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Outrageously Yours
Susanna Carr


He's just the guy to ruin her reputation…With a high-profile job opportunity on the line, Claire Miller must go from squeaky-clean wallflower to wild party girl in just one week. To do that, she needs the help of Jason Strong, her favorite client–and secret crush. He's sexy, a notorious bachelor and just the guy to destroy this good girl's rep.Only Claire didn't count on Jason's spontaneous streak, or that his brand of improvising could turn their strictly professional relationship into something intensely personal–and incredibly hot. Now she has to trust him with her future, her body and her deepest secrets. And hope that by week's end, she'll have him out of her system without breaking her heart…







He’s just the guy to ruin her reputation...

With a high-profile job opportunity on the line, Claire Miller must go from squeaky-clean wallflower to wild party girl in just one week. To do that, she needs the help of Jason Strong, her favorite client—and secret crush. He’s sexy, a notorious bachelor and just the guy to destroy this good girl’s rep.

Only Claire didn’t count on Jason’s spontaneous streak, or that his brand of improvising could turn their strictly professional relationship into something intensely personal—and incredibly hot. Now she has to trust him with her future, her body and her deepest secrets. And hope that by week’s end, she’ll have him out of her system without breaking her heart...


“You can’t go out like that after having pretend sex with me.”

“It looks like I haven’t touched you,” he continued. “You need to be more wrinkled.”

“And you should have lipstick on you.” Her lips tingled as she felt Jason’s intent gaze. “Should I put it on your mouth or on your collar?”

His eyes darkened. “Anywhere you think a man should be kissed.”

Claire’s breath caught in her throat. She wanted to kiss him all over. Drag her mouth down his chest and twirl her tongue against him.

“Maybe I should just kiss you.”

She saw his Adam’s apple bob. “Maybe you should,” he said huskily.

She brazenly claimed his lips just like she did in her fantasies. Jason greedily matched her fervor and bunched her dress in his fists. Claire’s gasp echoed in the small room when he grabbed her hips and lifted her. She clutched his shoulders as she wrapped her legs around his waist.

He claimed her mouth with his. There was no finesse, only raw hunger. And she wanted more...


Dear Reader (#u35481b83-2d6b-59d1-8d2a-3d0255b9aeed),

I have always adored stories about makeovers and transformations. It probably started with my first fairy tale and continued on with glamorous Hollywood musicals. While I find a hero’s transformation entertaining, I prefer watching the heroine step out of the shadows, find the confidence to show her true self and grab the spotlight that was meant for her.

In Outrageously Yours, Claire has difficulty bringing attention to herself. Hiding in the crowd is the safest and most comfortable route. She knows that the harsh glare of the spotlight can expose her flaws and weaknesses. But she soon discovers that if she wants to live out her dreams and get the man who stars in her wildest fantasies, being outrageous is the only option to take.

Enjoy!

Susanna Carr


Outrageously Yours

Susanna Carr






www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)


SUSANNA CARR has been an avid romance reader since she read her first Mills & Boon book at the age of ten. Although romance novels were not allowed in her home, she always managed to sneak one in from the local library or from her twin sister’s secret stash.

After attending college and receiving a degree in English literature, Susanna pursued a romance-writing career. She has written sexy contemporary romances for several publishers and her work has been honored with awards for contemporary and sensual romance.

Susanna lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family. When she isn’t writing she enjoys reading romance and connecting with readers online. Visit her website at susannacarr.com (http://www.susannacarr.com).


To my editor, Adrienne Macintosh, for shaping the original idea of this story into something even better.


Contents

Cover (#u5a4b0fd8-f3d7-5fb6-8230-ba4cc6a06d84)

Back Cover Text (#ubaa685c1-2143-52cf-b1e6-6e5d7e4bec1f)

Introduction (#u53f43611-9fad-50bd-98e8-dcf6791fda33)

Dear Reader

Title Page (#ua8137935-a39d-5be8-92a9-489a673d87bd)

About the Author (#u87348d59-d4a7-5263-adfb-623db1b58a31)

Dedication (#ub0b86481-19ee-5823-b3e0-a604df301dc9)

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Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)


1 (#u35481b83-2d6b-59d1-8d2a-3d0255b9aeed)

CLAIRE MILLER’S CHEST tightened with anticipation as she turned her car into the parking lot. “Stop it,” she muttered. “He’s your best friend’s brother. A client. Nothing more.”

Her body wasn’t listening. It never did when Jason Strong was involved. The town’s golden boy now operated his family’s wine bar and tasting room. He was also the star of her wildest fantasies—and her wicked thoughts had become more frequent since they’d started working together. It was getting embarrassing.

The one fantasy that kept replaying in her head was inconveniently set in his office. During more than one of their meetings, Claire’s mind had drifted and she had imagined sweeping her arm across his desk and tossing everything to the floor. She would then lay Jason on the desk and rip open his shirt before she licked a path down his rock-hard abs.

He, of course, would then not be able to keep his hands off her. It was her fantasy, after all. In her dream, the man was overwhelmed with desire and stripped her bare before she straddled his hips and rode him hard. Yet somehow the fantasy ended with her bent over the desk as he took her from behind, the piece of furniture creaking in protest from his powerful thrusts and Claire encouraging him with delighted moans.

That was one of her tamer fantasies, but it kept looping in her head every time she visited him at work. It was worse when they actually met in his office. Last week she had been in there with him for a brainstorming session and she’d gotten so caught up in the fantasy that she actually pushed a pile of folders off his desk.

Claire felt her face turn red at the memory. After that, she’d made a point of meeting away from his office.

Still, her pulse skipped when she saw the sign for Mountain Creek Wine Cellars. Stay focused. No more fantasizing, she reminded herself fiercely as she parked her car.

She grabbed her messenger bag and hopped out of her car. Realizing that she was a little too eager to see Jason again, Claire stumbled to a stop and took a deep breath. The September air held the scent of turning leaves and chimney smoke. The familiar aroma of fall did nothing to calm her. If anything, it made her think of Jason sprawled on top of her next to a roaring fireplace.

Be professional. She pulled her blazer closer to ward off the breeze and looked out into the distance at the snowy cap of Mount Rainier. The wine bar had a great view and location, but so did all the other tasting rooms that sat side by side on the curving street at the edge of town. At the moment SUVs and sports cars zoomed by, but in the evening there would be groups of wine enthusiasts walking from one tasting room to the next.

Claire frowned when she noticed yet another winery shop had opened up across the street. She recognized the name and shook her head. No wonder Jason had asked her to drop by. Tasting rooms were a big business and she was Jason’s secret weapon.

As she strode to the entrance of Mountain Creek, she spotted a few of her neighbors sitting on the patio and enjoying the rare Pacific Northwest sunshine. She waved and they saluted her with their wineglasses. As she walked past them, she heard one of the women ask the others, “Who was that?”

Claire sighed as weariness settled in her chest but she didn’t turn around. She was used to that response. It was the disadvantage of always flying under the radar. Claire kept walking so she didn’t have to hear how the others would answer. From experience she already knew: they’d say she looked familiar but none of them would be able to place her.

Which should make her happy; she had cultivated her anonymity since high school. She’d grown up in the small and rural town of Woodinville but her former classmates would be hard-pressed to describe her as anything other than “nice” and “sweet.”

Claire was good at marketing her clients and one day she would work on marketing herself. But for now, it was better if she worked in the shadows and behind the scenes. It was safer. No one looked at her too closely or sensed the tension that resided in her every moment. She had hidden it well.

She stepped across the threshold of Mountain Creek Wine Cellars and was immediately aware of the casual and lively energy. The dark wood floors and red walls seemed almost too modern for the sleepy town. The wine bar was on the first floor and a large spiral staircase that wrapped around a huge wine rack led customers upstairs to the tasting rooms. There were windows everywhere, offering magnificent views of the mountain and evergreen forests. Instead of being stuffy and pretentious as some wine bars could be, she found Mountain Creek Wine Cellars warm and welcoming.

There were a few customers sitting at the dark wooden tables, enjoying the start of happy hour. Claire saw Jason walk out of the kitchen with a tray of appetizers. Her breath hitched in her throat as she studied him.

