LISA WATSON_20 DAYS OF ROMANCE

It's a Terrific Tuesday and another 20 Days of Romance. And today, Lisa Watson's sharing an excerpt from her novel, Love By Design. Romance definitely has healing powers. And she shows us that today in the excerpt she's sharing.

How do you allow someone into your heart that's hurt you once before? How do you forgive and move forward when you can't trust him with the pieces of your broken heart, but he's all you want? Read on...


OVERVIEW:


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?

Love By Design Excerpt 

The party for the newly revamped Belle Cove was a resounding success.  Several travel magazine reporters were on hand to ask questions about the renovations, what was ahead for the Montagues, and about the company responsible for the new design.  Dakota discussed the remodels, and what they entailed.  She announced the naming of the individual villas, and her inspiration to give each a theme.
“We now have the Moonstone, Sunstone, Water Lily, Poinciana, Hibiscus, and the Grande Belle.  Each unique in theme, and features.”  The columnists perked up when one asked point blank if Dakota was dating the heir to the Montague fortune.  
“Great,” she whispered to Logan while at dinner.  “Now people will think I slept my way into my job.”
“I can go on record to verify that’s not the case, but then again,” he whispered in her ear.  “We should probably test that theory, don’t you think?”
He looked so handsome in his suit, that she actually found herself staring.
A blush pinkened her cheeks.   “I agree.  We should.”
That got Logan’s undivided attention. He turned to Dakota.  “What did you just say?”
“I recommended that we…test a few theories.”
Logan stood up and held his hand out to Dakota.  His fingers closed tightly around hers.  He bid his parents, and their friends and family goodnight before escorting Dakota away from the group.  They walked the lit path to the Grande Belle.
“I can’t believe you…we just up and left like that.”
“They’ll have a great time without us, and I want you all to myself.  I can’t lie and say that my intentions aren’t to make love to you.  That’s the plan, but only if you’re sure about it—about us.  So what do you say, Koty?  Are you ready to be with me?”
Dakota cold not think of one reason to delay the inevitable.  “Yes Logan, I am.”
   Dakota had poured her soul into renovating Belle Cove.  It was too regal to begin with, but she had added an ease of being that was not there before.  There were little touches everywhere that invited someone to envelop themselves in the simple pleasures derived from clean lines, minimalistic décor and relaxing palettes.  The redesigned villas were the most fun for her.  The Grande Belle was designed specifically with the Montagues in mind. 
Richly appointed hardwood furniture with neutral fabric replaced the leather sofas and chairs, white walls and bright splashes of color like kiwi, mango, and marigold on the accent pillows brightened the room.  She also used artwork, rugs, and flowers to make the large cottage comfortable, yet elegant.
She followed Logan through the front door and skidded to halt beside him.  The first floor was aglow with candlelight and vases of tropical flowers.  She gazed around the room.  “Logan, how’d you—”
“There’s more,” he said leading her to the backyard.  Lit candles cast a soft, luminous glow over the pool water, and surrounding garden.  Soft music piped through outside speakers.  The lush trees and bushes engulfed them in total privacy.
Dakota walked over to the table.  “Beluga Caviar, and a bottle of Dom Perignon?  Logan, what is all this?”
He smiled, and opened the bottle.  He poured a flute and handed it to her.  “It’s for you.  Besides, we’re in James Bond territory, so why not indulge?”  He raised his glass.  “To you, Dakota.  You breathed life back into Belle Cove, like I knew you would.  I can’t wait for you to do the same at Belle Island and Belle Key.”
“It’s your vision, Logan.  I merely helped it along.”
“You did much more than that,” he said solemnly.  “You…you let me back in.  You forgave me.”  He caressed her cheek.  “I’ve been intrigued, mesmerized, and flat out in love with your fearlessness to try new things, your ability to see beyond what’s in front of you, and to embrace life despite your tragic losses.  You enhance the lives of everyone you encounter, Dakota.”  He held up his glass. “I’m just honored that you’re in mine.”
She touched her glass to his. “Cheers.”
“Cheers,” he replied.
They sipped the bubbly, and had some of the caviar. 
“Thank you so much, Logan…but you didn’t have to do all this.”
“Yes, I did.  “May I have this dance, Miss Carson?”
“You may, Mr. Montague.”
Logan set their glasses down, and held his hand out.  She placed her hand in his and moved into his arms.  They swayed in time to the music playing softly overhead.
With a flair, Logan dipped Dakota before taking her in his arms again. “You’re so beautiful, Koty.”
The way he said it made her tingle.  She leaned in and kissed him.  “Thank you, but how’d you set all this up?  You were with me most of the day.”
“I’ve got friends in high places.”
Dakota tilted her head to the side.  “Miranda helped, didn’t she?”
“I can neither confirm, nor deny the allegations.”
“Is that so?  Well, I think I might be able to wheedle it out of you.”
His eyes darkened with desire.  “I don’t doubt it.”  Logan picked her up.  “In fact, I’m looking forward to the wheedling.”
He took Dakota upstairs to the master bedroom.
“It’s dark.  I’m surprised you didn’t have candles going,” she teased.
“You and I ending up here wasn’t a forgone conclusion, you know.  Besides, I didn’t want to mess around and burn the house down.  Not after all your hard work,” he grinned. 
“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 on 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 unzipped her dress.  His hand slid inside the garment to touch her back.  Next, Logan caressed 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.  She unbuttoned his shirt.  “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.  She made quick work of getting the clothing off.  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 laid back on the bed motioning for him to follow.  “I feel the same way.”
Logan laid 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. 
“Do you know how long I’ve dreamt of this, Koty?  Since before I went off to college.”
“I just…I still can’t believe that you didn’t say anything,” she whispered.  “All those years lost…we can’t get them back.”
“True, but we’re here now, Dakota.  I’m here and I’ll always be here.  I promise.”
“Don’t,” she said suddenly sitting up.  “No one knows what the future holds.  I found that out the hard way.”
“You’re right.”  He sat up, and faced her.  “But what I do know is that with you…like this…it’s where I want to be, Dakota.  I’ll always want you.  That won’t ever change.”

