Love, Heat & Deceit: Luna's Paranormals, #4

By Shelly Small

Love is in the air and for some, it's not.

People try to find love in a variety of ways.

One way was speed dating. The only problem

was the growing dead bodies that followed

A night of get togethers.

 

Luna must figure out what's going on before

one of her friends ends up dead.

Will love win or will it go down in a blaze of glory?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shelly Small
• Release date: Dec 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201835064

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Haley forced a smile on her face, as she was at another engagement party for one of her best friends. Great another wedding where I’m alone. Her friends gathered around her and they were talking about the plans and fun they’d all be having.

So, the last person is Haley.

Joey has a friend…

It’s okay guys. I really don’t want to be fixed up with another friend or coworker, said Haley.

Haley…will you be my maid of honor?

Haley gasped. Her vision became blurry with unshed tears. Why me? she asked.

Remember the promise we made to each other? You’re the last one. It’s your time.

She thought for a moment and remembered them all sitting around drinking and talking about the future. They decided when each one of them gets married, they will each take a turn being each other’s maid of honor so no one would feel left out. It was a way for no one to feel less of a friend.

Of course.

They all screamed, jumping up and down holding each other’s hands. The respective significant others came over and soon Haley was left alone. Always alone. The third or fifth wheel when going out or to parties. Haley started distancing herself from going out with her friends.

When was it going to be her time?

Wasn’t she deserving of being loved?

She wanted her happily ever after just like her friends.

She looked around the room they were in at their favorite restaurant. Everyone had someone. They laughed, smiled and exuded love. Haley grabbed her things knowing she wouldn’t be missed. She took one last look around to make sure no one paid her any attention.

As she turned the corner, to leave the party room, Haley heard her name so she paused to listen.

What’s up with Haley?

I don’t know…

She won’t go out with my friend?

It’s not that there’s anything wrong with her but she’s tired of being set up…

But you asked me to find someone for her.

I know and I’m sorry…

Haley heard enough, with her jacket over her arm and tears in her eyes, she walked towards the front door. She noticed the wind had picked up from the way the trees were blowing out of the front window of the restaurant. So, she stopped at the bench, set her purse down, and pulled on her jacket.

While putting her arms in her jacket, she saw a notice board. There were a few different flyers up but a bright colored one in the center caught her attention. With her jacket now on, Haley grabbed her purse and read what the flyer said:

Are you looking for love? Or tired of being

the third wheel? Come try your luck at

Speed Dating! Maybe this Valentine’s Day,

you’ll find yourself with a date!

Haley continued to read what it said. She thought about the conversation she overheard and immediately took her phone out to snap a picture of the details to the speed date affair. Hmm…wonder if my luck is about to change. It’s not like it can get any worse.

Over the next few weeks, Haley ignored the texts and calls from her friends. She didn’t want to get into it with them and she felt nervous in her decision about going to the speed date night. Her mind was made up though and she didn’t want her friends to laugh at her or try to talk her out of going.

Haley wanted to reinvent herself, so she went to the mall in hopes of finding the perfect dress. She went to all her normal shopping places and yet couldn’t find anything that caught her eye. Feeling deflated in not finding anything, Haley walked around in hopes of something catching her attention.

As she decided to leave the mall and try another place, Haley walked by a new store and there in the window was her answer. Immediately, she walked into the store and asked the sales lady if she could try on the dress that’s in the window.

Haley strolled over to the rack of dresses to find her size, and once she had it in her hands, she almost ran towards the changing rooms. She hung the dress on a peg in the room while she started to undress.

While looking at the dress at first, she thought it was black but now it looks almost blue. That intrigued her more about the dress. Haley carefully removed the dress from the hanger and put it on. It fit her like a glove.

She looked at herself in the mirror and gasped. Never in a million years, had she felt like she did when she saw her reflection. Haley felt gorgeous for the first time in her life and knew she had to buy this dress. In this dress, I know I’ll find the one.

Haley carefully removed the dress and returned it to the hanger. After getting dressed, she walked out of the changing room and went straight for the check out. She didn’t care that the dress cost more than she was wanting to spend, because of how she looked in the dress.

The speed dating night is in a few days, and Haley is excited about going and the prospect of finding Mr. Right. She felt like her life was going to change and Haley couldn’t wait.

Haley decided to stay at the hotel that the event was at. She figured it would be easier to get ready and if she had too much to drink, she wouldn’t have to worry about getting home. Once checked in, Haley got her dress and everything she needed set out and ready.

The room had a jacuzzi tub and Haley planned on using it before she got ready. She felt excited but also a little nervous. Haley had never put herself out there like this before. She wondered if she was setting herself up for being hurt or worse being rejected.

Then she remembered the conversation she overheard at the engagement party and knew she was doing the right thing. She pampered herself in the tub and let all her worries float away.

Once done with her pampering, Haley sat down in front of a mirror and got to work on styling her hair, just adding a few curls at the ends. Then came her makeup. She wasn’t one to wear a lot so she kept it as minimal as possible.

She stood and walked over to the closet where the dress was hung up. She gently pulled it off the hanger and carefully put the dress on without