Jason Strong was tall and muscular. She noticed how perfectly his button-down shirt hung from his solid shoulders and laid against his broad chest. Claire bit her lip as her gaze traveled down his flat abdomen to take in the way his faded jeans clung to his thighs. The man had been handsome and athletic in school but now, at twenty-eight years old, he was in his prime.

Claire dragged her gaze back up to his face. It was risky—sometimes she couldn’t stop staring at him. She knew every line and angle of his blunt cheekbones, square jaw and slightly crooked nose. Today she noticed he needed to cut his dark brown hair. He usually kept it short because he didn’t like how it curled.

He spoke to a small group of elderly women who were enjoying a day out. She couldn’t hear what Jason said but she caught snatches of his deep, melodic voice. From the rapt attention the other women showed, Claire realized she wasn’t the only one who could listen to him all day.

The left corner of his mouth tilted up and then he smiled.

Claire sighed. Jason Strong was a charmer. A flirt. He knew how to tease gently and how to work that smile.

Jason must have felt her gaze. He suddenly looked in her direction. She tried to give a cool nod as she watched his bright blue eyes light up. Her heart thumped hard against her rib cage, but she wasn’t dumb enough to read anything into his reaction. Jason was just a friendly guy.

“Claire!” He motioned for her to meet him at the bar near the staircase.

He didn’t used to welcome her so warmly, she remembered. Claire had been the annoying friend of his little sister who was always at his family’s home growing up. He was only two years older but there had been times when it felt as if he had been a world away and just as far out of her league.

“Okay, Jason,” Claire said as she sat down on a bar stool and placed her bag on the seat next to her. “I came as quickly as I could. What’s the emergency?”

“Have a drink first,” He stood on the other side of the bar and rested his arms on top of the counter. “Merlot, right?”

She was surprised that he remembered her favorite drink from his family’s boutique winery. The wine bar had many loyal customers but she was usually here to discuss projects and rarely indulged in a glass. “No, thanks. Now, what’s going on?”

“I decided to have a party for our reserve label next weekend. Everyone is invited. Not just the wine club.” He gestured with his hands as he pictured his idea. “We have to promote it big.”

“Another event? Next weekend?” Claire asked cautiously. She should keep her mouth shut. Jason was her best client. She needed all the work she could get but this was getting out of hand.

Jason was always optimistic. Too optimistic. But then, the guy never failed. Every project he started, every idea that came into his head, was successful.

“Next Friday. It’ll be fine.” Jason gave another lopsided smile that made her forget to breathe. “Who doesn’t love a party?”

A wallflower. But no one had ever accused Jason of being one of those. He knew how to throw a party and these events showcased his strengths. Who was she to say anything?

“Think you can handle the short notice?” he asked.

Tension squeezed her chest as she considered the amount of work she had to accomplish for her other clients during the week. But to suggest she couldn’t handle the party would be admitting defeat. “Of course,” she said with a weak smile.

She watched him tap his fingers on the bar. The man had a restless, almost insatiable energy. Some people found it exhausting. She found it exhilarating. She wished some of it would rub off on her.

Claire had learned from experience that nothing would temper his enthusiasm for his latest project. He couldn’t be bothered with schedules and budgets. Still, she felt compelled to remind him of the potential problems. “Your events calendar is already packed.”

“I know, isn’t it great?” Jason asked. “Business has really picked up since we’ve been focused on our social media.”

Claire ducked her head as her face warmed from the compliment. It felt good to be recognized for her work. “You’re welcome,” she said gruffly.

“Hold on, Claire, I’m being called to the kitchen.” He walked around the bar. “I’ll be right back.”

She was tempted to watch him walk away. Instead, Claire grabbed her cell phone and checked her messages as if her life depended on it. A text came in just as she entered her password.

How’s the transformation going?

Claire grimaced. It was from Max Blair, the social media legend to the stars. At a conference last month, she’d been flattered that he’d singled her out, and he’d even dangled the possibility of working for him. But first he’d challenged her to create and manage an image. And he gave her the hardest subject to work on: herself.

Blond, stylish and dressed for success, Max Blair oozed money and confidence. He worked for celebrities and A-listers in Hollywood and quite a few people had followed him around the conference like groupies. They’d wanted to know how he got the high-profile clients and what it was like to party with the stars.

Her peers found him innovative and called him the future of their industry. They didn’t seem to notice that Max was brash, aggressive and always turned the conversation to sex.

Claire had no interest in celebrity parties. What mattered to her was that if she tackled his challenge and succeeded, she would get a job working for one of the biggest social media companies in the industry. The opportunity to be Max Blair’s protégé would be such a coup. It would prove to her family—and to herself—that she had finally made it.

What are you wearing?

But first she had to respond to his texts the right way.

Claire knew she should answer it honestly. Show him that she actually couldn’t transform herself into a wild party girl, as she’d boasted at the conference that she could. But she wasn’t ready to end this preinterview. She was going to show Max that she could do this. She wanted to be the best at something and she wanted everyone to know it.

What was she wearing? She looked down at her blazer and shook her head.

Nothing but a satisfied smile, she replied.

She wasn’t sure where that answer came from. Probably from a TV show she’d just watched. She liked the answer, though. It was breezy, flirty and so not like her. She wished she could have come up with something this quickly when she’d been face-to-face with Max, but she always thought of a comeback hours later.

I’m intrigued, he responded immediately. What are your plans for tonight?

Her nights were usually filled with work and the occasional outing with friends, but she wasn’t going to tell Max the truth. This was the guy who’d at first thought she was a woman with no future. He’d taken one look at her at the bar during the conference and decided she didn’t have an original or scandalous idea in her head. And proceeded to explain why her small business couldn’t compete with his big company.

The worst part was that he’d been correct. But she didn’t let him know that. Her ideas were based on what had proven effective for others and her success was built on consistency and hard work. She was a grinder, not an innovator.

Claire had wanted to walk away and ignore him. But she was proud of her business, and she hadn’t liked hearing him dismiss it so easily. So she’d looked him in the eye and argued with him about his ideas, horrifying his disciples and fangirls.

But he’d seemed intrigued and asked her for more details about her strategies. Claire had been nervous while she told him what she had accomplished since she started her business. She didn’t have famous clients or an office filled with employees, but something she had said must have impressed him. Out of all the people at the conference, Max had said he wanted to interview her for a job. It had felt amazing and scary to be in the spotlight. She wanted to make the most of it.

She thought for a moment, wondering how to respond to his question. What could she say she was doing tonight? It had to be wild and fun.

Defending my title in the wet T-shirt contest, she answered. You?

That should keep him busy for a while. Claire bit her lip to contain her smile just as her phone was snatched from her hand. She squawked and whirled around to find Jason behind her.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a naughty smile,” Jason said as he held her phone out of her reach. It looked small in his hand.

“That’s not true. You have a mirror, don’t you?” She blinked and pressed her lips. Where had that come from? Jason seemed just as surprised by her sassy response. Claire decided it was best to ignore it, and she held out her hand. “Give me my phone.”

He shook his head. “You spend too much time on it.”

“I do not.” Okay, maybe she did. But her phone was her lifeline. It kept her focused and on schedule. Her gut twisted when she heard the chime of an incoming text. “Would you please hand it over?”

Jason glanced at the small screen and went very still. “Wet T-shirt contest?” he asked in a low, gravelly voice, his gaze still on the phone.

Claire felt the hot blush spread from her neck to her face. She braced herself for Jason to double over with laughter. To her surprise, his smile faded as he gave her a piercing look. “And who is this Max?”

“Give it to me.” She leaped from her chair and made a grab for the phone but he kept it out of reach. It was just like old times.

“Not until you tell me who Max is.”

Claire glanced around the wine bar, hoping they weren’t causing a scene. To her relief, no one was paying them any attention. “He’s not someone from around here,” she whispered fiercely.

She watched in horror as Jason started typing on the keypad.

Don’t freak out. He’s messing with you, just like he used to. He’s just pretending. He won’t dare send a text.

“What did he say?”

“Something about photographic evidence,” he muttered as he texted a reply. “He sounds charming.”

“What are you doing?” She grabbed his arm and was momentarily distracted by the sensation of the warm and solid muscle beneath her fingertips. She wondered how it would feel to have his arms around her. “Do not tell him anything,” she rasped.

