Spoiled Stevie Jurran expects smooth sailing when she arrives at Lakeside Lodge to implement her plan to merge it into the luxury Bijoux Hotel chain. Completing this simple task will move her up the corporate ladder, increase her value to her father’s multi-billion dollar business and settle the score with her cheating ex-fiancé. Just one insignificant B&B stands between her and success –one B&B and its provoking and intriguing manager.
Secretive and sexy Grant Harris is not your typical innkeeper. Digging in his heels, he tries to preserve the aesthetic of Lakeside Lodge by resisting every change Stevie implements. Retreating from his life in the B&B’s surroundings, Grant quickly learns there’s no way to combat his growing desire for the infuriating heiress. Can he concede to her demands and contend with his past to win this alluring woman?
The B&B should be a perfect fit for the hotel chain. Stevie and Grant should be a perfect fit as well, but will they set aside their pasts and egos to complete a merger of a different kind?
Will love seal their deal?
“Inside or out?”
The maître’d and Grant were both looking at Stevie expectantly. Usually assertive, she demurred to Grant. “You know the place better; you choose.”
“If you would like the patio, Dr. Harris,” the host suggested in a heavily accented voice, “I have a lovely corner table.”
The couple acquiesced and were seated in the back corner of the enclosed patio. The music was fainter, but still audible accompanied by the tinkling sound of a fountain. Stevie glanced across the patio. There were about eight tables outdoors, all for parties of two. High bushes of hibiscus and roses bursting with blooms surrounded the patio. The fragrance was wonderful, the table incredibly intimate.
“You like it?” Grant asked with a hint of uncertainty.
“I love it.”
“Wait until you taste the food,” he promised, his confidence restored.
They hid behind tall menus, selecting dishes to share along with a carafe of sangria. After giving their order to the server they were finally alone.
“It’s beautiful here,” Stevie breathed. “Thank you for suggesting it.”
“Now that I finally have you alone,” Grant teased only to be interrupted by the server arriving to pour their drinks. “So much for my sinister plans.”
“Do you have sinister plans?” Stevie queried in a low, husky voice.
“Do you want me to?”
“No answering a question with a question,” Stevie responded. She watched conflicting emotions waver across Grant’s face and waited quietly. She would not give him an out. She had learned from business that silence was a powerful tool.
“Yes, in fact, Stevie. I have very sinister plans.”
The words were out, electric between them like a live thing. Stevie sucked in a breath, surprised by how quickly and matter of factly Grant had stated his desires. She reached her foot forward under the table closing the few inches that separated them. She rubbed her foot slowly up his leg, allowing her movements to acknowledge what she failed to say with her lips.
“Have I shocked you?”
“I guess that depends on just how sinister you can be. Mostly you have pleased me,” Stevie admitted. No shy wallflower, she gave Grant a bold smile and placed her hand in his. “I’m looking forward to finding out.”
Grant pressed a soft kiss on the back of her hand then released her as course after course of Latin inspired small plates arrived. For the next hour they spoke of the food, the atmosphere, the music, everything but each other and what lay ahead. After assuring that he ordered something to satisfy Stevie’s sweet tooth, Grant requested the check. When it arrived, Grant automatically reached for it and Stevie reveled in the moment. Too often she was the one who paid for the date. Not tonight.
“We could go dancing?” Grant asked. “Perhaps a salsa club in keeping with our theme?” Stevie believed he was just making a polite offer but couldn’t quite tell.
“Are you a good dancer?”
“Not on a dance floor.” Grant offered her a wicked smile and reached to help her from the chair. “But in a bedroom…”
“Braggart.”
“Am I?”
“Shall we find out?”
The maître’d and Grant were both looking at Stevie expectantly. Usually assertive, she demurred to Grant. “You know the place better; you choose.”
“If you would like the patio, Dr. Harris,” the host suggested in a heavily accented voice, “I have a lovely corner table.”
The couple acquiesced and were seated in the back corner of the enclosed patio. The music was fainter, but still audible accompanied by the tinkling sound of a fountain. Stevie glanced across the patio. There were about eight tables outdoors, all for parties of two. High bushes of hibiscus and roses bursting with blooms surrounded the patio. The fragrance was wonderful, the table incredibly intimate.
“You like it?” Grant asked with a hint of uncertainty.
“I love it.”
“Wait until you taste the food,” he promised, his confidence restored.
They hid behind tall menus, selecting dishes to share along with a carafe of sangria. After giving their order to the server they were finally alone.
“It’s beautiful here,” Stevie breathed. “Thank you for suggesting it.”
“Now that I finally have you alone,” Grant teased only to be interrupted by the server arriving to pour their drinks. “So much for my sinister plans.”
“Do you have sinister plans?” Stevie queried in a low, husky voice.
“Do you want me to?”
“No answering a question with a question,” Stevie responded. She watched conflicting emotions waver across Grant’s face and waited quietly. She would not give him an out. She had learned from business that silence was a powerful tool.
“Yes, in fact, Stevie. I have very sinister plans.”
The words were out, electric between them like a live thing. Stevie sucked in a breath, surprised by how quickly and matter of factly Grant had stated his desires. She reached her foot forward under the table closing the few inches that separated them. She rubbed her foot slowly up his leg, allowing her movements to acknowledge what she failed to say with her lips.
“Have I shocked you?”
“I guess that depends on just how sinister you can be. Mostly you have pleased me,” Stevie admitted. No shy wallflower, she gave Grant a bold smile and placed her hand in his. “I’m looking forward to finding out.”
Grant pressed a soft kiss on the back of her hand then released her as course after course of Latin inspired small plates arrived. For the next hour they spoke of the food, the atmosphere, the music, everything but each other and what lay ahead. After assuring that he ordered something to satisfy Stevie’s sweet tooth, Grant requested the check. When it arrived, Grant automatically reached for it and Stevie reveled in the moment. Too often she was the one who paid for the date. Not tonight.
“We could go dancing?” Grant asked. “Perhaps a salsa club in keeping with our theme?” Stevie believed he was just making a polite offer but couldn’t quite tell.
“Are you a good dancer?”
“Not on a dance floor.” Grant offered her a wicked smile and reached to help her from the chair. “But in a bedroom…”
“Braggart.”
“Am I?”
“Shall we find out?”
Madison is the author of three novels in the Beguiling Bachelor series, as well as several short stories. She is a member of Romance Writers of America.
After living in the northeast, southeast and the west, Maddy returned to her Midwest roots. She lives in Evanston, IL with two feline editorial assistants and great views of Chicago’s famous skyline.
Subscribe to Madison's newsletter and receive a FREE eBook!
Up for grabs:
💕 Chicago-themed prize pack
💕 $15 Amazon gift card
💕 3 x eCopies of Desire & Dessert
Our first year married we went to one at Keuka Lake, NY that was wonderful. I'd love to do one somewhere in New England in the fall.
ReplyDeleteI have a local B&B that I have enojoyed in the past. There is nothing like a beautiful quiet place to relax and get away from life for a few hours. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't have a favorite since I haven't been to one. :)
ReplyDeleteNo favorites. Sounds good can't wait to read this.
ReplyDeleteNo favorites.
ReplyDeleteNo favorites
ReplyDeleteI would like to give thanks for all your really great writings, including Desire & Dessert, and wishing the best in keeping up the good work in the future.
ReplyDelete