Miss Personality by Leslie kelly Everythings going along perfectly for Dani Monroe: shes worked her way

up from mail-room-girl at a cheesy, Bmovie studio to a plum gig as the righthand-girl to a Hollywood legend, producer Burt Mueller. But when the sexy executive she fled her last job to forget shows up as the director of a new reality show produced by her boss, Dani is forced to decide is she ready to trust her heart to a Hollywood playboy? Chapter One If reality TV was the wave of the future, this particular show had to be the pond scum at the bottom of that wave. Ms. Personality, Dani Monroe muttered in resignation as she fingered

a black-velvet hood, which would be worn by one of the contestants on the show. Ms. Bimbo in a Catsuit is more like it. She idly wondered which non-genius here at Generations Studios had thought up the show, where masked women would compete for a bachelor, relying on personality instead of looks. Obviously someone who doesnt know some men dont even consider a womans face when it comes to looks. More like the stuff below the face. Which would be prominently displayed in ridiculously tight catsuits. Did you say something? She jerked her attention away from the hood. Feigning innocence, she smiled at her boss, uber-producer Burt Mueller. Nope. Not a word.

Mueller nodded, distracted enough to believe her. Not unusual. Mr. Mueller had plenty of things on his mind other than his lowly assistant. Danis job was to make his life as easy as possible, and to keep herself practically invisible while doing it. The fact that he sometimes didnt even remember her name -but had given her a hefty raise after her first month on the job -proved shed done exactly that. What time does my masseuse come in? he asked, his voice a rough bark that intimidated nearly everyone. Two. After your meeting with Mr. Winchell from Fox. Burt grunted and rolled his eyes. Better push the masseuse off by a half-hour. Winchells chattier than a ten-year-old after a six-pack of Mountain Dew. Dani grinned. Mueller

called em like he saw em, and hed been a Hollywood legend long enough to get away with it. To say she was lucky to have landed work with the icon -who was planning his comeback by producing reality TV shows -would have been an understatement. This job had been a lifesaver. First, it had gotten her out of the mailroom of slimy Schtick Studios. Plus, in the two months shed been Muellers right hand girl, shed met TV superstars shed idolized since childhood. Imagine, she, Dani Monroe, had shaken hands with Bob Barker. Her mother was still crowing over that one. But there had been another reason her career change had come at the perfect time. It had gotten her away from What time is Carruthers coming in?

Crap. Him. Josh Carruthers. The man her boss was meeting with today for some unknown reason. Four, she said, planning to make herself scarce when her former colleague showed up. Not that hed ever considered her a colleague. No, the sexy, arrogant young director had never noticed her at all, though shed delivered mail to his office every day for two years. Why would he notice her, a short, strawberry-haired, freckle-faced mail girl, when the man had a bevy of busty actresses constantly trying to sleeper, audition their way into a Schtick Studios production. She hated to think of Josh Carruthers being the type of director who had a casting couch -much less cast from one. The rumor mill said he did, but Dani

wasnt so sure. It didnt seem in character with the man shed once seen delivering bags of sandwiches to some homeless guys outside the studio. Then again, maybe even letches could be generous. Im going upstairs, Mr. Mueller said. To the smoking lounge. Ha. The building was non-smoking. Not that Mueller cared -his office reeked of smoke. But she didnt question him, knowing he liked to prowl his domain to keep his finger on the pulse, as he called it. After Burt left, curiosity got the better of her. Dani lifted the velvet hood, rubbing it against her cheek, then gave in to an unexpected impulse. She wanted to know what the contestants whod be wearing these things would

feel. So she gingerly slid it on, pulling it into place, surprised by its silky warmth. Glancing into the mirror over Mr. Muellers stocked bar, she stared in wonder. The jet black fabric covered her hair, and much of her face, falling to a curved hem just above her lips. Only her mouth, her jaw, and her eyes -revealed through two small openings -were visible. She looked almost mysterious. Enough, she whispered, knowing she was about as mysterious as a fifth grader. Boring, nobody little production assistants from Iowa were not mysterious. Before she could lift the mask off her head and return to plain old Dani Monroe, however, she heard someone enter the office. She whirled around. Sorry, I couldnt resist.

