Читать книгу Forget Prince Charming - Natalie Stenzel - Страница 10

STRATEGIES FOR GEEK HUNTING?

“What the…?” He read further down the page, unable to help himself. He couldn’t prevent either the disbelieving grin that spread across his face or the old defensiveness that stiffened his spine. Automatically he reached up with an index finger to the bridge of his nose but found nothing there.

…Targeting…high geek probability…

He dropped his hand to his side, his defensiveness hardening into resolve. The woman was looney tunes and some poor, unsuspecting Joe out there—

…stroke ego liberally…

He shook his head. Oh, no. Not on his watch. And watch her he would. If he happened to enjoy the view just a little too much, well, that was too damn bad. Sure, she was a sexy woman, but a man had to have standards. He skimmed and reskimmed the page, his scowl deepening with every outrageous word.

Feeling the need to vent on the person who drew up this crazy, demoralizing plan, Rick stalked to the door, swung it open…and promptly caught Haley in his arms.

Frustrated and embarrassed, Haley glared at him as he set her back on her feet. Encountering the less than friendly look in his eyes, she tempered her own hostility and retreated a pace. “Don’t you answer your door?” She shoved her hair behind her ears.

“My door? Oh, the doorbell doesn’t work. You should have knocked.”

“I did.” She gritted the words out.

“Hmm. Well, I did have the stereo cranked up.”

“Whatever. Can I please just have my clipboard back?”

Rick smiled down at her, his expression as innocent as a child’s. “So you’re going hunting?”

Haley made a desperate grab for the clipboard but he casually held it just out of reach. Her panic congealed into embarrassed frustration. “You just had to read it, didn’t you. Brand new to the building, and you’re already pulling the nosy neighbor act.”

“Hey, you’re the one who clobbered me with a clipboard. All I did was pick it up. Never mind that, though. Tell me about the hunt. Is it some twisted cultural supremacy thing? Down with geeks, dweebs and nerds?”

Haley studied him momentarily. Thinking. Maybe he hadn’t read the whole thing. Maybe he’d just glanced at the title. Sighting an out, she attempted a breezy smile. “It was just a joke. Like those ‘you know you’re a redneck when’ kind that are everywhere now.”

Rick’s smile hardened but he let her snag the clipboard out of his hands. “Looked like a pretty involved joke. Kind of a humorous how-to manual, I suppose? So, once you hunt up one of those suckers, what are you supposed to do with him? Reform him or just enjoy him as he is?”

She hugged the clipboard to her chest, heart pounding with new unease. “Um. I’m not sure. A friend just, well, a friend of mine scribbled it down for me. We had customers and she didn’t want to offend anyone, so she just wrote it down for me to read later. And I will. With dinner probably.” Haley wished she could spontaneously combust. Now. If she would only learn when to shut up, maybe she could pull off a believable lie.

“Oh, sure.” He nodded agreeably. “I always enjoy a good joke with my dinner. Hell, to hear a good joke, I’d be willing to buy you dinner.” An unholy gleam in his eyes, Rick leaned one shoulder against the doorjamb, folded his arms and grinned down at her. He was obviously aware of her silent squirming and enjoying it immensely. “So how about it? Dinner for a joke?”

Haley glared at him. “You read the whole thing.”

“Okay, I skimmed it. You caught me. That’s not to say I don’t have a million questions, though. You could tell me all about it over dinner. What do you say? My offer still stands.”

Haley squeezed her eyes shut, but she could still picture his wicked grin. Naturally, the grin—what was she thinking? the whole package surrounding the grin—was so attractive she could just die. She was destined to forever be humiliated in front of sexy men. And be attracted to them anyway, masochistic idiot that she was.

With the battle of the senses raging within her, Haley couldn’t help but wonder if it was a blessing or a curse that she’d sworn off hunks. Because, despite his provoking manner, Rick Samuels fairly defined the term. It was no wonder he had women lining up outside his door. Twelve short months ago—hell, twelve short hours ago—she’d have been tempted to do the same. The man was hot.

He looked to be in his early thirties, with Brad Pitt’s good looks, only taller, with broader shoulders and more rugged features. And she was pretty sure the sun-kissed color of this guy’s hair was real. Thick and unruly, ending just about collar-level. She sighed. And those deep blue eyes and wicked lips set a girl to dreaming of laughter and hot sex. God help her. She opened her eyes slowly, trying to brace herself.

