Hot Chocolat: The Hot Caribbean Love Series, #2

By Judy Powell

Lisa Evans has always been an independent woman, running her own show as Director of Sales for a multinational corporation. Then in steps Rod Malone, a stunningly handsome high-powered executive from the New York head office, and her world is turned upside down - in more ways than one...

 

Rod has travelled to many countries for corporate assignments but he has never met anyone like this firecracker. The New York tough guy comes to show who's boss but little does he know what lies in store.

 

A battle of wills with a delicious outcome!

 

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Judy Powell
• Release date: May 13, 2013
• ISBN: 9781497741560

Judy Powell

Judy Powell has always been an avid reader of romance novels. Her love for people of diverse cultures led her to write 'Hot Summer', 'Hot Chocolat' and 'Some Like It Hot' which are set in the USA and the Caribbean and are a celebration of the beauty of diverse cultures. Judy has lived and worked in various countries including The USA, France, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and Canada. She has also travelled extensively in the Caribbean and Latin America. She likes to feature world cultures in her work. She now lives in Canada.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

LISA JABBED THE ELEVATOR button and muttered curses under her breath.  She could have strangled Darlene.  She was late for what was probably the most important meeting of her career and all because of Sam Wilson’s air-headed secretary.

Come on, come on, she whispered, then let out a long sigh as the elevator stopped at yet another floor.  She glanced at her watch.  Eight minutes after twelve.  Sam must be fuming.

At last, she heard the welcome ‘ping’ of the elevator.  The doors began to slide apart.  She dashed forward and slammed hard into a rock-solid chest.  She was almost knocked off balance, but strong arms quickly encircled her, pressing her face against the smoothness of a silk shirt, forcing her to breathe in the rugged masculine scent of his cologne, crushing her breasts against a well-muscled body.

Too soon, the muscled arm released her.  The stranger gently put her away from him and put out a hand to prevent the door from closing.

Lisa stepped back and looked up.  Before her stood one of the most handsome men she had ever seen.  Hazel eyes sparkled in a rugged honey-coloured face.  Beneath a long nose, his firm moustached mouth curved in a crooked smile.  Jet-black wavy hair completed the delicious portrait.

The man raised one eyebrow as he looked down at her.  He was tall – at least six foot two, she guessed.

You’re okay?  His voice was low and deep, and all Lisa could think about was him whispering in that seductive bass voice into her ear.  She nodded, unable to speak.  The man bowed slightly, let go of the elevator door, and stepped out just before it slid shut.

She exhaled with a whoosh and slumped against the mirrored elevator wall.  The whole encounter had lasted mere seconds, but her body tingled with the awareness of a woman who had just made love.  Who in the heck was that, to have such an effect on her?

She’d never seen him in the building before and wondered if he was one of the advertising executives from the new agency on the sixteenth floor.  Office talk had it that there were some gorgeous guys up there, but she’d never had the good fortune to run into one of them.  Until now.

She shook her head.  She knew she’d better get her head out of the clouds.  That man was a looker, and she knew what kind of girl a man like that would want.  Definitely not her.  Besides, she had more pressing things to think about right now – like how to hang on to her job. 

Lisa exited the elevator, crossed the expansive lobby and walked out into the bustling Kingston street.  The Jamaican sun hit her full in the face, and for a moment, she was blinded by the glare.

She joined the crowd of midday pedestrians and headed down the street toward the Hilton Kingston Hotel.  Finding a parking spot at the hotel was always a problem so she preferred to make the five-minute walk and not have to worry about that. 

As she approached the hotel entrance, the uniformed security guard flashed her a brilliant smile and gave her a nod of recognition.  The executives of Jolie Products often had meetings at this hotel and Lisa’s face was familiar to many of the front office staff.  She returned his smile and walked toward the automatic doors.  As they opened, a blast of cool air engulfed her.  The air-conditioned lobby was a welcome relief after the sweltering heat in the street. 

Lisa checked her watch.  It was eleven minutes after the hour.  She headed for the guest services counter.  The Jolie Products meeting, please?

The fresh-faced young man smiled.  Just down the hallway.  First door on your right.

She thanked him, then hurried away.  When she got to the meeting room, her hurried steps slowed, and she paused outside the door, trying to slow her breathing.  She had rushed right over, but she was still twelve minutes late.  Damn. 

Well, here goes.  She rapped lightly at the door, then pushed it open.

There you are, Lisa.  I was wondering what happened.  You’re usually right on time.  Sam Wilson’s voice was surprisingly pleasant, not at all what she was expecting.

Sorry I’m late.  I just got word of the change in venue.

No problem.  Come on over.

She approached the large conference table as her boss stood and straightened his jacket. 

Lisa, I’d like you to meet Miss Jessica Page, senior analyst from the New York office.  Miss Page will be spending some time with us, assessing the business, and making recommendations.  I was telling her about what you’ve been doing so far.

