Unfinished Business: Business Mixed With Pleasure, #1
By Lisa Watson
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About this ebook
Gabriella Ramsey and Dane Carmichael were excellent partners in business. Their sizzling creativity put their company in hot demand, and eventually ignited in their private lives.
For a few months, Gabby and Dane explore the personal side of their relationship and are blissfully happy, but their love affair ends abruptly, leaving them both reeling to pick up the pieces and salvage their working relationship. The cool business air is a poor facade.
The partners go to great lengths to prove that they are over each other, but they soon are forced to deal with the fears that tore them apart. Gabby and Dane try to find their way back to each other, but soon find that for every decision there is a consequence.
Lisa Watson
Lisa Dodson (formerly Watson), is a National Bestselling Author, and native of Washington D.C. She writes in the Multicultural & Interracial, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Sweet Romance, and Clean Read genres. Nominated for Best Contemporary Fiction, her debut novel, Watch Your Back, sparked Lisa’s desire to continue creating engaging storylines, strong characters with universal appeal, and a keen sense of humor. They are drawn together by love, respect, and strong family ties. Lisa loves traveling, so weaving beautiful destinations into the pages of her novels as lush backdrops, or the heritage of her characters is not uncommon.Her novels for Harlequin's Kimani line, The Match Broker series: Love Contract, Her Heart's Desire, and Love By Design, introduced readers to matchmaking guru, Norma Jean Anderson, aka The Love Broker. Each novel in the series hit the #1 spot on Amazon's Bestseller List.Lisa enjoys writing warm-your-heart stories. Her novellas, A Summer of Stars, her holiday-themed Sweet Romances, A Heart for Christmas, Two Hearts for Christmas, and A Fiancé for Christmas, make great reads no matter what time of the year.Her Romantic Suspense, Spicing Things Up, proves that there’s a time for playing it safe, but sometimes you need to spice things up!Danger doesn’t need an appointment...sometimes it just shows up! With an adoring assistant, an ambitious publicist, and jealous ex-lover vying for her attention, debut novelist, Sasha Lambert, soon finds herself at the center of a dangerous tug-of-war. Interview with Danger is a thrill ride that you’ll want to be on!Lisa is also a contributing author to the new novel, Kings of the Castle.Fate made them brothers, but protecting the Castle and the women they love, will make them Kings. If you like romance, suspense, or contemporary fiction, it's past time for you to visit ... The Castle.This world was brought to you by S.L. Jennings, Naleighna Kai, Martha Kennerson, J.L.Campbell, Lisa Watson, Karen D. Bradley, Janice M. Allen, London St. Charles, and MarZe Scott.Her latest novel is King of Hyde Park – Book 8 in the Kings of the Castle Series.Lisa works at a technology consulting firm and is a Co-Publicist for the BookLovers Con. She is the mother of two young adults, a Maltipoo, Brinkley, and lives in Raleigh, NC. She is avidly working on a new Romantic Suspense for her next series.Connect with Lisa on Facebook (authorlisadodson), Twitter(@LisaYDodson), Goodreads (Lisa_Watson_Dodson), Pinterest (LisaYDodson), Instagram (LisaYDodson), and www.lisawatson.comWant a FREE e-book? Sign up for my Newsletter and you’ll receive one of my e-books as a thank you! https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/y4o9u7
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Unfinished Business - Lisa Watson
CHAPTER ONE
Sophie Reid raised her arms above her head and stretched her tired muscles. During the last few weeks, she had worked harder at Ramsey Carmichael & Associates than she had any of her previous assignments at the Temp agency. She was exhausted, but had learned a great deal in the process and was now a permanent member of the staff. The publicity agency was renowned within Orange County, CA and as a result stayed in hot demand. Sophie enjoyed working there and continued to count her blessings at her good fortune at finding such a great place to work so close to her home.
One thing she discovered over the last three months was that her boss, Gabriella Carmichael gave a whole new meaning to the phrase well-oiled machine,
as did Gabriella’s partner, Dane Ramsey. The duo was efficient, professional, and to outsiders, worked in complete harmony. It was the biggest facade of the century.
To Sophie’s delight, a few months ago, Gabriella and Dane had acknowledged their mutual attraction and embarked on a personal relationship. The older woman was elated that her two kids
had finally gotten together. The chemistry between them was palpable. Gabby and Dane were meant for each other, but sadly, the young couple’s newfound happiness was short lived.
Without warning, the blossoming love affair had tilted on its axis and come to a screeching halt. Sophie was not sure what the hell had happened. Neither Gabriella nor Dane had volunteered any information, except to say that things did not work out, and that from then on out it would be strictly professional.
Gabriella often said that the breakup was for the best, but Sophie wasn’t buying it. Not when they practically gave her whiplash trying to keep up with the intricate dance they did around each other. Now, it was business as usual
at the agency and beyond boring. The pair no longer socialized outside the office, unless they attended official events for their clients, or were promoting the agency. To make matters worse, they were now dating other people. For Sophie, that was the last straw.
