GAIA LIBRARY SPECIAL EDITIONS - ANIMAL WIFE - Story By Janet McCoy

[ADMIN]

long after the girl had gone down to the beach, leaving May to labor over a half-
finished canvas commissioned by an exclusive restaurant. So absorbed was May in her
thoughts, she did not hear the screen door open in the kitchen. She was totally
unprepared for Spike's booming greeting as he barged into her workroom.
"Hi, May! What's happening, baby?"
Her paint brush flew from her hand. It was only by a miracle that she managed to hold
onto her palette. "Spike! Jee-zuz! How many times do I have to tell you to knock like
other people?"
"Hell! I thought you'd be glad to see me! I haven't been by for a few days, and you
haven't been down to the saloon."
"I've been busy, Spike." She walked over to a cabinet and poured them both a Scotch-
rocks.
"Yeah, I know." He winked and leered down her blouse as he accepted the drink. "I'm
going up north for the weekend, so I thought I'd drop by for a howdy before I go."
She downed her drink thirstily. "That's really friendly of you, Spike. Now, what is it
you want?"
"Baby!" He tried to look shocked. "Is that what you think of me? Who's the beautiful
blonde you've been putting up for the last few days?"
Automatically, May bristled. That was what she had been waiting to hear from Spike.
She was determined to protect the vulnerable blonde from the most notorious
womanizer in town. It wouldn't be easy. She knew Spike could be charming when he
wanted to. "You keep away from her, Spike! She's visiting for a while, recuperating