Firing my sassy, smart-mouthed assistant should have solved all my problems. Right?

Wrong! It turns out we'll need a fake marriage for that. Oh boy!

I should have fired Eliza Jenkins the night she overstepped her qualifications in a high-profile client meeting. Or the time she called me stuffy, uptight, and grumpy to my face. But it's her luscious mouth, her chocolate eyes, and her voluptuous curves that really drive me crazy. So I send her packing, pink slip in hand.

My company is better off without the mouthy firecracker anyway. At least, that's what I've been trying to believe. Except now, a multi-million dollar deal is on the line, and she's the only one who can help me save it. I've got a new assignment for Ms. Sassy. Be my fake wife. Or else.

If anyone is up to the task, it's her. I mean—Eliza Jenkins is an overachiever. Smart. Headstrong. Full of great ideas. Looks great leaning over the fax machine. Um … Forget I mentioned that last one.

I'm Liam Kline. Focused. Ambitious. Master of self-control. I can resist Eliza. My sole focus is closing this deal. I'll work her hard, putting in long hours in the bedroom. Err, boardroom. I mean boardroom.

Eliza is the ultimate distraction. With her, I've met my match. So when she suddenly quits me for good, I'm not willing to let her go.

If I don't get her back as my secretary? This whole deal will fall through.

If I don't get her back as my wife? Psht. I'm not even willing to consider that.

Playing Pretend is a steamy, witty, laugh-out-loud, grumpy boss, fake marriage romance. It is set in small-town Iowa and is book two in the Playboys of Sin Valley series.