Monica Richardson - A Yuletide Affair

A holiday to remember

Alyson Talbot’s real estate ambitions have taken her far from her exotic Caribbean home. Now she’s coming back to plan a spectacular Christmas wedding for her sister—and win some lucrative new business deals. Samson Steel is an unexpected distraction in both areas. Enigmatic and self-assured, he has a knack for getting under her skin...and into her most sensual fantasies.

False accusations derailed Samson’s political plans, and he’s hoping an extended vacation will give him time to figure out his next move. First up? Getting close and personal with the aloof but sultry real estate agent guiding him around their island paradise. Alyson intrigues him—until he suspects her new clients of shady business dealings and starts to question her ethics...and his judgment. Now only the gifts of acceptance and trust can turn a sizzling yuletide fling into a new beginning...

“I don’t dance,” she said.

“Since when? I just saw you dancing at your parents’ house.”

Reluctantly, she swayed her hips under the sound of Beres Hammond’s gentle voice. Watching her caused things to stir in Samson. He pulled her into his chest and they continued to dance. No words. He wrapped his strong arms around her waist, held her close. Soon she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.

“The last time we were at the beach, things didn’t go so well,” she reminded him.

“Well, I’m hoping that this time will be different.” He decided to go in for a kiss, and was glad that she didn’t resist.

His lips touched hers gently, and the kiss was much sweeter than he’d imagined. His tongue found its way into her peppermint-flavored mouth. Her French-manicured fingertips danced their way across his face, caressed it. He held on to her waist. The strength of his arms made her feel safe. Wanted. Sexy. All the things she hadn’t felt in a long time. Things she’d been too busy to feel.

Without a single word, he grabbed her hand and led the way back to the cabana.

Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Acknowledgments Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Copyright ,

You will appreciate Samson from the beginning. He’s exactly what Alyson needs—someone to put her in check! He knows that she’s all bark and no bite. With his tattooed arms and unshaven face, he’s hardly her type. She likes her men a little more refined. Not to mention, he thinks he’s God’s gift to the world. She doesn’t have time for that! She’s too busy building her empire. But Samson isn’t afraid to show her his worth.

If you remember Alyson from the first book in the Talbot series, you know that she’s a bit uptight. She’s the last one you’d expect to go trekking across the globe to Chicago (of all places) in the middle of winter, to get her man! But she’s proof that love is worth going to the ends of the earth for.

I hope you will enjoy Samson and Alyson’s story. And also the fantastical Christmas wedding of Jackson and Jasmine as they marry at the Grove. You’ll get to see the warmth of the Talbot family again, and also become acquainted with Samson’s spirited family. I hope you continue to love the Talbots. They are everybody’s family!

Visit my website at monica-richardson.comor email me at Monica@Monica-Richardson.com.

Happy reading!

Monica Richardson

A Yuletide Affair

Monica Richardson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

MONICA RICHARDSON currently writes adult romances set in Florida and the Caribbean. Under the name Monica McKayhan, she wrote the Indigo Summer young adult series. Indigo Summer hit the Essence and Black Issues Book Review bestseller lists, and the series also received a film option. Monica’s YA books have garnered accolades and industry recognition, including several American Library Association (ALA) placements on the Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers and the Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults annual lists.

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For my Granny, Rosa A. Heggie

(November 1927–2008)

She was special in so many ways, and the

strongest woman I knew. My life is rich because of her.

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Copyright

To my husband, the love of my life—

thank you for being my biggest encourager.

And for being my real-life hero.

To my family and friends—you are my support system.

To my readers that give me the energy to continue to write, I’m sure you will enjoy the Talbot family and get to know them well. I hope you will enjoy Alyson’s story just as much as Jasmine’s. Thank you for your continued support. Without you, our stories are just that, stories. But through you, those stories come to life and take flight.

To my family in the Bahamas—visiting with you and talking to you about my history has made the research and writing of this Talbot series a complete joy.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A holiday to remember Alyson Talbot’s real estate ambitions have taken her far from her exotic Caribbean home. Now she’s coming back to plan a spectacular Christmas wedding for her sister—and win some lucrative new business deals. Samson Steel is an unexpected distraction in both areas. Enigmatic and self-assured, he has a knack for getting under her skin...and into her most sensual fantasies. False accusations derailed Samson’s political plans, and he’s hoping an extended vacation will give him time to figure out his next move. First up? Getting close and personal with the aloof but sultry real estate agent guiding him around their island paradise. Alyson intrigues him—until he suspects her new clients of shady business dealings and starts to question her ethics...and his judgment. Now only the gifts of acceptance and trust can turn a sizzling yuletide fling into a new beginning...

Introduction “I don’t dance,” she said. “Since when? I just saw you dancing at your parents’ house.” Reluctantly, she swayed her hips under the sound of Beres Hammond’s gentle voice. Watching her caused things to stir in Samson. He pulled her into his chest and they continued to dance. No words. He wrapped his strong arms around her waist, held her close. Soon she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. “The last time we were at the beach, things didn’t go so well,” she reminded him. “Well, I’m hoping that this time will be different.” He decided to go in for a kiss, and was glad that she didn’t resist. His lips touched hers gently, and the kiss was much sweeter than he’d imagined. His tongue found its way into her peppermint-flavored mouth. Her French-manicured fingertips danced their way across his face, caressed it. He held on to her waist. The strength of his arms made her feel safe. Wanted. Sexy. All the things she hadn’t felt in a long time. Things she’d been too busy to feel. Without a single word, he grabbed her hand and led the way back to the cabana.