Then she saw the person whod entered. She froze in place. Because it wasnt her boss. Wasnt his secretary. No. She wasnt that lucky. The person staring at her in interest and avid curiosity was Josh Carruthers. * * * Josh had shown up for his meeting with Burt Mueller to find the reception area outside the mans office empty. It was lunchtime, but his message had said their appointment was at twelve oclock. He did not want Mueller to think hed been late -not with everything he had riding on this meeting. This interview could get him out of directing garbage movies for Schtick Studios and into a production company with a real track record of success. Legitimacy. Integrity, even. Okay, most people would think going from the movies to television -reality

television, at that -was a step back. But to Josh it was a lifeline. And he planned to grab it. Figuring the man might be having a sandwich at his desk, he pushed on the slightly open door and entered Muellers office. No one sat at the desk, but the room wasnt empty. Excuse me, he said, staring at the person standing by the bar. It was a woman, a slim, petite woman, wearing Is that an executioners mask? She said nothing, merely shaking her head. Blinking, he said, Im looking for Mr. Mueller. We have a noon appointment. Noon? said the woman, who was incredibly curvy beneath her tight blue skirt and silky blouse.

The mask took the sexiness quotient and shot it up exponentially, leaving Josh feeling a little short of breath. Yes, he muttered, wondering why he was suddenly feeling so alert. On edge. There must have been a mixup. He just left. Her voice was soft, not much above a husky whisper, and it intrigued him. Hell, the whole package intrigued him. He stepped closer, wondering if shed whirl away or whip off the mask. She did nothing. She merely stood there watching him step closer. Finally, though, when he was mere inches from her side, she said, Maybe you should come back later. Her voice echoed in his brain, so soft, so evocative. And suddenly he felt sure hed heard it before.

He wanted to know who she was. Had to know. Then maybe he could understand why his reaction to her had been so strong. So instant and powerful. And maybe you, he replied in a husky whisper of his own, should take off the mask. Chapter Two He wanted her to take off the mask? Dani Monroe stared at hot-shot director Josh Carruthers through the small openings in the black velvet mask shed donned in her bosss office. Shed wanted to get a sense of what the contestants on the new reality show, Ms. Personality, would feel. She hadnt intended to look foolish. Which was why she in no way wanted to take off the mask shielding her face from Joshs heated stare. Bad enough if he recognized her and was amused by

her silly idea that a mask could make a seductive mystery woman out of an Iowa farmgirl. Particularly if he remembered her as his mail delivery woman from Schtick Studios. But worse, what if he didnt recognize her at all? Talk about humiliation -having made absolutely zero impression on a man shed been a little infatuated with for two years. Come on, take it off, he urged, using that silky voice that had been known to get even the worst diva actress to behave. Youve definitely aroused my interest. She wanted to refuse. Wanted to pop off some sultry, wicked remark about what else she hoped shed aroused, then saunter out of there, leaving him quivering with lust. Or if not lust, at least curiosity.

But she didnt have any choice. She had to take it off. She was reaching up to do exactly that when Burt Muellers voice boomed in the room. Carruthers? What are you doing here? Youre early. Saved by the producer. Josh swung around to greet Burt. In that split-second when he was distracted, Dani whipped the mask off, letting it fall from her fingers to the floor. Then she sidestepped Josh and beelined for the door, barely sparing a nod for her boss. Behind her, Josh called, Wait, whats your But she was out the door before his last word left his mouth. *** Josh Carruthers hadnt stopped thinking about the woman in the mask all

week. He should have been focusing on a lot of other things -like the job hed just accepted with Burt Mueller to direct his latest reality TV show. But how could he get her off his mind when the show revolved around seductive women in black velvet masks? Burt had been absolutely no help. Hed found it amusing that Josh -whose unwanted reputation as a ladies man stuck tighter than a piece of gum on his shoe -hadnt gotten the womans name. When Josh had asked him to confirm she was a contestant on Ms. Personality, Mueller had laughed and replied, Youll be seeing her around. So far, hed only seen her in his dreams. Her dark, vivid eyes sparkling behind the black velvet. Her incredible mouth, perfectly curved and ripe for kissing. Her sensational, sassy figure as shed

walked out the door. A flash of light hair swept back in a short braid. Everything except her face. He was on the lookout for her at Generation Studios when he showed up the next week for a meeting, for which he was now fifteen minutes late. Hed given his notice at Schtick, and theyd reacted with typical vindictiveness, making it nearly impossible for him to get any time off to prepare for the job transition. They were holding him to the letter of his contract, so he had to stay a full three weeks. In the meantime he was participating as much as he could in the planning for the new show -which meant dealing with his new bosss assistant, a Ms. Monroe, whod been a snooty, annoying pain in the ass during their few phone calls.

