Sheila Jennings, please?” “Let me check the doctor’s orders regarding visitation for Ms. Jennings,” the middle-aged woman replied in a nasally New Jersey accent. Haley missed the soft, lazy southern drawls of Tennessee. The lady punched a few keys on her keyboard and used the scroll ball on the wireless mouse of her computer. “May I have your name, please?” “Haley Preston.” “Hmm…You’re not on the list. We’ll have to get approval from the doctor on duty. One moment, please.” She stood, walked to a door

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behind the reception desk, and disappeared into what appeared to be a hall lined with several offices. Haley scanned the lobby as she waited. Though decorated in warm, inviting colors, the room could not be mistaken for anything other than what it was—a sterile waiting room in a mental hospital. Dread formed a heavy knot in the pit of her stomach. The longer she waited, the stronger the temptation to leave grew. Why was she here anyway? She strode toward the exit to make her escape, but not soon enough. “Ms. Preston, wait! Please.” A woman in a powder pink lab coat rounded the reception desk. Haley sighed with regret and faced the woman. She offered her hand. “I’m Dr. Hansen.” “Pleased to meet you, Doctor,” Haley replied. She grasped the lady’s hand and prayed the other woman wouldn’t notice how badly hers trembled. “I’m not going to beat around the bush. I need to know why you’re here.” The doctor shoved her hands into the oversized pockets on the lab coat. “I…” What could she say? She shook her head. “I don’t know.” The woman cocked her head to one side, studying Haley. “I think you do.” Haley’s brow furrowed, a touch of irritation pricked her frayed nerves. “No. I just…I learned last week that Sheila tried to…That she…” She couldn’t even say the words. “That Sheila tried to commit suicide?” Dr. Hansen supplied. “Yes.” Haley swallowed hard. “Did you come to finish the job for her?” Shock coursed through her. “No! God, no.” Haley rubbed her forehead. The promise of a severe headache formed behind her eyes and near her temples. “I…” “Go on,” the doctor prompted in coaxing, pleasant tone.

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Haley ground her teeth together. She was not a patient here. At least not yet. “Look. I can’t deny that I wanted Sheila to hurt like I did. I wanted her to feel the same pain she caused me.” She met the doctor’s gaze. “But I never wished her dead, okay? Never.” Dr. Hansen smiled and nodded. “Good. That’s what I needed to hear. I think Sheila needs to hear it, too.” She moved to press her palm to Haley’s back. “Come on. I believe you need this visit as much as Sheila does.” Haley resisted for a moment, but the doctor ignored the obvious reluctance. Feeling a bit like a condemned prisoner on her way to the guillotine, she surrendered with grim acceptance. Just as most of the others, the door to Sheila’s room stood ajar, providing a modicum of privacy without giving the patient a covert hiding place. Haley’s heart alternated between a racing flutter of nervousness and an unsteady, staccato thud of uncertainty and fear. The doctor knocked as she pushed the door open. “Sheila, you have a visitor.” Haley wiped her sweating palms against her fitted linen slacks and stared at the young woman sitting in a chair angled toward the single window of the room. Sheila looked like a virtual stranger, not at all as Haley had always known her. Her once flawlessly highlighted, conditioned, and tinted blonde hair now sported dark roots at least three inches long. The profile visible held splotches of red unconcealed by her once ever-present makeup. Chipped and uneven nail polish on the hands folded in her lap completed the transformation of the once classy, cosmopolitan sophisticate to a shabby, guileless lost soul. The doctor tried again. “Sheila, honey. There’s someone here who’d like to talk to you.” Sheila turned her head slowly, her gaze settling on Dr. Hansen for a moment before sliding to Haley. She stared for an instant then stood and stepped forward.