“Wow, you are really panicky with this guy.” Jason squinted at the screen as he continued to type. “You must like him a lot.”

Like him? No. But Max Blair could be her fairy godmother. His approval would make her the belle of the ball instead of the wallflower. “It’s complicated.”

“Isn’t it always?”

She gasped when he pressed the send button. “What did you say to him?”

He shrugged. “Just your run-of-the-mill marriage proposal.”

Her fingers dug into his arms. “What?”

“I’m kidding.” Jason’s smile widened. “So why haven’t I heard anything about this guy?”

“There’s nothing to tell.” Claire needed to see the text Jason had sent. She jumped for the phone and collided with him. Her hands flattened against his chest as she inhaled his scent. It was woodsy and masculine.

“Are you really entering a wet T-shirt contest?” he asked quietly.

She jerked her head up in shock. Jason’s face was right above hers. His blue eyes were mesmerizing and she hurriedly stepped away. “That’s what he asked?”

“No, I’m asking you.”

She nervously licked her bottom lip. “Why? Do you think I could win?”

Claire should have curbed her tongue. Deep down she knew that question would require Jason to look at her—really look at her. Her skin tingled with awareness as his eyes darkened. Her breasts felt heavy and tight under her printed pink top as his gaze lingered on her chest. She didn’t breathe until his eyes met hers again.

“I don’t think you’re the kind of woman who could enter a wet T-shirt contest.”

Claire reared her head back. “Could?” she repeated. What did that mean? Did he believe she lacked the curves or the audacity for that kind of competition?

“I meant would.” Her phone chimed again. Claire held back a panicked whimper. Jason glanced at the screen but didn’t say anything about it. “It was supposed to be a compliment.”

Of course it was. She nodded silently. Taking a long look at her and saying she couldn’t enter a wet T-shirt contest could only be construed as complimentary.

Her phone chimed again. Claire wanted to wrap her arms around her. Instead she bunched her hands into fists. She wasn’t going to react. She wasn’t in a playful mood and Jason would catch on. He’d soon lose interest and give her back the phone.

Jason read the text and frowned. “Have you ever been to one of those contests?”

“No,” she admitted reluctantly. She didn’t even know where they were held or if there were rules. “Why?”

“Then you may have a problem.” Jason gave her the phone. “Looks like Max is coming for a visit so he can see you in action.”

Visit? That didn’t make any sense. Max wouldn’t waste his time visiting a rural small town. She read his last text.

I’m going to be in Seattle next Friday. Would love to meet up.

She doubled over as her stomach twisted violently. “Nooo.”

Another text popped up.

Consider this challenge your interview—transform yourself in one week and the job is yours.

The panic clawed her chest as she gulped in air. “This isn’t happening.”

* * *

JASON WATCHED CLAIRE with growing concern. She shoved her hands in her long blond hair. Her blue eyes were dull and her full lips were pinched. Her fair skin had gone white. The woman had always been uptight but he had never seen her this upset before.

He glanced at the message on her phone. “Transform?” he asked as he curled his arm around her shoulders. She felt soft and delicate against him. “What is he talking about?”

“Max Blair helps celebrities manage their public image on social media. He is a big deal and he’s interviewing me for a job.” She covered her face with her hands. “But I have to pass a test by reinventing myself into a wild party girl.”

Claire Miller, a party girl? He couldn’t wrap his head around the idea. This Max Blair knew how to test her. Claire didn’t have the attitude to be a wild woman. She was quiet and gentle. Serious. Intense. Always had been. At times it turned into anxiety. When that happened, he tried to distract her until she calmed down. He wasn’t always successful.

But this test was something else. Claire didn’t like revealing anything about herself, but he discovered something new every time he saw her. Like when she had unintentionally shown her deep romantic streak when she gathered the love stories of his grandparents and parents for a Valentine’s Day feature on the website. Claire had tried to act as if it was all to emphasize the family aspect of the winery, but she couldn’t hide her true interest from him.

“Are you going to do the interview?”

“I want the job.” She stumbled to the bar stool. Claire sat down and flopped her arms and head onto the bar. “Everyone in my industry would kill to be Max’s protégé. I want to be the one. I want everyone envying me for a change. Have my colleagues know my name and listen to what I have to say.”

He was missing something. “Then what is stopping you?”

“It means I have to appear...bolder than I am.”

Bold? No, that wasn’t Claire Miller. She was like his favorite dry Riesling—a balanced contrast of sharp and sweet. He would have added flowery, considering her secret romantic side, but now he wondered if there was an underlying hint of spice.

“This interview technique is questionable,” Jason said. “Are you sure he’s not one of those creeps who uses his position to get women into bed? Does he use job openings as a casting couch?”

“Jason, please.” Her voice was muffled. “Now is not the time to share your paranoid theories that I’m walking into danger.”

“Paranoid theories?” he repeated. He had pulled Claire and his sister, Kim, out of one bad situation after another for as long as he could remember. He didn’t ask for the role as their protector but he couldn’t stop being concerned. Especially about Claire. She seemed more vulnerable and more trusting than his sister.

“You didn’t answer my question, Claire. What do you know about this guy?”

Claire sighed. “He’s a legend and has launched the career of many influential people in the field. Max can make you a star or he can send you back into obscurity. He gets hundreds of résumés in a week and he approached me for a job. Me.”

Jason realized Claire had been seduced simply by the way she was offered the position. “Is this your dream job?”

She rocked her head from side to side. “I never allowed myself to dream about it. I didn’t think it was possible.”

Jason sat down next to her. “What about your business? You built it from scratch. You are the boss.”

“I know.” She lifted her head. “I love my work. I love being in charge. But this offer...I could be more. I could be a star in my industry.”

Jason watched her silently. He didn’t think that accolades would have been important to Claire. She didn’t seek the spotlight.

She rested her head against her hand. “The thing is, I’m sure I could do this assignment. I can create an image and maintain it. Make it feel authentic. I’ve done it many times for my clients. But can I do it to myself?”

Jason shrugged. “How is it different than working with one of your clients?”

Claire smiled at his suggestion. “I can be a different person online. That’s what’s so great about social media,” she said as she splayed her hands in the air. “With the right strategy you can appear more successful, more popular and more interesting than you are in real life. But face-to-face? Forget it.”

“It’s not that hard to do something wild and crazy. Take my word for it. All you need is poor judgment and witnesses. The problem is living it down for the rest of your life.”

“Not you. You’re the golden boy. You could do anything and it doesn’t stick to you.” Claire slowly pushed her hair from her face and sat up straight. “In fact, you’re an expert on this. You could help me reinvent myself.”

Jason’s eyes widened. “Excuse me? I don’t know anything about transformations or changing an image. That’s why I hired you to promote this place.”

“But I don’t have a personal image.” She pulled at the lapels of her blazer and smoothed her hands over the pink blouse she wore underneath. “And it’s time to work on that. With your help.”

“No way, I’m not doing it.” He wasn’t sure what all it would entail, but his imagination was going wild. Jason didn’t like that determined look in Claire’s eyes. He raised his hands as if he could stop her. “If this guy is making you do weird assignments for an interview, what is he going to make you do once you get the job? I’m not so sure about this Max Blair.”

She slapped her hand against the bar. “Jason, I’m calling in a favor.”

“No.” He stood up and crossed his arms. “When I said I owe you one, I meant something like a reference or a free case of wine.”

Claire slowly rose from her seat and met his gaze. She had a spark in her eye that he hadn’t seen before. “Do you know how many favors I’ve done for you? How many times I made your project my top priority? You wouldn’t want that to stop now, would you?”

“What are you saying? That you’ll stop working for me?” He couldn’t let that happen. Claire’s work was critical to his success. Not only that, but she made his work life easier.

“No, I will continue to work for you because we have a contract.” She copied his stance and crossed her arms. “But I won’t break my neck trying to meet your insane deadlines and emergencies.”

“You wouldn’t.” She couldn’t. Claire never said no to him. He hadn’t realized that until now.

“Let’s hope it doesn’t go that far. I’m calling in all my favors.” She pointed at him. “If you help me transform into a party girl for one week, I promise to wipe the slate clean. You won’t owe me anything.”

Jason paused. Anything? That was a generous offer. “Seriously?”

“I promise.”

He believed her, but that didn’t mean he should agree. “This is going to blow up in our faces.”

