Crossed Wires (3 page)

She took the finger he’d placed on her chin
and kissed it. “Sounds heavenly, but I’m afraid we can’t.”

His brows crept together. He hadn’t expected
her to turn him down. “We can’t? Why not?”

“Your secretary said Mr. Mendoza from 741
Laurel was about to sue you for breech of contract. You were
supposed to arrive at his house hours ago to fix the wiring to his
hot tub. Lizzie said if he misses his six o’clock soak, he’s up all
night with his arthritis.”

Hank shoved his hands into his jeans pockets.
“Oh, brother! The missed call. I forgot all about it.” He placed a
hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry. Would you mind if we went
straight back to town and I took care of the Mendoza call before we
had dinner?”

She rocked back on her heels and folded her
arms. “Hank, I would be real disappointed in you if you weren’t
considerate enough to take care of Mr. Mendoza and his arthritis
before you kept our date.”

She
was
perfect. His gut instinct
about her had been completely correct. “Then let’s head back.”

“I’m all for that--in just a minute.”

“You have something else to say first?”

“Yes.” She clasped her hands in front of her.
“While you’re working at Mr. Mendoza’s I’ll grill some steaks and
bake some potatoes. We’ll have a picnic in my backyard. After all,
you’ll be working just up the street from me.”

“That sounds wonderful.” Perfect,
perfect.

“And after dinner…” She was giving him one of
her patented sexy, flirtatious, man-melting grins again.

“Yes?”

“After dinner I will tell you more about the
list of things I can do with you which I couldn’t have done with
you if you were gay.”

A chuckle slipped across his lips. “You’re
going to elaborate?” he asked, lifting a brow.

She took hold of his shirt and pulled him
closer. “I’m going to be very precise,” she said distinctly.

He swallowed hard and tried to keep his wild
imagination in check. “Care to give me any hints now?”

She seemed to be considering granting his
request. “I suppose I could,” she said coquettishly. She let go of
his shirt and leaned back.

He waited anxiously, wondering what her next
provocative move would be.

“But then…if I told you now…it might spoil
the game.”

“The game? What game?”

She waved her hand back and forth between
them. “The game we’re playing right now, Hank, the game men and
women have played for thousands of years.”

“It’s a great game,” he said, tucking one of
her curls behind her ear.

“And it’s one we can both win.” She went to
him, and he gathered her into his arms.

He kissed her sweetly before he pressed his
cheek against hers. “Know what, Melanie?”

“What?” she said as she snuggled closer.

“I’m glad I’m not gay.”

“Me too, Hank, me too.”

THE END

About the Author

Fran Shaff is the author of contemporary and
historical sweet romance, young peoples’ novels and short stories.
She began writing in 1999, and she continues to produce romance and
children’s novels. Her books are available in hardcover, paperback
and e-book formats. Her short stories have appeared in such places
as Woman’s World magazine and at prominent places on the
Internet.

Fran is a native of South Dakota. She has
also lived in Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. Fran’s
books are found in libraries and bookstores throughout the country
and on the Internet.

Awards and Honors

Fran Shaff has won the following awards and
honors: Write Touch Readers’ Award, More than Magic Award, Herbert
W. Blakely Award, Golden Rose Award, EPPIE nomination for
children’s literature, two Recommended Read Awards from Fallen
Angel Reviews, Top Pick Award from Romance Reader at Heart, E-book
of the Month Award from MyShelf.com, and two CataRomance Reviewers’
Choice Awards, one nomination.

Books by Fran Shaff which are currently
available or coming soon in hardcover, paperback and electronic
formats include: “The Trading Game,” “Change of Heart,” “Montana
Match,” “The Love Trap,” “Ever so Humble,” “A Partner’s Promise,”
The Heart Junction Series consisting of “Laura’s Lost Love,”
“Stephanie’s Surprise and “Mari’s Miracle,” “Montana Magic,”
“Stolen Son,” “Kelly and the Candidate,” “For Love of Maggie,” and
more. Short stories include “Crossed Wires” and “Married While
Intoxicated.”

For more information on all of Fran Shaff’s
currently-available books visit her website at
http://sites.google.com/site/fshaff
her MySpace page at:
www.myspace.com/franshaff
her Twitter page at:
www.twitter.com/franshaff
You’ll also find her at Facebook, Jacket Flap, Good Reads and
Linked In.