Karen Kirst - From Boss to Bridegroom

Falling for the Boss

Being tied up and delivered to the sheriff was not how Nicole O’Malley expected to meet her new boss. Quinn Darling had the audacity to mistake her for a burglar! Now she’s counting the days until she can leave small-town life behind to open her own boutique. But as long as she’s helping two runaways escape their vindictive stepdad, she can’t leave town.

Quinn’s determined to triumph in his first business venture without the support of his wealthy family. He can’t succeed without assistant Nicole, a beauty as prickly as she is captivating. As Quinn adjusts to the tight-knit community, he’s soon set on another goal: breaking through Nicole’s reserve to capture the love hidden in her heart.

Smoky Mountain Matches: Dreams of home and family come true in the Smoky Mountains

“Mr. Darling, meet your shop assistant.”

Words failed him. Rational thought failed him.

Those magnificent violet eyes speared him as the sheriff helped her stand so that he could free her wrists.

“You are Nicole O’Malley?”

“In the flesh.” The perfect lips thinned with displeasure, then winced as she gingerly rubbed the skin where the rope had chafed.

Quinn winced along with her. He pinched the bridge of his nose. Way to make a great first impression, Darling. Then he recalled her culpability in the situation.

“Why did you attack me?” he demanded.

“I thought you were an intruder. Why did you sneak in here after hours?”

“I didn’t sneak. This is my store. Besides, the door was unlocked.”

The sheriff snapped his knife closed and slid it into his pocket. “I think I’ll leave you two to get better acquainted.” His smile was rueful as he passed Quinn. “Welcome to Gatlinburg.”

KAREN KIRST was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn’t until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom and romance writer. Her favorite pastimes are reading, visiting tearooms and watching romantic comedies.

From Boss to Bridegroom

Karen Kirst

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

—Psalms 139:14

To Meredith Black—many thanks for your encouragement and sound advice.

I’m so grateful the Lord brought you into our lives. Love you, dear friend!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Falling for the Boss Being tied up and delivered to the sheriff was not how Nicole O’Malley expected to meet her new boss. Quinn Darling had the audacity to mistake her for a burglar! Now she’s counting the days until she can leave small-town life behind to open her own boutique. But as long as she’s helping two runaways escape their vindictive stepdad, she can’t leave town. Quinn’s determined to triumph in his first business venture without the support of his wealthy family. He can’t succeed without assistant Nicole, a beauty as prickly as she is captivating. As Quinn adjusts to the tight-knit community, he’s soon set on another goal: breaking through Nicole’s reserve to capture the love hidden in her heart. Smoky Mountain Matches: Dreams of home and family come true in the Smoky Mountains

Introduction “Mr. Darling, meet your shop assistant.” Words failed him. Rational thought failed him. Those magnificent violet eyes speared him as the sheriff helped her stand so that he could free her wrists. “You are Nicole O’Malley?” “In the flesh.” The perfect lips thinned with displeasure, then winced as she gingerly rubbed the skin where the rope had chafed. Quinn winced along with her. He pinched the bridge of his nose. Way to make a great first impression, Darling. Then he recalled her culpability in the situation. “Why did you attack me?” he demanded. “I thought you were an intruder. Why did you sneak in here after hours?” “I didn’t sneak. This is my store. Besides, the door was unlocked.” The sheriff snapped his knife closed and slid it into his pocket. “I think I’ll leave you two to get better acquainted.” His smile was rueful as he passed Quinn. “Welcome to Gatlinburg.”

About the Author KAREN KIRST was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn’t until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom and romance writer. Her favorite pastimes are reading, visiting tearooms and watching romantic comedies.

Title Page From Boss to Bridegroom Karen Kirst www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. —Psalms 139:14

Dedication To Meredith Black—many thanks for your encouragement and sound advice. I’m so grateful the Lord brought you into our lives. Love you, dear friend!

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

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

June 1882 Gatlinburg, Tennessee

There was an intruder in the mercantile.

In her haste, Nicole O’Malley had forgotten to lock the rear entrance, and now she was alone.

While not common in this area, robberies weren’t unheard of. In fact, this very store had been targeted two years ago, and her oldest sister, Juliana, kidnapped by outlaws.

A shudder ripped through her as stealthy, faltering steps echoed down the long hallway that led past the private quarters, storeroom and office to where she’d been dusting shelves in the front area of the store. Whoever had dared enter after hours was up to no good.

Alarm pooling in her belly, Nicole seized a large enamel pot from the nearest shelf and wedged herself into the narrow space between the high shelving unit and door frame. She lifted it high over her head.

Her sister had been fortunate. She’d escaped unharmed.

Would Nicole face a worse fate?

What if he had a gun? What if he shot her on sight?

That’s why I have to be faster than him. Seize the element of surprise.

The footsteps neared. Paused somewhere in the vicinity of the office immediately on the other side of the doorway. Her hands curved around the pot handles until they bit into her palms. Heartbeat roaring in her ears, her arms began to tremble from the strain. The safe containing the money was in the office. If he went in there, she could try and sneak out the front entrance.