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“Haley,” she whispered. Her arms lifted as if she wished to embrace Haley but dropped as a look of guilt and shame filled her eyes. The doctor broke the awkward silence between them. “Ms. Preston, why don’t you have a seat here?” She pulled Haley toward the matching chair adjacent to the one Sheila had been sitting in. Haley took a shaky breath and sank into the chair. Sheila returned to her seat. Again, an uneasy silence hung between them. “Sheila, I know there is something you’ve been wanting to say to Haley,” Dr. Hansen encouraged. Sheila nodded, her gaze never leaving Haley. “I’m so sorry.” Tears filled her eyes. Haley couldn’t stop the words. “How could you do that to me?” She bit her lip and clenched her fists until her nails dug into her palms. She shouldn’t have asked. It had sounded more like an accusation—or a condemnation—than it did a question. Her former friend sniffed and wiped away a tear. “I was jealous of you. I’ve envied you for years. You have everything. Money. Fame. A great career, and…” A sob stopped her words. “Yeah, well, I warned you not to major in accounting,” Haley said, trying to ease the tension. A grin flitted across Sheila’s face, followed by a soft chuckle. “Yes. You did.” The smile disappeared. “I don’t know…Don’t remember exactly when the jealousy started. Our senior year of college maybe? I was so…dissatisfied with my life. I wanted a life like yours. I wanted what you had. I wanted to be you.” “If that’s the truth, then why the drugs? I never did drugs.” Suddenly Haley wanted to understand, wanted to make sense of the disaster that had torn them apart. Sheila shrugged. “Ecstasy, cocaine—I used any of it, all of it, for a temporary escape. Made me forget how unhappy I was. At least for a little while.”

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Guilt washed over Haley. Why hadn’t she ever noticed Sheila’s sadness? This woman had been her closest friend, like a sister, for fifteen years. “I never knew. Why didn’t you tell me?” Sheila’s hands shook as she pushed her hair away from her face. “I don’t know. I didn’t want to admit it. I was jealous of my best friend. How juvenile is that?” She didn’t wait for answer. “I didn’t want you to think bad of me. I couldn’t tell you. But then you got engaged to Keith, and I just…It was more than I could bear. Not only was I jealous you were going to marry this unbelievably handsome guy, but I was afraid I was going to lose you. I’d felt like the third wheel ever since you started dating him, but the engagement was the clincher. I freaked.” “You should have said something.” “And spoil your happiness? I couldn’t.” Haley frowned. “And you sleeping with my fiancé wouldn’t spoil anything?” “Not if you didn’t find out.” More tears accompanied a heavy sigh. “Whenever you were out of town, I pretended to be you. I’d convince Keith to go with me to a party somewhere. We’d get wasted and end up at his apartment.” Bile rose in Haley’s throat. She’d accepted that the deed had happened more than once, but hearing it confirmed again still cut her. “I’m sorry,” Sheila whispered. “I shouldn’t have told you that. I don’t want to hurt you more than I already have. I never meant to hurt you.” “I already knew.” Her eyes widened. “You knew? How?” “Keith told me.” “You’ve talked to him? He told me the security guards wouldn’t let him in to see you at your office and apartment building. They wouldn’t let me in either. You changed your phone number. We tried to call you.”

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Haley took a deep breath in an effort to calm her churning stomach. “I saw him last week and tricked him into telling the truth. He was invited to fundraiser I was sponsoring.” “Invited?” Outrage stole across Sheila’s face. “Who would invite him to your fundraiser? Surely they knew your history with him.” “Actually it was…Well, the guy I’m dating. My boyfriend. It was his idea.” Haley wondered if she should still be referring to Michael as her boyfriend. He’d been so angry with her when she’d left the last time. Would he forgive her for running away again? “Your…” Sheila shook her head, confusion and disbelief written in her features. “Why? Did the jerk just want to make sure you didn’t still have feelings for Keith? Is he that insecure? He doesn’t deserve you.” “No, it’s not like that. He’s not a jerk.” Haley reacted instantly and realized just as quickly that she was defending Michael. Acceptance and forgiveness flowed through her. “He thought I needed to talk to Keith. Said I needed closure.” “Sounds like your dad. Like the time he made us go rappelling with him because you were afraid of heights.” Haley nodded. “Dad said I’d never get over my fear if I didn’t face it head on.” “He was right. I was there, remember? I thought you were going to throw up at first. You were white as a sheet and shaking in your brand new hiking boots. But by the time we got halfway down, you were fine.” “I always hated it when Daddy was right.” “Was your boyfriend right?” Sheila asked. Haley stood and stepped to the window, rubbing her arms to chase away the chills she’d had ever since stepping into Sheila’s room. “Maybe,” she admitted. “It hurt so much to hear Keith admit that he’d slept with you more than that one time and that there had been other women.” She stared out the window, not really seeing anything. “But

