Page 4 of Hitched to my Boss (Viva Las… Oh, Sh!t #2)

"Which means we need to control the narrative before you meet with him.

" I pull up a fresh document. "I'm thinking a comprehensive digital presence overhaul.

Professional website showcasing your expertise and approach, client testimonials that emphasize your problem-solving abilities, maybe even some educational content that positions you as a thought leader in sustainable wildlife management. "

Jason looks skeptical. "I don't do social media."

"You don't have to. That's my job." I smile at his obvious relief. "Though you will need to provide content and approve everything before it goes live."

"What kind of content?"

"A few case studies, methodology explanations, maybe some educational pieces about coexistence strategies for ranchers and wildlife." I'm getting excited now, ideas flowing. "The goal is to position you as the expert who finds solutions other people can't or won't consider."

"And this will convince Hartwell to work with me?"

"This will give Hartwell a reason to overlook whatever he's heard about your interpersonal skills." I lean forward, meeting his eyes. "Jason, you're not trying to become a different person. You're just learning to present your expertise in a way that makes sense to clients who don't know you yet."

Something shifts in his expression, a subtle relaxation that tells me he's starting to believe this might actually work.

"How long will all this take?"

"Depends on how much access you're willing to give me.

" I pause, choosing my words carefully. "I'll need to spend time here, observing how you work, understanding your methods well enough to write about them authentically.

And I'll need you to be available for interviews, content review, maybe some practice sessions for client interactions. "

The tension immediately returns to his shoulders. "How much time are we talking about?"

"A few weeks, probably. Maybe a month if we want to do this thoroughly."

"A month." He repeats the timeframe as if I've suggested he host a circus in his living room.

"It sounds like a lot, but most of my work will be behind the scenes. Writing, design, doing technical setup. I won't be in your space constantly."

"But you'll be here. In Whisper Vale."

"Is that a problem?"

He's quiet for a long moment, and I can practically see him weighing the costs and benefits. "Where would you stay? The nearest hotel is forty miles away."

I'd already researched this, knowing his location would present logistical challenges. "There's a bed and breakfast in town. The Mountain View Lodge. I've already checked availability."

"Mrs. Toombs's place." He nods slowly. "That could work."

Something in his tone makes me think he's not entirely opposed to having me around for a few weeks. The realization sends a little thrill through me that's absolutely unprofessional.

"So you're willing to do this?"

Another long pause. Then: "What's your success rate? With clients like me?"

"Honestly? I don't usually work with clients like you.

" I close my tablet, giving him my full attention.

"Most of my crisis management work involves damage control for people who've made public mistakes.

Your situation is different. You're not recovering from a scandal; you're trying to bridge a communication gap. "

"And you think you can do that?"

"I think we can do that. Together." I stand, gathering my materials. "But only if you're committed to the process. If you're going to disappear into the mountains every time I ask you to step outside your comfort zone, this won't work."

He stands as well, and I'm reminded again of how his presence seems to fill the space around him despite his obvious preference for staying in the background.

"I need this contract," he says simply. "Not just for the money, but for what it represents. If I can't expand my client base, I'm stuck with small local jobs that barely pay the bills."

"Then we'll make it happen." I extend my hand for a professional handshake. "Partners?"

His hand engulfs mine, warm and callused and surprisingly gentle. The contact sends an unexpected jolt of awareness through me, and from the way his eyes widen slightly, I think he feels it too.

The handshake lasts a beat longer than strictly professional, both of us seeming reluctant to break the contact. When he finally releases my hand, I have to resist the urge to flex my fingers.

"Partners," he agrees, but there's something in his voice that makes the word sound like more than a business arrangement.

"I'll drive into town and get settled at the lodge," I say, stepping toward the door before I can do something unprofessional like stare at his mouth. "Tomorrow morning, we can start with a comprehensive review of your current business materials."

"What time?"

"Is eight too early?"

"I'm usually up by five, so eight works fine."

Of course he is. I'm dealing with a mountain man who probably considers sunrise a late start to the day.

"Perfect. And Jason?" I pause at his front door. "Thank you for trusting me with this. I know having someone in your space isn't easy."

"Just... don't make me regret it."

There's something vulnerable in his voice that makes my chest tighten. Whatever happened to Jason Wallace to make him so wary of letting people close has left him cautious about trusting anyone with anything that matters.

"I won't," I promise, and I mean it.

As I drive down his winding driveway toward town, I catch myself glancing in the rearview mirror at his cabin until it disappears behind the trees. This contract is going to be more complicated than I anticipated, and not just because of Jason's trust issues.

I'm attracted to him. Really, genuinely attracted in a way that could seriously complicate our working relationship. The smart thing would be to refer him to another consultant and walk away before things get messy.

But I've never been one to back down from a challenge, and Jason Wallace is definitely that. The question is whether I can help him achieve his goals without compromising my professional standards.

Or my carefully guarded heart.

I point my SUV toward town and start planning my strategy for transforming a reluctant mountain man into the kind of professional Marcus Hartwell can't afford to ignore. It's going to require all my skills, a lot of patience, and a serious commitment to keeping my hands to myself.

The first two I can handle. The third might prove more challenging than I'm willing to admit.