He was still watching her, no doubt savoring the embarrassment behind her hesitation. “Well, Haley? Care to get to know your neighbor?”

Oh, boy would I! “No, thank you. I have a lot to do tonight.”

“Too bad.” His grin didn’t falter. “Some other time, maybe?” At her reluctant nod, he straightened and strode past her into the hallway toward her bike. “Just let me wheel this in for you and I’ll get out of your way so you can get started on your project.”

In the interest of ending the humiliating encounter, Haley bit back a choice insult and turned to continue wrestling with her door. Naturally, the key turned smoothly this time. The door all but sprung open in her hands. She set her clipboard on a lamp table then stood back to let Rick push her bike into the living room.

Sherlock’s frantic barking echoed from the back of the apartment. Haley sighed. It sounded like the dog had managed to shut himself in the closet again. She wondered how many shoes had been sacrificed today.

“The boyfriend’s dog?” Rick’s eyes were trained on the doorless opening to her loft bedroom. She thought she could see suspicion and disapproval in his eyes.

“My dog, now.”

His eyes narrowed. “Yes, so you said. Some revenge.”

Haley frowned. “Huh?”

“Stealing a man’s best friend from him.”

Haley’s jaw dropped. “I didn’t steal him. Peter abandoned the poor thing. Almost.”

“Right.” His voice rang with doubt.

She propped her fists on her hips. “I’m not lying. He passed the dog off to me. Weeks ago. He said he traveled too much to take care of it and the dog liked me better anyway.” She shrugged uncomfortably. “And I didn’t have the heart to take him to the humane society or find a stranger to take him in. So the puppy’s mine.” She glared at Rick. “Do you always jump to wild conclusions?”

He had the grace to look embarrassed. “I hope not. Sorry.”

Haley rolled her eyes. “Like I’d kidnap somebody’s dog.”

Rick cleared his throat and glanced around the apartment before turning his sights back on the bike. His eyes flickered over the banana seat and woven basket decorated with plastic daisies. The bicycle only had one speed. It was similar, in fact, to the bike she’d ridden all over the neighborhood as a child. He swept a hand over the upright handlebars, fitting his fingers around the tasseled grips, then looked up to meet her eyes with a provoking grin. “Nice bike.”

Haley sighed, used to the odd looks and comments she attracted with her metallic-blue 1976 Huffy. “It does the job and it’s made for a short person.” She paused a beat. “And I already killed two ten-speeds because I never remembered to shift gears properly. This was ten bucks at a garage sale and it’s perfect for the short trip to work. Saves on gas.”

Casually, he tested the front tire, a slight frown wrinkling his brow. “You need new tires. These are almost bald. Why don’t you come by my shop this weekend and I’ll get you set up.” His offer was absently sincere and, from the look on his face, almost immediately regretted.

“You own a bike shop?”

“Mmm. The one around the corner from your toy shop.”

She eyed his physique, which obviously carried not one extra pound of fat, and conceded that he was very likely a biking enthusiast. Peter had been, too. In between tennis matches, he’d participated in a triathlon last year, a fact he liked to work into conversations with new acquaintances. And complete strangers. She gave Rick a cool smile. “I suppose you race, too.”

“Sometimes. Just a hobby.” He looked as though he were going to add something to that statement, then shrugged and smiled.

“Well, maybe I’ll have those tires looked at sometime. Thanks.”

“No problem. Guess I’d better leave you to it.” He nodded meaningfully at the clipboard, his eyes sparkling wickedly.

Her annoyance grew. “Yes, I suppose you’d better. Nice meeting you, Rick.”

“You, too, Haley. Incidentally, you might also try copy centers and, maybe, hobby shops.” He closed the door behind him, and Haley stuck her tongue out at it. Maybe not the most mature response, but it was gratifying.

A moment later, she snatched up her clipboard again and added these two items to her list of likely hangouts.

HER HAIR DRIPPING WET, Haley considered the options overflowing her closet. The packaging could make or break her, she knew. Best to go with something simple. Attractive but not threatening.