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the pain only lasted a little while, and now…” How did she feel now? With a start, she realized the truth. “Now it doesn’t matter.” “That’s good. Isn’t it?” Haley turned back to Sheila. “Yes. I guess Michael was right, damn it.” Sheila grinned, a small genuine smile. “I know you hate it, but I’m glad.” Haley had the urge to stick her tongue out at Sheila as she’d done when they were young. Odd. She’d thought she hated the woman who had betrayed her. She did, didn’t she? No matter how much the woman had hurt her, she couldn’t just wipe away fifteen years of friendship. “He probably would have invited you, too, if he’d had an address.” Sheila sobered, her smile dying. “Is that what this is? Your closure?” She closed her eyes. “With me?” Haley considered the suggestion and rejected it. She hadn’t come for closure. Other forces had brought her here. “I don’t really know what this is. When I saw Keith last week, he told me you’d tried to commit suicide. I…I think I just needed to tell you that…That I…” Sheila stared at her, waiting. Elusive words hung just out of reach. Haley sank into the chair and tried again. “I don’t want you to die, Sheila. Yes, you hurt me, but I don’t want you to die.” More tears rolled down the splotchy, red cheeks. “Can you ever forgive me?” “I don’t think we can ever really be close friends again,” she whispered, regret choking her throat. “But I do forgive you.” Her scattered thoughts finally came together with sudden, welcomed clarity. “I should thank you. Though I cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, approve of your tactics, you saved me from making the biggest mistake of my life. If I hadn’t found you in bed with Keith, I’d be married to that asshole right now.”

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Haley jumped up, a restless energy replacing the nervous ache she’d suffered since leaving Knoxville. “I never would have sold HLP Designs. I would never have moved back to Tennessee.” She paced between her chair and the window. “I would never have met Michael. I swear that man irritates me to no end with his I-know-what’s-best attitude. He can be so pushy and arrogant and demanding. Just like my dad was. And I…” Her words trailed off with her next thought. “And you love him,” Sheila supplied. With a nod and sigh, Haley agreed. “Yes. I do.” “That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you.” Sheila sniffed, and the tension in her shoulders visibly eased. “It’s been tearing me apart knowing how much I hurt you. I just couldn’t…I didn’t want to live with the guilt.” A stab of sadness returned. Sheila had suffered as much as Haley had over the loss of their friendship. “Water under the bridge. Time to pick ourselves up, dust off the dirt, and live again.” Haley addressed Dr. Hansen, who had stood in silence on the far side of the room while they’d talked. “You and Michael were right. I needed this.” She crossed to the door. “It’s time to get over it and move on. I’m ready now.” Haley stopped short and turned back to Sheila. “You know, you really need to do something with that hair. I say go back to your natural color. Blonde never really suited you anyway. Stop trying to be me. Go back to being Sheila. I always loved that girl.” Haley left, feeling lighter and happier than she had in months. After the charity ball tomorrow night, she’d go home. Home. What a lovely word. **** Michael slipped a finger beneath his collar and tugged. The damned thing was choking him. He couldn’t swallow, couldn’t breathe. Had to be the tux.

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He shook his head. Why was he so worried? Surely she would speak to him. She couldn’t still be too angry with him to even talk about it. The woman had to know how he felt about her. She had to know he hadn’t meant to hurt her. Didn’t she? He couldn’t shake the image of her staring up at him, accusing and sad at the same time. She thought he’d betrayed her trust. Maybe he had. He’d been so certain that she needed to have it out with Keith and Sheila. It hadn’t worked out like he’d planned. Somehow he thought he’d stand beside her and support her while she closed the book on her ex. He was supposed to be there to hold her, help her. Instead, she’d been forced to leave with the bastard. Michael stepped off the elevator and followed the sound of orchestra music. The grand ballroom in the penthouse of the sixtystory hotel glittered from ceiling to floor. Men and women crowded the room, dressed in suits and evening gowns that probably cost as much as Michael’s car. He searched the huge ballroom. She had to be here. Somewhere. He senses tingled with the knowledge that Haley was near. An angel garbed in a golden, shimmering dress stood between two men. She smiled and laughed, a brilliant ray of sunshine lighting the room. Michael stared as if seeing her for the first time. And perhaps he was. Never before had he seen Haley so at ease, so confident. So…Happy. He moved toward the bar, never taking his eyes off her. One man, a tall thin fellow with gray hair at his temples, leaned in close to whisper something in her ear. Haley smiled again and shook her head. The other, a younger gentleman probably in his early thirties, chuckled and said something that made her laugh again. Both men looked so familiar. Michael scanned the room. Hollywood stars mingled with some of the richest people in the world. Well-known faces from politics and magazines crowded the huge room. In one corner, a tall, too-slim

