Excerpt
Chapter One
A knock at the door of Naomi Katz’s sunny little office interrupted her concentration. Lunch already? She huffed. It all starts with a knock, she thought to herself as she put aside her plans for her latest image-consulting client. Whether it was getting knocked off one’s high horse, getting knocked up or getting knocked out, the catalyst for change was always a knock.
Shaking her head, she pushed away from her gray pine writing desk, adjusted her taupe wool A-line skirt and grabbed her wallet to pay the delivery guy from the Emerald Ridge Café. Except, when she walked over to the French doors separating her office from the vestibule, she gasped. She dropped her wallet from suddenly numb fingers. The jingle of change and the soft plunk on the geometric silver rug brought her up short.
Shane Fortune stood on the other side of the door, hand raised and poised to knock again, gaze expectant.
Definitely not the delivery guy.
What was he doing here?
She took a quick glance back toward her desk. His father, Garth Fortune, was her latest client. Her latest secret client—he’d been sure to clarify that no one in town could know he was consulting her for services. Noticing nothing that would give that away, she opened the door.
Ordinarily, she’d be warm and welcoming to anyone entering her office. She liked most of the locals, and no one would hire a surly image consultant. But Shane? He was her nemesis.
Pasting on a small smile, she opened the door.
“Hello, Shane.” She remained standing in the doorway, staring up into his blue eyes, eyes that had once sparkled across a dinner table from her.
“Hey, Naomi, you busy?” He removed his gray cowboy hat from his curly brown hair and held it against his broad chest.
Her gaze skipped from the sharp planes of his face to his long fingers and back to his eyes. She swallowed and fingered the Star of David necklace at her throat.
“I have some time,” she said. “Come on in.”
She led him to a seating area in front of the big bay window facing Emerald Ridge Boulevard, the main street of Emerald Ridge. A set of sheer cream curtains lent privacy to the office, while still allowing in light and the bustle from outside.
Naomi refrained from laughing as the tall man tried to make himself comfortable on the scalloped off-white settee. The delicate-looking piece was sturdier than it appeared; however, Shane still looked out of place. She sat in the matching chair across from a round coffee table in the same gray pine as her desk. When she’d designed the office, she’d gone for elegance, to match the image she’d cultivated over the years.
As long as no one asked her too many personal questions, she’d be fine.
Her insides fluttered with nerves as she wondered what questions Shane would ask her right now.
She studied him as he tried to get comfortable. He couldn’t possibly need an image overhaul. His own—-handsome, muscular, hardworking and friendly—was just fine. He was a Fortune, of course, so he was known for his wealth and his ranching skills. She hadn’t heard any whispered mutterings from people in town. And although his family had faced a crisis or two recently, Shane’s reputation, unlike his father’s, hadn’t suffered. If anything, she was one of the few who didn’t like him.
And with good reason.
So then, why was he here?
When Shane continued to remain silent, Naomi spoke. “How can I help you?” She clenched her stomach muscles while she waited for an answer. Hopefully, he was here for something quick.
He shifted in his seat one last time, clasped his hands together with his elbows on his knees and looked up at her. “I’ve started dating again, and it’s a disaster.”
Naomi’s breath hitched. This was not what she’d expected to hear from him. But his blue eyes were troubled, his mouth was turned down at the corners and his knuckles were white.
“How so?”
Shane’s sigh was so loud and strong that the lock of brown hair across his forehead ruffled. “I’ve been divorced now for a year, and I’m ready for a new relationship, but no one I’ve dated is ready to take on a six-year-old. And those who are—” he shrugged “—don’t have that spark.”
This conversation was getting weirder by the second.
She crossed and uncrossed her legs. “Where are you finding the women you’re dating?”
“I’ve tried multiple dating apps, and I’ve asked my siblings for help…” He scoffed. “You should have seen some of the dates they set me up on.”
He held up his hands before he continued.