And who he was now about to meet, face-to-face, for the first time. Youre late, a womans voice said as he approached a sixth floor boardroom where todays meeting was taking place. HmmMs. Monroe, he presumed. He watched her walk out of that boardroom, her body stiff beneath her severe, tightly buttoned-up navy pantsuit. The clothes didnt work. Suits were meant for tall, statuesque women with iron in their veins. Not cute little sweethearts like this one. She was petite -probably only came up to his neck -and had shoulder-length red hair. Playful, wispy curls bounced at her temples as she moved; again, a sharp contrast to the shapeless, boxy suit in which she was dressed. She had a great mouth -with lips that were probably impossibly sexy when she

smiled -and dark green eyes dominated her cute, pixie-like face. But her expression wasnt cute and those lips sure werent smiling. Mr. Mueller tardiness. has a thing about

And I have a thing about no place to park, Josh shot back, staring hard at her, realizing that, for some reason, she seemed familiar to him. You are Ms. Monroe, I imagine? As if sensing his curiosity, she lowered her gaze and turned slightly away. Yes. Sorry. Were working on getting you an assigned spot. I called this morning and asked the parking attendant to direct you to Mr. Muellers backup spot. They forgot. Then he thought about it. He has a backup parking spot?

She nodded, sending those curls bouncing. Hes got kind of a car thing going on and usually has two on hand. Rich, eccentric producers and their passions. At least Muellers was just cars; Josh had definitely heard of worse. Has the meeting started? No. Hes on the phone, and it might take a while. For some reason, Josh didnt mind the delay. He suddenly had the urge to figure out just who this woman was, and why shed been so cold to him. *** Dani cursed the phone call that had given her boss a chance to delay the start of the meeting -and had thrown her right into a private moment with Josh. Because the longer they talked, the more likely it was that hed

recognize her. Shed seen that flash of something in his eyes. She should have known changing the way she dressed, and the way she wore her hair, wouldnt be enough of a disguise. It sure had amused her boss, though, whod seen right through her efforts to keep Josh from figuring out who she was. Knowing Burt, hed probably arranged for the phone call. Suddenly, her worst fears came true. Joshs eyes narrowed and his head tilted. Wait a minute, he said, stepping closer to peer into her face. I know you. Dani didnt say anything, she hardly even breathed while she waited for him to continue. Because she couldnt be sure exactly how he remembered her Chapter Three

Dani Monroe held her breath, waiting for Josh Carruthers to tell her how he remembered her. Did he recognize her as the hooded mystery woman hed spoken to so briefly, or as the lovelorn mail girl hed once worked with? Youre her. The woman in the mask, Josh said, a confident smile creasing his sexy mouth. The confidence wasnt surprising; theyd shared a very intense moment in Burts office that day. The words hed whispered, Youve aroused my interest, had played over and over again in her brain many times since. So she should have felt elated that he remembered her as his mystery woman. But she wasnt. Because how much of a fat-headed jerk did this guy have to be to have worked with her for two years right up until a few months ago - and

not remember her when they came face to face? Her jaw tightened. My, arent you the observant one. He stepped closer, close enough so she could smell the heady warmth of his cologne. Or maybe it was his own magnetic essence that filled her every inhalation. Blinking, she dug her fingernails into her palms to try to maintain her righteous anger. What can I say? Youre unforgettable, he replied. Unforgettable? He had to be kidding. Dani no longer had to use pain to keep herself from falling under the young directors spell. His own words were doing a fine job of that. Gee, thanks. So who are you, really? Josh asked, his eyes twinkling. Are you the hard-