She tugged the fluffy towel more firmly around her breasts. With her free hand, she shoved aside bright colors, short hems and trendy cuts, before pulling out a pair of mostly unwrinkled khaki pants. What about tops? A simple long-sleeved T-shirt maybe? She tossed her finds into a pile on the bed and dropped the towel.

Opening a drawer of the antique dresser she’d refinished herself, she pulled out a pair of lacy peach panties and matching bra and pulled them on. Then she shrugged into her T-shirt and hopped her way into her slacks. After buckling the woven leather belt, she surveyed the effect in the mirror. Acceptable. Impatiently she flipped a wet lock of hair out of her face and behind an ear.

Earrings. Jewelry. What about jewelry? Simple hoop earrings. And her locket. Haley tapped a finger to her mouth. That would be perfect. A simple gold heart on a dainty chain, a Valentine’s Day gift from her late father. For luck.

She glanced wistfully at the chunky bangles she’d picked up at a flea market to go with a skinny little dress she’d found on sale a few months ago. Shaking her head resolutely, Haley closed her jewelry box. She went scavenging for a matched pair of socks, slipped them on, and reached for a hairbrush.

After ten minutes’ worth of blow-drying her reddish-brown hair and applying a touch of makeup, Haley decided she was as ready as she’d ever be. She ran down the stairs from her loft bedroom, grabbed her purse and headed out the door.

Thirty seconds later, she turned back and unlocked the door. She dug through a drawer of her desk until she found her computer manual, then hurried out once more.

She was dressed and armed.

“WELCOME TO COMPUTER NATION, ma’am. Is there something I can help you find?”

Haley turned in the direction of that nervous voice and came face to face with her first real-live computer nerd. Cruel to say it, even think it, she knew, but he certainly fit every stereotype she’d ever heard.

His brown eyes eager behind thick lenses, the man smiled at her, shifting nervously from one thin leg to the other. Kind of endearing, she allowed doubtfully. Certainly sincere. Haley’s smile widened. “I certainly hope so…Tim,” she finished, after reading the badge pinned to his ink-stained shirt.

Tim flushed, but he clapped his hands together gamely. “Okay, where do we start?”

“Well, I’m looking for a good financial management system. Computerized, obviously. Something to help me keep track of my accounts, maybe set up a budget.” Haley carefully injected a delicate air of helplessness into her request. She wasn’t lying about her need for software, but she probably could have selected it without any help.

Her delivery must have worked, too, because Tim was looking a little more at ease, obviously in his element now. “I think we can help you out. We have a pretty good selection, appropriate for different computers, different needs. Some of them are loaded onto the demo computers if you want to try them out.”

“Oh, good. I really think I’m going to need to try them all out before I know which one is right for me.”

At her dazzling smile, Tim flushed.

The man poised around the corner of an aisle, who’d turned at the sound of the familiar voice, rolled his eyes in disbelief. This was going to be good.

Keeping his distance, Rick kept pace with them, making sure to keep an aisle or display as buffer between him and the conversing couple.

Unable to resist a quick glance at his attractive neighbor, Rick peeked around the corner, chuckling silently at the wide-eyed look she was giving poor Tim. No doubt Tim was ready to spontaneously combust. The look was obviously meant to boost a fragile male ego, and it was working. In spades.

When Tim moved closer to demonstrate with the mouse while Haley stood at the keyboard, Rick’s amusement faded. Haley didn’t back away, and his mood lowered even more.

“Oh, Tim, that’s perfect. I’ve had so much trouble keeping track of my spending from month to month, but I think this program would keep even me on track. Do you think it will work with any computer?”

Tim’s voice and posture grew even more confident as he discussed computer speed, memory and various other factors that were only so much white noise to Rick. He’d already determined the maker and capabilities of the software Tim had demonstrated and knew it was compatible with almost any system. Tim did, too, he was sure, and was now just trying to impress the lady with his prowess.

To his disgust, Haley was wearing the most vacuously fascinated expression he’d ever seen on an intelligent woman’s face. Unable to bear witness to any more, Rick quickly selected an ink cartridge to fit the printer in his home office and headed toward the checkout lines.

He smiled at the cashier. “Hi, Cathy. Doing all right up here?”

“Yes, Mr. Samuels. I think I’m going to like working here.” She smiled at him.