“There was nothing wrong with the women, per se, but I don’t think my family and I are on the same page when it comes to the type of women I should date.”
Shane had a type? She swallowed. “What do you mean?”
“Well, Poppy thinks I’m too serious. Rafe believes I need to have some fun. And Micah says I’ve had too much responsibility too soon, what with getting married and having a son so early in life.”
Naomi remembered how fast he’d wed and had a child after meeting the supposed woman of his dreams. A bitter taste rose in the back of her throat.
He continued. “So I humored them, and even initiated conversations with a random woman or two I met at a bar.”
Naomi couldn’t help but react to that statement, and Shane laughed. “I know, it’s not my style. But that’s just it. Nothing I’ve done has helped me find a lady who I want a relationship with, and who wants a relationship with my son. None of the women I’ve dated can see past my name. And no matter what Poppy and the rest say, I’m not the kind of guy who dates casually. I want a relationship, especially now that I have a son.”
Naomi’s heartbeat quickened. Not a lot of men their age were as focused on having a family as Shane appeared to be. And the ones who were? Her chest tightened, and she struggled to bury her own embarrassment and separate out her issues from those of the man who sat across from her.
“Maybe you haven’t given the relationships enough time.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “I thought so at first, but most of the women I’ve met are either only interested in the Fortune name or my family’s wealth. The few who have at least appeared to get beyond those things just didn’t click—either with me or with Brady.”
Couldn’t click with Brady? Naomi didn’t know Shane’s son, but whenever she’d seen the little boy around town, either with his father or one of his relatives, he’d been darling. Her heart squeezed in sympathy for Shane and Brady. She couldn’t imagine anyone not falling in love with the man’s son.
“I think I’m the problem,” Shane continued. “There must be something wrong with me that makes me attract the wrong kind of woman. I’ve seen your sign outside your office, and I thought maybe you could help me.”
It was a good thing she hadn’t brought over her own coffee and offered Shane a drink, because if she had, she’d be wearing a latte right about now. And image consultants did not spill on themselves.
They also didn’t sit around with their mouths hanging open.
Her head began to pound. “You want my help?”
Shane nodded.
“To attract women?”
“The right kind of woman,” he said.
He had to be kidding, right? Of all the people he could have chosen to help him, he had to pick her ? Granted, there weren’t a lot of people in Emerald Ridge who did the kind of work she did. Scratch that, there weren’t any. That was part of the reason why her business was so successful—no competition. But plenty of folks worked virtually. Heck, she had virtual clients. She had to tell him no.
“And in your head, that would be…?”
She felt her chest tighten. Her question wasn’t a refusal. In fact, it was anything but. However, if he gave her more information, perhaps she’d be better able to refer him to someone else.
“Someone warm and loving to my son, who wants to play catch with him, spend time with him, treat him like her own son. You know, cheer him on at soccer games. And someone who finds me attractive for myself, not for my name or my money.”
In other words, someone like me.
But not her. Been there, done that, still reddened with embarrassment when the memory struck.
However, wanting to be the mother to his son? Her body heated with envy. She’d give anything to be the doting mother of a child. Even Shane’s child. Just not…with Shane. Any attraction she’d once had for him had evaporated after their one disastrous date.
So that meant she needed to find someone just like herself. But not herself. She groaned silently.
“Shane, I’m not sure I’m the right consultant for you,” she said. “But I’d be happy to refer you to a couple of colleagues I know.”
He shook his head. “I can’t think of anyone more qualified to help me,” Shane insisted, his voice strident. “You’re successful, polished, smart, and I’ve read the papers. I know you’ve had an impressive list of clients.”
None of whom knew her boyfriend dumped her three months ago. She’d hidden that bit of information from everyone but her grandmother. If people knew about it, they’d wonder what was wrong with her. Andrew had been successful and a perfect-on-paper boyfriend. They’d begin to doubt her, as much as she’d doubted herself. Andrew’s dumping her had rattled her confidence in herself and her own body. As much as she tried to move past it, she wasn’t sure when or if she was going to get it back.
