Lisa Watson - Love by Design

He lost her once. Is this their second chance?

Transforming a vision for Belle Cove Resorts into reality is a breakout move that could take Dakota Carson’s image specialist company to the next level. But it means teaming up with the man who broke her heart. Soon enough, Dakota’s overwhelming desire for the gorgeous entrepreneur reawakens. But giving in to passion could cost her way too much.

Years ago, Logan Montague walked away from everything, including the woman he loved. Now CEO of his family’s international resort chain, he won’t risk losing Dakota another time. With his matchmaking aunt’s blessing, he and Dakota are united in business—and pleasure. And so Logan embarks on his scheme of seduction, sweeping Dakota away to an exotic Jamaican hideaway. With both their professional and personal futures on the line, can they learn to trust and love each other…again?

“What am I going to do with you?”

He held her face between his hands and gently kissed her. “I have some ideas.”

Logan kissed Dakota on her neck, letting his hands roam over her body. He moved around to stand behind her. His fingers poised over her dress zipper. “May I?”

She leaned into his touch. “Please do.”

Expecting to feel a little nervous, Dakota was not prepared for the rush of longing that infused her when he undid her dress. His hand slid inside the garment to touch her back and caress her skin with soft, circular strokes. After a few moments, he used both hands to ease her dress off her shoulders before kissing her right shoulder blade.

Dakota turned around and then wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him again before lowering her hands to his shirt and unbuttoning it. “My turn,” she said, easing the material away from his body.

Unable to help herself, her fingers fluttered across his chest. The muscles underneath were hard and firm. Next, her fingers moved to the buckle on his pants. Soon they were standing together in their underwear. Emboldened, Dakota reached around and unhooked her bra. She was completely nude before he had uttered a word.

“You’re the sexiest best friend I’ve ever had.”

She lay back on the bed, motioning for him to follow. “I feel the same way.”

Logan lay down beside her. He traced the lines of her body with his hands as though committing every curve to memory. When he was done with his exploration, he rested the palm of his hand on her heart.

LISA WATSON

is a native of Washington, D.C., and writes multicultural novels. Having her debut novel nominated for Best Contemporary Fiction inspired Lisa to continue creating engaging story lines and strong characters with universal appeal and a keen sense of humor. Lisa also loves traveling, so weaving beautiful destinations into the pages of her novels as lush backdrops or as the heritage of her characters is not uncommon.

Lisa’s first series for Harlequin Kimani Romance, The Match Broker series, introduced readers to matchmaking guru Norma Jean Anderson, aka The Love Broker. Her goal is to have her son, Adrian, and everyone in his immediate circle of friends happily married—period.

Lisa works at a technology consulting firm and is the copublicist for the RT Book Reviews annual RT Booklovers Conventions.

Married for eighteen years, with two teenagers and a Maltipoo, Brinkley, Lisa lives outside Raleigh, N.C., and is avidly working on her next series. Visit her website: www.lisawatson.com.

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Dear Reader Dear Reader Dedication Prologue 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 Epilogue Copyright ,

Can a first love be rekindled after years of silence? That’s what Dakota Carson has to decide when Logan Montague returns with a business proposition she can’t refuse. It’s an emotional time for Dakota—Logan was her best childhood friend and the only man she’s ever loved. When he left, she was devastated. His return wreaks havoc, and despite Dakota’s protestations of indifference, it’s an adjustment.

Logan’s never stopped loving Dakota. While familial obligations caused him to leave, it’s not the whole story.

I hope you enjoy this Mills & Boon Kimani Romance story. It’s my favorite in the series, and I know you’ll enjoy these characters as much as I do!

Be inspired…

Lisa

For Dalen… Your guidance is invaluable.

Thanks to Lisa Lanier. Your keen eye is so invaluable to me. You are a wonderful beta reader, and I’m so grateful for your flashes of inspiration!

To Pat Simmons, my literary partner-in-crime and a great storyteller. You excel at keeping me on deadline—and word count!

To Renee Bernard, the newest link in my armor and an amazing author. Thank you so much for all your sage advice and support. The stars definitely aligned the day we met! I’ll be eternally grateful that I took a “detour”!

My thanks to fellow author Michelle Lindo-Rice for making sure my characters’ Patois was irie!

To my FB Divas, Anita Tann, Jackie Roberts and LaVerne Aslam! You ladies are always excited and supportive, and I thank you!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text He lost her once. Is this their second chance? Transforming a vision for Belle Cove Resorts into reality is a breakout move that could take Dakota Carson’s image specialist company to the next level. But it means teaming up with the man who broke her heart. Soon enough, Dakota’s overwhelming desire for the gorgeous entrepreneur reawakens. But giving in to passion could cost her way too much. Years ago, Logan Montague walked away from everything, including the woman he loved. Now CEO of his family’s international resort chain, he won’t risk losing Dakota another time. With his matchmaking aunt’s blessing, he and Dakota are united in business—and pleasure. And so Logan embarks on his scheme of seduction, sweeping Dakota away to an exotic Jamaican hideaway. With both their professional and personal futures on the line, can they learn to trust and love each other…again?

Introduction “What am I going to do with you?” He held her face between his hands and gently kissed her. “I have some ideas.” Logan kissed Dakota on her neck, letting his hands roam over her body. He moved around to stand behind her. His fingers poised over her dress zipper. “May I?” She leaned into his touch. “Please do.” Expecting to feel a little nervous, Dakota was not prepared for the rush of longing that infused her when he undid her dress. His hand slid inside the garment to touch her back and caress her skin with soft, circular strokes. After a few moments, he used both hands to ease her dress off her shoulders before kissing her right shoulder blade. Dakota turned around and then wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him again before lowering her hands to his shirt and unbuttoning it. “My turn,” she said, easing the material away from his body. Unable to help herself, her fingers fluttered across his chest. The muscles underneath were hard and firm. Next, her fingers moved to the buckle on his pants. Soon they were standing together in their underwear. Emboldened, Dakota reached around and unhooked her bra. She was completely nude before he had uttered a word. “You’re the sexiest best friend I’ve ever had.” She lay back on the bed, motioning for him to follow. “I feel the same way.” Logan lay down beside her. He traced the lines of her body with his hands as though committing every curve to memory. When he was done with his exploration, he rested the palm of his hand on her heart.