A Good Little Girl Like You (A Sample)

world."

Rebecca tasted it. "Very nice. You really are a man of

superlatives. Best kiss ever, best lamb ever. I'm afraid to ask

what else you do that's world class."

Oops. Did I just say that? Rebecca blushed at the sexual

innuendo she had just dropped into the conversation. O.E.

grinned lasciviously. She braced herself for an ego-loaded

response.

His answer surprised her. "Then don't ask. Think of this

as step one in your path to being more like me. Let the

superlatives wash over you, and enjoy them."

She sighed in relief, glad he had restrained himself from

taking advantage of her gaffe. Enjoying superlatives seemed

like a good idea-some of the things he said did make

sense. She leaned back and admired his gorgeous body.

"And step two?" She knew where this would lead and

suddenly felt the urge to banter with him.

O.E. put down his knife and fork, eyes focused on her.

"Learn to surf."

Rebecca shot out a laugh. Once again, his answer was

far from what she had expected. "You really are full of

surprises."

"What's so surprising about that? You saw me dressed

for surfing, and you already told me that you've never done

it. It's a no-brainer that I'd offer to teach you."

"Okay, where do you go to surf?"

"Malibu."

He goes to California to surf? Rebecca's head snapped

up, and she stared at him. She pictured him driving across

the continent, a surfboard strapped to the roof of a beat-up

car. "You go all the way to Malibu to surf? Isn't that a little

far?"

"There's no place closer that's any good. If you want to

go to Hawaii or Australia, I'm game. The surfing is even

more intense there. But Malibu is nice, easier to get to, and

better for beginners."

Rebecca sent him a quizzical look. "You fly across the

continent to go surfing? I am impressed. Next thing you'll

be telling me that you have a private jet."

"Of course. I keep it parked at the airport." His deadpan

delivery made it clear he was joking. "But I don't have a hot

air balloon or an amphibious car." He gave her his best poor me

pout and then smiled.

Wise guy. She could play along with this. "I see. And

which will you be buying next, the balloon or the car?"

O.E. rubbed his chin, clearly interested in the thought-provoking

question. "When I get near water, I want to surf,

not drive. I think I'll take the balloon." He nodded his head,

the decision was final. "Besides, the Wizard of Oz has one.