Free Crash and Burn by Michelle Libby

studying and being boring. She liked the blond highlights, which had taken most of the hour to get in and the makeup was a bit overdone for her simple tastes, but she admitted she looked like she belonged with a successful racecar driver. It was like she was playing a character in a play, but how long could she keep up the act?
    Stone opened the door to the storage garage, holding it for her and letting her pass.
    “You look amazing,” he whispered as she brushed by him.
    Her face flushed. Swiping at her bangs, she pushed her medium-length hair over her shoulder. He wasn’t supposed to notice and definitely wasn’t supposed to comment on her looks or anything else personal. They were business associates. She couldn’t let herself read anything into his comments or his casual touches that set her veins on fire.
    As soon as they were through the door, he took her hand in his.
    “Stone!” a boisterous man called, extending his hand. “We’ve been anxious to see you and meet your new wife.” The man turned to look at her.
    “I’m George Halkins, owner of Baby Drama Products, you’ve heard of us, right?”
    Grace held out her hand. “Nice to meet you, sir. Yes, I’ve heard of your company. Your all-natural soaps are a huge success with parents and people who are interested in organic living.”
    George looked over at Stone without letting go of her hands and nodded at him. “I like her. She’s smart.”
    “I like her, too,” Stone said. “Why don’t you tell me…us…what you have in mind for today?”
    “Right to business, I like that. Divina, is it?”
    Grace nodded.
    “Come with me.” He threaded her arm though his and pulled her out of Stone’s reach. “Move it, Adams.”
    At the back of the garage, a photo studio was set up, obviously brought in for the occasion and Stone’s racecar was there, polished and dent-free. George described the work done to get the car ready for today. After the last race, when Stone had bumped the car in front of him, they’d done some major cosmetic work on the car. He explained he wanted them to look like a wholesome, all-American couple in love.
    “Stone,” Mr. Halkins said, “undo your tie and run your hands through your hair. Pretend you’ve just arrived home after a long day at the office.”
    “I don’t work in an office,” Stone responded.
    Grace chuckled. “You’re playing a part in our quaint play.”
    He shot her a worried look and she smiled back at him. At least she held some leverage over him. If he was worried she was going to tell his secret, he would be less likely to put her in a position to get hurt in the end.
    “How do we fit the baby into our happy home?” Stone asked, tapping the roof of the car.
    The photographer positioned them near the shiny vehicle. First Grace sat on the hood of the car and Stone knelt by her, looking at her, his eyes mesmerizing her with their intensity. The photographer yelled directions to them. “Divina, smile. Look natural. Stop fidgeting. Divina, put your hand on his shoulder.”
    Grace was getting sick of being called Divina, but when she put her hand on Stone and felt the warmth of him, she channeled some of his confidence. One thing for sure, she couldn’t stop trembling.
    “Mr. Adams. Stand against the car and wrap Divina in your arms. Look casual, but elegant.”
    Grace gritted her teeth. This was the best photographer they could find. One who yelled and gave directions like ‘be casually elegant.’ Was that even possible? She smiled sweetly at the photographer and slipped off the hood of the car. Stone twirled her around and stopped her when she’d pressed her back against him. He pulled her tight into his embrace.
    “Lean back on me,” he whispered. “Snuggle.”
    Incredulously, she looked up at him over her shoulder. Reclining against him, she slid her hips up against his pelvis. He sucked in a quick breath. She shifted her hips and he tightened his arms around her waist.
    “Stop moving,”