“Good, good. If you have any questions, just ask Tim. He’s in charge of the store while I’m gone. I’ll see you in the morning.” He frowned. “No, wait. I’m putting time in at the bike shop tomorrow. Pass that along to Tim for me, would you? I’ll be back the day after, but he can call me if he runs into any problems.”

“Sure thing, Boss.”

As he was turning to leave, Rick heard the sound of Haley’s voice from somewhere close behind him.

“…Thank you so much for all your help, Tim. I’m pretty clueless when it comes to the nuts and bolts of computers.”

“My pleasure.”

Haley’s voice lowered. “I’ll see you Friday, then.”

Rick glanced over his shoulder, truly peeved now. Despite his unquestionable intelligence, Tim was grinning like a fool, patting his pocket and verbally tripping over himself in his effort to please.

“…I have your number right here. I’ll call you after I’m off work for directions.”

When Tim turned with obvious reluctance to greet a new customer, Haley went to pay for her new software, a satisfied smile on her face.

Still unaccountably annoyed, Rick exited the store, intending to lie in wait for her. He’d force himself to forget the sight of Haley playing up to Tim and instead play the cool, sophisticated interrogator so he could determine Haley’s intentions.

After all, Tim was young and impressionable. He deserved better than to be hurt by Haley’s geek-hunting ways. As Tim’s boss and friend, and knowing what he knew about Haley, Rick felt responsible for the guy. He was just doing Tim a good turn. Yeah, that’s the way he’d play it. Nothing personal; he was just looking out for his fellow man.

And he damn well was not going to act like a jealous, lovesick puppy. Even if he felt like one.

“EXPENSIVE FIRST DATE, Haley?” The male voice came from just over her right shoulder as Haley stepped out into the sunlight.

Her heart dropping to her knees, Haley whirled to face her provoking new neighbor. “Don’t you know better than to sneak up behind unsuspecting women?”

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.”

“What are you doing here anyway?” She turned and walked toward her car.

“I was just picking up some ink for my printer.” Rick shrugged and fell easily into step with her, his long legs taking one step for every two of hers. “I happened to hear a familiar voice and listened in. Boy, were you laying it on thick in there.”

“Just what are you trying to suggest?”

“I’m not suggesting anything. I’ve read that list of yours and I saw you moving in for the kill back there. It worked, too. Poor sucker didn’t even know what hit him, did he?” Rick shook his head in mock sorrow.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, I think so. You went into that computer store intending to pick up some poor schmuck. You found him, buttered him up, and he was yours for the taking.”

Haley gritted her teeth but spoke evenly. “I went into that computer store to buy software. Tim was kind enough to help me and we had an enjoyable conversation. He asked me out Friday. I accepted. Simple as that.”

“Wow. A whole week in advance? Guy must be desperate.”

Haley’s jaw flexed harder, but she managed to hold on to the worst of her temper. “What is it with you? Is all of this because of what you read on my clipboard? Look, I apologize if you were offended, but it wasn’t meant to be seen by anyone but me. So why don’t you just put it out of your mind and we’ll both feel so much better.” She turned and marched off.

Rick hurried after her, catching her elbow before she could unlock her car door.

Haley froze, trying to ignore all the nerve endings that sprang to life at his touch. Not interested in princes. Not interested in princes. Maybe if she repeated that often enough it would be true.

He gentled his grip but didn’t release her. “Look, I’m sorry, okay? I guess it was just hard to have you turn me down flat yesterday then watch you make a date with another guy today. But I can take no for an answer.” He smiled ruefully, his eyes boyishly charming. “We’re neighbors. It’s probably not a good idea to go to war, right?”

Nervously, Haley began weaving her key chain in and out of her fingers, the tinkling sound helping to distract her from his nearness. She nodded. “Okay. Let’s just call a truce. Fair enough?” She glanced up cautiously.

Rick was shaking his head, his blue eyes reflecting the cool shade of the cloudless sky. “Nope. Not good enough. Let’s start over. Hi. My name’s Rick. You must be Haley, my next-door neighbor. How do you do?” He lifted the arm he still grasped and held its hand with his free one in a firm, if puppetlike, handshake.

Haley rolled her eyes at his clowning attempt but weakened under the pressure of that contagious smile. She sighed and reluctantly smiled back at him. “Hi, Rick. Nice to meet you. I hope my dog Sherlock hasn’t been disturbing you with all his barking.”