Her eyes twinkled when she realized he was weakening. “No one will know.”

Jason scoffed at her prediction. “You are transforming yourself into a wild party girl. Someone is going to notice.”

“It’ll only be temporary.” She clasped her hands together, silently begging him to agree. “You can spare a week.”

“There is no such thing as a temporary reputation.” He’d been labeled as the golden boy in middle school and everyone in town still expected him to succeed in everything he did.

“I got it!” Claire’s eyes grew round as the excitement built inside her. “I’ll tell everyone I went off the rails and you pulled me back from the brink of self-destruction. You’ll be the hero in the story.”

Claire loved storytelling in her social media campaigns but this was different. “No one is going to believe that.”

“Please, I can spin a story,” Claire said with quiet confidence. “Max doesn’t agree with some of my methods or my emphasis on storytelling. This is my chance to show him that I know what I’m talking about. So what do you say? Are you in?”

Jason sighed and raked his hand through his hair. It was clearly important to Claire to show her expertise to this so-called legend. But Jason didn’t trust the guy’s motives. He doubted there was a legitimate job offer at the end of the test. Claire was naive and her ambitions were blinding her to the risks. He needed to watch over Claire and make sure she didn’t do something that could hurt her in the long run.

“I’m in,” he said with great reluctance. “What all does Max want you to do? Start from the beginning.”


2 (#u35481b83-2d6b-59d1-8d2a-3d0255b9aeed)

“REALLY? YOU’RE IN?” Claire was surprised by Jason’s answer. He was obviously not thrilled about her plan and she’d figured she’d have to do a lot more convincing. She doubted he would go back on his word but she couldn’t take any chances with so much at stake. “I can’t afford for you to have second thoughts.”

“What’s there to think about?” he asked as he sat down on the bar stool. “You need my help and I need yours.”

Claire frowned. Was it really that simple for him? “That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

She bit her lip before she asked any more questions. The last thing she wanted to do was point out the inconveniences and potential problems. “You won’t regret it.” She grabbed her messenger bag and hurriedly opened it. “I will make this up to you.”

“We’ll see.” Jason rubbed his hands over his face and sighed deeply. “How much of a reinvention are we talking about? Is it just a new wardrobe or do you have to create a secret life?”

“Something in between.” Claire stopped pulling her laptop computer out of her bag. She tried to remember what she had told Max about her wild life. “I was dipping my toes in the reinvention idea and said I’d joined a Roller Derby team. If anyone asks, my Roller Derby name is Claire Carnage.”

Jason started to laugh and Claire enjoyed watching him. He tossed back his head, the lines around his eyes deepened and the sound of his laugh encouraged others to join in.

“And he believed you?” he asked.

“I do an e-newsletter for a local derby team, so I was convincing. But it was hard coming up with a name. Kim got that off a name generator.”

“My sister is helping you with this?” He sat up straight. “Then why do you need me?”

“Because Kim is on the other side of the state.” And her best friend was against this project. She didn’t like the sound of Max Blair, either, and she predicted that all of this would turn into a mess.

Jason’s eyes widened with concern as he watched her set up her computer, notepads and a collection of highlighters on the bar. “Wait, what is all this?”

“I always carry these things in my bag. You never know when an idea is going to strike,” she explained as she placed a file folder on the bar. “Let’s put together a strategy for the week.”

“No, no, no.” He started waving his hands. “None of this is necessary. You don’t plan a bad reputation.”

“Of course you do. That is, you do if you want to control the message you’re sending out. Which I do.” Claire opened up the folder and pulled out a checklist she had created for her reinvention. She was going to treat this just like a social media campaign for one of her clients.

The idea of reinventing herself was both intriguing and overwhelming. She wanted to be noticed for her work. Yet in order to do that, she had to put herself out there. Physically and sexually. Have people look at her. Talk about her. So it was critical that she present herself in a controlled environment where no one could see her weaknesses.

“You don’t need sticky notes and...” He pointed at one of the papers in the file folder. “Is that a calendar?”

She closed her messenger bag and carefully considered her next words. “I know it seems like a lot of work—”

“It is a lot of work for something that’s not going to last after next week.”

“How much effort do you think I’m going to put in for your party next weekend?” she asked as she set her hands on her hips. “And that’s an event which only lasts one night.”

“That’s different,” he argued. “You are dealing with more people when you’re putting together a party. This is just one guy we’re talking about.”

“And this guy is an expert on creating an image. He knows all the tricks in the business.” Claire hadn’t really considered that until just now. She let out a shaky breath. “He’s going to look for any chinks in my armor. This reinvention has to be solid. Perfect.”

“Then you need to rethink this.”

“No, I need to be prepared.” That had always helped her in the past. “I promise, Jason, I’m not expecting you to fill out the spreadsheets and—”

“Spreadsheets?” He said the word in horror. “Okay, time-out.”

She glanced at her impromptu workstation. Everything seemed to be in order. “What’s wrong?”

He shook his head. “I can’t work like this. I won’t. It will drive me crazy.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll do most of it.”

“I’m serious, Claire.” He rested his hand against her arm. “If you want my help to create a temporary and fake reputation, then we’re doing it my way.”

“Your way,” Claire repeated dully. She didn’t like relinquishing control or conforming to someone else’s work system. “And that means...?”

“We wing it.”

She winced and pulled away from him. That was the worst plan. “Jason, how long have you known me?”

“I’m not sure.” He was obviously puzzled by her question. “How long have you and Kim been friends?”

“Since the first day I moved into town. I guess that would make it since kindergarten. And in all that time have you ever seen me wing it? Improvise? Go with the flow?”

Jason gave a shrug. “I haven’t noticed.”

She gritted her teeth. Of course he wouldn’t notice her. She was on the sidelines of his life while he frequently starred in her dreams. “Then let me enlighten you. I don’t improvise because that never works.”

He propped his elbow on the bar counter. “You haven’t improvised with me.”

“And there’s a reason for that. It would be like our brainstorming sessions. Your mind goes off in a direction I don’t anticipate.”

Jason rested his head against his hand. “You’re the kind of person who follows a recipe exactly, aren’t you? You don’t make substitutions or change things up.”

“And you’re the kind of person who wouldn’t read the recipe all the way through before you start.” She suddenly remembered all those times she’d seen him in the kitchen at the Strong house preparing a snack for himself and his friends. “No, scratch that. You’re the kind of person who won’t even look at a recipe and just make it up as you go along.”

“You should try it. Who knows what you could create?”

She’d create a disaster. Claire was envious that Jason could do something on the spur of the moment and be successful. Her brain didn’t work that way, but she wouldn’t tell him that. This was not the moment to advertise her shortcomings.

“Put away the organizer, Claire,” he quietly ordered.

She hesitated. Her methods were like a security blanket for her. As long as she followed her procedure she wouldn’t forget something or go over her deadline. “We don’t have a lot of time.”

“We don’t need a lot of time,” he decided. “There’s nothing to beta test, or whatever you call it. In fact, that would only waste the time you have left. You have seven days. You just have to act.”

“I don’t know...” Jason was making sense but she didn’t like what he was saying.

“You basically want to create a fake profile but in the real world. It’s temporary but it has to look as if you’ve been wild for a while.”

She reviewed his words in her head. “Yes.”

“You don’t need a battle plan for that. You just need a partner in crime. I’m that guy. I will make you a wild party girl by next Friday.”

Claire wasn’t sure how she felt about Jason being part of her strategy. She’d asked for his help, not for him to be her partner. He was smart and intuitive but he didn’t pay attention to detail. That was why she was the support for clients like him. She worked behind the scenes and gave others the spotlight. She anticipated every problem and did the grunt work so her client could shine. That wasn’t Jason’s strength.

“But you have to be careful with this reinvention,” Jason warned. “If you don’t get the job, you will stay here and people will remember how wild and crazy you were.”

“I’ll get the job.” She didn’t make eye contact with Jason. She desperately wanted to prove that she was as good as her competition. She wanted everyone to know that she was an expert. Talented and capable. If she got this job, maybe her family would start believing it, too. And maybe she would start believing it during her darkest moments.

“Are you going to join a Roller Derby this week?” Jason chuckled at the idea. “Find a few trophies for wet T-shirt contests and put them around your home?”

