High Voltage

"Knowing you, I believe that. You are so freakin’ sentimental and old-fashioned and just plain ... good. Seriously, Serena. I don't know anyone like you. And God love ya, I know you believe in the whole happily-ever-after bullshit."

"It's not bullshit,” she insisted. “Yeah, sure, this new ... situation ... romance ... whatever ... isn't perfect. But I don't think love ever is. I do, however, believe that I found something damned close to perfection."

"Wow.” Shay was quiet a moment, then said, “I am so happy for you. Seriously. I can't think of another person who deserves a happy ending more than you, Serena."

Tears suddenly welled in her eyes. “I can."

"Oh, yeah, right.” She could picture Shay waving her hand in the air in a dismissive wave and rolling her intriguing, whisky-colored eyes. “I need a happy ending like I need a hole in my head. You know me better than that. I like my life complicated, my men dark and brooding, and my affairs sordid and juicy. None of which makes for a happily-ever-after."

"Hmm. We'll see."

"Well, that's not what matters anyway. What matters is what's going on with you. Who is this guy and why am I just now hearing about him?"

"'Caus

e I just now met him. Well, last night that is. I—"

"Serena!” Shay's squeal made her yank the phone away again. “You had a one-night stand!"

Pressing her ear to the receiver, she said, “Absolutely not! You know me better than that!” Her other line beeped, snagging her attention and making her heart skip a beat. She was certain it was Garrett on the other end. “Look, I've got another call, and I think it's one you're going to want me to take. So, let me call you back tomorrow."

"You'd better,” Shay insisted. “Or I am so on a plane to ... to..."

"Hickville?"

"Yeah."

Serena laughed. “Keep the platinum card in your Gucci wallet. I'll phone you tomorrow with all the juicy details."

"Promise?"

"I promise. Now, thanks again for trying to help me. But something tells me I'll be sticking around here a while longer."

"Yeah, sounds like.” Shay pouted for only a moment. “Alright. Answer your fucking phone call from loverboy. I'll talk to you tomorrow. And Serena? I want all of the juicy details!” The line went dead.

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High Voltage: Chapter 10

Serena shook her head and giggled as she pressed the connect button and picked up the call that was waiting.

"Hello?"

"Hey, gorgeous.” Garrett's low, intimate voice drifted across the line and sent a shiver of excitement through her from head to toe. “I haven't stopped thinking about you once this morning."

She grinned. “Yeah, I seem to have the same problem."

"Hmm, I wasn't really considering it a problem. Well, maybe this constant erection is a bit of an issue, but—"

"Garrett!” She felt the blush on her cheeks. They were hot and probably a bright shade of pink. She laughed and said, “You seriously can't talk to me like that over the phone. It borders on obscene."

"Do you think someone's listening in?” She could hear the smile in his voice and it sent another wave of excitement rushing over her. “And if it's being obscene you're worried about, then I probably shouldn't mention that every time my imagination wanders, I see your gorgeous body, naked and spread out before me, like a feast just waiting for me to devour it. And I'd start with that incredibly delectable spot between your legs. I'd—"

"Oh, my God,” she said on a sharp breath. “You have to stop!"

He chuckled. Low and deep and ... teasing. “That's not what you said last night."

"Garrett!” The heat radiating from her cheeks and forehead was enough to make her fan herself. Her stomach fluttered and her womb tightened. “We are not having phone sex!"