Outrageously Yours (3 page)

“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.”

* * *

J
ASON
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

J
ASON
FOUND
C
LAIRE
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.”

* * *

C
LAIRE
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.