Chapter 6
SIX
H aley’s brain went on hiatus as her body took control, kissing Ian with all the pent-up emotion she’d carried for him since childhood. There was frustration and a good dose of aggression. She couldn’t quite put her finger on whatever she felt for the man, but it certainly wasn’t apathy. He inspired true passion—for good or ill—and it was pure seduction in his kiss.
Haley wasn’t a virgin, but the few times she had dabbled in the dance between the sheets, she’d always come out wanting more. Never before had she felt such an intense connection with another human being. It was like they were fused with more than just their lips. Haley could have sworn she could feel Ian’s driving need—to kiss her deeper, to touch her everywhere, to be deep inside of her.
Instead of scaring her, the idea made her pour more of herself into their kiss. Her hands sank into the silky strands of his hair, and she held on for dear life. He ravaged her mouth with drugging kisses while his hands slipped from her hips to her ass. She was more than a handful, Ian didn’t shy away from her curves. Haley felt powerful, beautiful, and seen for one of the first times in her life.
He nipped at her lips, the slight scraping of teeth causing her lower belly to clench with need.
The unmistakable sound of a truck horn cut through the moment, followed by a chorus of hoots and hollers. Haley jerked back, her chest heaving as she turned to see a fire truck slowly cruising by. Three of Ian’s firefighter buddies hung out the windows, their grins wide and teasing.
"Oh, look at this!" one of them shouted. "Johnson’s buttering up the ladies!"
"Is this who you’ve chosen to bid on you at the auction?" another laughed. "A day with your fantasy fireman fundraiser!"
Haley froze, her mind reeling. "Auction? What are they talking about?"
Ian winced, his face coloring. "It’s nothing—just a stupid fundraiser we’re doing."
But the firemen weren’t done. "Better get ready, Haley!" the third one yelled. "You’re gonna have to fight for him!"
Haley’s cheeks burned with embarrassment and anger. Without another word, she pushed Ian away and stormed into her house, slamming the door behind her. Her hands trembled as she leaned against it, her breath coming in short bursts. She couldn’t believe the nerve of him.
Her phone buzzed on the counter, and she grabbed it, still fuming. "What?" she snapped as she answered.
"Whoa, someone’s in a mood," her friend Verity said on the other end. "What happened?"
Haley groaned, pacing the kitchen. "Ian happened. His stupid friends just humiliated me in front of the entire neighborhood."
"Oh, this sounds juicy," Verity said, her tone intrigued. "Spill."
Haley quickly recounted what had happened, her voice dripping with frustration. By the time she finished, Verity laughed so hard that Haley thought she might drop the phone.
"This isn’t funny!" Haley protested.
"Oh, it absolutely is," Verity said between giggles. "And you know what? This is perfect."
"Perfect? How?"
"You’re going to that fundraiser," Verity declared. "And you’re going to bid on him."
Haley’s jaw dropped. "Are you insane? Why would I do that?"
"Because," Verity said, her voice firm now, "it’s time you got the best of him. Win that date and make him do anything you want. A whole day of Ian Johnson at your mercy? It’s too good to pass up."
Haley hesitated, the idea both mortifying and oddly tempting. "I don’t know…"
"Don’t overthink it," Verity urged. "You’ve been letting him get under your skin for years. Now it’s your turn."
A slow smile spread across Haley’s face as she considered it. Maybe Verity was right. Perhaps it was time to turn the tables.
"Fine," she said, a spark of determination lighting her chest. "I’ll do it."
"That’s my girl," Verity said with a laugh. "Now, let’s make sure you’re ready to win."
As they began planning, Haley felt a sense of excitement building. Ian Johnson wouldn’t know what hit him.