Lynn Montagano - Catch My Breath

Lynn Montagano

A division of HarperCollins Publishers

www.harpercollins.co.uk

Lynn Montagano Lynn Montagano I’m a former TV news writer who took the plunge and finally wrote a novel. I know, right? Insanity. Prior to jumping into novel writing, I spent the majority of my career working in radio and television as a promotions director, writer and associate producer. I love any job that is challenging and creative. I grew up in a small town in Rhode Island before spreading my wings to discover this great, big world. Traveling, like writing, has become a necessary part of my life. My favorite place is and always will be London. It’s my home away from home. For now, I’m a displaced New Englander hanging my hat in Northern California. If you can see me through the fog, wave hello.

Dedication To my family and friends, for always being my biggest supporters and loudest cheerleaders. And to my passport (yes, my passport), for opening up the world and introducing me to my favorite place on Earth.

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

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Love Romance?

About HarperImpulse

Copyright

About the Publisher

I’m a former TV news writer who took the plunge and finally wrote a novel. I know, right? Insanity. Prior to jumping into novel writing, I spent the majority of my career working in radio and television as a promotions director, writer and associate producer. I love any job that is challenging and creative.

I grew up in a small town in Rhode Island before spreading my wings to discover this great, big world. Traveling, like writing, has become a necessary part of my life. My favorite place is and always will be London. It’s my home away from home.

For now, I’m a displaced New Englander hanging my hat in Northern California. If you can see me through the fog, wave hello.

To my family and friends, for always being my biggest supporters and loudest cheerleaders.

And to my passport (yes, my passport), for opening up the world and introducing me to my favorite place on Earth.

“Amelia Grace Meyers. Naptime is over. Let’s go . We’re getting picked up at seven for the benefit. I don’t want to be late.”

The blankets were unceremoniously ripped from my body, destroying the warm cocoon I’d wrapped around myself. I sat up with a start, blinded by the bright light spilling from the bedside lamp. Grabbing the blankets, I flopped back onto the mattress.

“You’re mean,” I whined into the pillow, trying to figure out what the hell my best friend was talking about. And more importantly, where I was. I opened a sleepy eye and saw Stephanie Tempe, all perfumed and primped, standing at the foot of the bed. Oh right. Scotland.

“What time is it?” I yawned.

“Quarter past six. Get up.”

I crawled out of bed, shooting a half-hearted glare in her direction. Why I agreed to go to this event with her tonight was beyond me. I stumbled toward the bathroom, deftly avoiding the suitcases that were scattered in a schizophrenic maze on the floor. I’d been in Glasgow for twelve hours and still hadn’t technically seen the outside of this room. Who knew jet lag could be so vicious?

Twenty minutes - and a furious effort on my part to look presentable - later, our heels clicked in unison on the marble floor in the hotel lobby.

“You totally set a new record for getting ready,” Stephanie remarked as we waited for our ride. I nodded, yawning. When the black Land Rover arrived, I curled up on the seat, watching the streets of Glasgow streak by in a blob of color.

My brain finally sprang to life as I stepped onto the sidewalk, marveling at the hectic, excited energy surrounding me. I didn’t get dazzled easily, but this was shaping up to be a fun night. The stunning Victorian building glowed under the bright lights as scores of men and women dressed in their finest suits and gowns chatted amongst themselves. I stood in place, smitten with the old world charm of the city.

I knew I was smiling a bit too much, giving away my status as a tourist, but I couldn’t help it. The way the old buildings mingled with eye-popping steel and glass structures reminded me of New York. Only this version had a Scottish accent.

Taking a few steps to my right, I nearly stumbled off the curb. I steadied myself on the backend of a gray Mercedes SUV. Wake. Up. I tried to see if anyone was inside to witness my less than suave move, but couldn’t make out anything through the dark tint.

“Come on, Lia. Darren’s waiting for us inside.” Stephanie waved, immersing herself in the twinkling aura of elegance and waltzing toward the main doors. I snapped out of my daze and followed her.

We passed through a grand entrance hall with small domed ceilings covered in tiled mosaics. I was struck by the two massive staircases flanking either side. One was made out of white Carrara marble, while the other was a deep red. Multi colored and gold veins swirled around the staircase, giving it a darker, more alluring feel.

As I walked up the white marble stairs, I felt a twinge of disappointment that the other one led to a different part of the building. All that rich color seemed much more exciting.

We navigated our way through the crowd and found Darren MacCourty leaning against the bar. He looked rather dashing in a black suit and tie.

"Steph! Lia! You made it.” He engulfed Stephanie in a giant bear hug and swung her around a couple of times. After he put her down, he gave me a quick peck on each cheek.

"You ladies look gorgeous. Can I offer you something to drink? There’s champagne, wine and something called a Kilted Knight.” A Glaswegian accent danced around his words, much to my delight. He was our one-man welcoming committee for our extended Scottish vacation.

Stephanie opted for champagne while I chose the Kilted Knight. A delectable combination of peach, melon and mint yumminess floated over my taste buds.

“How’s the holiday going?” he asked as we walked to our table.

“Eh, it’s going. Lia’s been asleep since we got here,” Stephanie teased.

“Have a few more drinks.” Darren grinned at me. “You'll feel brand new. Never mind the sleep.”

“If you say so,” I said, smiling back. “Thanks for inviting us to this, by the way.”

“Ah, no worries. Probably not as exciting as the events you go to in Orlando, but it’s a good excuse for me to look sharp on the arms of two lovely lasses like yourselves.”

He winked, draping his arms around our shoulders. I laughed at his easy, boyish charm. I’d met him through Stephanie a few years ago, but he made me feel as though I’d known him forever.

“Looking for someone?” I followed his gaze through the room.

“Yeah. I wanted to introduce you both to one of my mates. He was supposed to meet us here. Probably buggered off to a dark corner to avoid the guests.”

“Is he single?” Stephanie grinned.

“That’s nice. Ask about the availability of others right in front of me,” Darren teased. “You can ask him tomorrow at the football match. Excuse me, soccer game.”