GET THE BOOK AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Love-Design-Match-Broker-Book-ebook/dp/B00JZFKY6G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423312666&sr=8-1&keywords=love+by+design+lisa+WatsonBARNES & NOBLE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-by-design-lisa-watson/1119127442?ean=9780373863754KOBO: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/love-by-design-6All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-lovebydesign-1638730-149.htmliTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/love-by-design/id870408939?mt=11Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/lisa4watson-1Inktera: http://www.inktera.com/store/title/47d0ab41-b3f4-4280-8de0-89be3b904c24 Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/505307    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A native of Washington D.C., the city's historic and political backdrop fed Lisa Watson's romantic imagination. Her hobbies are as eclectic as her music collection. Enamored with natural beauty, the picturesque locales she visits always seem to find a way into her latest novels.

Lisa has written several multicultural novellas and novels, and loves creating engaging storylines with strong characters that are drawn together by respect and love. She has been interviewed in various magazines, radio shows, book clubs and Blog sites, and has received award nominations in contemporary fiction.

Lisa works at a technology consulting firm, is the co-publicist for RT Book Review Magazine's annual RT Booklovers Conventions, and the new host of Reader’s Entertainment Radio show.

Lisa's writes for the Harlequin Kimani Romance line. Her Amazon bestselling novel, Love Contract, is Book I of The Match Broker series. Book II, Her Heart's Desire, released May 2014, and was named one of the top fiction books of 2014. Book III, Love by Design, was released in October 2014. She also writes a Sweet Romance series, Love at Christmastime. Her novellas for the series, A Heart for Christmas (2nd Edition), and Two Hearts for Christmas, are available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Her newest holiday novella, A Fiancé for Christmas, is book I in the A Man for Every Occasion series. These Sweet romances have mass appeal, and can be read at any time of the year.

Lisa lives outside Raleigh, NC and is married with two teenagers, and a Maltipoo, Brinkley. Connect with Lisa on Facebook (NCLisaWatson), Twitter (@LisaYWatson), and at www.lisawatson.com.

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WRITING MY DREAMS, CHELLE RAMSEY