Page 15 of The Mistletoe Makeover

“What about someone from the committee?”

“No,” I say. “They don’t have the design skills, like you and Ella.”

There’s a pause on the other end. “Is this your desperate plea to get me to work for you?”

Ever since Ella opened up her interior design business in Sully’s Beach, Jaz has been helping her while trying to get her fashion design business off the ground. My offer might not be the same as designing a Christmas festival, but it’s close enough.

“I could pay you,” I add. “And Ella too. The committee has a budget that I’m allowed to use at my discretion. Plus, I need you as my emotional support.” Between my meddling family and Jace’s big ego, I need someone who will keep me sane.

Jaz lets out a sigh of defeat. “When do you need me?”

I jump up from my seat so fast I knock my papers off the table. They float to the floor as I pump my fist in the air.

“You won’t regret this. The people here are lovely. And Maplewood willput you in the Christmas spirit.”

“You had me at the mention of Hallmark Christmas movies,” she says. “I’ll get to work on a design for Main Street right away.”

“Let’s chat about the details after I meet with Jace.”

I slide back into my chair and a message pops up on my computer screen.

Jace:Can we move our meeting up an hour?

I lean on the table, suddenly aware that Jace is no longer a famous star on the other side of a screen, but a real person who invites me over. My stomach flutters. I’m not someone who rubs shoulders with celebrities. I’m just an unemployed thirty-one-year-old temporarily living with my mother.

“Listen, Jace just moved our meeting up, so I gotta run.”

“You’re meeting with Jace Knight right now?” The wonder in her voice makes me even more nervous.

“Yeah, why?”

Jaz squeals on the other end. “I got shivers just thinking about seeing his place.”

I roll my eyes. “I’m his employee, not a guest.”

“I know,” she says. “But he’s inviting you over. Do you know what a privilege that is? He doesn’t even let the press into his home.”

“We’ve got a concert to plan in a very short time.” I don’t say it, but it’s in the back of my mind:And a reputation to fix.

“Maybe this will be the best thing that’s ever happened to you.” I can hear the smile in her voice.

Or the worst.I just don’t know which way it’ll go yet.

* * *

I arrive at Jace’s cabin on the outskirts of town with five minutes to spare. Since a security gate blocks his sprawling property, I check in with my own passcode and then travel the winding drive through the middle of a dense forest. If Jace wanted privacy, this is definitely the equivalent of getting off the grid.

About the time that I’m sure this drive will never end, his log cabin comes into full view. The modern luxury cabin looks newly built and has massive windows and a large porch. A Jaguar sits in the drive outside.

I step outside my car and shiver as the wind tosses my hair in my face. It’s not that I’m nervous about today, it’s that every time I’m near him, I get this strange jumpy feeling in my chest, like my heart is about to leap outside my bones.

Maybe it’s because he’s Mr. Smolder himself, dubbed theDark Knightbecause he’s the poster child fortall, dark, and handsomewith that mysterious dimpled smirk.

No matter how I try to paint our newfound working relationship, I distinctly get the feeling he doesn’t like me. After lecturing him at the airport and then arriving late to my last meeting, I need us to hit it off today. And if I do my job well, an endorsement from Jace would be huge for any future career prospects.

As I walk to his front door, something brushes my leg, and I nearly stumble over it, catching myself at the last second before I fall on my face.

“What was that?” I mutter, trying to find whatever nearly tripped me.

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