A romantic at heart, she could not find fault with either one of their dating choices, but it still felt odd. Divorced and with three grown children, Sophie was seasoned enough to know that despite their many objections, Gabby and Dane were perfect for each other.
Try as she might, she could not find fault with either of their current dates. Gabby’s new male friend was tall, handsome, successful and a gentleman. He understood her need to work long hours and never complained. Dane’s lady friend was beautiful, intelligent, charming to be around and a successful businesswoman. If anything, Sophie should be happy that the two had found people that they could possibly get serious with, but she wasn't. In fact, she was pretty mad about it. This isn’t the way it was supposed to turn out. She groused to herself in frustration. They were supposed to be happy and together, not happy with other people, it did not feel right.
Sophie knew it would be best to let it go and accept the new arrangements, but she couldn't. If she sensed deep down in her soul that this was the way it was supposed to go down, she would let it go and wish them well, and actually mean it.
Oh, forget about it,
she chastised herself aloud. Agitated, Sophie got up and went to freshen up her coffee. She was coming back down the hall from the break room when she saw Gabriella and Dane step into the reception area.
Gabriella smiled at the older woman. Morning Sophie. Dane and I are leaving to meet Mrs. Welsh for her cable TV spot. We should be back before lunch.
Gabriella turned to Dane. Can you grab my laptop? I was up late working on a few more ideas to increase Mrs. Welsh’s exposure even more.
Dane nodded in agreement and headed back to Gabriella’s office to retrieve her laptop. As soon as the pair cleared the front door, Sophie strode back to her desk and picked up the telephone. She dialed a number and waited.
Hi Tania, it's me. Would you mind stopping by? There’s something I’d like to talk to you about. Sure that would be great, see you then.
Sophie hung up the phone with a decisive click. She knew she wasn’t crazy, but she'd feel a lot better getting another person’s opinion.
Forty-five minutes later...
Tania Carmichael-Henley sailed through the door. As usual Tania was immaculately dressed. Her hair, nails, make-up and clothes were the height of fashion. Looking at her, one would hardly suspect she was the mother of three and worked part-time at her husband’s realty company. Sophie bolted out of her seat and ushered Gabby’s sister over to the sitting area. Tania smoothed her dress after she sat down and looked questioningly at Sophie.
Okay Sophie, I got here as soon as I could now what’s up?
Deciding a frontal attack was the best approach Sophie dove right in.
Tania, has Gabby confided anything to you recently about her relationship with Dane?
Tania sat back and pondered Sophie’s question. Not recently. I admit I was shocked to hear they had called it quits. We all were. My family absolutely loves Dane so you can imagine how surprised we were to hear that he and Gabby didn’t work out.
Sophie was let down, but pressed on anyway. I know. It baffles me that after they finally commit to a real relationship it ends abruptly a short time later. It just doesn't make any sense to me, Tania. I know there’s something more to this that either one is letting on. Those two belong together and it isn’t just my wishful thinking.
Tania patted the older woman’s shoulder. Sophie, I wish I could be more help, the truth is I don’t have any clues. I tried to press Gabby for answers believe me, but she clammed up tight and refused to talk about it so I won’t press her. Besides, she seems to be getting along just fine don’t you think? Her relationship with Samuel seems to be getting serious.
The conversation hadn’t turned out exactly like Sophie had hoped, but she couldn’t lie. Actually, I don’t have a thing against Sam. I think he is a wonderful man, and I couldn’t find a fault with him if I tried. He treats Gabriella like a proper gentleman should.
Then what has you so worried, Sophie?
Tania pressed.
I’m not trying to be a kill joy about this, really. I just think that Dane is the man that was meant for Gabriella. I feel it in my heart.
Tania nodded. I know how you feel, but Gabriella and Dane were the ones to call it quits. She touched Sophie’s shoulder.
I think that they know their feelings better than we do."
Sophie regarded Gabriella’s sister. Sometimes I wonder about that.
Tania stood up. I’m sorry, but I have to run. I wish I could’ve been more help.
Sophie walked her to the door.
Enjoy your day, Sophie. If there's anything I can do, you’ll let me know?
Sophie promised that she would and returned to her desk. A few minutes later, the telephone rang. She took a deep breath and forced herself to be chipper.
Ramsey Carmichael & Associates, Sophie Reid speaking.
Good Morning Sophie, it’s Sam. I was wondering if Gabriella is around. I wanted to confirm our plans for lunch this afternoon. I tried calling her cell, but she’s not answering.
Sophie reached for her notepad to take a message. I’m sorry Mr. Travers, but Miss Carmichael isn’t in the office. She and Mr. Ramsey had an appointment this morning with a client. Would you like me to take a message?
No need. I’m sure she’ll call me when she can. Have a great day, Sophie.
With that he hung up. Sophie lowered the receiver on its base. Don’t get me wrong, I like you well enough, Sam,
she said aloud. But this just won’t do. This won’t do at all.
CHAPTER TWO
"I must say, your agency seems to have everything in order. This plan is just what