Dara Girard - Touch of Paradise

Island heat

Ten years ago, Aaron Wethers saved Rebecca Cromwell from drowning on spring break. Enamored by her sexy savior, Rebecca fell short of getting the hard-edged executive interested in turning his role of practical hero into a romantic one. Now his Caribbean resort is hosting Rebecca’s fashion collection, and she has two weeks to show Aaron how much she’s grown up. Yet instead of enjoying revenge, she’s falling hard for the real but enigmatic man behind her long-ago infatuation.

Aaron hasn’t forgotten the vibrant young student who propositioned him that night. He’s left breathless by the self-assured, stunning beauty she’s become. Under a blue island sky, they discover a deep, searing connection. But when a series of dangerous events threaten to sabotage her show, can he be the hero she needs now?

“Tell me how we met. Where?”

Rebecca stopped walking and pointed to the water. “Out there.”

“Out where?”

“In the ocean. Ten years ago you saved me from drowning.” She started walking again. “And when I offered my heart to you, you turned me away.”

He blinked and didn’t move. No, it couldn’t be. “Becca? You’re little Becca?”

She threw out her arms and kept walking, increasing the distance between them. “As you can see, I’m not little anymore. And I know it’s best to stay away from you. You once called me a little mouse.”

“I know,” he said, walking up to her, easily catching up to her.

“Yes, but the little mouse now knows better than to play with the lion.”

He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I didn’t mean to hurt you—”

“What’s past is past.”

“And I don’t see you as a mouse anymore.”

She stopped and looked up at him. “I’m glad, because I want you to picture me as something else.”

“What?”

“A dragonfly that you will never catch.”

He shook his head. “I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because I have every intention of catching you.”

Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication 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 Epilogue Copyright ,

Tales of my great-great-grandfather, a rebel who grew up on the island of Jamaica, helped to flavor my imagination for the arrogant Aaron Wethers in Touch of Paradise. The talented Rebecca Cromwell came to me after I attended a fashion show for a local designer.

This story of sun, sand and seduction led to questions of “What if...”

What if a misunderstanding tore apart two people who were clearly meant for each other? What if a pet iguana helped reunite them? What if someone turned paradise into a dangerous puzzle?

What if...

Well, you get the idea. Finding the answers to these questions led to a journey of twists and turns and the ultimate romance.

Enjoy,

Dara Girard

Touch of Paradise

Dara Girard

www.millsandboon.co.uk

DARA GIRARDfell 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 she’s 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 contactdara@daragirard.com or PO Box 10345, Silver Spring, MD 20914.

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To my readers.

Cover

Back Cover Text Island heat Ten years ago, Aaron Wethers saved Rebecca Cromwell from drowning on spring break. Enamored by her sexy savior, Rebecca fell short of getting the hard-edged executive interested in turning his role of practical hero into a romantic one. Now his Caribbean resort is hosting Rebecca’s fashion collection, and she has two weeks to show Aaron how much she’s grown up. Yet instead of enjoying revenge, she’s falling hard for the real but enigmatic man behind her long-ago infatuation. Aaron hasn’t forgotten the vibrant young student who propositioned him that night. He’s left breathless by the self-assured, stunning beauty she’s become. Under a blue island sky, they discover a deep, searing connection. But when a series of dangerous events threaten to sabotage her show, can he be the hero she needs now?

Introduction “Tell me how we met. Where?” Rebecca stopped walking and pointed to the water. “Out there.” “Out where?” “In the ocean. Ten years ago you saved me from drowning.” She started walking again. “And when I offered my heart to you, you turned me away.” He blinked and didn’t move. No, it couldn’t be. “Becca? You’re little Becca?” She threw out her arms and kept walking, increasing the distance between them. “As you can see, I’m not little anymore. And I know it’s best to stay away from you. You once called me a little mouse.” “I know,” he said, walking up to her, easily catching up to her. “Yes, but the little mouse now knows better than to play with the lion.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I didn’t mean to hurt you—” “What’s past is past.” “And I don’t see you as a mouse anymore.” She stopped and looked up at him. “I’m glad, because I want you to picture me as something else.” “What?” “A dragonfly that you will never catch.” He shook his head. “I can’t.” “Why not?” “Because I have every intention of catching you.”

Dear Reader Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication 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 Epilogue Copyright , Tales of my great-great-grandfather, a rebel who grew up on the island of Jamaica, helped to flavor my imagination for the arrogant Aaron Wethers in Touch of Paradise. The talented Rebecca Cromwell came to me after I attended a fashion show for a local designer. This story of sun, sand and seduction led to questions of “What if...” What if a misunderstanding tore apart two people who were clearly meant for each other? What if a pet iguana helped reunite them? What if someone turned paradise into a dangerous puzzle? What if... Well, you get the idea. Finding the answers to these questions led to a journey of twists and turns and the ultimate romance. Enjoy, Dara Girard

Title Page Touch of Paradise Dara Girard www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author 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 she’s 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 contactdara@daragirard.com or PO Box 10345, Silver Spring, MD 20914.