possible. It was strange. Not that she’d admit it. “My parents will be happier when I’m home.”
Gemma sat forward a little. “I saw you with Blade. More accurately, I saw the way he looks at you.”
Hailey bit her lip, not certain what the other woman was trying to get at.
“I might be the new owner of a banging clone body, but up here, I’m still the person I used to be.” Gemma tapped her temple before sitting back again. “I’m a mom with some years on me. That means I’ve got a bit of wisdom and insights.”
“Banging?”
“I probably shouldn’t use such an obviously outdated saying, since you’re not familiar with it. In my time, it was used to describe women with attractive bodies, who men wanted to have sex with. Anyway, the point is, Big shared what he knew about you and Blade. I’m not going to be nosy by asking for intimate details, but I know what it’s like to be torn away from the life I had, only to have a sexy clone man suddenly in my life. We have that in common, don’t we?”
“Yes, I suppose.”
“Only the people who matter to you are still alive. Everyone I know is long gone.”
That struck Hailey as curious. And since Gemma was bringing it up… “Weren’t you cloned right after you died?”
“No. That body-stealing company had me in frozen storage for a really long time. The old me died a hundred and twenty-one years ago. I woke up as a clone shortly before you met Blade. Mind blowing, right?”
“That’s crazy.”
Gemma smiled. “It is.”
“I’m so sorry that happened to you.”
“I felt sorry for myself at first, but not anymore. The alternative is that I would have stayed dead. I got a second chance at life with a much younger, healthier body. I’ve decided to be extremely grateful. Best of all, I got Big.” She winked. “He’s like the motherload of man lotto winnings.”
Hailey could tell that Gemma was from another time, even if she hadn’t told her. She didn’t understand some of the sayings she used, but she could get the gist. “I’m happy for you. Big seems like a really nice guy, and he’s protective of you.”
“I’m crazy in love with him. I fell fast and hard. Big is irresistible. He’s the total package. Sexy, caring, listens to me, and he’s great in bed. Men like Big love deep and strong. If I were younger, I might not have seen that as fast as I did. The more you live, the more you learn. Try to see the total package, Hailey.”
“What does that mean?”
“Blade might not have been someone you planned to meet, but you did. He’s another total package. The way he looks at you?” She reached up and tapped her chest. “You own that boy’s heart. Love happens fast when you find the right person. Don’t be blind to what’s right in front of you. He’s in love with you. Grab that man and don’t let go. He’s a keeper.”
“I think Blade has feelings for me, but he’s not in love. I just met him a few days ago.”
“He’s already admitted it to Big. I shouldn’t tell you that but…life is short, Hailey. At least, it is unless they turn you into a clone with your memories intact. I’d hate for you to go back to where you came from, only to realize when it’s too late that you fell in love with him, too. I lived fifty-six years without meeting the right guy who made me happy. Grab ahold of Blade. He looks at you the same way Big looks at me. It’s rare and precious. Is it possible that you’re falling in love with him, too? Be honest with yourself.”
She lowered her gaze, staring at the rug on the floor, contemplating. Blade mattered to her. She had feelings…but did she love him? “I’m not sure.”
“Is there someone special at home? Some man that you have feeling for?”
Hailey lifted her gaze. “No.” That, she was certain of.
“Does Blade make you feel things you’ve never felt before?”
She nodded. “I gave him my virginity.” She blushed and averted her gaze.
“Were you saving it for marriage?”
Hailey looked up to find Gemma just looked curious, not judgmental. “It’s expected to wait to have sex with your husband for the first time. My mom is going to be upset when I tell her.” She swallowed. “But I really wanted him.”
“Was it just physical because he’s so good-looking, or do you feel really