nosed assistant whos been sending me snippy e-mails every day? She started to sputter, but he leaned closer, lowering his voice to an intimate whisper. Or are you the sultress in the black velvet mask whos filled my dreams every night? Hmm, what should she do? Punch his lights out? Or just melt into a puddle of brainless, hungry woman right at his feet? Because, man, the guy was hot, even when he was ticking her off with every word he spoke. She settled for a hasty retreat. Lifting her chin, she fought to keep her voice from shaking with hurt. Or lust. Both of which battled for control of her emotions. Im someone youll never know, because your own words prove you dont really see me at all. Then Dani whirled around and marched down the hall, blowing off the meeting, needing to

be alone to gloat over her brilliant comeback. And to cry at the knowledge that it had been entirely true. *** He didnt see her at all? Ha. Dani Monroe filled his vision even when he closed his eyes. Josh had been surprised by her coolness when shed admitted shed been the woman in the mask. And downright stunned by her cold comeback and abrupt departure. What the hell had happened? How could she be so changeable - from seductress to aloof businesswoman, to, well, wounded girl was the only way he could describe the last look on her face. He tried to find out. In the days that followed, he dropped her friendly emails and tried to engage her in

conversation whenever he saw her. She was always professional but reserved. Except when they really got into some real planning sessions about the show, Ms. Personality. Then she was energetic, enthusiastic, and intensely creative. And, God help him, Dani was back to wearing short, tight skirts and silky blouses like shed had on when they met. The kind that reminded him daily of the sexy, sensual creature lurking beneath her cool exterior. Cool? More like sub-zero, at least around him. Only him. To her boss, the costume person, the set people, she was bubbly and sweet. Him she treated like something shed scraped off the bottom of her shoe. If he didnt know better, he would have thought hed offended - no, that wasnt the right word - hed have thought hed

actually hurt her in some way. But that was impossible. Unlessunless that little voice in the back of his head that had been telling him he knew her from somewhere was right. Hed ignored the voice. Because whenever he tried to grab the memory, to pull it to the forefront of his mind, it had proved elusive. Hed had a quick visual of someone who looked like Dani, but who hadnt had those deep green eyes. Theyd been blue. Blue and judgmental. And every time he thought of them, he squirmed a little inside, as if whoever it was she reminded him of had been someone whod disapproved of him. Which was probably what made him go out of his way to tease her, to try to get her to smile at him. Like now.

So when are you going to try on one of the costumes the contestants are going to wear on the show? Josh asked her from the other side of her desk. He was waiting on the late-again producer, and Burts secretary had suggested he could wait in Mueller's office. But Danis was more fun, despite the fact she was going about her business as if he wasnt there. Danis brow shot up as she worked on her computer. How about never? Come on, you were curious enough to try on one of the masks. He kept his tone light and playful, wanting to make her smile, or at least not frown. He held out absolutely no hope that shed put on one of the ridiculously tight catsuits. Which was just as well, since seeing her in it would probably turn him into even more of a stuttering idiot that hed been around her so far.

Obviously, she wasnt in a smiling mood. She scowled as she got up and walked around her desk. I wish youd forget that, she muttered, stepping around his chair to reach for her printer, which had just spit out the notes for todays meeting. Forget it? Hed be more likely to forget his own name. Looking up at her, he stared into her eyes, about to admit exactly that. Her face grew pink, and her lips parted as she pulled in a breath, as if shed read his thoughts. Then she shook her head, hard, and reached for the papers. Only, fate had something else in store. Because Dani suddenly tripped over the power cord to the printer and stumbled. Right into Joshs lap. His arms quickly encircled her waist, to hold her steady, even as his whole body

reacted to her closeness. They were nose to nose, eye to eye. Almost mouth to mouth. Which left him with an overwhelming urge to taste that mouth, to see if his kiss could bring a smile to his lips, even if his words couldnt. Not knowing how shed react - if shed kiss him back or leap up in outrage - he gave in to temptation and caught her soft mouth in a hot kiss. Chapter Four It took a few seconds for Dani Monroe to process what was happening. Shed fallen onto Joshs lap - his firm, welcoming lap - and now, amazingly, he was kissing her. He, hotshot director Josh Carruthers, the man shed had a crush on for two years, was kissing her like she was the most desirable woman on earth. The kiss was sweet, hot and

playful. Josh nibbled on the corner of her mouth, then gently licked the seam of her lips to tempt her tongue to come out and play. She groaned, tempted to do just that, to deepen the kiss and enjoy this unexpected embrace for the pure sensual pleasure of it. Logically, she knew she should leap up and slap his face. But logic never had called the shots when it came to her feelings for Josh. Kiss me back, Dani, Josh whispered against her mouth. One kiss so Ill know for sure that you taste as sweet as you look. With a soft sigh of surrender, Dani tilted her head for a deeper kiss. Their tongues met and mated and Josh and Dani fell into a perfect rhythm of breaths, tastes and touches.

