Page 11 of Fauxmance

I just hoped my words wouldn't come back to bite me.

CHAPTER 3

"Wait, wait." Hayden held up a hand. "You're afraid of peeps?"

I nodded.

"We're talking about the candy shaped like chicks?"

"Yes," I said. "They're terrifying."

Hayden gave me a look, so I explained.

"Well, does anyone actually know what they're made of? What's up with the spongy texture and those beady little eyes? And FYI, they aren't just chicks." I frowned. "I saw an oversized blue bunny peep last Easter in the clearance aisle of the grocery store. I swear it's eyes were following me."

He laughed. "They're made of marshmallows and sugar."

I tried not to retch. "Gross."

"You have something against marshmallows?"

"Only when they look like deranged stalker rabbits or creepy chickens."

"That's ridiculous."

"Hey, fears aren't always rational," I pointed out. "I'm also afraid of vampires, syringes, people who chew with their mouths open, and motorcycles. No offense."

He crossed his arms with a half-smile. "I can't figure out what part of that statement you think I'd take offense to."

"Does more than one of them apply to you?" I asked.

"Hmm, let's see. I'm not a vampire," he said. "Though I hear they're supposed to be pretty and mysterious. Both of which could describe me."

I shook my head. "You just called yourself pretty."

Hayden shrugged. "You trying to say it's not true?"

No, I thought. There was no denying he was beautiful. But he also either had a healthy amount of self-esteem or a dash of arrogance.

"I'm definitely hotter than most of the guys they get to play vamps onscreen. I'd blow them all away with my smolder."

Correction: Hayden was cocky.

"Whatever you say," I mumbled.

"Do I hear a trace of doubt?"

"No, I…" As I looked up and caught Hayden's sultry look, my face immediately went up in flames. I forced a laugh. "Okay, I get it. You're prettier than pretty. Put the smolder away."

Hayden smiled then. "Thanks, Maggie."

I resisted the urge to fan myself.

"I thought girls were supposed to like vampires," he said.

"Not me," I said. "I prefer werewolves and things that don't suck your blood."

"Is that why you're scared of syringes?"

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