A Little Christmas Jingle by Michele Dunaway Page A

in.
    â€œFirst, I am not posing sans clothes … in public.”
    Her skin heated and she blushed deep. “I wouldn’t expect that.”
    Beer slid down his throat. “You’d be amazed who would and how many times I’ve been asked.” Bottle down, long, firm fingers now tapped against the plastic water cup. “Also, I’m happy to take pictures and sign autographs, but I don’t want that to be my only focus. As much as I hate Christmastime adoptions, I do like helping people find a pet. I also want to be able to publicize the Task Force and its work. So we need to make sure all animals are going to good, forever homes.”
    She nodded, hopeful. “Of course. You know I support all of that.”
    â€œFinally, I have another condition. A personal favor, so to speak.”
    As the idea germinated, he realized he’d found the perfect solution to his number-one problem. He could get his mother off his back and explore this thing—this interest—he had with Kat.
    â€œLike what kind of favor?” she asked.
    â€œI need you to fall madly in love with me.”
    Her fingers flew to her mouth. “What?”
    He laughed, put his hands up in surrender. “Kidding. But have you ever seen one of those movies where people agree to help each other out during the holidays? You know, like attending events together? But as friends? But they pretend to be dating? I need us to do that.”
    She tugged her bottom lip under with her top teeth. “Let me get this straight. Are you talking about Hallmark Channel Christmas movies? And you want us to pretend to be in love?”
    A shoulder lifted in a shrug. “Yes and yes.”
    â€œYou watch Hallmark movies?”
    â€œMy mother and sister do. And—” he turned it around on her “—I bet you’ve probably seen every one.”
    Busted.
“Okay, fine.” The rosy flush spread, and his breath caught. “Yes, I watch them marathon style. Don’t you dare snicker. There’s nothing wrong with that. Don’t knock me or your mother for our good taste.”
    â€œOr my stepsister,” he added, grateful he and Kat had connected. “She’s getting married in a few weeks. Which is why I need you to pretend to be mad about me. Remember my stalkers from the ball? My mom’s fault. She’s a self-proclaimed matchmaker and determined to fix me up. I need a buffer, like you were the night we met. You love Christmas and December, so you’re perfect.”
    â€œI’m far from perfect.”
    â€œNot for what I need.” Intense blue eyes stopped studying the cup and locked onto her gaze instead. A shiver ran through her. “If I do your charity event, I want you to attend some events with me.”
    That sounded doable. “Why?”
    â€œI need to get through this holiday and could use publicity for the unit. With a beautiful, intelligent woman on my arm, I will be left alone. If we fake date, it’s a win-win.”
    Her eyes widened, comprehending. “You need a mercy date.”
    â€œAnd you need me to help save your shelter.”
    â€œSounds like we’re both desperate.”
    â€œI am never desperate.”
    Kat trembled at the innuendo. No, a man as sexy as him wouldn’t be. He shook his head, that blond hair dropping into his face. Then he let out a long sigh. “But I do need us to pretend we’re a newly in-love couple. Only you and I will know it’s all make-believe. Can you do that?”
    Her lips puckered together. Could she pretend to be in love with him—the sexiest guy to come along in years? Kat studied her untouched salad as if the croutons had grown wings. Just this morning he’d waved a complaint letter in her face. “It’s a lot to take in.” Grabbing her fork, she stabbed a chunk of lettuce and cheese. The idea of spending more time with him sent chills up her body. As she used her napkin