by Dawn Tomasko
Michael watched, interest piqued as she talked with Gabe, becoming more animated. She gestured with her hands and eyes, using her body to communicate along with words.
Damned if she didn't have dimples. A shot of pure lust stabbed through him, threatening his carefully controlled balance. A total opposite to Nicole's blonde, willowy looks, this woman’s lush beauty rattled his cage.
Michael watched as she excitedly discussed her classes in a melodic voice. Was she for real? Was anyone truly this happy? Maybe she was a little bit crazy.
All women, except his mother and Sara, were not people in whom he placed his trust. Not anymore. An unruly lock of hair fell across her eyes and absently, she pushed it back. "Charlotte and I met years ago, and I'm so glad she brought Sara. Four students attended the first class, and I already have seven regular students twice a week."
Damn, but he didn't want to find her cute, spunky or interesting. Didn't wish to fight the urge to bury his fingers into the wild tangle of her hair. Michael tried to forget the way her spectacular ass filled her jeans. Ruthlessly, he forced his thoughts to business. "Do you plan to grow your client list?" Michael asked, his voice crisp and edgy.
When wide eyes came back to his, she nodded. "Yes, of course. For one thing, Charlotte's pregnancy gave me the idea came to start a Baby and Me yoga class."
"Emma and I are already enrolled. Gary and I met other couples in childbirth class, so I told them about it, too," Charlotte informed the group. She turned to Allegra. "Have you thought about an advertisement in The Inquirer and Mirror?"
"How about a website?" Sara offered. “Mine has done wonders for me,” she said of her new landscape design business.
If possible, Allegra's eyes sparkled even brighter. "Great ideas, guys. So far I've gone on word of mouth."
Was she kidding? Only now, she thought how to bring in new clients? Was this a hobby or her primary source of income? What kind of business plan was that?
Eyes narrowing, he made an impatient gesture with his hand. "Word of mouth? You should have been planning ahead for months. Create buzz, excitement, let people know what you offer. Without an aggressive marketing plan, how will you achieve your goals?" Michael inquired, fully aware and uncaring of the disdain dripping from his words.
Incredulous something as important as someone's livelihood could be left to chance; he came to one conclusion: Allegra Deering didn't have a clue about business. The perfect potential client. Now he was back in his element. "Launching an independent business like yours is difficult enough in these times without a solid plan. I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you may have set yourself up for failure. To succeed you need innovative strategies. In my experience, flying by the seat of your pants is not an option."
A hush came over the table, the atmosphere charged. True to form, Gabriel jumped in to save the day. Michael wanted to hear her response.
"You'll have to excuse my brother, Allegra. Michael's fresh from Manhattan and is an extremely sharp business person. He's made strategic investments for countless clients. His uncanny ability to launch and grow businesses is legendary. Dad's the same way. I'm afraid it's in the blood."
Sara couldn't resist an attempt to help as well. "Michael, Nantucket is different than the mainland. The island is a small community, where everyone knows nearly everyone else."
In the face of unanimous support for her, and the awareness of his social blunder, Michael’s neck grew hot. Appalled his smooth, controlled manner abandoned him, he nevertheless waited for her response.
Had he embarrassed her? Fixated, he waited. Allegra didn’t look to her friends for help. The vivacious Ms. Deering didn't need to be rescued.
Eyes direct and steady, she dropped her chin on her fist. "That's okay. I expect my business will do fine. Besides, there's more to life than making money, Michael."
"Is there?" he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
One corner of her lush, poppy-colored mouth curved, and he detected a challenge in the tilt of her chin. Of its own volition, his libido kicked into overdrive. He went rock-hard at the look of her, the confidence, the natural sensuality. It practically seeped from her pores.
"Yes, Michael,” she said, her voice fluid and seductive. A genuine smile broke out on her face, which lit up like a beacon, and she lifted her glass in a salute. “There is more to life."
Dedication
This book is the realization of a dream. I thank my husband, family and friends, who have enthusiastically and wholeheartedly supported and encouraged me on the journey. A special thank you to Christina Tetreault. I’m thrilled to share this story with you and hope you enjoy Book One of the Nantucket Donovans.
A special thank you to Romance Writers of America. Being part of this incredible organization has given me many opportunities for learning, networking and is an indispensable help for both published and aspiring writers.
About The Author
Dawn Tomasko loves Nantucket with a passion. Having lived there for one glorious year and visited many times, she can’t stay away from her beautiful beaches, windswept moors, stately lighthouses and the hustle-bustle of town.
She lives in Connecticut with her husband and daughters, and their son and his wonderful wife have blessed their family with two beautiful boys.
Dawn would love to hear from you! You can find her on the web at www.dawntomasko.com, also on Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for email updates on new releases and her newsletter!