This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any locales, or persons living or dead is coincidental. The World Surfing League is a real competition, full of hard knocks and amazing athletes but the characters and situations in this book are entirely fictitious.
Copyright ©2018 Michele de Winton. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, transmit in any form or by any means. For information on subsidiary rights contact the author via her website
www.micheledewinton.com
Please respect the hard work of the author and don’t share this work or purchase it from pirate sites. Pirates always come to a sticky end in all the books I’ve read. Just saying.
Contents
Making over Maya
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Also by Michele De Winton
About Michele De Winton
Making over Maya
Maya Taylor is all sass and style when it comes to closing a PR deal, but when it comes to men, she has about as much witty banter as a drowning grommet. So when fashion mogul, Dominic Wolfe, enters her life, he seems to be bringing the perfect deal.
She’ll teach him all there is to know about the highly competitive side of surf sponsorship. And in return, Dominic will turn the beautiful surf-klutz into a man-magnet. Dream deal, right?
Only the lessons start getting hotter than the beach mid-summer and Dominic realizes he wants more. Much more. But the deal was their relationship wouldn’t cross the line between business and pleasure. And Cinderella isn’t supposed to end up with a Wolfe…
Chapter One
If he doesn’t ask you out, you have to make the first move. Today. Take off your chicken suit and grow a pair. Maya Taylor played with the straw of her orange juice and realized the ice in her drink was already melted. Fanning her face, she gazed at the white sand and shimmering ocean. It was only eight o’clock and the world already had a heat haze over it. The Australian Gold Coast was hotter than a firecracker lit both ends. She looked at her watch. You can’t do anything if he doesn’t turn up. The world was on fire and so was her heart. She put a hand to her chest, sure that its beat was way too fast to be healthy. Calm yourself. She took a deep shaky breath.
Maya gazed out from the World Surfing League popup beach bar and café, a glorified tent, branded all over with WSL sponsors, and wished she’d adopted somewhere else as an office for the day. Somewhere with walls and air conditioning would be a good start! Maybe that’s what was making her so agitated. Maya checked her watch for the millionth time and tried to ignore her churning stomach. Butterflies be damned, there was a bunch of angry elephants in there.
It’s gonna happen. He called you this time.
“Hi, I’m so sorry I’m late. Got stuck signing autographs. Just finished my set and they landed on me.”
Oh. My. God. The voice broke through her internal dialogue and oozed its way between her organs before she had a chance to put up her mental defense bubble. Oh no. Must not melt. Rick Hunter’s voice wasn’t anything as ordinary as golden honey, it was some crazy freshly squeezed angel-lust blood. Seriously, every time it got anywhere close to her ear drums, Maya was sure she’d combust with the effort of not dissolving into a puddle of need on the floor in front of him.
And then of course, came his body. Stripped down to board shorts and with droplets of salt water still dripping now and then from his hair, pro surfer Rick Hunter was a bronzed, buffed, broad vision of perfection.
Do not drool.
He slid into the barstool next to her, kissed her on the cheek and Maya felt the heat of a blush threaten immediately. Kissed, by Rick, I’m-a-better-looking-version-of-James-Franco, Hunter! Gah.
Resisting the urge to press her hand into her stomach in front of him to stop the squirming ball of lusty elephants from stampeding down into her groin, Maya forced herself to smile. “Got to keep the fans happy. Hope you left all those girls with something to remember you by.”
Really? Of all the things in the world, that’s what you say?
His laugh rumbled up from deep within his chest and Rick’s smile cracked broader, sending a sparkle to his dark eyes that should have been illegal. “There were a few guys too. Don’t write me off as just another player Maya. You know I’ve grown up in the past couple years.”
Indeed she did. Rick Hunter had grown up into something amazing since she’d known him. That was a big reason almost every single female within twenty miles flirted, cajoled and practically salivated over him whenever he flew into town. And that was the reason the churning sensation in her stomach had taken up permanent residence recently. Rick was solid. Consistent. Reliable. Not just hot. All rare traits in a professional surfer. And all traits on her must-have-in-a-man list. She’d been burnt too many times by men to trust fate anymore, she was taking matters, and hopefully Rick, into her own hands. Only thing was, she hadn’t quite told him that yet.
The rest of her list was finally going well though. Maya was good at her job. Heck, she was great, not that her old boss had ever recognized it. But now she was finally out on her own she was starting to make headway as a PR surf guru. She’d been gratified how many of the men and women she’d surfed side by side with had wanted to sign with her, including Rick. She’d put Rick with one of her first sponsor clients and he’d been a fantastic poster boy for them, good with the obligatory media tours, great on TV, great for her career if she was honest. She had to pinch herself that it was actually happening. She was on the up, and Rick was going to be part of that story.
Recently they’d been spending a little more time together. After each business meeting, they might share a little food, or a drink, or just chat. He was trying to build something for the future he said. Leverage his amazing talents in the water and make them work for him on land. Maya had pulled off a great new sponsor for him with that hook, a mobile phone company that had nothing to do with surfing, but everything to do with looking, sounding and promoting cool. He’d have quite the nest egg soon.
