Eleanor
Martin is every company's dream employee. She arrives early, stays late and
never misses a day. If it weren't for Eleanor's skill as a private secretary,
her architect boss would never make a deadline. Not only does she keep him on
track, she runs interference between him and his over-bearing mother, his
deadbeat brother, and the half dozen or so women who want to bed him and/or wed
him.
When Jess
Norton acquires a new client who asks him to build a palatial hideaway on Grand
Cayman Island, Jess is certain he'll never be able to complete the multi-million
dollar job without the help of his efficient secretary. Despite her
reservations, he convinces Eleanor to accompany him on the assignment of a
lifetime.
The sun and the sand cast the perfect spell for romance. But will the
tides turn in the opposite direction?
Excerpt:
“I didn’t hear you come in,” Eleanor said, as she followed her boss into his office.
He
chuckled, the timbre of his voice sinking into her subconscious. There were
many things about her boss’ life she’d learned to ignore, or at least accept.
His deep, sexy voice wasn’t one of them.
“You
were too busy discussing pastry with our new receptionist.”
Eleanor
met his teasing gaze and broad grin. “She’s inquisitive, and very bright.”
“And
now she knows everything there is to know about pastry in the workplace.” He
removed his suit jacket and handed it to her before adding, “As long as she can
answer the phone without hiccupping in the client’s ear, I’m happy.”
Eleanor
did her best to control an outright laugh. “Yes, that was definitely a problem.
I can’t imagine wanting to be a receptionist if you panic every time the phone
rings.”
“Whatever
happened to…what was her name? Clarice?” he asked. “Did you let her go?”
Eleanor
shook her head. “I transferred her to the mailroom.”
“Good
for you. I hate to see anyone out of a job.” Reaching for the telephone he
asked, “Has my sainted mother called already this morning?”
“Yes.
She thinks you’re angry with her and don’t want to speak to her.”
Looking
up until their gazes met, he rolled his eyes and shook his head. “I don’t know
where she got that idea. No wait. It might have something to do with the fact
she arranged another blind date for me.”
Eleanor
quickly covered a smile with her hand and pretended to cough. “She worries
about you.”
“Worrying
is one thing. Arranging a date with one of this year’s debutantes is
ridiculous. Hell, I’m nearly old enough be the girl’s father.”
A
quick, and thoroughly unwanted, picture flashed through Eleanor’s thoughts.
Jess Norton surrounded by a bevy of evening gown clad debutantes, each of them
doing their best to snag a rich, influential businessman. “If you check the
engagement announcements in the newspaper, it seems most well-established
businessmen prefer to marry gently-raised, properly educated younger girls.”
“Not
me. I prefer my women a bit more on the experienced side.”
****
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Website: www.nancyfraser.ca
Twitter: @nfraserauthor
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004AOL61Y
And, more of my favorite holiday songs:
1958: Rocking Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee (probably one of the most played)
1958: The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) by Alvin and the Chipmunks (probably one of the cutest)
1959: This Time of Year by Brook Benton (another soulful song)
1960: Please Come Home For Christmas by Charles Brown (another tear-jerker)
Don't forget to leave a comment (including your email) for a chance to win having your name used as a character in book 5 of the series, as well as a digital copy of the book you're named in and a digital copy of the first three books in the series, 1955's Love Is A Many Splendored Thing, 1956's Love Me Tender and 1957's Wake Up Little Susie.
I've got one more post coming later. Please stop back by for a visit.
Happy Holidays!
Nancy
2 comments:
I love the chipmunks' song! (and enjoyed the excerpt...nice banter)
Thanks so much for the comment. That's what I love about writing for the 50s and 60s ... they actually talk to each other!
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