“I like dogs. You should introduce us some time. Like tonight maybe? Care to have me over for pizza?”

Her eyes narrowed. “I thought you could take no for an answer.”

“Come on, just pizza between neighbors. I promise. My treat. You can fill me in on the building. You know, good gossip, dos and don’ts, how to get on the manager’s good side so I can get my doorbell fixed. Harmless stuff.”

She eyed him warily, remembering the sourpuss who used to live in the next-door apartment. The older woman hadn’t been as understanding about Sherlock’s barking. Haley had been anticipating an eviction notice when the woman finally moved out. Given the unexpected reprieve, it behooved her to get along with her new neighbor if at all possible. “Well, as long as you’re not some serial killer or anything—”

“Nope. I’m harmless. Mostly. Besides, you have Sherlock for protection. He can chaperon.”

Haley nodded slowly. Belatedly, she realized her hand was still in his and she pulled it free of his warmth. “I suppose that would be all right. We’re neighbors. It only makes sense to get acquainted.”

“That’s the spirit. So, what time’s good for you?”

Haley looked at her watch. “Well, I need to stop off at the shop, see how things went today. So, how about giving me about an hour and a half, maybe two hours?”

“So, around five-thirty or six? Your place? I’ll bring pizza and napkins.”

“Make it six and you’ve got yourself a—”

“—date?” Rick’s eyes widened with sparkling innocence.

“—deal.” Haley eyed him doubtfully. “This is not a date. We’re just neighbors getting acquainted.”

“Okay, if you say so. See you at six, Haley.”

Twenty minutes later, Haley swung into The Toy Boxx and flipped the sign to Closed. It was ten minutes early, but the shop was empty and she needed to debrief in private. She patted her pockets, dug through her purse. Key…in her desk. She’d lock up later.

“I’ll be with you in a minute.” Jen’s voice drifted pleasantly from the back room.

“Take your time. It’s just me. And I closed the shop.” Haley tossed her purse on the counter and turned to pull down the blinds.

“So what happened?” Jen emerged from the back room, carrying a box of shopping bags with the store’s logo on the front. She stashed them under the counter and pulled out an old-fashioned feather duster.

“I’ve got a date. Two, kind of, if you count Rick.”

Jen’s eyes widened. “Tell me.”

Haley started tidying shelves, straightening fallen teddy bears and restacking packaged cars. As she did so, she described her encounter with Tim.

“Okay, so what did you think of him?” Jen asked when Haley wound down.

Haley shrugged. “He seemed like a nice guy.”

“Did you discuss anything besides financial software?” Jen asked, mildly exasperated.

“Well, my computer, the system here.” Haley smoothed the hair on a doll before setting her next to her sisters. She looked up. “What more do you want? I only spoke to him for about twenty minutes and I was there for software. He seemed nice, he asked me out, and I decided, ‘Why not?”’

Jen shook her head and began whisking the duster back and forth across the blinds.

Noticing the head shaking and the rueful smile on her friend’s face, Haley threw out her hands in disgust. “What? I met what appeared to be a nice, unassuming kind of guy. A geek, if you want to be unkind about it. And he asked me out. Mission accomplished, right?”

“I knew this was a mistake, Haley. At this rate, you’re going to end up either stuck with some reliable guy who means nothing to you, or still dating at the age of ninety.”

Haley laughed. “I don’t think I’m that hopeless. I just need to get my feet wet, you know? I haven’t dated anyone but the prince charmings of the world. If things work out with Tim, great. If not, no harm done. Consider it a practice date.”

Jen studied her friend. “I suppose that’s reasonable.” She smiled slightly, her eyes narrowing. “So tell me about this Rick.”

“Well, you’ve already met him. He was the guy who was in here the other day while I was having my tantrum.”

Jen’s eyes widened and she smiled. “Oooh, Haley. Very nice.”

Haley made a face. “He’s also my new neighbor.”

“Your neighbor?”

“Next door. He’s coming over tonight for pizza.” Haley regarded Jen sternly. “But it’s just a neighbor thing.”

“Why?” Jen eyed her as if Haley had lost her mind.

Haley plopped down on the floor. She rested back against a massive teddy bear, letting its huge arms encircle her shoulders. “Because he’s beautiful. Mouthwatering.”