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cover model entertained several admirers. At a table on the right, a famous multi-millionaire sat surrounded by women. The bartender asked him for his order. A shot of whiskey might help him relax. Michael felt so out of place, like an intruder spying on world not his own. But Haley fit right in. She outshined even the brightest stars among them. Another couple joined her. Haley hugged the woman, smiling as if welcoming a long-lost friend. Anyone could see Haley was content here. Happier than Michael had ever seen her. This was her element. He drank the whiskey in one swallow, hoping to wash away the bitter taste in his mouth. Apparently he’d been right. Haley had needed to talk to Keith in order to put the past behind her and move on with her life. Clearly she’d recovered from the shock of having seen her ex. Whatever they’d discussed had relieved Haley of the burden she’d been carrying. And now she was ready to reenter society and take back her old life. A life he could never share. The woman he saw before him now was miles out of his league. Even if he were good enough, rich enough, famous enough to live in her world, he could never be happy here. He tugged on his collar again. This was not the kind of life he wanted, needed. His idea of a party was a backyard barbeque. Football games were his entertainment of choice, not Broadway. He did most of his shopping at the discount store, not on Fifth Avenue. His eyes burned, and his heart ached. He’d lost her. Michael spun around and headed back toward the elevators. He had to get out of here. Go home where he belonged. I’ve lost her. His head throbbed with the repeated thought. But then, she’d never really been his to lose. With far more force than necessary, he punched the button for the elevator and jammed his hands into his pockets. “Hey, handsome.”

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Chapter Seventeen Haley’s voice washed over him like a tsunami, erasing everything in its wake—his thoughts, the other people lingering nearby, the music, everything. Even, it seemed, his heartbeat. He turned to her, unable to speak. “You came all this way, and now you’re leaving without even saying hello?” Her eyes twinkled with a lighthearted cheer they’d never held before. Michael shrugged. “You were busy talking to your friends. Wasn’t that the actor guy who won the Oscar?” She nodded. “And the other one, I know he’s some big millionaire or something. I’ve seen his picture.” Her laughter tinkled like silver bells. “You’ve probably seen it on the cover of every business and men’s magazine in circulation over the last year.” “Yeah.” Michael searched for words. “You look wonderful, babe. Happy. Really happy.” She stepped closer and smiled. “I am. Thanks to you. As much as hate to admit it, you were right. Settling things with Keith and Sheila was exactly what I needed.” Being near her, knowing she could never be his…Clearly her voice hadn’t completely stopped his heartbeat. Now its slow, aching thud sent pain shooting across his chest. “I’m glad. I…You know I was only trying to help. Inviting Keith to the fundraiser wasn’t the best idea I’ve ever had, though. I’m sorry.” She slid her palm up his chest along his lapel. “I forgive you.”

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He burned with the need to touch her. Hold her. A part of him wanted to scoop her up, take her home, and chain her to his bed. But he knew he couldn’t. Now that he’d seen that light in her eyes, now that he’d seen her happy, he’d never forgive himself for taking that from her just to satisfy his own selfish desires. “Well, now that I know you’re okay, I’m going to get out of here.” “What? Why? Don’t you want to meet a few of these people?” Her brows furrowed. “How did you get in here anyway? This is one of the most exclusive events in the country.” “Meg. She pulled some strings.” A grin lifted the corners of her full, sweet lips. “Remind me to thank your sister.” “Haley…” His voice cracked. “I wish you a wonderful life. I…” The words wouldn’t form. Saying good-bye hurt too much. Her eyes widened. “You’re breaking up with me? You came all the way to New York to break it off?” He shook his head. “I came because I needed to know you were all right. Now that I know you are…I can see how happy you are here, babe. This is where you belong. This is where you need to be.” Michael turned back to the elevators just in time to watch the door close. He cursed under his breath and pushed the button again. Haley walked around in front of him and gazed up into his face, surprised etched in her features. “I’m sorry I haven’t called you. I should have. Can’t you forgive me?” He sighed. “It’s not that. I’m not mad at you. It’s just…” He waived in the general vicinity of the ballroom. “This is your world, Haley. This is where you should be. You belong here, but I don’t. I’d be miserable.” She stared at him for a moment. Michael tried to guess her thoughts. What was she thinking? “I see,” she whispered. Then she pouted her lips. “Aren’t you going to kiss me good-bye?”

