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Natalie sends a text, then opens a new document on her laptop. We immediately get to work, planning a whirlwind of photo ops and appearances over the next two days.

"Perfect. Now all we have to do is find a squeaky-clean girl. Unless he already knows someone." Natalie emails me the list we just created, then stands up. "I need to go deal with the Robinson brothers’ gambling problem. Get in touch with Sam and tell him the plan. Figure out how much of it he can get through while prepping for his getaway."

Me? Get in touch with Sam?

Yikes. I hope a phone call is okay. I don't think I could handle a video call with him. Just the thought of it makes my stomach flutter. But if I want to prove myself, I can't say no. "Okay. Is his number in your notes?"

"Yes…but that's his truck pulling in right now."

"What?!" I whip my head around and stare in horror at the parking lot. There's the black pickup from the video that went viral yesterday for all the wrong reasons.

Sam Silverton himself jumps out of the truck and strides toward my sister as she exits the diner. He hugs her warmly, then opens her car door for her after she beeps the lock.

The man must be at least six foot two. He's also more solidly built than most recent photos show. Maybe he's been working out a lot lately? Or maybe it's just that he's usually photographed in a black, blue or charcoal button-down shirt, but now is wearing a stretched-out, faded gray t-shirt that shows his shoulders and biceps to perfection.

I think I might faint if he speaks to me. No, explode. I'm not sure if spontaneous human combustion is actually a thing, but if it is, the diner is about to get very messy.

"Breathe, girl. All the way in, and all the way out. " I look up to see Claudia at my side as she tops up my coffee, then pats my shoulder. "He's just a guy, right?"

I nod. "True. Thank you."

I’ve been coming here for years and have gotten to know Claudia pretty well. I’m sorry that she’s leaving for a new job soon. The coffee and food are amazing, but her sunny attitude and sassy waitress wisdom are the cherry on top of the Ray’s Diner experience.

I hear the door open behind me, and steel myself. I can do this. Just breathe, smile, and do one little thing at a time.

I turn toward the door, look over my shoulder and give a small wave. Sam smiles…and thank goodness I'm sitting down, because the force of it might literally knock me off my feet. How is he even more attractive in person?

It's entirely possible that I black out for two seconds: when I blink, he's standing directly in front of me. "Hey, Julia." He shakes my hand warmly, and I feel genuine sparks when his palm touches mine. He slides into the booth across from me, then orders a coffee as Claudia walks by.

"Hi," I manage. Then I swallow hard. "Sorry Natalie had to leave."

"It's fine. Apologies for the bother this week." He runs a hand through his thick dark hair. His three-day scruff of beard is a bit darker, and I almost bite my lip at the thought of running my fingers over it. He’s dressed super casually, but with little rockstar details – a thick leather cuff on one wrist, a chunky silver ring on his right hand.

"We have an idea," I begin.

He pulls out a bright teal notebook and a green pen. "Great. I'm happy to do anything you ladies say." The surprise must show on my face, since he adds, "No offense, but I’m still learning about this PR stuff. So I put myself completely in your capable hands."

I smile. "Your earnestness is definitely going to help."

Oh my God. His laugh turns my insides to pudding as it rumbles right through me. His speaking voice is deeper than I expected, too.

"You write about love, but you've never been seen with a girlfriend," I begin. "So before you take off on your retreat, we’d like you to be seen out and about with someone."

He blinks in surprise, leaning back as Claudia slides a coffee in front of him. "Thank you," he tells Claudia brightly. Then he looks back at me uncertainly. “I'm all about authenticity. Is it really a good idea to lie to the press?"

"Great point, but don’t worry. Natalie doesn't think we should actually say a word to them." I turn my phone to him and scroll through the list of potential activities. “You'll just be seen with a woman at a few places around Kingsville where people happen to take a lot of photos, as if you're spending quality time with your friend before the retreat. In a few weeks, after you come back, they’ll have forgotten all about the truck thing."

"And will have a million questions about my girlfriend."

I hold up a finger. "Female friend. Maybe a new woman you’re dating, maybe not. Nobody knows. You’ll be close enough for them to make the assumption, and they can fill in the blanks. They'll see whatever they want to see."

Sam nods, looking at me intently, scanning my face, as if memorizing each freckle and eyelash. It's unnerving, but it gives me the opportunity to do the same to him. Oh my…those eyes. No wonder at least a quarter of the women in the country have a crush on this guy. He's breathtaking. Literally. I can hardly breathe, being this close to him.

Finally his eyes drop, and he goes through the list. "Hmm. I have to do some shopping anyway. Restaurants…well, I do need to eat, I guess." He looks at me, an eyebrow raised. "A gallery opening?"

"To emphasize the wholesome angle. We'll say you're looking to refresh your home with some art for the new album."

"We?" He grabs my hand across the table. "As in, you're going to be my girlfriend?”