Love by Design

By Ava Olsen

Escape to a warm Caribbean island with two very hot men...

Gabriel Lafleur is a hotelier on the idyllic island of Saint Martin. After a hurricane devastates his business, he reluctantly hires Jackson Yates, an American designer, to complete the renovations. Gabriel is overwhelmed by the gorgeous and charming American who quickly becomes a part of his world.

Jackson loves his job but after years of non-stop work, he desperately needs a break. He agrees to take on the revamp of a boutique hotel in an effort to combine work and much needed pleasure. Soon Jackson is entranced by both the warm Caribbean lifestyle and the very sexy Gabriel.

But Gabriel is leery of travelers who love and leave and Jackson has never felt the need to settle his heart in one place.

Will their love survive the storm that lies ahead?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evernight
• Release date: Apr 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9780369505927

Book preview

Published by EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ® at Smashwords

www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2022 Ava Olsen

ISBN: 978-0-3695-0592-7

Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Editor: Jessica Ruth

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

For those of us who dream of escaping long, cold winters.

LOVE BY DESIGN

Romance on the Go ®

Ava Olsen

Copyright © 2022

Chapter One

Gabriel

"Bonjour, islanders! It’s another perfect August morning here in our tiny Caribbean paradise, sunny with a few clouds and an expected high of ninety-five degrees, winds below twenty clicks. A super day for a boat ride or just being a beach bum. Before we get to our regular program, a word from our sponsor, L’Atelier Tropicale."

Gabriel Lafleur didn’t pay much attention to the radio program, but he did perk up at the mention of the boat ride. Too bad he had no time for sailing or any other pleasurable pursuits. His every thought was consumed by his boutique hotel, L’Arc en Ciel, and the renovations that would soon be complete. A category three hurricane battered the island last year, and his hotel had suffered significant damage. Thankfully, things were on track to be ready for their grand re-opening at the end of September. The only thing remaining was the interior.

Gabriel had reluctantly hired a designer from LA who took on select hotel clients. He wasn’t fond of the big city types. Charmed by the island at first glance, many complained of boredom after a week. Island living wasn’t for everyone.

The designer, Jackson Yates, had come personally recommended by one of Gabriel’s loyal guests. After perusing Jackson’s online portfolio, which focused on sustainable design, Gabriel was confident he’d made the right decision. He’d read the man’s bio, but it was short on details. Born and raised in the Southern US, Jackson moved to LA when he was eighteen. He was a design school graduate and was named one of LA’s top designers at age twenty-eight. His bio included a picture that Gabriel studied intently, transfixed by a set of piercing sea-green eyes and a captivating smile. Enough of this nonsense. Get back to work!

Knock, knock! I’ve come to take my best friend out for breakfast! The soft, lilting voice that carried in the air belonged to a petite woman in a pink patterned sundress. Gabriel’s best friend, sister-in-law, and confidante, Esme Dutante. They’d grown up together in Marigot, the capital city on the French side of the island. Esme and Jean-Paul, Gabriel’s older brother, were the proud parents of teenage twin girls, Chloe and Caroline. Esme supplied the hotel spa with her handcrafted soaps, lotions, and candles. Jean-Paul operated a charter business that provided hotel guests with scenic tours. On this island, business was a family affair.

"Cherie, for you, I always have time. I’ve been up since six AM, paying invoices, so I definitely need a break. I could use another round of caffeine and some carbs."

Esme draped her long, blonde ponytail over her shoulder and smiled. I’m so jealous that you can eat whatever you want. Esme pouted, but the sparkle in her blue eyes revealed her mirth.

That’s because I run every morning, and I’m always lifting or fixing something in this place. I should call myself a contractor rather than a hotelier. Gabriel smiled and got up from his desk. He kissed Esme on both cheeks, as was the custom, and proceeded to escort her to the hotel kitchen.

What would you say to a four-cheese truffle omelet? Chef Didier is trying out new recipes for the grand re-opening, Gabriel whispered as they entered through large double doors to the sunlit kitchen. Like many small hotels on the island, they prided themselves on high-quality cuisine and a warm ambiance.

I was going to take you out for a bite and a change of scenery since you live and work here seven days a week, but if you insist, Esme said.

Chef was working at the large island, instructing his sous chef Jaden and reviewing what looked to be a list of pantry items. Gabriel wished him good morning and requested two omelets, then headed out to the small patio that overlooked the white sand and bright turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Gabriel marveled at this view every single day.

Chef is pleased with the updated layout, but we’ll see if my new designer has any further changes. I hope not. Otherwise, it may throw off our schedule. Gabriel ran a hand through his thick brown hair and took in a deep breath. So much to do in so little time.

When is your designer arriving?

This afternoon. Jackson Yates. A very American name, yes? He pulled out a teak patio chair for Esme to sit and proceeded to sit across from her. He plucked his aviator sunglasses out of his pocket and perched them on his nose. "I did some research. He’s well-known in LA, attends lots of design events, and supports LGBTQ charities. All in all, it appears he’s a good fit for this job, but overqualified. However, he informed me that this month is a combination of work and leisure, so