Not to mention the reason he’d broken up with her had shattered something within her. Every time she thought about it, her eyes welled, her chest ached and all she wanted to do was crawl into a hole. Even now, her throat thickened.
Thank God Shane wasn’t asking about her personal life. But listening to him rattle off her qualifications made her feel like an imposter. Brushing aside her insecurities, she leaned forward.
“I’m still not sure I’m right for you.” She hadn’t been right for him years ago when they’d had their disastrous date. And now, he wanted her help getting a girlfriend. How in the world was she supposed to do that for him?
“Please, Naomi. I’m at my wit’s end. If I can’t fix what’s wrong with me, how can I hope to find someone?”
Her lips twitched. If only it were Andrew sitting across from her, begging for help. Giddiness filled her. Maybe she could do this, and in the process, make herself feel better.
“Well, I suppose I could give you some image pointers, as well as a few suggestions for making your needs in a partner more clear.” She nodded. “Shouldn’t take more than a few hours to put something together for you. Oh, and I charge two hundred and fifty dollars an hour.”
Shane shook his head.
“You object to my rates?” Maybe that was the key to getting rid of him.
“No, not at all. I’d willingly pay you double. But I want more than just a list of what I should and shouldn’t do. I want you to go on a date with me.”
Shane sat across from Naomi, watching her beautiful fair skin whiten. A hint of rose deepened her cheekbones and her brown eyes widened in shock.
Okay, so their one date years ago had not gone well, but was the thought of going out with him that horrible? He tried to squash the feelings of doubt that crept along his spine.
He crossed an ankle over his knee and jiggled his foot. “Problem?” He braced for her response, reminding himself he’d have to confront parts of him he might not like in order to fix them and find a woman to spend the rest of his life with.
“I don’t date clients.” Her crisp voice left no room for argument.
He wasn’t finished. “I don’t mean a real date,” he said. “That wasn’t a pickup line. Although clearly, if you thought it was, and reacted this way, I’ve come to the right place. I want to understand what I’m doing wrong, and the best way to do that is for you to watch me in action.”
His body heated with embarrassment at the idea. Thank God they’d never really gone beyond that one date, or he’d be mortified to have an ex-girlfriend evaluate his moves. As it was, evaluating his awkwardness with women appealed to him about as much as going to the dentist.
“So, not a real date.” Her voice was measured, but somehow, he heard the relief in it she was clearly trying to hide.
And a part of him bristled. “We tried that once before, remember?”
“I do.”
Now she’d masked her emotions again. Did she recall it the same way he did? Poppy, his sister, had set the two of them up seven years ago. Why she’d thought he and Naomi would get along together was beyond him, but his younger sister had been confident her friend was exactly the woman he was looking for.
Come to think of it, Poppy had a pretty horrible track record setting him up. No wonder he hadn’t found anyone.
His mind drifted back to that one regrettable date they’d shared. Naomi was pretty and smart, and they’d had lots to talk about, but he was already crushing on someone else. Crushing so hard, he wanted to make her jealous.
Even now, just thinking about the idiot he’d been made him want to sink into the cowhide rug beneath his feet. What kind of a person did that to someone else? The realization he’d never apologized hit him like a punch in the gut.
“I’m sorry about how I behaved back then. It wasn’t right.” It was more than not right. It was slimy .
She nodded once, but he wasn’t sure if it was an acknowledgment of him apologizing or an acceptance. She didn’t look angry though.
If he were in her place, he’d be furious. He’d basically told her she wasn’t good enough, that she was a placeholder until someone better came along.
Shame made his cheeks burn.
“You deserved better,” he said, his voice low.
Her brown eyes, shot with flecks of gold, looked at him squarely from a face that was serene. High cheekbones, a narrow nose and a wide forehead lent an air of elegance to her, which was accentuated by her sharp, neutral clothes.
