Outrageously Yours

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

“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.