Catching Her Rival

Let the games begin...

Allie Miller’s life is a little crazy at the moment. She just found out she has a twin sister, she’s been working day and night to get her PR business off the ground, and now her heart’s decided to fall for her biggest professional rival, Jack Fletcher.

But Allie is used to life’s challenges and intends to face this one—this very handsome, very charming one—head-on. However, when Jack suggests they be just friends, Allie is thrown for a loop. Lusting after the competition is one thing, but being his pal is nearly impossible...especially when she realizes she wants much more.

“I agreed to meet to tell you I can’t see you again.”

“Is it because we’re rivals?” Jack asked. “I thought we were getting along well.”

Allie wondered what his mouth would feel like, taste like... “It has nothing to do with you. I promised myself not to get involved with anyone right now.”

He pursed his lips, as if considering her explanation. “You and I hit it off at the wedding. That rarely happens to me.” His sexy smile was nearly her undoing. “I’d like us to be friends.”

“Just friends?”

“Just friends.” He paused. “What do you say, pal?” He held out a hand for her to shake.

Slowly Allie reached out and slid her hand into his larger, warmer one and said, “Deal.”

Was she disappointed that Jack hadn’t pushed to have a closer personal relationship? What a ridiculous idea. She was off men and that’s all there was to it...

Dear Reader,

Setting—it’s an unsung hero. Many times you don’t even think about it because it’s such an essential part of a story. Can you imagine Sex in the City taking place in a small Wyoming town? Or Downton Abbey in the Caribbean?

Catching Her Rival is set in Rhode Island and surrounding states. I lived near Newport, Rhode Island, for several years, and if you’re familiar with the area, you’ll notice some elements of my story are accurate and others aren’t. The wedding at the beginning takes place at a historic, entirely fictional Newport mansion. I took bits from several actual mansions and created Bellevue House. The street that Charlotte and Jack live on is based in reality. Thanks to Google Maps, I found a narrow street with houses in the Point neighborhood of Newport that fit what I pictured in my mind.

I hope you enjoy Allie and Jack’s story—not just the setting!

Please visit my website, lisadyson.com, or send me an email at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you!

Happy reading,

Lisa Dyson

Catching Her Rival

Lisa

Dyson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

LISA DYSON has been creating stories ever since getting an A on a fifth-grade writing assignment. She lives near Washington, DC, with her husband and their rescue dog with a blue tongue, aptly named Blue. She has three grown sons, a daughter-in-law and four adorable grandchildren. When not writing, reading or spending time with family, Lisa enjoys traveling, volunteering and rooting for her favorite sports teams.

For my sister, Jill.

For your love and support, and for all the times people have asked us if we’re twins.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

EPILOGUE

Extract

Copyright

CHAPTER ONE

ALLIE MILLER’S MOTHER was of the mindset that lives were meant to be lived in pairs.

“What about that nice boy you’ve been seeing?” her mother whispered between bites of spinach salad. “I’m sure he’d love to be your date for your brother’s wedding.”

How had she ended up seated next to her mother at this ridiculous bridal luncheon for Allie’s soon-to-be sister-in-law? She answered through clenched teeth. “I told you, Mom, we broke up.”

“This is a special occasion.” Her mother brushed a crumb from the mint-green sleeve of her suit jacket. “Surely you can put your feelings aside and get along for one day?”

Tough to invite the guy to a wedding or anywhere else when he’s currently in federal prison.

Her mother didn’t need to know that, though. Moreover, she didn’t need to know that Allie had nearly ended up in an adjoining cell.

“I don’t need a date for Scott’s wedding.” She softened her tone. “I mean, if I don’t have to worry about entertaining a date, then I can be of more help behind the scenes, right?”

Her mother’s scowl was all the answer Allie needed. She turned to the sister of the bride sitting on her other side. “So what do you do?” She didn’t recall her name other than it was something like Hope or Charity or Faith.

The young woman, who looked to be close to Allie’s age of twenty-nine, said, “Well, I’m married to a wonderful man, and we have three little girls.” Her mouth twisted as if she had to pull the information from deep within her brain. “I’m the room mother for my kindergartener, I teach an adult Sunday school class and I’m learning to coupon.”