She kept her head down. “I’ll figure something out.”

Jason fell into silence as he studied her. “Do you really believe Max has a job waiting for you? Are you sure he’s not playing you?”

“There’s a job opening. I checked.” But that didn’t mean this wasn’t a game for Max. Max was like the bullies she’d known most of her life. They sensed her vulnerabilities and while they couldn’t figure out the source of her tension, they toyed with her until she wanted to run away and hide. Her quiet demeanor and her ability to blend in to a crowd didn’t always protect her.

But this time, she wasn’t going to hide. She was going to show her level of expertise even though it would also demonstrate what she couldn’t do. But that was a risk she needed to take. She had to prove to the Max Blairs of the world that her methods and style were just as valuable as theirs.

“Claire, we have to do this my way. It’s faster. Easier.”

She was sure it was. Jason had a talent for finding shortcuts. He knew how to get a job done in the least amount of time and still make it look like a million bucks. Maybe she should go with his plan. She could watch him, analyze his methods and see if she could repeat the process.

But while Jason always found success, this was the first time she’d been part of the equation. What if it went horribly wrong?

She couldn’t think like that. Jason was going to be her secret weapon.

“We will try it your way,” Claire said and wished the tension inside her hadn’t soared. “But if I don’t see immediate and quantifiable results, then we do it my way.”

“Great.” Jason’s smile was triumphant as he rubbed his hands together. “We start tonight.”

“Tonight?” She stared into his light blue eyes as she fought a kick of panic. “Don’t you have to work?”

“We close at ten,” he reminded her. “And I was going to a party afterward.”

“Erica’s bonfire?” she guessed. The annual party was held on Erica’s farm and all of her friends and former classmates would be there. “I’ll be there, too. Any suggestions?”

Jason’s mouth tilted into a smile. “Arrive late and show as much skin as possible.”

* * *

CLAIRE FELT COLD and naked as she walked across the field to the bonfire later that night. Had it really been a good idea to follow a man’s suggestion on appropriate attire? She wished she hadn’t left her coat in the car. The extra layer would have allowed her to hide her curves and give her warmth.

No, she truly wished she hadn’t worn the skintight jeans that had been in the back of her closet. She’d been saving them in case she lost weight, and it turned out she had not lost an ounce. Claire glanced down at her dark jeans and favorite knee-high boots. The clothes were familiar but there was something different about her. She looked different and she didn’t know why.

She wandered aimlessly from one group of familiar faces to the next. Claire was aware of the double takes and the way the men were staring at her transparent-looking lace burgundy shirt hoping for a nipple slip. They were in for a long wait.

Claire didn’t see Jason anywhere and she hoped he came soon. She had lost her chance to make a big entrance and she had no idea what to do to build the foundation of her party-girl reputation.

She found herself drifting toward a few of her friends who were the wallflowers at every party. Claire felt most comfortable around them. They were standing next to the makeshift DJ table, swaying to the beat as they watched people dance.

“Claire?” Deanna squinted in the dark and then her eyes went wide. “Did you get a boob job?”

“I’m sorry, what? No.” Claire refrained from crossing her arms as the other women studied her curves. “It’s the same old me.” Although the push-up bra was brand-new. It was uncomfortable but pretty.

“You look fantastic,” Alison said as she huddled in her dark hoodie.

“Thank you.” Claire nervously smoothed her hand over her long ponytail. Why did her friend sound so surprised? She’d dressed up before. Not in a shirt that made it look as if she was wearing nothing underneath or that faithfully followed the lines of her body, but the outfit wasn’t that much different from what she’d worn in the past.

“I love the shirt,” another friend said.

“I got it at Miranda’s boutique.” Claire had had nothing in her closet that fit Jason’s orders and had gone to one of her clients for help. Miranda had been thrilled at the prospect of playing the fairy godmother. She had dismissed Claire’s concern about the top’s snug fit and low scoop neckline. Claire thought it was too bold and yet she doubted this outfit was what Jason had in mind.

“So, who’s the guy?” Deanna asked as the DJ put on a slow song.

“Guy?” Claire felt as though she was one step behind in the conversation. She hated that feeling. “What guy?”

“You never get dressed up like this.” Deanna motioned at her. “You’re actually showing cleavage. It must be someone special.”

“No, not necessarily.” Her voice drifted off when she spotted Jason striding toward the bonfire.

Now that was a man who knew how to make an entrance, Claire thought dazedly. She wasn’t the only person at the party who noticed him, and she was aware of how other guests turned and tracked his progress to the bonfire. There was an energy that crackled in the air when he was around. Some of the guys actually cheered and did fist pumps when they saw him.

She studied Jason as he greeted a friend. Her pulse started to race as she watched him. He looked almost pagan as the light and shadows from the bonfire emphasized the angles of his face.

Jason turned to greet another friend and froze when he saw Claire. His astonishment was evident as his gaze traveled down the length of her body. She couldn’t tell if his reaction was good or bad. Did he like what she was wearing or was it the opposite of what he had suggested? Claire didn’t know what to do and gave an awkward wave.

“Claire, is all this for Jason?” Deanna asked in disbelief.

“Uh...” Claire’s stomach turned when Jason abruptly changed direction and walked toward her. She wasn’t sure how to answer Deanna. She certainly wasn’t going to tell anyone about her need for a wild reputation.

“Sweetie, bad idea,” Alison said with a grimace.

“Why is that?” Claire asked without taking her eyes off Jason. But she already knew the answer. It didn’t have to be said that Jason was out of her league.

Deanna hesitated before she explained. “You are not Jason Strong’s type. He likes women who are easy.” There was an awkward beat of silence. “No, that’s not what I meant. He likes women who are undemanding.”

“Silly,” Alison supplied.

“Simple,” another friend interjected.

“Stupid, if you want to be blunt about it,” Deanna added.

“Shush! He’s coming over here,” Alison whispered fiercely before she gave a brilliant smile. “Hi, Jason!”

Claire said nothing as Jason approached. She considered what the women had said. Jason was creative and clever. She had watched him while he worked at Mountain Creek Wine Cellars and noticed how he bounced around ideas with his employees and how he solved problems. The man thrived in a creative atmosphere. And yet, she had to admit that the women he had dated followed a pattern. They were beautiful and sexy but rarely contributed to the conversation.

He greeted the women and they preened under his attention. Claire understood how they felt. Her whole body lit up when he was near but she knew how to hide her reaction. Although she couldn’t stop her startled response when Jason grabbed her hand. “Come dance with me, Claire.”

She went rigid as she sensed the heightened interest of those around her. Dance? They had not discussed this beforehand. She automatically dug her heels into the dirt but Jason either predicted her move or was a lot stronger. Claire’s muscles locked but she didn’t say anything as he guided her to the center of the dance area.

“Jason, I don’t dance,” she announced through clenched teeth.

“There’s nothing to it,” he told her as he curled his arms around her. Jason frowned. “You’re too stiff. Just lean against me and follow my lead.”

She hesitantly stepped closer and draped her arms over his powerful shoulders. She was affected by his nearness. Her skin tingled and her knees were wobbly but he was a solid wall of muscle.

“I think I should have been more specific when I said �show as much skin as possible,’” he murmured as his hands splayed against her back. “You’re completely covered.”

“It’s a cold September night and the rain is hanging in the air.” That wasn’t the whole reason she hadn’t followed Jason’s advice. She didn’t want him to know that she had already talked herself out of the flirty dresses before she’d even stepped into Miranda’s shop.

“I approve of the shirt.” His fingers stroked the lace. “It looks like you’re not wearing anything underneath. It’s very distracting.”

“I think that was the idea. There’s a thin lining underneath that matches my skin tone.” But with his large hands against her spine, it felt as if there was no barrier between his skin and hers.

“Next time go for a brighter color so you stand out more,” he suggested as his hand slid down her spine. “How long have you been at the party?”

“I just got here.” She sounded breathless as her heart pounded against her chest.

“Perfect.” He bent his head and Claire closed her eyes. He was so close and she wanted to curl into him. She shivered as he whispered in her ear. “So, this is what you need to do. First, relax. This is a party.”

How could she relax when she was wrapped in Jason’s arms? The man of her hottest fantasies surrounded her. Her hands were linked behind his neck and she was tempted to spear her fingers into his hair. She imagined gripping the back of his head before she kissed him hard. “I’ll try,” she said hoarsely.