Lisa could not help staring at the woman who was getting to her feet.  Before her stood a drop-dead gorgeous woman, tall and slender with honey gold hair swept up in an elegant chignon.  Her immaculately tailored black suit accentuated the creamy paleness of her skin and the brilliant green of her eyes. 

I’m pleased to meet you, Miss Page.  Lisa extended her hand and gave the woman a smile, one that she hoped didn’t betray her momentary confusion.

This was definitely not the person she’d been expecting. What happened to the balding man in his fifties she’d imagined?  Instead, she was facing a blonde Amazon who made her, at five foot three, feel like a dwarf.  Beside this Vogue cover model she almost felt inadequate with the modest cut of her suit and the basic make-up she had applied.  She shrugged off the feeling and, with a smile she hoped displayed confidence, she held out her hand to the woman.

As they sat on either side of Sam, he cleared his throat and spoke.  Jessica and I were having some preliminary discussions about the financial aspects of the business. He nodded at the yellow pad covered with notes.

There’s a lot to be done, but with Jessica’s experience in finance, we’ll do it. We’ll have to.  His tone was serious, and as he looked in her direction, Lisa felt a twinge of apprehension.

Got it.  A deep voice broke in, and they all turned toward the door.  Lisa’s breath caught in her throat.  In the doorway stood the stunningly handsome man she’d run into just minutes ago.  What was he doing here?  Was he going to be a part of the meeting?  She desperately hoped not. There was no way she wanted this man to see her having to defend herself and her strategies. 

I told you, Sam was saying, with a laugh. Where’d you find it?  In the sofa, like I said?

Exactly. The man’s smile lit up the room, and as he approached the conference table, Lisa felt her heart begin to race.  She drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly and stealthily, willing herself to remain calm.  Why in heaven was this man having such an effect on her?

The stranger placed a cell phone at the place beside Jessica and moved to pull out a chair, but then he paused, and looked across at Lisa.  We’ve met before.  

Lisa frowned.  Was she so insignificant that he could not remember her?  They’d been locked in embrace only minutes ago.  Here she was, practically hyperventilating, for goodness’ sake, and there he was, as relaxed and casual as you please.  So much for sparking his interest.  Obviously, she hadn’t made any impact on him at all.

The elevator, she said stiffly, cutting him a cool look.

I know, he said.  His firm lips parted in a captivating white smile.

But Lisa did not smile back.  She refused to be charmed by him.

We had a very...shall we say, close encounter?  His smile broadened. 

It had to be a sin for a man to be so darned handsome.

Ah, so you’ve met, Sam was saying.  That saves me the introductions. 

Not really, Lisa responded, dragging her eyes away from the smiling man. We were never introduced.  She could at least get the guy’s name.  

Sam nodded, and proceeded with the introductions.  Rod, I’d like you to meet Lisa Evans, our Director of Sales.  Lisa, this is Rod Malone, Senior Vice President of Business Development, from the head office.

Lisa’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.  Senior Vice President?  I thought you worked in the building, at the ad agency, she blurted out, then clamped her mouth shut as she saw Rod’s look of amusement.

No way, he grinned.  Advertising is definitely not my strong point.  I’m more of a ‘numbers’ man.

He got up and stretched his hand across the table. Good to meet you, Miss Evans.  His grip was firm, but the handshake was brief, a total anti-climax for Lisa after the quick but intimate embrace they had shared.

Rod settled back into his seat beside Jessica and took a silver pen from his breast pocket.  When he looked up again his charming smile and relaxed attitude were gone.  The man’s face was suddenly serious, and his eyes had taken on the golden intensity of a lion’s stare. 

Lisa felt her palms go damp.  Suddenly, she felt like prey.

We should have a lot to discuss, Miss Evans, he said, as he directed his gaze toward her.  Let’s get down to business.

CHAPTER TWO

THEY WERE ONLY FIFTEEN minutes into the meeting before Lisa realized there was no way she would ever be able to work with this man.  He was just one inch short of insufferable.

The meeting had started out pleasantly enough, with Rod discussing business strategies that had proven most effective at the corporate level.  He shared some of his experiences at the other subsidiaries, and they even had a few laughs at his cultural blunders.  She was surprised at how entertaining he could be, even when talking business. She found herself almost beginning to relax in his presence.  However, things changed when the discussion turned to the Caribbean.

Tell me about your core sales strategies, Rod said, with a nod to Lisa.  I want to understand how you do business here.  He looked over at her, pen in hand, looking like he was ready to take pages of notes.

You won’t need too much paper for what I’m going to tell you, she said, giving him a calm smile.  Our key strategy is very simple.  We build relationships.

He raised an eyebrow, then rested his pen on the notepad.  He looked sceptical as he leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs.  I’m listening.

We don’t see our customers as just numbers, she continued, trying to concentrate on what she was saying, rather than on the sexy pose of the man who was looking back at her with half-closed eyes.  As if that weren’t bad enough, his narrowed gaze was making her nervous.  She willed herself to remain focused.  We help them grow their businesses, and in doing that, we also grow our own.

What about your sales target?  Shouldn’t that be your first priority?