Jen stopped dusting. “And?”

“What else is there to say? He’s a hunk and I’ve sworn off hunks.” At that reminder, Haley dropped her hot face into her hands. “And he knows it.” The last came out in an embarrassed squeak.

“He knows it? What did you do? Tell him?” Jen’s voice rose in disbelief.

Haley looked up, her cheeks still hot. “Of course not. I’m not that stupid.” She described their encounter in the hallway, ending with a disgruntled sigh. “So, I guess that will teach me not to put incriminating evidence in writing.”

“Oh, Haley.” Jen grimaced in sympathy. “So, how did all this evolve into a pizza date tonight?”

“Well, I ran into him at the computer store today.” Haley whipped her hair behind her ears, the movement vicious. “He heard me with Tim. I must have sounded like a complete idiot. Defenseless maiden in need of guidance from the computer expert.” When Jen rolled her eyes, Haley’s voice rose in her own defense. “Tim was nervous of me. I had to do something to put him at ease. What would you have done?”

Jen shrugged. “So how did Rick react to all this?”

“He seemed kind of put off by it.”

“And that’s why you’re having dinner together tonight?” Jen sounded baffled.

“I guess he decided to give me the benefit of the doubt. In the interest of good neighbor relations.”

Jen smiled shrewdly at her friend. “Pretty lame, but I’ll buy it if you want me to. Tell me about Rick. Does he have anything approaching a personality? What about a job?”

Haley sighed in frustration but calmed enough to consider the questions. “Well, you know he’s good-looking. Kind of like Brad Pitt, but bigger, less pretty. Remember? And these incredible blue eyes.” She smiled ruefully. “Plus a body that won’t quit. Nice shoulders, tall, he obviously works out. I know he bikes. In fact, he owns a bike shop. As far as personality goes, though,” Haley frowned, irritation darkening her eyes, “he’s just what you’d expect from a guy who looks like that.”

“Boring?”

One eyebrow rose. “No, that he’s not. Just arrogant and provoking. Endlessly, annoyingly provoking. It’s like sparring with an immature older brother.”

Jen burst out laughing. “He sounds perfect for you. Have your pizza and your man with my blessings.”

“Now wait just a minute—”

A jingle and an imperious voice interrupted her protest. “Hello? Darling?”

Haley jumped to her feet. “Mom!”

She watched in mingled delight and dread as her smartly dressed mother strode crisply into the store. She tugged Haley into her arms for a warm hug.

Haley returned the hug absently, her eyes taking in the sight of the man who had sauntered in behind her. Oh, boy. Not again. Damn, she should have locked the door. Not that she minded the view. Indeed, it was fine. Too fine. Her mother was trying to stack the deck against her.

She pulled back, smiling determinedly at her mother. “What brings you here today?” As if I didn’t know.

Clara Watson just as determinedly ignored the silent accusation. “I wanted to visit my daughter and I brought along a friend.” She turned a brilliant smile on Mr. Smooth, Dark and Sculpted. “Adam Harding, I’d like you to meet my daughter, Haley.”

Haley transferred her gaze to the man who appeared to be in his mid-thirties. He was undeniably good-looking, a few inches shy of six feet tall, and wearing a smile that radiated charisma. Haley offered her hand and a polite smile. “Hello, Adam. Nice to meet you.” She withdrew her hand after a brief shake. “So how do you two know each other?”

Clara smiled proudly. “We featured Adam on the Show Me Show a few weeks ago, and I have to say he looked just marvelous on TV. The camera adores him. My ratings went right through the roof that morning. He also happens to be local, can you believe it?” She gazed meaningfully at her daughter. “In fact, his family’s been local for over a hundred years. Isn’t that right, Adam?”

“Yes, ma’am.” It was a rich, smooth voice, but somehow it fell flat on Haley’s ears. Maybe she was actually building up a resistance to gorgeous, charming men. “You have a beautiful mother and an intriguing store, Haley. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Thank you.” Haley’s smile felt tight. She felt her mother’s unspoken command to turn on the sparkling wit and ignored it, remaining stubbornly nonsparkling. She felt Jen move up beside her, silently amused but supportive.

