Dear Cupid by Julie Ortolon

Kelly asked, then hollered at a key grip to move a boom stage left, not stage right. In the background, Mike could hear the special blend of noise unique to a Hollywood soundstage. Hammers banged while crew members shouted and actors ran through their lines.
    “No problem,” Mike said when Stan came back on the line. “I’d just like to smooth out a few rough edges.” As he spoke, he glanced at Kate and noticed her wide-eyed look of disbelief. “I’ll be sure and get them off to you first thing in the morning.”
    “Fine. I’ll tell the art department to expect them tomorrow.” Before the line went dead, Stan resumed yelling at the key grip.
    Mike exhaled sharply as he set down the cordless phone. The idea of taking a day off left him feeling a bit lost. He glanced at Kate. “Well, I’m yours for the day. What are you going to do with me?”
    She blinked once, then her face lit with a grin. “Shopping.”
    “Shopping?” He tried not to grimace. “So soon?”
    “Absolutely. By the end of today, we’ll have a whole new you.”
    Personally, he didn’t see what was wrong with the old him.

Chapter 6
     
    “
I
will not buy that shirt.”
    “Mike.” Kate exhaled in exasperation. “There is nothing wrong with this shirt.” Holding it against his chest, she could see it would fit him perfectly, even if the lack of color did make him look a bit bland. Still ... “Every man needs at least one white dress shirt.”
    “Why?”
    “Because—” She gritted her teeth, resisting the urge to strangle him. And here she’d thought Jim was stubborn? “Dress shirts can be very sexy. They convey an image of power, success, confidence.”
    “In other words, a man isn’t successful unless he stuffs himself into a monkey suit?”
    She took a slow, deep breath, then wished she hadn’t as the masculine scent of his soap and skin filled her senses. He’d showered and changed into a short-sleeve shirt and navy slacks before they left his house. While the shirt wasn’t precisely Hawaiian in style, it was a long way from conservative. She had to admit, though, the man looked great in bold colors. Unfortunately, she’d always had a weakness for the bold and dramatic. And the fact that they’d driven to the mall in his vintage orange Corvette hadn’t done anything to discourage her libido.
    She forced her mind back to the issue at hand. “You hired me to market you as husband material. It doesn’t take a genius to know that the first step in selling a product is to give it an enticing package.”
    “You’re saying women find stuffed shirts enticing?” He looked baffled at the thought. He also looked completely out of place surrounded by walls of conservative gray suits.
    “I’m saying that women are subconsciously attracted to power. Not a pleasant statement, but a true one.”
    “Power meaning money.” He smirked.
    “Sometimes, yes, but not always. For some women, power can come from intelligence or physical prowess or even artistic talent. Trust me on this one, I’m something of an expert.”
    “Part of your training as a Wife for Hire?” He gave her a teasing wink.
    She shook her head. “Actually, one of my many majors in college was anthropology, so I’m basing this on what humans instinctually look for in a mate.”
    “What about you?” He leaned closer. “What kind of power attracts you to a mate?”
    She flattened her hand against his chest to hold him off. A mistake, she realized, since his hard muscles felt entirely too good beneath her palm. “We’re not talking about me. We’re talking about women in general.”
    “I’m asking you, though.” He covered her hand with his. The touch sent tingles down her arm. “What do you look for in a man, Kate?”
    “Dependability.” She jerked her hand away. “Honesty. Affection. A sense of humor. And most of all, a man who values family.” With angry jerks, she refolded the dress shirt and stuffed it back in the display case. “Which is why it