This time, Josh was the That throaty sound of lazy desire throughout body. Because he wanted whom shed wanted for wanted her back.

one to groan. pleasure sent Danis entire her. This man so long truly

And he wasnt kissing the stranger in the black velvet mask. He was kissing the woman hed gotten to know, the woman she was now. We should stop, Dani whispered. Josh kissed his way down to the hollow of her throat, cradling her when she leaned back to give him access. Do you really want to stop? The sultry whisper scraped across her skin with delicious sensitivity. No, I dont. Then, hearing someone out in the hall, Dani regretfully straightened up. But we have to.

They definitely had to. Because if the man went any lower, she wasnt going to want to stop until they were naked on her desk. They both drew in a few deep, ragged breaths, then, Josh finally said, Wow. Wow is right. That was unexpected. Dani pried herself from his embrace, trying to calm down. As much as she didnt want to, she realized she had to get off of his lap before someone walked in on them. You dont regret it. His tone dared her to deny it, but before she could reply, he added, Because I dont. Ive wanted to do that for a long time. Well, now youve got it out of your system, she said as she rose, smoothing out her top with her hands.

Josh chuckled, then shook his head ruefully. I dont think Im ever going to get the desire to kiss you out of my system, Dani. The certainty in his voice brought out such an unexpected rush of pleasure that Dani couldnt help breaking into a wide smile. Joshs eyes narrowed and he stared at her intently. She blinked, wondering if one of her tinted contacts had fallen out, praying now wouldnt be the time for her to have to deal with explanations about who she was and where theyd really met - not when she was still warm and dizzy from his kiss. Ten minutes ago shed been bothered that he didnt recognize her. Now, she wanted to keep things like this for just a bit longer. Something had shifted when theyd kissed, it was as if that kiss

had brought them back to square one, starting from scratch in a whole new type of relationship. Besides, shed had time to think about things over the past few days. Maybe she didnt have quite as much reason to be angry as shed thought. She no longer looked much like the mail girl hed occasionally passed in the hallways of Schtick Studios. When shed gotten her new job, shed made herself over, getting rid of the wide-eyed young girl look. Shed cut off most of her long hair and lightened it from dark red to strawberry blonde. She certainly didnt wear the silly little uniform shed once worn. And then there were the green contact lenses - the ones shed started wearing after Josh had first seen her in the velvet mask, hoping he wouldnt recognize her when they met again.

Once hed seen her green eyes, it would have been really tough to explain a sudden eye color change. So, no, it wasnt necessarily a sign that Josh was a selfish jerk for not recognizing her. Maybe more that she wasnt recognizable. Which meant telling him the truth about who she was might prove to be a bit sticker than shed imagined. Josh lost himself for a moment in Danis smile. It was dazzling. And, for some strange reason, seemed familiar. As if hed seen that joyous expression before. Have dinner with me tonight, he said. Are you sure thats a good idea? No brainer. Uh, yeah. I mean, because we work together.

If Burts got a no-fraternization policy, maybe Ill have to bail on this whole Ms. Personality thing. Youre just saying that because you know as well as I do that this show is a really stupid idea. Joshs jaw dropped. He had been thinking along those lines, but hadnt wanted to shoot his job out of the water by saying so to the producers assistant. You really feel that way? She nodded. Im sorry, Im not trying to ruin your job before you even officially start. Now back to your invitation Yes? She gave him another of those wide, genuine smiles. Yes. *** Dani had never enjoyed a date with a man more. Once shed lowered her

defenses, and let go of her annoyance that he hadnt remembered her, shed found Josh to be an entertaining, charming companion. He was smart, quick-witted and a perfect gentleman. Shed actually been looking forward to a little non-gentlemanly behavior on his part, particularly when theyd been walking hand in hand on the beach after dinner. The surf had rolled onto the sand in a soft, gentle rhythm, the moonlight had danced on the waves the moment had been ripe with expectation. The perfect setting for romance, straight out of a movie. But nothin. No kiss, no embrace. Nada. Just clasped hands and lots of conversation. Interesting conversation though not as interesting as the other things the man could do with his mouth.

