Hey everyone! I’m all set for fall…how about you? I always dread the end of summer, then I get a whiff of autumn spice in the air and my allegiance to sand, sun, and sea disappears. 🙂
Before I post another snippet I want to say thank you for all of the wonderful comments and feedback you’ve shared. Last week’s fantastic reception of Acquisitions & Mergers kept me walking on air. Thank you all again!
For this weekend, I’m posting another snippet from my Unlikely Gentlemen, Book 3 title, Acquisitions & Mergers. This time we’re in Bern Martin’s POV.
As Abel Cain led the way into the store, the bell above the door jangled, alerting the postmistress/clerk that she had a customer.
Bern sighted his quarry at the same moment she saw him. He’d rather hoped that up close, Elizabeth Harper would appear frazzled and faded so he could dismiss her from his mind. Instead, her beauty made his breath catch as his heart thrummed like a speeding freight train.
“Beth, I wanted to speak to you first, but Mr. Martin insisted on accompanying me today.” Bern heard regret and apology in Cain’s voice and wondered about the store owner’s relationship with his clerk.
As far as Bern was concerned, being part of the information exchange had been a deal-breaker; had the Annona businessman refused to include him in the conversation, the offer for the Isaca property would have evaporated.
Satisfied that he’d accomplished part of his goal, Bern wasted no time examining the aisles of canned goods he now owned; he focused instead on one thing—Beth’s expression when she learned he was once again her boss.
Synopsis:
Bernard Frederick Martin III, wealthy scion and ruthless banker, is in Annona and that can only mean trouble for Elizabeth Harper. The wickedly handsome rogue was once Beth’s boss. She doesn’t want to leave her home and friends, but It’s only a matter of time until he makes her pay for calling him names and bashing him over the head.
Bern was intent on learning the family business from the ground up until the charming bottom of a lowly bank-teller distracted him. After a calculated and skillful seduction, he proposed—that she become his mistress. The little witch threatened to slit his gullet (whatever the hell that meant), clubbed him with a bottle of his best champagne, and fled.
He’s tracked the lovely widow to Texas, not sure once he’s located her, how best to proceed. But after catching a glimpse of Beth at the Annona Ice Cream Social, Bern’s goal becomes clear—acquire and merge.
Unlikely Gentlemen Books 1, 2, and 2.5 Available Now:
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Outrageous Pride– http://amzn.to/1aWnfz6
Abel Cain – interesting name. I guess his parents were religious. It makes me wonder about his character – and by that I mean what this character is like. Does that make sense?
Religion joined with the need for a heroic role model often saddled kids in the 19th century with really odd names. Abel is definitely conflicted. 🙂
I really like the way this is shaping up. Great job.
I was also intrigued by the name… and love that last sentence, very intrigued by that too 🙂
Love this line “…her beauty made his breath catch as his heart thrummed like a speeding freight train.” And the last line– I want to know what she thinks of him being her new boss.
“his heart thrummed like a speeding freight train.”
Effective analogy. I liked it.
Gem, I share your allegiance to the three S’s-sun, sand and sea.
Control is his goal and you’ve written a powerful scene. I was there in the store watching it play out wanting to hit him over the head with canned goods
Thanks for letting me know that,Charmaine…that’s exactly the response I’m going for.
This is such a great setup. I love your Unlikely Gentlemen:)
This would make a neat late-evening read. Good set-up and the details are powerful.
I wonder what will happen with the “new boss.” Interesting set-up.
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Very intriguing set up for future developments! Great snippet…
I’d like to see her face too! Lovely scene setting snippet, easy to visualise.
I can’t wait to see what happens when she finds out. And I’m also curious to know if there’s anything between Beth and Abel.
“Abel Cain” Nice! Good snippet, Gem. And I really like the blurb, especially this part: “…threatened to slit his gullet (whatever the hell that meant)…” lol. Nice! Another to the TBR 🙂
Yeah, he’s a special man. He doesn’t seem to see why she’d be displeased with him being her boss–or with his “offer.” This isn’t going to end well…
I hope he can learn–fast.
great set up! very much enjoying these snippets of yours every week. cant wait for the next one!
She’s not going to make it any easier for him this time, I’m sure! 🙂
Ahhhh…. I want to know her expression! Great snippet!
I wonder if she is happy about that or not. What a cliff hanger!