Forget Prince Charming

Scanning her list and visualizing possibilities, Haley gave a decisive nod. “This could just work, Jen. And I think Computer Nation will make a perfect testing ground.”

FLIPPING DOWN THE KICKSTAND of her bike, Haley propped it by her apartment door and turned to fiddle with the doorknob. She glanced distractedly at her new neighbor’s door, and was surprised to find the hallway deserted for a change. Usually, she had to dodge several borderline hostile women, apparently lying in wait for her new neighbor, to get to her door. That was odd—and getting old. What sort of business was her neighbor in, anyway? It boggled the mind to wonder.

Grimacing, she gently worked at her key then turned the knob, but as usual, the lock refused to give. Haley grumbled and persisted, gritting her teeth and hoping her key wouldn’t break off. “Come on you stubborn piece of—”

“Excuse me?”

Haley whipped around at the sound of a vaguely familiar voice, bumping her arm against the seat of her bike. The bike toppled, sending her purse and clipboard flying out of the basket attached to her handlebars. The clipboard caught the man in the shins. He winced.

Seeing his face contort, Haley grimaced herself. “Sorry. Are you okay?” After quickly righting her bike, she stepped forward, wanting to offer aid but not sure how to do it without touching the man’s leg. Feeling a stranger’s leg definitely overstepped a few boundaries.

The man looked up, a wary grin on his face.

Uh-oh. Oh, wow. The man had killer eyes. She stared into them. An incredible sapphire-blue. Not flat and cold like a stone, but deep and alive, almost liquid. She felt herself getting drawn in, feeling that pull of a too-good-looking-for-her-own-good man.

Then as she recognized the owner of those killer eyes, Haley froze. “You.”

The amusement faded. “Me?”

“That’s why you looked so familiar. You were at the store today and—”

“And I’m also your new neighbor. Right next door. Small world, huh?” He grinned uneasily.

From the look on his face, Haley could only surmise he wished it weren’t quite this small. Shake it off, Hale. The man’s not for you and you’re scaring him.

She cleared her throat. “I—Hi. Look, I’m really sorry if that scene at the store today made you uncomfortable.” She laughed. “The last thing I want to do is chase away new Toy Boxx customers.” She shifted self-consciously. “Wow. You catch me freaking out on the job, arguing out loud with my door lock, and then I clobber you. I’m really sorry.” Haley attempted a harmless neighbor grin. “Can I get you some ice for that?”

The man laughed, visibly relaxing. “I think I’ll survive.” He shifted the clipboard he’d retrieved from his shoes and tucked it under his arm. “I’m Ma—” He paused, coughing a little. “Sorry.” He smiled and gestured apologetically. “Name’s Rick. Rick Samuels.” He offered his hand.

Haley took it, hoping her hand wasn’t clammy with nerves and awakening hormones. “Haley Watson. Welcome to the building.”

“It’s good to finally meet my neighbor. I’ve been curious about you. The noises—”

Haley made a face. “My dog. Puppy actually. We’re still working on housebreaking. Or rather, I’m working on it and Sherlock’s trying his best to defeat me.”

“So you’re Watson and he’s Sherlock?” Those blue eyes sparkled with amusement.

Haley grinned reluctantly. “I didn’t name him. My ex-boyfriend did.” She paused, her smile fading a little as she remembered the desk-bopping incident. “The dog used to be his.”

“The detestable Prince Charming?”

Haley’s regard cooled considerably. “You overheard.”

He shrugged. “Not much. Just that it looked like you were pretty upset. I’m sorry things didn’t work out.” He shifted awkwardly, as if at a loss for an appropriate response.

Haley relaxed. “Oh, it’s okay, really. I’ve already had my revenge. I’m ready to move on now.”

His eyes widened. “Your revenge?”

She waved a hand, smiling ruefully. “Don’t ask. I had a psycho moment.” A bark sounded from within, followed by a hopeful whine. Now, there was love and loyalty a girl could count on. Haley gazed at her closed door, smiling slightly as she pictured the puppy’s sweet face.

“Revenge. Okay.” Eyeing her with caution in between glances at her closed door, Rick started inching toward his own door.

Haley wondered at his reaction. Sure, she was babbling a bit, but—Her thoughts were distracted by the sight of her clipboard still tucked under his arm. Remembering the nature of the list on the front page, she gasped and lurched forward, arm outstretched.

Rick’s eyes widened at the sudden movement. Yanking open his door, he swiftly ducked inside.

“Wait! You’ve got my—” the door slammed “—clipboard.” Her words ended on a note of dread. Leaning her forehead against his door, she stabbed repeatedly at the doorbell. Silence. Great. Now her hunky new neighbour would know all about her plans to catch herself a frog.

Inside, Rick stared at the closed door, his thoughts a contradictory jumble. He couldn’t decide whether he’d just experienced a narrow escape or an intriguing first encounter with his sexy neighbor. Earlier today, she’d stormed her way into the toy shop like a woman bent on violence. Now, he was left to wonder if filing a custody suit for a dog—or even all-out stealing the poor beast—was her idea of revenge. Talk about malicious.

And disillusioning. He’d caught sight of his new neighbor the day he’d moved into the building. Ever since then, he’d found himself anticipating the occasional glimpse of her. All that bustling energy, the lightning-flash smiles and expressive eyes. She was fascinating to watch. And he really had a weakness for freckled noses.

When the landlady mentioned this morning that Haley worked at The Toy Boxx, very near where he worked himself, he’d decided to shop there for a birthday gift for his nephew. Part owner of a toy shop, he’d decided, was a perfect occupation for Haley.

Too bad she was turning out to be such a head case. A smart man would be resisting the temptation, he knew. At least for right now. The town’s population of single females had wigged out on him since a gossipy local celebrity listed him as one of the most eligible bachelors in the metro area.

Now, the scent of money was attracting desperate women faster than he could shoo them off. They didn’t seem to care who he was or what he was about, just that he had a bank account that could support extravagant shopping sprees. For all he knew, this Haley was just another woman anxious to get her hands on a fat wallet.

Shrugging philosophically, he reached over and flipped on the stereo to a classic rock station and cranked it up, letting the throbbing rhythm work the kinks out of his shoulders. That’s when he noticed the clipboard still tucked under his arm. He pulled it out, intending to discreetly return it to his crazy neighbor, when the title, scrawled in red ink and underlined, caught his attention. Strategies for Geek Hunting.

2

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.”