The Skeptic’s Playbook by Halcie Dawn

Merit
Growing up, my parents described me with four words: curious, fun-loving, silly, and accident-prone.
My husband used four very different words: prying, immature, uncouth, and irresponsible. I reckon that’s one of the reasons he isn’t my husband anymore.
And because of that, I’ve sworn off relationships. And dating. I spent years with someone who wanted to change me. Who did change me. Only an insane person would want that again.
But then I meet him. The famous Holt Hill. Whom I didn’t even know was famous. Well, he wants to date me. And he refuses to take no for an answer.
But why would he want me? I’m… normal. And he’s… not.
In fact, I watched a video clip where women—like a bunch of women, a whole herd of them—threw their panties at him during one of the Super Bowls.
Well, I happen to like my panties. Plus, panties cost money, so tossing them at some super-sexy, super-handsome, super-rich football player just seems like a waste.
Anyway, it’s all a moot point… because I don’t date.

Holt
I’m a love skeptic. Not of love, in general. I’ve borne witness to many great relationships in my life.
But it just so happens that none of those relationships involved me.
When I take stock of my dating history, I reckon the best romance was the imaginary one where a woman I’d never even met told the tabloids I was the father of her triplets. At least that started a new round of gossip about me having super sperm.
Women always want my fame, my wealth, my notoriety. That is, until I meet her.
The second I meet Merit I can’t stop thinking about her. She’s gorgeous. And guarded.
But underneath that timid and tame façade, I see someone curious, fun-loving, and silly.
Oh, and accident-prone.
Too bad she doesn’t date.