And now he’d asked to meet. Outside the office. About a personal matter. Her stomach lurched and she wondered whether the eggs benedict she had for breakfast had more to do with her stomach’s activity than she’d thought. No. No. This wasn’t food poisoning, this was IT. He was going to ask her on a date. Wasn’t he?
He plowed a hand through his dark hair and what remained of the seawater slicked it back just enough to keep it off his face, but not enough to hide the gentle curl that tugged at the ends of each longish dark strand. Her hands twitched with the desire to stroke the one piece that refused to be smoothed.
“I’ve been thinking about what’s next for me. Not that I’m planning on stopping surfing anytime soon,” he held up his hands. “But you know, just making sure I’m smashing it. Like you, going out on your own. Sticking it to your boss when you weren’t getting the respect you deserved.”
Maya’s heart fluttered again. He cared. Cared that she’d taken such a big risk. One that even now she second guessed herself about. He’d always been someone who had told her she could do it. That told her to take herself seriously. Something that added extra credit to his top-of-the-potential-boyfriend-list status.
“Nice that you noticed.”
He smiled and again her insides squirmed. She had dared to wonder what that smile would do to her if they ever tumbled into bed. Dissolve her panties instantly? Get her wet before he’d even touched her? Girl! Chill! She gave herself a little shake, she was staring at him, probably drooling. But seriously, if he didn’t get to the asking her out point soon she was literally going to melt into a pile of spent goo.
“I figure it’s the perfect time for me to make sure I’m living life to the max, fully, you know?” He carried on, oblivious.
Living life fully. Man. That’s what she wanted. What she always promised she would put at the top of her life’s priority list. She’d made that list very specific. Timing was key, she’d learnt that in PR, so this year was the time to get serious about setting herself up for the rest of her life. This year she was going to cement her place as a serious PR professional, sort a place of her own and settle down with someone special. If she didn’t get those three things ticked off pronto, the rest of her plan would be all out of order and she wasn’t about to let that happen. Not again.
Rick would make a great boyfriend. A great and generous lover. She snuck a glance at his abs as he leant over and poured himself a glass of water. And he’d definitely make for great arm candy.
But she wasn’t after a quick thrill. She wasn’t that girl. Never had been. Maya sighed and looked up at Rick through her lashes. He’d help you through it. He would. She was sure she’d be able to get over the ghosts in her bedroom closet with Rick. She’d felt a burgeoning of chemistry between them she was sure of it. They just needed to take the next step. Heck, with her brains, his good looks and gentle personality, they’d make an amazing life together. And amazing babies together. Not yet, but when they were both ready. She’d read a couple of interviews where he’d said he’d always pictured himself having a wife and a bunch of kids. For a moment she pictured them: golden haired children, a girl and two boys. Tanned from hours spent outdoors, hair flecked with sunshine, easy smiles, quick minds. She let a little grin creep onto her face as her imaginary children cavorted in the sparkling shallows of her imaginary future. Then she mentally slapped herself. One step at a time girl.
But just thinking of the PR coverage she could get Rick-the-dad got her going. She could take surf sponsorship mainstream, into the family arena. He’d make a wonderful father role model, she’d be able to sell the pants off that sort of package if she pitched it right. Incredible that no one had bothered to try yet. Although no one had Rick Hunter to tie it all together. Neither do you genius. Okay. Not yet anyway. But he’d asked to meet her for personal reasons and he’d sounded nervous. That was definite date protocol wasn’t it? The elephants in her stomach trumpeted with glee.
She sat up straighter and tugged at her shoulder length honey-brown curls. Professional. She should look professional, so he didn’t feel any more nervous than he needed to. It was always a little awkward asking out someone you’d known for a while. If that’s what he really was doing. Maya crossed her fingers. Stop it, idiot. She uncrossed them.
“So. You wanted to talk?”
He squirmed.
She was right! And it was so sweet. A lack of confidence was not usually something Rick Hunter was ever accused of.
He cleared his throat and stroked his chin. “As you know, my sister’s wedding is coming up. Thanks so much for everything you’ve done for that again. But, well,” he moved his hand from his chin and pushed it through his hair again. “My sister wants me to bring someone and because there’s going to be so much media there, I don’t want to take just anyone, you know.”
Hells yes she knew. Rick’s sister was marrying another one of the golden boys of the surf circuit and the wedding was practically going to be a live televised event. If Maya had a hundred dollars for every journo who had tried to wheedle into her good books to get an invitation she’d be a wealthy lady.
“I keep meaning to just walk up and ask, but you’ve taught me so much about timing, preparation and making sure the media don’t get a sniff, I didn’t want to leave it to chance.”
Better and better. He’d thought this through in great detail.