Which was all she could think about now, a few hours later, as they stood on her front porch about to say goodnight. Dani didnt want to say goodnight. Not yet. As Josh leaned close to kiss her cheek, Dani found herself whispering, Are you sure you have to go? You couldcome in. Josh breathed deeply, as if inhaling the scent of her hair. He said nothing for a long moment, then, when shed begun to kick herself for being a needy fool, he admitted, Id like that. But Im afraid to. He pulled away and looked down at her, his expression tender, but also intense. Afraid? Why? Because, he said softly, if I come in tonight, I dont think Ill be leaving until tomorrow.

Chapter Five Dani Monroe stared at Josh Carruthers, pondering her next move. If she remained silent, he would walk away after just a kiss on the cheek. If she spoke up, she might get to spend the night with the man of her dreams. Hmmwhat was a girl to do? Come in, she urged after about two seconds. Josh looked at her with surprise, so she added, If youre here tomorrow morning, it will be because its right for both of us. He grinned. If? Yeah. If. Ever heard of just coming in for coffee and a little making out? Making outs good. Its the stopping that worries me. Right now, it seemed more important to start. Grabbing Josh by his arm, she

pulled him into her apartment, then slid her arms around his neck. Ive wanted to kiss you all evening. So she did. She touched her mouth to his, lightly, before Josh put his arms around her hips and tugged her closer. Their tongues met and mated - hot and hungry - until Dani was whimpering with pleasure. Suddenly, Josh bent and picked her up in his arms. Shed always figured shed be insulted if some guy tried to manhandle her. But Josh wasnt manhandling.he was adoring her. Pressing gentle kisses on her cheeks and neck as he carried her to the couch and set her down. When he knelt on the floor between her knees, the contact of their lower bodies sent molten want through Danis blood. So much for coffee, she whispered.

Then she couldnt think at all. Joshs touch was amazing. He stroked her hip and her side, teasing the skin at her waist with feather-light caresses. Dani arched toward him, wanting more. When he finally slid his hands under her blouse and cupped her breast, she moaned and laughed, all at the same time, delighted at the sheer pleasure of it. One of his eyebrows shot up. Should I be flattered or worried? I cant help it. I laugh when I feel good. Well, then, lets see if I can have you rolling in the aisles, he said with a throaty chuckle. Moving his mouth down her body, he scraped his lips against her silk-covered breast, making her quiver. As Dani threw her head back in ecstasy, one of

the cushions poked at the corner of her eye, but she barely noticed. At least, not until Josh stopped, looked up and stared at her in confusion. He frowned, pulling away slightly. Then his jaw dropped. Its you! Josh was stunned by the realization hed just made. Dani used to work with him at Schtick Studios. She looked so different, from her hair to her clothes. Damn, even the color of her eyes! One of which, he now saw, was a clear, sky blue. Shed been wearing contact lenses and one had fallen out. Josh? she asked, her tone cautious. Your eyes arent green, theyre blue, he snapped. Nibbling her lip, Dani nodded. Im wearing tinted contacts.

Why? II like green? Josh rose to his feet. Bull! You were trying to hide your identity from me. Which wasnt very hard to do, Mr. Observant, she shot back. How could you not know who I was after we worked together for two years? The disgust in her voice pierced the anger hed been feeling about being deceived. You look completely different. You cut off half your hair and its lighter. Besides, when Dani had worked at Schtick Studios shed looked like a fresh-faced girl. Now she looked like a mature, devastating woman. Your clothes are different, you even act differently, he said, wondering

which of them had more right to be upset. Only your smile is the same. That smile. Josh had often noticed the incredible smile of the former studio mail girl. Mainly because shed never bestowed it upon him. Shed barely met his eye at all, and whenever she had, shed looked nervous, tense. Almost disapproving with those big blue eyes. As if shed judged him and found him lacking. As if hed disappointed her. Which made him even angrier. Sorry, Im not up for game-playing. He didnt even trust himself to look at her as he strode to the door. Goodnight, Dani. And then he walked out. *** The next day, Dani couldnt stop thinking about what had happened with Josh. Yes, shed been mad that he hadnt recognized her. But by hiding her

