A Good Little Girl Like You (A Sample)

ago, O.E. was wary of women. He'd been enjoying himself

for a few years before that, taking advantage of his new

allure. But every woman who threw herself at him was

either childish or stupid. All they wanted was his body and

his money. Of course, that wasn't a problem: he had both.

But he wanted someone with a few brain cells in her head.

And he may have found her.

"I'm on it. Trust me."

"Fine. But what if I can't?"

O.E. smiled. There was something in the air about

wagers and romance. The bet O.E. was currently facing was

daunting, but he was beginning to realize that Rebecca

might still be the one he would take surfing. Thinking

about her made him happy, more than he normally would

be. Sure, she was wary of him being a homeless and jobless

pauper. And there was her sensitivity about the rich and

powerful, which unfortunately meant him. But she was

distractingly good looking and had a sexy athletic body. He

still got excited, just remembering her adorable mouth and

how hungrily she kissed him. Also, her constant Wizard of

Oz references were a refreshing delight, grabbing his heart

and his mind in places he didn't even know he could

respond to anymore. He longed to be with her, to take her

to Malibu and beyond.

Warren had worked like a dog these past four years, and

O.E.'s wealth had doubled. That seemed like it was worth a

big bonus. But the man was so painfully reserved that he

needed a kick start. If O.E. had to tie it to the bonus, then

so be it.

He grunted out words that he knew Warren would hate

to hear. "No woman, no bonus."

Warren gave a sad groan and stared at his hands for a

few seconds. He fidgeted and looked up at O.E. "How do I

prove to you that I've found a woman?"

Proof? What are you, a mathematician? It didn't have to

be precisely documented. Poor Warren, he really was

clueless. "Introduce her to me. I'll know."

Warren stood up, his huge frame seeming to fill the

room. "Well, I'll do my best." The big man lumbered toward

the door, shaking his head.

"Come on. Supposed to be fun."

Warren frowned. "All right, O.E. I'll try. Have a good

month. If you need anything, give me a call."

What an awkward man. O.E. watched him go and

pondered the guy's life. Warren was smart and capable. He

had earned that bonus and would get it, regardless of his

success with women.