A Very Bad Bet — Elana Johnson

Sometimes a wager only makes things more fun...She's got seniority over the obnoxious grump next door, and she's determined to beat him out for the top job in their charming hometown. But a bold bet spins their rivalry into a flirty attraction that could change everything.Claudia: I was born to be the Cider Cove City Planner. But Beckett Fletcher-the hothead who works next door to me-wants the job too. We can hardly stand each other on a good day, much less compete for the same promotion.So I make him a bet: Whoever proves they best know the citizens' needs and submits the top proposal for the Christmas Festival gets to apply first.I've got seniority and a solid plan. What can go wrong?Well, this bet also means talking to Beckett daily. I can't believe I've done myself dirty like this.Not only that, but the more we're together, the more I see he's not just a competitive grump. Suddenly I'm noticing things like his cute dogs, and how he cares for his sick aunt.Do we have more in common than I thought? And why does my pulse do cartwheels when he walks in the room?But I refuse to be distracted by my insane attraction to the man trying to steal my dream job. I set out to win the bet-and the job-but keep losing focus thanks to Beckett's handsome face and extraordinary kisses.Can our rivalry and this very bad bet spark something very right?Sometimes the worst wagers have the sweetest outcomes.