HIS OUTRAGEOUS WOMAN

        Samaire Grainger’s hands kept shaking while her chest tightened with anticipation as she turned her car into the parking lot. She took a deep breath and looked at herself in the rear-view mirror.“You stop it, Sam… Keep your mind on what’s important! Focus!” she muttered, trying to motivate herself. “Besides, he’s your best friend’s brother. He is only a client and nothing more.”          Well, her brain was saying that, but her body wasn’t listening to a word. It never did when Dominic Weston was involved. Dom, 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

         Dominic watched Samaire with growing concern. She shoved her hands in her long light brown hair. Her golden 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, Sam?”“Nothing… Never mind…” she whispered.“You are white a sheet, so stop with the nothing nonsense and tell me what the hell is going on.”          Samaire sighed and shrugged.“Brian Connolly helps celebrities manage their public image on social media. He is a big deal and he&rsquo

          Even so, that didn’t mean this wasn’t a game for Brian Connolly. Brian 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 Samaire. 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.          Well, that was a risk she needed to take. Samaire had to prove to the Brian Connollys of the world that her methods and style were just as valuable as theirs.“Sam, we have to do this my way. It’s faster. Easier. 100% success guaranteed.”

Dominic found Samaire on the other side of the bonfire. Her eyes widened when she saw him striding toward her and her spine stiffened. She immediately headed to the parking lot but he caught up with her.“Why did you walk away after the dance?” Dominic asked. He looked over his shoulder but no one was around. The light from the bonfire didn’t quite reach them, and they were safe from prying eyes.“The song was over, Dom. Why are you following me?” Because he couldn’t stop himself. He was always aware of where Samaire 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. “Marshall’s eyes bugged out and he’s probably going to make a move on you.” She wrinkled her nose.“This isn’t my goal.”“You want to create a persona. I thought we were doing that. Did you change your mind?”

          He shouldn’t have kissed her.          And he shouldn’t think about it anymore, Dominic decided as he walked to Samaire’s apartment the next evening. Eagerness pulsed through him and Dominic tried to will it away. He gave an irritable sigh. He needed to focus on his job tonight. He also needed to complete this favor for Samaire without adding any complications.          But if Dominic had to describe Samaire Grainger, he would only use one word: complicated. She made his job easier but the woman was difficult and stubborn as a rock.          Samaire argued with him over the tiniest detail with no provocation. She questioned everything from his plans for Cedar Creek Wine Cellars to his enthusiasm. And being questioned wasn’t something Dominic was used to or liked.