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The software empire Jason Ward built from scratch is his best revenge against the tragic past he wants to forget. But when a business rival seizes his company, he discovers he has to reinvent his ruthless reputation. Hiring Abby Baylor to give him a polished edge with investors is a brilliant business move. Until she unleashes a desire that has Jason aching to show the gorgeous etiquette coach a few maneuvers of his own.
Still reeling from a messy divorce, Abbyâs steering clear of romance, especially with her fiery-tempered new client. But the seductive entrepreneur is tempting her to mix business and pleasure with a passion that soon melts her resolve. However, when secrets from Jasonâs past threaten both their futures and their lives, is Abby ready to gamble everything on loveâthe biggest game-changer of all?
She shook her head. âI canât risk it.â
âWhat?â
âAnything more than a personal relationship with you.â She shook her head again. âI mean professional.â
He grinned, pleased she was flustered. âYou were right the first time.â
âNo, I wasnât. I can help you, but not if youâre going to play games.â
His grin fell. âIâm not playing games.â
âWhat happens if youâre disappointed?â
He frowned. âWhat are you talking about?â
âWhat if I let you kiss me right now and itâs awful?â
âIt wonât be.â
âWill you stop working with me?â she continued. âOr will that satisfy your curiosity enough to let you realize thatââ
Jason didnât hear the rest of her words. Only one important thing echoed in his mind. âYouâre going to let me kiss you?â
Abby threw up her hands. âWere you listening to a word I said? I said there are conââ
She didnât get to finish before his mouth covered hers. Abby felt herself sinking into sweet ecstasy as his mouth claimed hers and he crushed her body to him. His demanding lips caressed hers, his large hands exploring the hollows of her back. She now knewânot just imaginedâwhat he felt like. He fumbled behind her, opened the door to an empty room and pulled her inside.
DARA GIRARD
fell in love with storytelling at an early age. Her romance writing career happened by chance when she discovered the power of a happy ending. She is an award-winning author whose novels are known for their sense of humor, interesting plot twists and witty dialogue. When sheâs not writing, she enjoys spring mornings and autumn afternoons, French pastries, dancing to the latest hits and long drives.
Dara loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at [email protected] or P.O Box 10345, Silver Spring, MD 20914.
Dear Reader,
âI saw a woman in a kimono and she was completely naked underneath. When she bent over, it was just wrongâ¦.â
I heard this comment in a news clip featuring an etiquette coach and knew what career I wanted for Abby Baylor. A career rife with story potential got me thinking: What if a corporate etiquette coach is hired by a man with a traumatic past and a terrible temper? Enter Jason Ward.
However, Jason isnât the only one with a lesson to learn. For all his ruthlessness and rude ways, he had a tender side I didnât expect. And Abby had a harder edge that surprised me.
Fortunately, in spite of their ups and downs, the holiday season adds a nice touch to their roller-coaster romance.
Enjoy,
Dara Girard
To my rock (you know who you are) and my support. Thanks!
Chapter 1
Her hands were going where they didnât belong, but theyâd been doing that all evening. Jason Ward did his best to move away, but if he moved any farther, heâd fall out of his seat.
âI love a man who knows what he wants,â Stephanie Armstrong said, as she purred loudly. She reminded him of a hungry feline ready for mating season. She was an attractive older woman whose husband was a possible key investor. Jasonâs partner, Dennis Collins, had put him in charge of keeping her entertained for the evening, but she only had one thing on her mind. And this wasnât the first time. He didnât know why the wives seemed to be drawn to him. Dennis laughed and said that, along with his good looks, he had a raw, hungry ambition their husbands lacked that sparked their interest. For a brief moment Jason thought of how heâd had to kiss up to many of them over the years, when heâd been younger and just starting out. He didnât mind the perks that came with getting a lucrative business deal, but right now he wasnât in the mood. He seized her wrist as it came too close to his manhood. His eyes met hers, and he saw them light up.
âI can make sure my husband gives you everything you want.â She bent forward, giving him a clear view of her ample cleavage.