Real Romance - By Ginny Baird Page 0,23

Of course, that figured. After all, he'd made a point of mentioning that he came from a wealthy family where his mother had been able to stay home and dedicate herself to charity causes.

Marie's background had been the complete opposite. Hers had been an upbringing filled with blood, sweat and tears. And yet, despite the hardships, she wouldn't trade her experiences for anything. What she'd gone through had made her strong, capable of standing on her own. And, despite her girlhood fantasies, Marie knew she really didn't need a man to sweep her off her feet. Even though, at times... it still sounded awfully good.

No, but that was crazy. David Lake was not the sort who thought of ever after. He was more the here-and-now kind of animal. And she'd just have to keep him at bay.

Marie pushed through the door to the optician's shop, ready to fight. She'd just gotten off work and wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible, so she could go home, order a pizza and enjoy her juicy new novel in peace.

David's eyes sparkled when he caught sight of her. "Well, well, Miss McCloud!" he said, with a jovial smile. "Good afternoon! Be with you in just a second."

He seemed to be busy helping some college coed select a glasses case. Although to look at the young woman, practically panting at him, Marie could have sworn her interest was more in David's potential rigidity than in whether her case should be soft or hard.

Marie watched the girl giggle and tighten her arms to her chest so that her cleavage would be more visible. Although Marie wasn't sure just how much more visible it could get. The woman's breasts were practically falling out of her low-cut lycra leotard.

Her nylon shorts were cut high on her thighs, which Marie was sure David had noticed were much more shapely than hers. Though Marie didn't think she had a bad figure, it certainly looked nothing like that. Poor child must have to sweat through an aerobics class at least three times a day to maintain a body that perfect.

She leaned forward, her loose blond hair swinging above her ample breasts, and blew David a kiss.

"Ciao, sweetie," she said, doing her best to sound sensual. "Don't forget to call when you're ready for that workout."

Marie stepped forward and dropped her books onto the counter with an attention-getting thud.

Cat-like green eyes turned in her direction. "Here to get your glasses fixed?" the young woman asked with a purr.

"Actually," Marie said, removing her glasses and leaning over so she could grip David by the elbow. "I came in to see my very good friend, David Lake."

Holy cow, what was this? David looked from Marie to the customer and then back again. The threat of competition? He wished he'd thought of that earlier.

"If you don't mind," Marie said, turning her steely gaze on Candy. "David and I have something to discuss..."

"Whatever," Candy said with a tug at her low neckline and a careless shrug of her shoulders.

"You got my number, babe," she said to David, as she turned and began a hip-swiveling promenade out the door.

Marie had the strangest look on her face. And until she grinned, David didn't realize she was about to burst out laughing.

"David!" Marie said, catching her breath. "Don't tell me you find that kind of blatant sexuality attractive!"

"No," David said, looking deep in her eyes. "I like the more understated kind."

She inhaled and lifted his book off the counter, forcing herself to remember her mission. "I brought back Silence In The Trees," she said, striving to ignore her feeling of embarrassment. "Although I hate to admit—"

"Marie," David broke in, setting both hands down in front of her, "I hope you didn't think that Candy—"

"Candy?"

"The girl who was just in here." David actually blushed. "I just wanted you to know... I mean, she's an aerobics instructor at the gym where I work out. That's all there is to it, I swear."

Marie lowered her glasses. "I'm not so sure she knows that."

"No, but she will. Trust me," David said, lifting his hands and coming out from behind the counter.

She pivoted to hold his gaze and backed right into a display case.

"And just how are you planning on breaking the news?"

"I'm planning," David said, closing the distance between them in two long strides, "on telling her I'm involved with someone else."

Marie's heart raced and her skin went all damp and clammy. This was not why she'd come in