Page 3 of Practically Perfect Together

"Unpredictable." I close my planner with a snap. "I need someone who can follow a script, not someone who thinks life is one big adventure. Besides, why would he even agree to help me?"

Jules leans forward, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "Because he needs help with something too. The lodge is trying to secure a partnership with Altitude Adventures for corporate team-building packages. Jameson's been pushing for it for months, but he needs someone with experience in corporate contracts to help finalize the deal."

"Someone like me," I say flatly.

"Exactly like you." Jules taps her finger on my planner. "A simple trade. You help him with his contract, he helps you pretend to be madly in love for a weekend."

"I don't know..." I bite my lower lip. The idea of trusting my career to someone who wears hiking boots to dinner makes my stomach twist.

"What other option do you have?" Jules asks gently. "Hire an actor? Try speed dating to find a real fiancé by Friday?"

She has a point. I've built my career on solving problems efficiently, and this—however ridiculous—is the most efficient solution.

"Fine." I exhale slowly. "Where is he now?"

Jules checks her watch. "He's setting up for the sunset bonfire. If we hurry, we can catch him before the guests arrive."

I follow Jules through the main lodge, my mind racing to create a list of instructions Jameson will need to follow. We need a believable backstory. Rules of engagement. A clear exit strategy.

As we approach the large stone patio that overlooks the mountain range, I spot him arranging logs in a massive fire pit. Even from a distance, everything about him stands in stark contrast to my carefully structured world, from his casual stance to the way he whistles while he works, utterly unconcerned with the passing of time.

"Wait," I grab Jules's arm before we step outside. "Maybe I should talk to him alone. Create some boundaries from the start."

Jules looks skeptical. "Boundaries aren't really Jameson's strong suit."

"Then it's important I establish them immediately." I square my shoulders. "This is a business arrangement, nothing more."

"Whatever you say," Jules gives me a look that's far too knowing. "I'll leave you to it. But Savannah? Jameson may seem all fun and games, but he takes his responsibilities seriously. Don't underestimate him."

With that cryptic warning, she turns and walks back toward the lodge, leaving me alone to approach the man I need to convince to be my fake fiancé. A man who is currently tossing logs around like they weigh nothing.

I take a deep breath and step onto the patio. It's now or never.

And I never, ever fail at a business negotiation.

ChapterTwo

Jameson

"Perfect, now we just need a little more kindling right—Bear, no!" I lunge for my golden retriever as he attempts to drag off one of the smaller logs I've arranged for the bonfire. "That's part of the structure, buddy, not a toy."

Bear gives me his best innocent look, tail wagging as if to say, "But itcouldbe a toy."

The sun hangs low over the mountains, painting the sky in strokes of gold and crimson. These sunset bonfires are my favorite part of the job. I love bringing people together, helping them disconnect from their screens and reconnect with each other.

"Mr. Callahan?" One of our regular guests approaches with her ever-present notebook. "What time should we gather for the ghost stories?"

"Jameson, please," I remind her. "We'll start once it's properly dark. Around eight."

I'm finishing up prep when I sense someone watching me. I glance up to see Savannah Carter standing at the edge of the patio, looking distinctly out of place against our rustic backdrop with her sleek dark hair, tailored black dress, and heels that are a death trap on our stone pathways.

"Perfect timing," I call out, gesturing to the pile of logs beside me. "I could use some help arranging these."

Her expression suggests I've just asked her to wrestle a bear. "That's not why I'm here."

"Worth a shot." I dust off my hands and give Bear a gentle command to stay.

"I need to speak with you," she says, taking a few careful steps closer. "Privately."

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