“Second, get in every picture. Look like you’re having a really great time. Tilt your head back and laugh hard while the picture is being taken.”

She wasn’t paying close attention to what Jason was saying. She just nodded and inhaled his scent. It was warm and masculine. She wanted to burrow her head against his neck. Lick his skin and taste him.

“Third, do something crazy.”

She blinked a couple of times and met his gaze. “Crazy?” she repeated. “How crazy?”

The left side of his mouth hitched up. “I recommend taking on every dare.”

Claire stared at his mouth. What would Jason dare her to do? What would she dare him to do? A kaleidoscope of sexual images crashed through her mind and she tried to ignore the insistent pull deep in her belly.

She abruptly looked away. “Why would I do that? I have no idea what someone’s going to dare me.”

“You’ll be fine,” he decided before he dropped his hold on her. “Yeah, I think that covers it. Good luck.”

Alarm streaked through Claire as her hands dropped down to his chest. “Wait just a second. Where are you going?”

He jerked his thumb in the direction of the bonfire. “I’m going to—”

“This is it?” Her voice rose and she hurriedly pressed her lips together before she tried again. “That’s all the help I’m going to get?”

“Earning a reputation is simple,” Jason said as he took a step away. “There’s not much to it.”

She grabbed his shirt and bunched it with her fist, forcing him to remain where he stood. “You are not getting out of this, Jason Strong,” she hissed in a low tone.

His hand covered hers. He was so big and powerful compared to her and they both knew he could pluck her hand away with very little effort. “I don’t need to be with you through every step.”

“Oh, yes, you do, or this deal is off!”

“Come on, Claire.” Jason tilted his head back as irritation rolled through him. “You are doing everything you have to do. And, let’s face it, your outfit is doing most of the work. Guys are going to swarm you the minute I leave.”

“I’m not looking for a man,” she reminded him.

“Right, you’re doing all this so you can get a job with Max.” He clenched his jaw. She couldn’t tell if it was disapproval or disappointment that flickered in his eyes. “If you want him to see that you are a wild woman, then you need to show that you are fighting off all the men.”

“So to get a man’s attention, I should show that another guy wants me? Great, I’ve just appointed you to be that guy. You’re staying.”

* * *

JASON INSTINCTS WARNED him to get away. His chest felt tight as lust pulsed in his blood. He was fighting the urge to touch her. Press his mouth against the base of her neck and feel her pulse beat against his lips. Caress her and watch the blush bloom on her pale skin. He felt as if he was on the cusp of discovering Claire’s hidden side. A part of her that she only revealed to someone special. He wanted to be that special one.

It didn’t make sense. This was Claire Miller. He had known her forever.

“So what does a woman have to do to get your attention?” she asked as she gripped his shoulders. He wasn’t sure what his expression revealed but Claire rolled her eyes. “I’m asking purely for research.”

“Sure you are,” he teased. He tried to imagine what Claire would do if she was interested in him. His skin went hot at the thought of all her drive and passion focused on his pleasure. She wouldn’t give up until she succeeded in getting him into bed.

“Well?” Claire asked. “What does she have to do? Make you jealous?”

Her words were like a splash of cold water. “If she tries that, I walk away and move on to the next woman.”

“Seriously? So quickly? What if you’re really into her?”

He’d fallen for a few women who’d tried to play mind games with him. It hurt because it meant they hadn’t bothered to find out that he wasn’t competitive. But he never showed how it affected him. “It doesn’t matter. If she’s interested in another guy I cut her loose.”

Claire looked away and froze. “Jason,” she whispered from the side of her mouth. “The song ended and everyone’s staring. We need to stop.”

If they stopped dancing then he no longer had an excuse to hold her close. “Why? You are getting exactly what you want.”

She gave a guilty start. “Sorry?”

“You’re getting attention.” He nodded in the direction of the DJ. “Your friends are taking pictures with their phones.”

His words seemed to fluster her even more. She took a determined step out of his embrace and smoothed her hands against her hair. “Okay, great. Thanks for your help. I think that should be enough for tonight, don’t you?”

Claire didn’t wait for his answer as she briskly walked away. What the hell? He was tempted to pursue. It was an unfamiliar sensation and he didn’t like it. He forced himself to remain still.

He watched her walk to the bonfire. Jason didn’t know why he was even interested in Claire. She was not the kind of woman he was usually attracted to. She was uptight. High maintenance. That usually made him back away fast.

Women like Claire were too much work. But he had to admit she was a lot more interesting than the women he had been dating recently. Those women were predictable. He was beginning to feel restless with them. Bored. Empty. These days his flings were getting shorter and shorter.

Claire, on the other hand, was a mystery. He had known her practically all his life but he hadn’t noticed her until recently. Like a fine wine, there were surprising notes about her. She had a sensual streak but she reined it in hard. Why? Why did she feel the need to hide it?

Jason flinched when someone clapped a hand on his back. He turned and saw his friend Dustin. The redhead wasn’t looking at him but was leering at Claire. “Who was that girl?”

“Claire.” His voice sounded rough.

“Claire?” Dustin frowned, obviously trying to put the name with the person. “Claire Miller? She looks different.”

“Not really.” Jason wanted to direct Dustin’s attention elsewhere. He was often protective of Claire, but this didn’t feel protective as much as it felt territorial.

“Are you two hooking up?”

“No,” he answered in a raspy voice as he fought the instinct to pursue Claire and pounce. That wasn’t his style. He waited for the women to come to him. “Why?”

“I didn’t realize she was your type.”

She wasn’t. Claire was a serious woman. She was all about making commitments and focusing on her goals. They would get along like oil and water. “What type is that?”

Dustin smiled. “Wild.”

Jason stared at his friend. Claire hadn’t done anything wild yet. The only thing she had done differently was dance with him. He remembered her friends’ stunned expression when he’d sought Claire out. Was that all it took to establish a reputation around here? For him to show interest?

He shouldn’t test this newfound attraction with Claire. She was too innocent and sweet to handle him. Jason didn’t approve of the men in her past yet none of them had as scandalous a dating past as him.

But Claire was acting differently this week. Reckless. She was determined to attract any kind of male attention and that could only lead to trouble. Despite the lust racing through his veins, he had to remember that his main goal during her “reinvention” was to stay close to Claire and take care of her.

Jason took a moment to consider if that was the best option and realized he didn’t have a choice. He was tempting trouble but the most dangerous thing facing Claire tonight was Claire herself.


3 (#u35481b83-2d6b-59d1-8d2a-3d0255b9aeed)

JASON FOUND CLAIRE on the other side of the bonfire in line to get a drink. Her eyes widened when she saw him striding to her and her spine stiffened. She immediately stepped out of line and headed to where the cars were parked but he caught up with her.

“Why did you walk away after the dance?” Jason asked. He looked over his shoulder but no one was around. The light from the bonfire didn’t quite reach them, and they were cocooned in the shadows.

“The song was over. Why are you following me?”

Because he couldn’t stop himself. He was always aware of where Claire was, who she was with and what she was doing. Until tonight he’d thought it was because he’d assigned himself to watch over her, but now he wasn’t so sure his motives had been that noble.

“Everything was going great,” he said. “Dustin’s eyes bugged out and he’s probably going to make a move on you.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Getting Dustin’s attention is not part of my goal.”

“You want to create a persona. I thought we were doing that. Did you change your mind?”

“If you must know...” Claire rolled back her shoulders and looked him straight in the eye. “I don’t like being center stage.”

“Everyone wants to be in the spotlight,” Jason argued. “They want to be seen and heard. It’s human nature.”

“Not everybody. I do better behind the scenes,” she said softly.

Was she trying to convince him or herself? Did she think she didn’t belong in the spotlight because she found it easier to stay offstage? “You were able to put yourself out there when you got Max’s attention,” he pointed out.

“That was an unusual circumstance,” she admitted. “I can’t do it easily in the real world. It’s different when you’re online. You can create an image and no one has to know that it’s fake. No one sees the work you did to cultivate the image.”

“The whole point of this project is to put the spotlight on you so you can show what you are made of. What you are capable of doing. If that’s not going to happen, what are you going to do?”