His pulse raced as she remained silent. What if she said no?
“As I mentioned, it’s not really a date,” he reminded her, when she didn’t speak. “It’s more like practice on the fly.”
That got a smile out of her. “Meaning…”
“Meaning I’d pick you up from your home, take you out for drinks and dinner, and you’d observe me and tell me what I’m doing wrong.”
He swallowed. That list was probably going to be long. As much as he hated the idea of this smart, beautiful woman judging him, it might be the best form of apology he could give her. He’d been an ass to her back then. Now she’d get to point out all his flaws. Of course, he’d benefit from her judgment, but she’d get satisfaction out of being the one to do it, wouldn’t she?
It was the only way he was going to be able to figure out why he couldn’t seem to attract the right women.
Naomi rose and paced the width of the room. She was tall and stately and moved with grace. He tracked her with his gaze as she walked back and forth. Finally, she turned to him.
“I can see how that would be helpful.”
He let out a breath.
“I’ll take you on as a client,” she continued, “and I’ll go out on the fake date with you. Purely for research purposes,” she clarified.
His body loosened as the tension lessened. He nodded. “That’s great. Really great. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Now, why don’t you tell me more about what you’re looking for in a woman, other than being a great stepmom.”
He shook his head. “That’s it.”
“That’s it?” She raised a perfectly plucked eyebrow. “What about intelligence or a sense of humor or similar interests or beliefs as you?”
“Nothing is as important as how they get along with my son.”
She sat back down and leaned forward. “That’s admirable, really, but also maybe it’s part of the problem. Don’t you want to like the person? Or even fall in love with them, or at least have the potential to someday? I mean, if the only thing you want in someone else is for them to be good with your son, technically, you could just hire a really good nanny.”
A jolt of disgust raced through him. “Are you suggesting I leave the raising of my son to someone else?”
Holding up her hands, Naomi shook her head. “Of course not. But you have to realize that it takes more than liking kids to make a good relationship.” She laughed. “All the women I know want to be appreciated for themselves, not just for being good with kids. I mean, I love children, and you and I would be a disaster.”
He shifted in his chair. “I don’t know about a disaster…”
“Seriously?” Naomi cocked her head to the side. “We’re nothing alike. Even back then, when we went out that one time, we had nothing in common.”
Shane flushed. While he didn’t concur with that last part, there was no denying their date years ago had been less than stellar. His skin prickled just remembering that night. Poppy had hoped the two of them would hit it off and that he’d forget all about Lacey. He’d agreed to go to dinner with Naomi because she was cute. A super shallow reason, he knew, but he’d been pretty shallow back then. And she’d been fun to talk to—just like she was now, if he were honest with himself. He’d wanted to get to know her better, but didn’t know quite how to do it. So, for some unknown reason, he’d suggested they each tell the other a secret. He hadn’t expected her to agree, and of course, she’d flipped it back on him. So, he told her the first thing that popped into his head—that he wanted a family. A big family. It didn’t matter that he was only twenty-five; he was ready for kids. He’d expected her to run.
What he hadn’t expected was the deep sadness that crossed her lovely face.
“I can’t have them,” she’d said.
She’d looked like she was ready to bolt, and he’d wanted to comfort her. So he’d mentioned adoption.
And suddenly, the date turned around. Her expression brightened, they both started talking about their hopes and dreams for the future, and he’d found himself enjoying being with her. They’d even texted a little after the date, until he’d screwed it all up by ghosting her the second Lacey had become available.
He shook his head.
“Right?”
Her voice shook him out of his reverie. She’d clearly interpreted his head shaking as agreement; they were too different. Part of him wanted to argue. But what was the point? He was hiring her to improve his image, not to go out with him.
With a sigh, he cleared his throat. “Fine, other things I’m interested in for a potential relationship…”