Excerpt from HER PERFECT MAN by Jena Galifany

"Her Perfect Man" is the culmination of many years of writing for Jena Galifany. Eighteen years in the making, when Jena never considered publication. Yet, fate had a different idea. Jena has been blessed with multiple publications from Novel to Short Story to Flash Fiction as well as some Fan Fiction just for fun. Married for just over seventeen years, Jena lives with her loving husband, Steve, who is her inspiration and advisor on many counts, and her daughter, Jen. Her main objective in writing is to stir the emotions and she loves to hear feedback from her work. She can be found at http://jenagalifany.bravehost.com or http://www.myspace.com/jenagalifany

an excerpt from HER PERFECT MAN by Jena Galifany

Colin stalked toward his house. The shock of seeing another man at Anna's feet rendered him speechless. What did the man think he was doing? He stuffed his hands in his trouser pockets as he walked. Anna was his girl. She had been for years. She just didn't know it yet.

He stopped, turned to go back, but could not find the ability to move. He had to tell her she was his girl. Too many times he tried but she didn't take the hint. He'd have to muster the courage to come right out and tell her so there would be no further misunderstanding. He persuaded his feet to move and made his way toward her street. He'd tell her then he'd run the dandy back to wherever he had come from.

But what if she refused him? Could he take the rejection in front of Aidan and his friend? Aidan never thought of Colin as an equal anyway. If Colin came roaring out of the alley like a lion, would it only prove his inferiority? Colin was halfway to the street, halfway to a decision. If he didn't say something, he had the feeling he'd lose her. He took several more steps. By the smile on her face, she was lost already. Did he even have a chance?

He moved to the wall, and relived the few moments when he held her there, completely in his power, completely his. He pressed his back against the wall, chin to chest, and wondered what he should do.

* * * *

Anna was much too excited to go home. She wanted to see Colin. As soon as the two young men turned the corner, she dashed toward the alley. Colin stood, hands stuffed in his pockets, his back pressed to the wall where he had her trapped against the brick only a few minutes before. His countenance was dark and brooding.

"Who was he?" His voice was low, ominous.

"Aidan. Surely you remember Aidan?" She played dumb, which she knew would make Colin bristle.

"You know who I mean." He spoke just above a whisper, a dark, stormy look in his eyes.

"You are referring to Mr. Chase Trent, newly arrived from New York, America? Don't you think he is just what I wished for?"

"He's not one of us."

"Exactly." Anna clapped her hands. She could hardly contain her joy. "He's better than us. He's rich. And he wants to marry me. What do you say to that?" She proudly drew herself up.

Colin was silent as Anna gloried in her good fortune.

"Is he what you really want?" He was hesitant.

"Yes," she hissed. "He's all I want and more. He is my dream come true, my ticket upward, just as I had planned." She stared into his dark eyes. "I defy you or anyone else to take this opportunity from me."

After a long, silent moment, he dropped his gaze. "I wish you luck." Colin walked away.