identity, shed made him think she was playing some kind of childish game. She was still stewing over it that afternoon; so much so that she barely registered what her boss had just asked her to do. Then it sunk in. You want me to put on one of those costumes and talk to the potential bachelors? Yeah, Burt said. You can do it. Our usual stand-in called in sick, and we need to see how these guys interact with a masked woman. A masked woman in a ridiculously tight, Cat-womanish ensemble. Forget it. Uhuh. No way. She should have known better. Burt always got his way. Which was why, by 3:00, she was dressed in a devil-red spandex get-up that clung to every inch

of her body, outlining her curves and making her want to dive into a closet or put on an overcoat. The black velvet mask - which had seemed so sultry when shed worn it with Josh - proved heaven-sent now, because it helped hide her disgust for the bachelors. So far on the show there had been an arrogant jock, a whiny mamas boy and a patronizing chauvinist. One thing theyd had in common - theyd all been droolers. Which left her more certain than ever that this whole Ms. Personality concept was doomed, because not one of them had looked above her chin. And that was when she had been dressed in regular clothes. The only thing she could be grateful for was that, because of another commitment, Josh wasnt around to

witness this. And she planned to be long gone by the time he arrived. *** Josh arrived at the studios and was directed to one of the sound stages, where Burt Mueller was meeting with the final five candidates for their bachelor. I was able to make it in early after all, he said to Burt as he walked in the door. My other meeting was canceled. Burt shushed him, staring intently toward the other side of the room where two people stood. One of them was a burly guy. The other was Dani?! Joshs jaw dropped. There was no doubt it was Dani - he recognized the delicate curve of her jaw, the sweet fullness of her lips. He froze, still affected by her despite his anger. Hed hoped to get a chance to talk with her today about what had

happened, but this room was a little crowded. Primarily by the burly jackass who was, right at this moment, standing over Dani, peering down her top. His fingers tightened instinctively but he ordered himself to stay calm. He had no claim on Dani. Maybe she liked any mans attention and wanted this guys hands on her. Whoa! His hands! The guy had just put his hand on her shoulder, brushing his forearm against Danis breast in a move too deliberate to be accidental. Then he grabbed her around the waist. A part of Josh wanted to grab the jerk and throw him across the room. But another part - the part that didnt know if Dani was just a game-player who craved male attention - wanted to know how she would react.

Chapter Six Dani Monroes brothers had taught her long ago that a knee to the groin or a fist to the throat could bring any jerk down. So the fathead whod just grabbed her was cruising for a one-two combination. She smacked at his beefy paw, which rested on her hip. Get your hands off me or youll be talking soprano for life. Well put, someone said. It wasnt until the guy let her go that Dani looked to see whod spoken. Oh, great. It was Josh Carruthers. Must you always be around when Im looking like an idiot? You look perfect. Then Josh turned and leveled an icy stare on the bachelor. If she doesnt turn you into a soprano, I and the two

security guards right outside the door sure as hell will. Now... get out. The guy nearly ran. Once he was gone, Dani said, Thanks for the backup - not that I really needed it. I know you didnt, he replied. We need to talk. Oh, great, thats another one off our list! Burt shouted. Dani had almost forgotten Mueller was there. She looked at Josh. Yes, we do. But first I have to talk to Burt. It was time to come clean, to say what she thought. That would be especially tough with Josh watching her with unexpected tenderness. What she had to say could hurt him. But she had no other choice. Taking a deep breath, she turned to face her intimidating boss. Burt, I have

something I have to say, and its not going to be easy to hear. This, she told the producer, has got to be the stupidest reality show in the history of television. She held her breath, waiting for Burts reaction. And Joshs. To her surprise, Burt merely stared, puffing, as always, on his cigar. To her greater surprise, Josh stepped to her side and placed a hand on her shoulder. Shes right, he said. Ms. Personality is a disaster. *** Josh hadnt been sure what to do about the show, not until Dani threw the truth into their bosss face. Shed been completely honest... how could he be any less? Having gone this far, he went all the way. The whole things a nightmare.