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His lungs seized. He wanted nothing me than to kiss her senseless. But would anything be more painful than a parting kiss? “Please?” She stepped close enough for him to feel the warmth of her body. Both hands moved to his shoulders, and her fingers grazed the nape of his neck. Her touch sent need spiraling through him. How could he kiss her knowing that it would be the last time? How could he not? He cupped her face and committed every detail to memory—the tilt at the corners of her too-blue eyes, the way her bottom lip was fuller than the top one. Oh, those lips. From the moment he’d first met her, he’d wanted to kiss them, taste them. And he still wanted to, would always want to. Lowering his head, he resolved to keep the kiss short and sweet. Anything more would only intensify his need and the pain of losing her. He brushed his lips across hers, soft and tender. With deliberate restraint, he lingered only a moment and began to pull away. Haley had other plans. She threaded her fingers through his hair, pulled his head down, and parted her lips beneath his. When he didn’t immediately accept her invitation, she slipped her tongue between his lips and deepened the kiss, shattering his resolve. He took what she offered. The bittersweet knowledge that this would be the last time he’d kiss her burned him to the core. Desire blazed between them, but Michael did his best to ignore it. This was the end. It was over. He had to leave. Now. Tearing his lips away, he pressed his forehead to hers and struggled to catch his breath. With considerable effort, he forced his hands to her shoulders and held her still so that she couldn’t follow him as he retreated. Even with the space between their bodies, unseen electric sparks of passion arced between them. If he didn’t leave now, he would change his mind. He’d do everything in his power to convince her to come back to Tennessee with him. The elevator bell dinged to signal its arrival.

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“Good-bye, Haley.” He almost choked on the words as he stepped around her and made his escape. Her gaze bore through him until the doors shut. A miserable churning began in his stomach. She was the one, but he could never have her. How could he live the rest of his life knowing that the one woman who made life worth living was out of reach? Morbid, stupid thoughts crossed his mind. Crazy things like how maybe he’d get lucky and the plane would crash on the way back to Tennessee. Then he wouldn’t have to worry about living the rest of his life without the woman he loved. **** Haley bit her lip after the elevator doors closed. Part of her wanted to rant and rave over what an idiot the man was. The other part of her was way too pleased to let her frustration spoil the moment. That kiss had told her everything she needed to know. “Who was that?” Janice, an old friend, stood next to her and adjusted her wrap as she prepared to exit the party. “Serious eye candy, that one.” “Mmm hmm,” Haley agreed. “Can’t believe you let him leave without you. Why didn’t you go with him?” “Remember that old saying about how if you love something you should set it free?” “If it’s yours, it will return to you,” Janice finished. “Think he will come back?” Haley smiled. “I’m not the one letting go.” Her friend’s brow lifted in surprise. “He was setting you free? He loves you that much?” “Yeah,” Haley replied without pause, without the slightest doubt. “He does.”

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“Sooo…” Janice intoned. “Are you going back to him? Are you his?” Joy filled her heart. “Heart, body, and soul. I’m his completely.” She laughed. “But I may have to teach that man a lesson before I tell him that.” **** Haley sat on the brown leather sofa in Michael’s condo, waiting for him to come home. It had been four days since the charity ball— long enough for her to get back to Tennessee, move her things into the new house, and make certain that the kitchen, den, and the master bedroom and bath were finished and ready to live in. She still had to buy furnishings and décor for several rooms, but all the major construction was complete as was the paint and wallpaper. There was only one me thing she needed before she could call it home. Michael. Keys jingled, and the door swung open. The man she’d been waiting for entered without noticing her. He turned away to shut the door and set his briefcase on the counter along with his keys. With a heavy sigh, he raked his hands through his already tousled hair. Haley waited. Though she’d had trouble extracting herself in order to greet him, she had known the moment Michael had unexpectedly entered the ballroom in New York a few days ago. He, too, would soon realize she was there no matter how still and quiet she sat. Michael did not disappoint her. “Haley,” he whispered before he spun to face her. Dark circles beneath his eyes told her he hadn’t been sleeping well. He looked tired. Defeated. She tried not to smile. “I let myself in. Still have your key.” Holding it up, she let it swing back and forth on its chain. “I hope you don’t mind.”