She glanced over to where the cars were parked. The need to escape vibrated from her. “I think we should put more work into this idea.”

Jason wanted to roll his eyes. “What is it with you and work?”

She gave a shrug and looked at her boots. “Hard work has been my saving grace.”

“It’s like you want to hide behind your charts and calendars. We don’t have time for that.” He wasn’t sure why he was the one concerned about the schedule. It was usually Claire’s role to keep pointing at the clock.

“I’m feeling the time crunch.” She patted her hand against her heart. “Believe me.”

“Then what is it?” He wanted to fling his arms out in exasperation. “There is no work or thought behind acting wild and wasted. You just have to do something crazy and stupid. Everyone will take a picture and share it. People will remember what you have done this week, and that is what Max will hear about. What are you waiting for?”

Her expression was blank but tension rippled from her body.

“What did I say?” he asked. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Her voice was barely a whisper. “I just realized that we’re going to need a new plan.”

Jason gritted his teeth and held back a growl of frustration. “Haven’t you been listening? You shouldn’t have a plan. You just—”

“No, seriously, Jason.” She started to wring her hands. “I can’t act like that.”

He stared at her hands and wondered where the panic was coming from. He had never seen her like this. Claire worried a lot but she didn’t give in to the panic. The worrying was her way of dealing with possible outcomes and working through it before it happened. “Why not?”

She pressed her lips together. “What if I don’t get this job?” she blurted out. “What if I’m sticking my neck out and making a fool of myself? How can I recover from that?”

Jason narrowed his eyes with suspicion. He didn’t think that was the real reason she was balking at his suggestions. “That’s not going to happen.”

“I’ve never gone all out pursuing a goal. I’m all about consistent and small steps. Even then, I’m holding back a little.”

“Why would you do that?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” she muttered. “Maybe it’s my way of not getting too excited or too hopeful if it all falls apart.”

“But you have to go all out if you want to pass this test and get your dream job.”

Claire covered her face her hands for a moment. “I am so out of my comfort zone.”

Jason exhaled sharply. Why did she have to make everything so difficult? “Claire, haven’t you ever done something incredibly stupid that everyone found out and talked about it? They’re not talking about it now.”

“That’s because I haven’t done anything like that.” She frowned when he scoffed at her answer. She set her hands on her hips and glared at him. “Have you heard any rumors about me?”

He tried to come up with one but he couldn’t remember hearing any stories about Claire. He had heard plenty about his sister, but Kim had been proud of her antics.

“Well?” she asked with a defiant thrust of her chin.

“I just assumed you were good at covering your tracks.”

“I don’t make my mistakes public and I don’t bring attention to myself. That’s just how I was raised. The importance of image is ingrained within me and I can’t change my basic nature in just one night.”

He splayed his arms out. “Why not?”

His question flustered her. She fidgeted, shifting from one foot to the next. He watched, fascinated, as her mouth opened and closed but no words came out. She wanted to say something but couldn’t quite find the courage to say it.

“Oh, this should be interesting.” He rocked back on his feet. “Got any deep dark secrets I should know about? Or have the statutes of limitations not run out yet?”

“This idea isn’t going to work.” She crossed her arms. “I don’t know why I didn’t realize it sooner. We should quit while we’re ahead.”

“Quit?” He was stunned. Claire Miller didn’t give up. She kept at a project, trying different things and not stopping until she got results. And now she was going to abandon her idea because it made her uncomfortable? “Since when has that word been in your vocabulary?”

“I can recognize when something isn’t going to work. There is no way I can make anyone think I’m an adventurous or spontaneous woman.”

“Yes, you can.” He may have had a different answer earlier today but he was used to seeing her passionate nature focused on business. He wanted to see her tap in to her sensual side.

She couldn’t look at him. “You don’t have to say that, Jason. Don’t worry, I’m letting you off the hook. We’re even.”

Jason hesitated. That was what he wanted, wasn’t it? If she wasn’t pursuing this crazy goal, he wouldn’t have to protect her. This had turned out easier than he had expected. Now was the time to say thanks and walk away. So why wasn’t he?

“It’s not like you to give up,” he said.

She flinched. “I was crazy to think I had a real chance at this job. Those kinds of careers are meant for other people. Not for me.”

“There’s something I’ve always admired about you, Claire,” he said gently. “You are the most tenacious person I know. I wish I was more like you.”

Her mouth dropped open. “Say what?”

“I wish I had your discipline and your willpower,” he confessed. “I don’t know what you call it...your commitment? Your stubbornness?”

“Thanks, but you live a charmed life. You don’t need discipline to get by.”

He wasn’t so sure about that. “And if anyone can create a new image in just a few days, it’s you.”

Her expression softened and her blue eyes seemed bigger. “I appreciate the support, Jason, but those qualities you just listed are standing in the way of me being a wild party girl.”

Jason wanted to argue but there was some truth in her words.

“I can try to push out of my comfort zone,” Claire continued, “but it’s not going to be enough. I could do something outrageous and everyone at this party will explain it away because I am the serious one. Or worse, they won’t notice.”

But they had noticed—when he was with her. “Then I’ll do it for you.”

She blinked hard. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

Jason was just as astonished that he had made the offer. But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. “There’s something that Dustin said to me tonight. His opinion of you changed because I was with you.”

She looked around him and stared at the people circling the bonfire as if she was trying to find Dustin. “Changed how?”

“He thought you were more like the women I usually date. Is it because you dressed differently? Is it because you danced with me?” He gave a shrug. “I can’t say, but my reputation is transferring onto you.”

“There has to be something more than that.”

“We’ll figure it out as we go along. Yeah, yeah.” Jason held his hands up in surrender. “I know, the very idea makes you have an anxiety attack. But this means you don’t have to act wild and crazy. I can do it for you.”

“I don’t understand,” she said. “How is that going to work?”

“Simple. I will act drunk with love for you.”

* * *

CLAIRE STARED AT Jason’s mouth. His lips were settled into a grim line. She couldn’t have heard that correctly. She was daydreaming again. That had to be the only explanation.

“You’re suggesting something like when a movie star wears a borrowed designer dress on the red carpet,” she said as if she was in a trance. “It lifts the status of the designer and it helps the star maintain her brand.”

“I guess,” Jason said. “What do you think? This will work.”

The only difference between her analogy and their predicament was that her association with Jason would not help him. Their friends and acquaintances would question it until they figured out the truth. “You think that if you act crazy in love with me—”

He winced. “Let’s go with infatuation.” He shook his head once he said the word out loud. “Uh...in lust?”

Her pulse skipped a beat as she imagined what life would be like if Jason Strong was overcome with lust for her. “And if you are in lust with me, how does that help my reinvention?”

“I can make you the center of attention. I will get the right people to talk about you and make the gossip catch like wildfire. Everyone will wonder how you have me under your spell.”

“You can get people to notice me just by showing me some attention?”

He dipped his head and hunched his shoulders. Even in the shadows she could see the ruddy color staining his face. “I didn’t mean that.”

She knew he was uncomfortable with how conceited it sounded, but it was true. “Let’s call you the influencer. When you recommend something or use a product, it influences your wide circle of friends to do so the same.”

Jason dragged his hands down his face. “Here you go again with your social media terminology.”

“You shouldn’t be embarrassed about your influence. You don’t realize how much power you have because you’ve always been the leader of the pack.”

“I didn’t ask for the role. It was given to me. It doesn’t make sense,” he said in a grumble. “You’ve accomplished so much by yourself and no one sees it. They won’t notice you unless I notice you. Where’s the logic in that?”

“It’s okay, Jason.” She reached out and placed her hand on his arm. “I haven’t made a point of promoting myself so people aren’t going to notice me without the help of an influencer.”

“It’s still unfair.”

She had learned early that life wasn’t meant to be fair. After growing up with sisters who never struggled at school, it was disheartening how much she had studied and didn’t get the same results. They could do math in their heads, ace a test without cracking a book and received grades she could only dream about.

“So, what do you think about my idea?” Jason asked.

What did she think about Jason Strong wooing her? Seducing her? Her heart fluttered against her chest. She would be living out her fantasy. For a whole week! Claire tried to keep a thoughtful expression as excitement pulsed inside her. Who cared if it was pretend?