“Hi, Mrs. Watson.” She greeted Clara then turned to the man at her side. “Hi, I’m Jennifer Grayson, Haley’s business partner.” She offered her hand.

“Oh, good. Perhaps you could help me find a book for my niece while Haley and Clara visit?” He smiled charmingly as he shook hands.

Jen’s smile was dazzling. Haley resisted the urge to stomp on her friend’s foot. Her mother didn’t need any encouragement—and Jen was happily married.

Jen tossed her a glance, easily interpreted as I’m married, not dead. Then she gestured to the books across the store as she led the way, chatting politely with Adam.

Haley turned back to her mother.

“Isn’t he handsome?” Clara’s hushed voice vibrated with enthusiasm.

“Oh, very.”

“He’s rich, too. All kinds of attorneys and judges and business people in his family. An established name, good connections. And so charming. He took me to lunch the other day and ordered in French. Very impressive. Don’t you think so?” Her sparkling eyes avidly perused the tall man.

“Oh, sure.” Haley’s eyes remained stubbornly on her mother.

At Haley’s flat tone, Clara turned back to frown at her daughter. “So why am I getting this attitude? I worked very hard to find a man I thought would impress you.”

Haley gritted her teeth. “I appreciate all the hard work, Mom, but please stop all this. It’s humiliating. Do you think I’m so unattractive I can’t find a man myself?”

“Oh, no, honey. I’m just trying to save time. At twenty-eight, your childbearing years are slipping away before my eyes. I want grandchildren before I’m old and drooling in the home.”

“Mom!”

“Honestly, Haley. Your father’s gone, and you’re all I have left. It would break my heart if you didn’t start a family of your own. I don’t want you to be lonely, and frankly, I don’t want to die alone while you work yourself to death.”

“If you’re so lonely, maybe you ought to be the one dating, not me.” As soon as the words left her mouth, Haley wished she could call them back. She stared into her mother’s wide eyes. “Oh, Mom. I’m sorry. Really. I know you and Daddy—I didn’t mean—”

Clara stared, her perfectly powdered chin quivering slightly. “No, it’s okay. Maybe you’re right. Maybe I’ve been putting too much of a burden on your shoulders. I’m sorry.” She made a visible effort to smile. “I guess I won’t call the other men on the list, then.”

“List?”

Clara waved it off. “Never mind.”

A cha-ching of the cash register distracted them both, and soon Jen and Adam joined them. After a few moments of polite conversation, during which Haley felt lower and lower, Clara and Adam left together.

After the door closed behind them, Haley slumped into a miniature chair. “I’m pond scum. Absolute slime. Lower than slime. Bacteria reject me as substandard host material.” Haltingly, Haley related events to Jen. “And Dad’s only been gone three years. Mom was devastated. I’m such a creep.”

Jen shook her head, a sympathetic smile on her face. “That was a little rough, Haley.”

“No kidding. I’m really tired of her parading men in front of me, but I could have just said so without being mean.”

Jen cocked her head. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe she needed to hear the ‘mean’ part, too. Your mom’s an attractive woman still.”

Haley’s eyebrows raised high. “You think she should start dating again? But she’s my mother.”

“Oh, don’t be juvenile, Haley.” Jen spoke with the blunt familiarity of lifelong friendship. When you shared jump rope, puberty and boys, then remained friends into adulthood, there wasn’t much you couldn’t say to one another.

Haley sighed. “I suppose. I’m still going to call her and apologize, though.”

“Mmm. Not a bad idea. Sure you don’t want to date Adam?”

“I’m sure.”

Jen smiled. “Something tells me you prefer tall blond men who like dogs, bikes and pizza. Right?”

“Wrong.”

“Oh, come on. He sounds fantastic. I think you should go out with him.”

Haley eyed her incredulously. “Hello? Where were you when we talked about all this earlier? I’m through with the Adams and the Ricks of this world. Not only is Rick a hunk, just like all the other jerks I’ve dated, but he also annoys me to no end. Do you want to see me arrested for murder? Some friend you are.”

“I’m sure you’re right.” But Jen still looked highly amused.

Haley scowled and finished reorganizing the boxed games before helping Jen lock up for the rest of the weekend. No way would she admit that she still couldn’t rid her memory of a pair of wicked blue eyes taunting and tempting her. She headed home with not a few misgivings about the evening’s plans.