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He cleared his throat. “No. Of course not.” His gaze enveloped her. “What are you doing here?” She stood and closed the short distance between them. “We need to talk,” she said in her most businesslike tone. Crossing her arms, she glared at him. Michael rubbed his brow. “Okay. What about?” Haley cocked her hands on her hips. “You do remember what it means when a woman says that, don’t you?” “I…” A grin teased the corners of his mouth. “I guess I need to apologize for something.” She gave him a curt nod. “I’m waiting,” she added, examining the fingernails of her right hand. “I already apologized for not telling you about Keith’s invitation, but I will again if you want.” He didn’t wait for a response. “I’m sorry, babe. I’m really sorry if I hurt you.” “We already settled that. I want an apology for what you did in New York.” His brow furrowed. “Umm…I don’t understand.” Haley huffed and frowned. “Can you give me hint?” She narrowed her eyes. “Just who the hell do you think you are anyway? Who died and made you God?” He lifted his hands, palms up, surrender in his voice. “Haley, I don’t—” “You have some nerve, mister!” She used her index finger to poke him in the chest. “What right do you have to tell me where I belong? Since when do you get to decide where I live?” His bewildered expression faded. A hopeful gleam filled his eyes. “You looked so happy.” “I was happy. Do you know why?” Michael shrugged. “I thought it was because you were back in New York with your friends.”

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“No. I was happy because I finished with my lawyers and accountant. I was able to arrange everything so they could work through a couple of firms here in Knoxville. Now if I have business to attend to, I can do it without flying to New York. I was happy because I was coming home!” “So you don’t want to stay there?” He moved closer. “No. I want to live here in the house I had built. It’s finished, by the way. Well, mostly finished. I moved my things in.” He smiled and slipped his hands around her waist. “That’s wonderful.” “Ahem.” She placed her hands over his to be sure they didn’t wander. Not yet. “I’m waiting for my apology.” He chuckled. “I’m sorry, baby.” He lowered his head. She stopped his kiss with a finger over his lips. “You’re sorry for what?” He nibbled her finger before answering. “I need another hint.” “Michael!” His teasing nips were distracting her. She pulled her finger away. “You had no right to make a decision like that for me. Even my father wouldn’t have gone that far!” A serious but loving look replaced the playful smile. “You’re right. I apologize. But you have to forgive me. I only want you to be happy. I thought it was what you needed.” He brushed the back of his hand across her cheek. Unusually rough fingers grazed her skin. She pulled his hand down and examined it. Fresh scabs covered his knuckles. “What happened?” “I scraped them at the gym.” “How?” she questioned, trying to imagine what piece of equipment might have injured him. He sighed. “I got in a fight with the punching bag.” Haley groaned. “Aren’t you supposed to use gloves?” “Yeah, well, I didn’t think about it.” He opened and closed his fist, flexing his hand. “I threw a punch, and the bag moved just

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enough that my hand slid down the canvas. Took off a little skin. No big deal.” She shook her head. “Didn’t you have a spotter holding the bag?” He grinned. “Knocked Jack down.” “Men,” she muttered. “So am I forgiven?” He lowered his head as if to kiss her. Haley poked him in the chest again. “Don’t let it happen again.” His gaze searched her eyes. “Yes, ma’am.” She smiled. “Wanna kiss and make up now?” Michael pulled her into his arms. “Thought you’d never ask.” His lips took hers, hungry, heated, demanding. Allowing herself the pleasure for just a moment, she kissed him back. Her tongue tangled with his, and she slid her hands to his shoulders. With a little shove, she broke the kiss and sucked in a breath to calm the need to let him have his way. She would do this her way. “We need to discuss a few things. Set some rules if we’re going to move forward with this relationship.” A groan rumbled through his chest. “Haley, I can’t do the oneday-at-a-time thing anymore. I need—” “Rule number one,” she said as she loosened his tie to pull it off. “We make all big decisions together.” The tie slid from her fingers, and she pushed his jacket from his shoulders. He shrugged and let his suit coat fall to the floor. “Big decisions?” “Like where we’re going to live. That sort of thing.” She began working on his shirt buttons. “I can live with that.” He helped flick the buttons at his cuffs and slid out of the shirt. Haley smiled and ran her palms down his chest, over the ridges of his abs, and grasped his belt buckle. “Rule number two…” She paused to pull the belt loose and undo the button of his pants. “I want fidelity.” Michael grasped her hands. He didn’t speak until she met his gaze. “Do you doubt it?”