Burt didnt argue. Instead, he listened calmly while Josh and Dani pointed out the problems with the show. Eventually, the three of them went upstairs to Burts office to talk. There, the man surprised them by saying, Youre not telling me anything I havent thought of. I didnt want to pull the plug too soon, but I do have some other projects Im developing. Josh and Dani exchanged a relieved look. This might just turn out okay for all of them. Hey, is this a private party or can anyone join in? Josh looked toward the doorway and saw a young woman. Her spiky black hair and dark clothes were a stark contrast to her pale - but pretty - face. Burt grinned widely. Jacey!

The woman joined them, hugging the notorious producer. This is Jacey Turner. My daughter, Mueller said to Josh. Shes the best damn camera operator on the coast. Jacey rolled her eyes. And you wonder why they called him the King of Schmaltz back in the 70s? Their banter brought a smile to Joshs lips. Dani rose. Hey, Jacey, good to see you again. Motioning for Josh to join her, she added, Im sure you guys have a lot to catch up on. Well get out of your hair. Well talk about the reality shows later, Burt said with an appreciative look. Im hoping to convince Jacey to work with us.

As Josh followed Dani to the door, he heard Burts daughter say, If you think Im ever gonna work on the set of another reality TV show, youre whacked in the head, old man. Josh grinned, liking the sassy way Burts daughter treated him. Just before exiting, his boss called, By the way, Josh. Ive got something else in mind for you. How do you feel about crime dramas? How did he feel? Abso-frigging-lutely fantastic! Giving the man a nod of thanks, he pulled the door closed. Now there was only one thing left to do: fix things with Dani. *** Lets go, Josh said, grabbing her hand as they left Burts office. Dani stumbled to keep up. Go where? Someplace private.

Considering she was still wearing the hideous red cat suit, private was good. He led her to her own office, pulled her inside, then shut the door. She moved towards her desk, turning to face him as she perched herself on its edge. Before she could open her mouth, he said, Now listen. She held her breath. I was a fool for not recognizing you. You changed, but the basic person was always there. Funny, sassy and sweet. Josh shook his head. To be honest, I think thats why I looked at you but never really saw you. Because the sassy mail girl I worked with looked at me like I was pond scum. Danis jaw dropped. Shed feared looking like a lovesick puppy... and hed thought she didnt like him?

Last night... when I recognized you, I thought you were punishing me or something with a weird head game. Because you believed the lies about me, he explained. I didnt really believe them. Then why were you nice to everyone, but wouldnt even smile at me? She smiled at him now. Because I thought if I smiled at you, youd see the truth. That I was crazy about you. This time, his jaw dropped. Dani slid off the desk and stepped close, putting her hand on his chest, feeling the strength of his heartbeat. Back then I had a goofy crush on you. Taking a breath for courage, she continued. Now its more than that. Im in love with you. Emotion flashed in his eyes, then he asked, So why the

games? Why did you hide who you were? That was a tough one. She explained as best she could. I thought Id been invisible before. So I tried to keep that girl invisible... maybe hoping youd come to care for the woman I am now. The woman youve spent so much time with these past few weeks. He leaned down and tenderly brushed his lips against hers. You were never invisible. I definitely saw you. And now that I know the woman in the mask is also the buttoned-up producers assistant... and the sassy redhead who drove me nuts for two years, Im never going to be able to let you go. He was hinting at it, but Dani needed the words. Why, Josh? He brushed a wisp of hair off her brow. Because Im in love with you, too, Dani.

She almost didnt believe it, but the warmth in his eyes couldnt lie. Dani threw her arms around his neck and tugged him close, pressing her mouth to his for a tender kiss that quickly turned hot and intimate. Dani moaned, loving the taste of him and the warmth of his hard body. We gonna stop playing games now? she eventually asked, pulling back to look him in the eye. Yeah. You up for another date? And this time you really will stay for... breakfast? Josh pulled her tight again, caressing her waist, her back, then the side of her breast with deliciously light strokes. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner, he whispered. Today and every day.

Then lets go, she said, shivering in anticipation.

already

Do one thing for me, okay? Looking down at her clothes, he gave her an evil grin. Keep the cat suit on. The End