ago, O.E. was wary of women. He'd been enjoying himself
for a few years before that, taking advantage of his new
allure. But every woman who threw herself at him was
either childish or stupid. All they wanted was his body and
his money. Of course, that wasn't a problem: he had both.
But he wanted someone with a few brain cells in her head.
And he may have found her.
"I'm on it. Trust me."
"Fine. But what if I can't?"
O.E. smiled. There was something in the air about
wagers and romance. The bet O.E. was currently facing was
daunting, but he was beginning to realize that Rebecca
might still be the one he would take surfing. Thinking
about her made him happy, more than he normally would
be. Sure, she was wary of him being a homeless and jobless
pauper. And there was her sensitivity about the rich and
powerful, which unfortunately meant him. But she was
distractingly good looking and had a sexy athletic body. He
still got excited, just remembering her adorable mouth and
how hungrily she kissed him. Also, her constant Wizard of
Oz references were a refreshing delight, grabbing his heart
and his mind in places he didn't even know he could
respond to anymore. He longed to be with her, to take her
to Malibu and beyond.
Warren had worked like a dog these past four years, and
O.E.'s wealth had doubled. That seemed like it was worth a
big bonus. But the man was so painfully reserved that he
needed a kick start. If O.E. had to tie it to the bonus, then
so be it.
He grunted out words that he knew Warren would hate
to hear. "No woman, no bonus."
Warren gave a sad groan and stared at his hands for a
few seconds. He fidgeted and looked up at O.E. "How do I
prove to you that I've found a woman?"
Proof? What are you, a mathematician? It didn't have to
be precisely documented. Poor Warren, he really was
clueless. "Introduce her to me. I'll know."
Warren stood up, his huge frame seeming to fill the
room. "Well, I'll do my best." The big man lumbered toward
the door, shaking his head.
"Come on. Supposed to be fun."
Warren frowned. "All right, O.E. I'll try. Have a good
month. If you need anything, give me a call."
What an awkward man. O.E. watched him go and
pondered the guy's life. Warren was smart and capable. He
had earned that bonus and would get it, regardless of his
success with women.