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“No, but I want it made clear. I’m an only child. I never learned to share, and I’m not about to start now. If we’re going to be together, you are mine. Got it?” He nodded. “Agreed.” He reached for her. “Can you promise me the same?” She laughed and pulled his zipper down. “Do you doubt it?” His pants slid to the floor, and he kicked off his shoes. “I want to hear you say it.” Haley reached beneath her skirt, slipped her panties down her legs, and stepped out them. She held them up for him to view before letting them join the pile of clothes at their feet. “I’m yours, Michael.” His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. His erection strained against his underwear. Haley brushed her hand across it before relieving him of the impeding garment. With slow, deliberate movements, she bent to push the briefs down his legs. By the time they reached his feet, she was kneeling before him. Her gaze met his as she removed his socks. He stood before her now, completely nude, his desire and need for her displayed without reserve. She kissed his inner thigh and rose to her knees and caressed the solid length of him. With just the tip of her tongue, she traced the side of his erection from base to tip. His fingers threaded through her hair. “Haley,” he croaked, her name a plea, a prayer. Though her position suggested obedience and submission, she knew beyond doubt that, at this moment, she was the one in control. She sucked the tip into her mouth just far enough to encircle the crown, teasing him. With one hand, she fondled his testicles. The sac tightened at her touch. A sound, half-growl, half-groan, rumbled through him. His hands tightened around her head, but he made no move to force her to take more of him. She made him wait a moment more then rewarded him for his patience. Her mouth slid down over him until the tip touched the back

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of her throat. Sucking and licking, she pleasured him. Her right hand slipped around to squeeze his tight buttock, the left still occupied with his family jewels. One moment, she was master, commanding his response. In less than a heartbeat, she found herself pressed across the padded corner of the sofa. Her bare butt rested on the wide arm. The back of the couch supported her head and right shoulder. Michael’s hands gripped her waist, held her still, and kept her from sliding off. He stood between her legs next to the couch, his erection nudging her opening. She shifted and wedged her knee between them. “Rule number three,” she gasped. His passion-filled gaze bore into her, and his nostrils flared, but he remained silent. “I want forever,” she whispered. Michael’s eyes reflected a flicker of surprise, and the corner of his mouth lifted in a half smile. He said nothing. He simply pushed her knee aside and plunged himself into her. Haley’s breath caught, and before she could recover, Michael’s mouth claimed hers in searing, soul-stealing kiss. He moved inside her, and his tongue matched the rhythm he set with his hips. Her head swam with the sensations. His arm encircled her waist and held her in place while he pumped hard and steady. His free hand tweaked her hardened nipple through her blouse and bra. He lifted his head to watch her. Haley struggled to catch her breath and hold her climax at bay. “I mean it,” she panted. “I want it all—kids, grandkids, matching rocking chairs on the front porch. I want the whole nine yards.” Michael thrust forward and buried himself deep inside her, filling her, completing her. He ground his pelvis against her clit and sent a wave of pleasure through her. His unwavering gaze observed her, gauging her reaction. He flicked the tip of her nipple then pinched.

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Haley ground her teeth together, the torture too much to bear. He would soon push her over the edge. Still she held back, waiting for his reply. He leaned down, brushed his lips over hers, and continued the slow and steady sensual assault. “I love you, Haley.” She smiled. “I know.” He stopped, surprise and maybe a hint of disappointment reflected in his eyes. He’d obviously hoped she would repeat the words and tell him she loved him, too. Her golden god stood motionless for a moment before he smiled and kissed her. His rhythm began anew without breaking the sweet, tender kiss. Haley tore her lips away. “I’m still trying to figure out…” Her breath hitched as the tiny muscles inside her tightened. “Figure out exactly when I fell in love with you.” Michael’s laugh filled her with joy. “You’re going to tease me like that for the rest of my life, aren’t you?” Haley nodded and promptly screamed. Her climax claimed her with a sudden intensity that shook her through and through. Stars burst behind her eyelids. He thrust forward one last time and surrendered to his own release. Several moments passed before either could speak. “Tell me,” he coaxed. “I need to hear you say it.” Haley smiled up at him. She couldn’t even pretend not to know what he meant. “I love you, Michael.”

THE END WWW.NITAWICK.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nita Wick is a wife, mother, and full-time analyst. When she’s not busy at the day job, you’ll likely find her reading or writing. She prefers romance novels because there absolutely, positively must be a happily-ever-after ending.

www.BookStrand.com