“But I know that there’s stuff to organize and all that. The dress for starters. Cos my sister will want everything coordinated.” He rolled his eyes. “So I figured I better not leave it any longer.”
The dress. Oh the dress. Maya pictured herself wearing the strapless silver maxi she and her girlfriends had spied online not that long ago. Or maybe she could break her neutrals only policy for Rick and try the red mini her girlfriends had liked. And feel like a slapper all night? Hanging about with people in bikinis all day every day should have made her more comfortable to show off a little skin, but her self-conscious bone was well and truly honed. And anyway, she was always working. A professional appearance was key in PR.
“Soooo I was wondering if you knew if Brooke was seeing anyone.”
Brooke?
The elephant lump in Maya’s stomach stopped churning and stopped dead. Collapsing on top of each other like so many piles of lead. Her mouth froze pre gracious acceptance speech. Epic pause. “Um. No, I don’t think so.”
“Great.” He smiled. “In which case I was hoping to get her number off you. I thought it best to do the asking in private. If I just bowl on up to her and she’s not into it someone is bound to hear and then it’ll be on someone’s blog straight away, or if she says yes, the lads might give her grief. So I thought I’d call and date her, old fashioned like. Maybe take her to dinner after the final, make sure it’s all good before the wedding. I know she’s a bit bad ass for my brand, but like you always say it’s good to keep your sponsors guessing sometimes. Spice things up. Don’t want to turn into the dull-beat-dad of the surf circuit before my time.”
Maya tried not to gape. Tried very hard. Wake up and perk up. As if he was going to ask you when there’s a veritable ocean of hot woman out there for him to choose from. “Of course. I mean, yes, she’s a bit brash for the brand we’ve been building for you, but you can’t let that dictate your love. I mean your life. I mean…you know what I mean.”
He smiled and the relief was obvious when his shoulders dropped about an inch. “I knew you’d get it. Like I said, I’ve been meaning to ask for a while, but I just needed to make sure it was the right thing to do. Like you’re always telling me.”
“Of course. Oh I said that already didn’t I? Sure.” He’d been thinking about this for a while. Thinking about her BFF for a while. Not a thought for Maya Taylor. Not. A. Single. Thought.
Suddenly a whole new, terrifying reality struck her. “You’re serious about giving this a go. With Brooke. Not just for the wedding?”
Oh dear god, was he blushing?
He hadn’t. Surely? He hadn’t fallen for her BFF? And her BFF hadn’t been secretly lusting after Rick all the while that Maya had been…no, she wouldn’t let that possibility out into the world. Not yet. Not in polite company.
“We haven’t spent that much time together lately, but we used to grab a drink pretty much after every event. And in Brazil and Bali I think she opened up to me some. I don’t know, maybe I’ve been reading the signals wrong. But you’ve got to be in to win don’t you?”
He thought he’d been reading the signals wrong? Holy mother of boardshorts. This could not be happening.
Maya couldn’t bring herself to say anything else so she reached for a napkin and selecting a scarlet pen for the occasion from her bag, wrote out the number for the cell Brooke used when she was travelling.
“Thanks.” He folded the napkin carefully and then looking down at his still wet shorts, realized he had nowhere to put it.
That happens when you parade around with no clothes on. Maya forced out yet another smile. “Was that all?”
“Grab a bite with me?”
“I shouldn’t really. I’ve got so much on.”
He didn’t seem to notice her refusal and waved at someone at the bar. “I have a good feeling about this year. I
f I keep doing well in the competitions and the wedding PR spin off goes to plan, I should be set don’t you think? Reckon you could get my endorsements to crank up even higher. Win win for both of us right?”
“Right.” Except that meant spending more time with him. Time where she might have to hear about his new relationship. A relationship Brooke was certainly going to end once Brooke got bored with Rick’s stable, consistent ways. Or it might be just what Brooke has been searching for, the kind of man she needs in her life. Enough. She’d deal with the repercussions of this whole mess in private. In her own room. With a large bottle of gin. Hold the tonic.
Her cell pinged with a message. Saved! “Sorry Rick, I’d love to stay, but you know what they say, no rest for the wicked.” Ha, that was a good one. If she’d been able to be a little more wicked maybe it’d be her, not Brooke getting asked to the surf event of the year.
Maya slid off her barstool and with as much pace as she could muster without looking like she was ready to break into a run, hightailed it back to the relative privacy of her hotel suite.
Chapter Two
Dominic Wolfe lay back on the sand and pushed his sunglasses up his nose so no one would be able to tell where his eyes wandered. His breath hissed out in a long stream. Just look at the universe that existed outside his office. He’d almost forgotten about it this past year.
Two women in black and yellow bikinis stalked by, acting like they owned the world.
Damn. Hot. So hot he was real danger of melting or at least breaking out into an unattractive pouring sweat, although that might have something to do with the lack of air conditioning in the great outdoors. Dom wiped at his brow and yanked his shirt over his head.
Making over Maya (Hot Tide Book 2) Page 1