"Hey, tenderfoot," Clay said in his velvety voice. "Did you miss me?"
"No," Megan said, her back to him. He was not to return, at least not while she was there. What does he want? she wondered and then cringed. I hope it has nothing to do with my dream. "Aren't you curious as to why I'm back?"
She shrugged despite her mind reeling in need of the truth. He would never know her desire for the answer, because he would use it to his advantage someday.
"Brett hired me," he said, his voice holding arrogance.
It was as if Misty had kicked her in the chest. Megan found breathing difficult. She turned. "What?"
"I'm working here again. Remember what a great team we made."
Rage and resentment filled every inch of her body as images of Clay without a shirt, sweat glistening on his well-toned, chestnut-colored abs, entered her mind. Heat rushed to her face and she looked down. Think about Colby. You like Colby. You do not like Clay. He moved closer making her feel trapped, and once again, she felt suffocated. "It hurts me that you don't believe me. Have I ever lied to you?" He gave her no time to respond. "Sure, I said things you didn't want to hear, but that didn't make them lies." He exhaled and reached out to caress her arm. "This gives us a chance to try again."
"No," she said moving her arm out of his reach.
"Why not?"
"Because," was the only word she got out. Clay took her arm and pulled her to him in one move. His gruff kiss proved shocking and confusing.
"Megan," a voice said.
She looked up to see Colby standing in the doorway, utter disbelief filling his features. "Colby, let me explain," Megan said, running after him. His strides were too long and fast for her to catch up to him. Turning around, she saw Clay, a smug look on his face. "Who do you think you are?" she said. "What right do you have barging in here and kissing me?" Megan stepped into the barn.
"What, are you and Colby an item? No way," Clay said, laughing. "College changed you, but I don't think it's good."
"You don't know anything about me and you never will."
"I know more about you than you realize, but go and live in your fantasy world." Clay left her dazed and motionless.