She couldn’t appear too eager as she accepted his idea. There had to be a problem with this plan but for once she wasn’t going to weigh the pros and cons. She was willing to take the risk. She wanted to know what it was like to be with Jason.

Claire understood that if he truly was in lust with her it wouldn’t last. She wasn’t the kind of woman who could keep his attention. In fact, no woman was. But this way she could enjoy the experience and there wouldn’t be any long-term awkwardness once their “fling” fizzled out.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” she asked cautiously. “Won’t it hurt your status? When two brands that don’t match up get together, it’s always a disaster and then both brands are doing damage control.”

“It’s the easiest and quickest way to change your image,” he decided.

“What about your professional reputation?” she asked. “People might look at you differently if you act like a sofa-jumping man in love.”

The corner of his mouth twitched. “No, it won’t affect it at all.” He paused. “Any other excuses you can come up with?”

“They aren’t excuses!”

He dipped his head and captured her gaze with his. She couldn’t glance away.

“Yes or no, Claire?” There was no twinkle in his eyes. It was rare to see him this serious. “I should warn you, there are some rules.”

She clenched her jaw. “You tell me this now?” She didn’t like having surprises sprung on her and Jason knew that.

“First, you have to follow my lead.”

Her shoulders slumped. “I should have known there was going to be a catch.”

He had a determined look that she found mesmerizing.

“When I do something to support this crazy scheme, don’t question it and don’t fight it. Just trust me.”

“Just like that?” Part of her wanted to follow him wherever he led. She wanted to see where he would take her. But she had to be in control of her surroundings. She couldn’t give up that control just because Jason asked for it.

“And the second rule...” He paused as if he wasn’t sure if he should continue. “If I’m going to publicly pretend to fall for you, the least you can do is let me catch you.”

Her mouth parted in surprise. He was worried she might reject him? Where had he gotten that idea? Had she hid her desire for him so well that he thought she found him repulsive?

“Do you agree?” He frowned when she didn’t respond. “Yes or no, Claire.”

“Yes.” The word dragged out of her throat.

He gave a sharp nod. She couldn’t tell if he was satisfied, relieved or resigned. “I’m going to kiss you now.”

She took an automatic step back. “Why?”

“Rule number one,” he reminded her as he cupped her face with his big hands.

“I’m just trying to figure out why you think this is the right time.” She was beginning to babble. “If we had used a spreadsheet, we could have staged a proper buildup and—”

He claimed her mouth with his. Claire gasped, her breath hitching in her throat as heat washed over her. This was no brushing of the lips or a gentle exploration. It was a hard and demanding kiss, as if he couldn’t wait another moment.

His touch broke the barriers she had carefully built. Claire returned the kiss with a hunger she hadn’t realized she had. The heat billowed inside her as she swiped the tip of her tongue into his mouth. His fingers tightened against her jaw as he captured her tongue and drew it in sharply. Claire felt the pull deep in her core and moaned with delight.

She wanted to be closer, to melt into Jason. She clutched the back of his head with her hands and greedily returned his kiss. Her skin felt tight and tingly as she ached for his hands to explore her body.

Claire had no idea how long the kiss had lasted when Jason pulled away slowly. She stared at him, gulping for air, not sure what to do or say. He looked as amazed as she felt. He dropped his hands as if her skin burned him.

Claire swallowed hard and reluctantly lowered her hands. She kept her gaze on his reddened lips. She couldn’t look him in the eye. She didn’t want him to see how much that kiss affected her. “I have to go.”

“You’re walking away?” There was an edge to his voice. “Again?”

“If I stay then we will have to continue this charade, and we don’t have a strategy in place,” she said hoarsely. If she stayed then she would cling to Jason and drag his clothes off. “Now is the time for me to leave.”

“Let me walk you to your car.” He bunched his hands at his sides and she knew he wasn’t going to touch her again. “And we will figure out our story along the way.”

* * *

MINUTES LATER, Claire walked into her apartment, wondering how she was going to get through the week when Jason could kiss like that. She flipped on the lights, closed the door and leaned on it. If she wasn’t careful, she was going to get addicted to his touch.

Her cell phone rang. Was it Jason? Her pulse galloped as she retrieved it from her purse. She felt a mix of relief and disappointment when she recognized her best friend’s number. Claire answered it quickly. “Kim?”

“I just got a picture of you and my big brother kissing,” her best friend said in a rush. “Tell me that it was edited.”

Claire covered her face with her hand. Someone must have captured them kissing at the party—and the photo had gotten around fast. Her friend lived across the state managing the Mountain Creek vineyards. “Where did you get a picture?”

“Oh, please. I still keep in touch with people in Woodinville.” Kim paused. “So it’s real?”

“Uh...yeah.”

“You and Jason?” Kim’s voice rose to a screech. “What is going on? When did this happen?”

Claire sighed. “It’s not what it looks like.”

“You always say that,” she said with a groan. “But this looks like a hot and steamy lip-lock. I swear he’s about to toss you over his shoulder and take you to the nearest bed.”

Claire’s legs wobbled as she imagined Jason doing just that.

“Wait...are you alone?” Kim misinterpreted Claire’s silence. She dropped her voice to a whisper. “Is he with you?”

If she was alone with Jason after that kiss, she would not have answered the phone. “No, nothing like that,” Claire said with a sigh. “He’s helping me with a project.”

“Don’t give me that crap. I know you’ve always harbored a secret crush on Jason. You weren’t obvious about it, but I could always tell what you were thinking.”

“I’m serious, he’s helping me out,” Claire insisted as she walked to her sofa.

“And Jason has had a soft spot for you since the day he met you,” Kim continued. “Sure, he ignored us all through high school but he did watch over us. I thought that was a phase, but when he needed help with the wine bar’s marketing, he didn’t go with the big advertising companies or hire a public relations firm. He decided his PR person was going to be you, and he didn’t consider anyone else.”

“I didn’t know that.” Claire slowly sat down. She had always assumed it was Kim who had pushed for Mountain Creek to hire her.

“But you’re familiar with Jason’s bad relationships. He doesn’t date indiscriminately anymore—and I’m using the word date as a euphemism—but he still doesn’t get serious with women. He only hooks up with the ones who just want a good time.”

“I know.” But didn’t anyone think that she wanted a good time? That she could have a strictly physical relationship? Some might call her a little uptight, but that didn’t mean she required every part of her life to be serious.

“You’re familiar with all this and you’re hooking up with him? Honestly, Claire, how dumb are you to get involved with him?”

Claire closed her eyes and gripped the phone tightly.

Kim gasped. “I’m sorry, Claire! I didn’t mean that you were dumb! You know I wouldn’t mean that!”

“It’s okay, Kim.” Her voice was steady.

“No, it’s not okay! You hate that word. I have no idea why I said it.”

“I’m not sensitive about it anymore,” she assured her friend. The word didn’t cause her pain. Maybe a pinch but that was all. “I know I’m not smart. I’ve taken enough tests to prove it.”

“That’s not true.” Kim’s tone was firm. “Those tests don’t tell the whole story.”

She still remembered the battery of tests she’d had to take as a teen at the neuropsychologist’s office. It had been exhausting, as if the tests had sucked out everything from her brain. It wasn’t at all like the standardized tests she had struggled with at school.

But what she remembered the most was the outrage her parents had displayed when they were given the results. Not only had it turned out that she had several learning disabilities, but she had also scored below average on the IQ test. Her parents refused to believe it.

“It takes smarts to overcome those obstacles,” Kim insisted. “It takes smarts to make something out of yourself. To be a business owner.”

“To hide my low IQ score,” Claire added. Her parents had insisted that the family hide the results. They didn’t tell the school, doctors and relatives about anything, even the learning disabilities. Claire had agreed. She didn’t want anyone to know that she was flawed and defective. Different.

Her parents had believed the tests were wrong and went to another expert and then another until they finally decided to abandon the pursuit for answers. They hadn’t liked what they had heard. In their opinion, Claire just needed to apply herself and work harder.

“They are your parents and I’m sure you love them, but they were wrong in how they handled the situation,” Kim said in a grumble.

“They thought it reflected badly on them.” That something was wrong with them and it had transferred to their child. They couldn’t have that. Her parents were considered geniuses in their field. Their computer programming careers and their identities were based entirely on their intelligence.




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