It is, she  said, nodding, but we don’t shove it down our customers’ throats.  We help them to achieve their own individual goals first, then we tie this into our sales objectives.

Rod uncrossed his long legs and leaned forward.  So, you’re saying you let them tell you what they want to do for the year, and you work with that.

Yes, you could put it that way.  She straightened in her seat as she warmed to the subject. We listen to what our customers have to say, then we respond.

His frown deepened, and for a moment, he remained silent, as if pondering her words.  Then, he slowly shook his head.  Miss Evans, with a strategy like that, it’s a wonder you haven’t run this company right into the ground.

Lisa felt like she’d just been slapped in the face - hard.  Pardon me?  She could not believe her ears.

I said, your sales strategy is crap.  Rod stared unapologetically back at her, and his hazel eyes had gone stone cold.  How can you place the fate of this company in the hands of some store owners and merchants?  No wonder your sales are in a mess.

In a mess?  Lisa’s heart thumped wildly.  She could feel her blood pressure beginning to mount, and she clenched her fists in an effort to control her rising anger. I met my sales target every single year for four years straight, using this same strategy you just called crap.

But it didn’t work for you last year, did it?

I missed last year’s target, yes, but that was because of a competitive strike.  It had nothing to do with my strategy.

That’s where you’re wrong, Miss Evans.  Rod straightened and fixed her with a hard stare.  It had everything to do with your strategy.  Or, should I say, lack of?

Lisa was speechless. Who the hell did this man think he was, to speak to her this way?  She had put her heart and soul into her job for the past five years, and now this man was acting like she’d been sleeping all this time.  How dare he? 

She sucked in her breath, ready to slam him with a sharp retort, when Sam jumped in.  Rod, I understand that our local strategy is not the mirror image of what prevails at the head office. However, I hope you understand that we’re following corporate guidelines.  He smiled apologetically.  We’ve just tweaked them a little, while still adhering to our policies.

How so?  Rod seemed unconvinced.

Doing business in the Caribbean is a little different from North America, Sam explained.  Our people are driven by what we can do for them, whether we have their interest at heart.  Throw numbers at them, and they fight you tooth and nail.

Sam leaned forward.  We know the numbers we need to reach, but we have to coax our customers toward that target in a more personable manner.  This is not America, Rod.  We’ve got to finesse these people, or else they’ll switch on us, whether it’s in their best interest or not.

Rod remained silent for a moment and Lisa watched as his face darkened.  Finally, he said, That may have worked in the past, Sam, but this operation has diverted from our key strategy.  We must be guided by our target.  Always.  He turned his attention to Lisa and his face was stern.  And that’s why I’m here.  It’s my job to get this subsidiary back on course according to corporate standards.  I’ll have to review all your tactical plans to make sure they’ll give us the results we’re looking for.

Lisa sat silent, fuming.  She forced herself to remain calm.  There was no way she was going to give this man the satisfaction of seeing how much his words had affected her.  She stared back at him, unflinching.  

Her voice was ice cold as she said, Ready whenever you are.

CHAPTER THREE

THAT EVENING, LISA took the long way home from work, and as she drove, she kept reliving the day’s events in her mind.  She had turned the radio to her favourite station, but today, she was hardly listening to the R & B classics that she loved so much.  Today, instead of humming to the tunes, she was silent, lost in thought.

Of all the days for her best friend, Mickey, to decide to make a quick trip to Miami, it had to be today... just when she needed a shoulder to lean on.  She sighed, as she pulled into her driveway.  She opened the door of her Nissan Pathfinder and slid off the seat to stand on the warm pavement.  The sun was still strong at six-thirty in the evening.  In June, the days were bright, hot and long, perfect for just chilling on a beach some place far away.

That was exactly what Lisa felt like doing just then.  If only she could just run off to Ocho Rios, or, better yet Portland, where she could clear her mind of the torment that was Rod Malone.  She would drink in the beauty of Portland’s brilliant blue sea and rich green foliage.  She had always loved the eastern side of the island where frequent rainfall made the flora as lush as a tropical forest.  In the east, all the colours seemed so much more intense; the sky and sea were bluer, the trees greener, the air fresher – for her, a taste of paradise.

She grabbed her purse from the passenger seat and slammed the heavy door shut.  It was no use thinking about escape right now.  She had a battle on her hands.  She had a dragon to deal with, and she had to find a way to conquer him before he destroyed her.   

Lisa stepped onto the porch and slid open the glass doors to the townhouse.  As she entered the cool, spacious living room, she called, Tina, I’m home. She threw the purse into a nearby wicker chair and headed for the stairs.

Where are you, mi amor?  As she passed the kitchen, she peeped in, but it was empty.  Everything was in order, just as she had left it.

She climbed the stairs and crossed the landing to the master bedroom.  She stopped in the doorway and put her hands on her hips.  Tina, you know you’re not supposed to be on my bed.  Get off.

The fat ginger ball of fur gave a leisurely stretch and opened her pink mouth in a wide yawn.  Then, in absolutely no hurry at all, she