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a race.”
    Jen had seen that blonde in the skimpy red T-shirt practically rubbing herself against Eli, and he hadn’t looked at all unhappy.
    Bob glanced toward the enormous window overlooking the crowded stadium. “How does this fit with you dating Jennifer?”
    â€œIt doesn’t,” Jen said urgently.
    â€œPretend-dating,” Eli clarified. “If I have a companion, the female fans will see me as off-limits.”
    That was why he’d asked her on a date? Because he wanted a decoy?
    Jen bit her lip. It wasn’t as if a girl like her would capture the attention of a guy like him for more than five minutes. But she was suddenly certain they would have been five glorious minutes, and she felt…cheated.
    â€œJen certainly wouldn’t distract you from your racing,” Bob agreed, unwittingly insulting. “She’s a quiet little thing.”
    Eli turned that preposterously green gaze on her. “Now that I hadn’t noticed.”
    She didn’t believe he’d noticed anything about her at all. Any other woman to deliver Bob’s message would have been invited to be his date for the race. Jen knew she wasn’t anything special, but she deserved better!
    â€œI wouldn’t dare come between you and your fans,” she said. “I’d be stomped by stilettos.”
    â€œYou were ready to tackle those lying women on my behalf,” Eli reminded her. “Jen, I guarantee you’ll have a good time.”
    â€œI’m not here for a good time,” she said primly.
    â€œYou could do with some fun, Jen,” Bob inserted.
    It dawned on her that in the past five minutes her boss had stated in several ways that he thought she was dull.
    She wasn’t dull, she was reliable. Which the last time she looked was a good quality.
    â€œI have plenty of fun planned,” she defended herself. It was true. She would have fun, just as soon as she secured her future, and Granddad’s. Of course, it wouldn’t be the kind of fun Eli was offering. High-octane, with an element of danger.
    She liked her fun a whole lot safer.
    â€œI don’t see the problem,” Eli said. “I need a girlfriend, you need some fun. Why not seize the day?” He winked conspiratorially.
    She was ashamed that her stomach fluttered, that her hormones didn’t have more self-respect. She’d always considered Seize the Day to be a license for irresponsibility, a belief reinforced by every warning her grandparents had drilled into her.
    â€œBob,” Eli said, “this arrangement wouldn’t work if you felt obliged to mention it to Gil.”
    â€œI don’t discuss drivers’ personal lives with anyone,” Bob assured him.
    They were talking as if this crazy scheme was a done deal!
    â€œThis simply isn’t possible. I have my grandfather to consider,” Jen reminded her boss.
    â€œWhere does he come into it?” Eli asked.
    â€œI live with him…we have a chicken farm,” she said grudgingly. “Granddad has severe arthritis, and he needs my help in the mornings. I don’t start here until eleven.”
    â€œBut I have a breakfast with my fan club at nine,” he said.
    Jen arranged her expression into one of mock sympathy. “I guess that’s the end of that idea.”
    Eli laughed, evidently still finding her hilarious. “No problem. I’ll have Kyle, one of our mechanics, come help your granddad. He’s not needed at the track until after lunch and he grew up on a farm. I’m sure he can feed a few chickens.”
    â€œThat’ll work,” Bob said. “Carlton, Jen’s grandfather, is a big NASCAR fan. I’ll bet he’d love the chance to talk racing with Kyle.” He steepled his fingers. “Jen, Eli’s had a difficult time the past few weeks. I’d like to help out if we can. I know it’s not in your job description, but I’d be grateful.”
    Bob