Random Acts Of Fashion

Nikki Rivers

Литагент HarperCollins EUR

When life hands you lemons–hand them back!An "accident" sent Gillian Caine reeling when Lukas McCoy ran into her–and left her with a broken arm. Luckily, a helpful judge assigned him to help finish getting her new shop ready. Bringing silk, satin and high fashion to Timber Bay, Michigan–home of flannel, wool and practical granny panties–wasn't going to be easy, but Gillian was up for the challenge.Or was she? Because the warm, caring people of Timber Bay had no trouble resisting her fashion ideas. Didn't they realize the power in a makeover? Suddenly desperate, Gillian knew she needed their attention–and no broad-shouldered, heterosexual man with no fashion sense would stand in her way!Until she found herself in his arms….

Dear Reader,

I’ve always loved the craziness of fashion, where the absurd often hangs right next to the sublime. Hmmm—kind of sounds like romantic comedy, doesn’t it? Well, how could I resist? I just had to create Gillian Caine, a fashion designer from New York City who has just been dumped and swindled by a definite Mr. Wrong. Gillian was a delight to write. She’s strong-willed, creative, independent. She’s a girl who intends to stand on her own two feet—even when they’re stuffed into a pair of pumps with five-inch heels. To add to the fun, I transplanted Gillian to Timber Bay, Michigan—the small town I first introduced in my June, 2004, Flipside, Finding Mr. Perfect. Timber Bay is the kind of place where buying a new flannel shirt every winter is considered keeping up with the latest trends—until Gillian hits town, that is!

Gillian Caine is one of my favorite creations. A real Flipside kind of girl! I hope you have fun getting to know her as she commits Random Acts of Fashion on the eccentric citizens of Timber Bay.

May the fashion be with you,

Nikki Rivers

“I want you to decorate the tree with these,” Gillian ordered

Lukas nudged the box beside him, then looked at the suspended branches in the shop window. Opening the carton, he sputtered, “These are…um—”

“Lingerie, McCoy. Now get to work!”

“Yes, warden,” he grumbled, picking up a violet camisole. He continued arranging the garments as Gillian came over to inspect his work. Not used to her closeness, Lukas tripped over the stool, lunging toward her, crashing through the tree. Bras and panties took flight like a colorful flock of frightened birds.

“Lukas?” Gillian tossed underwear aside until she found a nose sticking out of the leg of a French-cut panty.

“Are you all right?” she asked as she lifted the lingerie. “Not exactly the way it’s worn, McCoy,” she said, grinning down at him.

“Maybe you’d like to demonstrate the right way to wear it then, warden,” he replied, his mouth holding back a wicked grin.

Random Acts of Fashion

Nikki Rivers

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nikki Rivers loves writing romantic comedy because she believes that laughter is just as necessary to life as love is. She also gets a kick out of creating quirky characters, having come from a long line of them, herself. Nikki lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her very own Mr. Right. She loves to hear from readers. E-mail her at RiversWrites@aol.com (mailto:RiversWrites@aol.com).

Books by Nikki Rivers

HARLEQUIN FLIPSIDE

17—FINDING MR. PERFECT

HARLEQUIN DUETS

66—A SNOWBALL’S CHANCE

HARLEQUIN AMERICAN ROMANCE

550—SEDUCING SPENCER

592—DADDY’S LITTLE MATCHMAKER

664—ROMANCING ANNIE

723—HER PRINCE CHARMING

764—FOR BETTER, FOR BACHELOR

To my sisters, Bobbi, Pat, and Judy. Thanks for the laughter, the strength, and the love—and for all those bizarre weekends at the bazaar. Yes! An ant can move a rubber tree plant!

Contents

Chapter 1 (#u9145af09-b573-595a-9ac5-3a9da94c9db5)

Chapter 2 (#u72114e90-911c-5632-b271-f78a2fd628bc)

Chapter 3 (#u5ca35301-7eab-5b50-b19b-9f484d63b1c3)

Chapter 4 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 5 (#