This document is an excerpt from "Hidden Pleasures" by Brenda Jackson, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for her romance novels that consistently feature happy endings. The narrative centers on Brittany Thrasher, a businesswoman focused on etiquette, and Galen Steele, a wealthy video game designer from a prominent family. Their initial encounters are marked by a humorous conflict over a taxi, but their paths intertwine further when Galen outbids Brittany for her recently deceased birth mother's home at an auction. The story details their subsequent interactions, where Galen makes an unconventional offer for Brittany to live with him for a week to acquire the house, leading to a profound personal discovery for Brittany about her past and her capacity for passion, and for Galen, an unexpected journey into love. The excerpts also provide author biographical information and a list of other works by Brenda Jackson.