Free The Bare Facts by Karen Anders

of coffee. Margo was just putting down the article when Haley returned. Margo stared at Haley.
    Haley could barely contain herself. “Well?” She’d written the piece fast, but it had been so easy to construct a fantasy based on the rustic cabin and raspberry sauce, not to mention the sheer impact of Dylan’s lovemaking.
    â€œHow long did this take you?”
    â€œNot long. I wrote it on Sunday after Dylan dropped me off at my apartment.”
    â€œThis is really good! Makes me want to find a man who can do those things to me.”
    â€œIt’s good?”
    â€œIt’s better than good, Haley. It’s provocative, erotic, and so, so romantic. Everyone is going to fall in love with your fantasy man.”
    â€œHaley.” Margo and Haley turned to find Kate bearing down on them. “I just read your copy. Great job. I loved it. I think our readers will love it, too. I can’t wait for your second installment.”
    â€œNo problem.” But it was a problem. This whole thing was a big problem. She was a mess and she’d only had one fantasy with Dylan. What would it be like after two, three? She tried to put everything in perspective, but then she would relive that last kiss in the kitchen, his body pressed to hers, her pressed against the counter. Why had she ever listened to Margo?
    â€œKeep up the good work,” Kate said, giving Haley’s shoulder an encouraging squeeze.
    When Kate walked away, Haley dropped her head into her hands. “Good work? This is not work, this is decadent, erotic, and a big mistake.”
    Margo grabbed Haley’s arm. “What’s wrong?”
    â€œI know what I said about keeping everything businesslike, but the mantra is not working.” She droppedher hands and gave Margo a baleful look. “And it’s all your fault.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œYou talked me into this harebrained scheme.” Haley got up and walked into the small alcove housing a little kitchen. She picked up a pot of freshly brewed coffee and poured herself and Margo a cup.
    â€œHaley,” Margo said as she accepted the cup, “you can’t get cold feet now. You heard what Kate said. She loved the column. You’re one-quarter of the way where you want to be.”
    â€œBut, Margo, he’s so fabulous. I had so much fun with him Saturday, Saturday night, the ride home Sunday.”
    â€œWhoa,” Margo said, the cup halfway to her lips. “Saturday night? Sunday? You spent the night with him?”
    Haley glanced away sheepishly. “Didn’t you hear me before?”
    â€œI was still enthralled with the column. I must have missed it. Gimme details.”
    â€œHe said the roads were icy. I thought he knew the mountains and I should trust him.”
    â€œYou marshmallow. Did you also believe the one about running out of gas? Details, please.” Margo took a sip of coffee.
    Haley explained all the details to her.
    â€œA roomful of women’s clothing? Mr. Malone does get around. I’m sorry. That must have hurt.” Margo set down the coffee cup and clasped Haley around the shoulders.
    â€œWhy should it? I didn’t go there as his date or for a cozy weekend getaway. I went there to have sex with him and I have to stay focused. I’ve discovered he isn’t the kind of man for me. We’ll have fun and then we go our separate ways.”
    Margo gave her another squeeze, saying quietly, “Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”
    â€œI wish I knew, Margo.”
    Â 
    B ACK AT HER APARTMENT at the end of the day, Haley hit the playback on her answering machine. Dylan’s husky voice caught her by surprise. Memories of his mouth and hands assaulted her senses. She remembered quite clearly what it felt like to have him hot, naked and in her power. Jarred by the sharpness of the recollection, she sank onto the couch and hit the replay button on the answering machine to