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    Unexpected Holiday Bonus
    Unexpected Holiday Bonus
    Unexpected Holiday Bonus
    Ebook100 pages1 hour

    Unexpected Holiday Bonus

    By Merry Holly

    ()

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    About this ebook

    CEO Suzette LeBlec’s administrative assistant goes on maternity leave just as Suzette is fighting a hostile takeover of her company. But when a sexy stranger applies for the temp job, his almost-too-good-to-be-true credentials set off Suzette’s alarms.

    Dirk Harvey is working to rebuild his father’s floundering company. But when he discovers the stunning woman he’d spotted at a party is hiring, he goes undercover as an administrative assistant extraordinaire. Besides, he’s trying to fight off the same “takeover king”.

    Then Suzette discovers the truth. Has she fallen for a corporate spy? Or has Christmas given them a delicious, unexpected holiday bonus?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherLan-Hop Press
    Release dateDec 17, 2016
    ISBN9780998110776
    Unexpected Holiday Bonus
    Author

    Merry Holly

    Amazon Bestselling author Marian Lanouette, who also writes as Merry Holly, is a multi-published author in both mystery and romance (Marian writes mysteries; Merry writes romance). The “Season of…” anthologies are her brain child, joining with other authors in creating stories around a central theme, such as Season of Love, Season of Magic Holiday Box Set, and Season of Thrills. Her romances are sweet and funny with a sexy edge, while her mysteries feature the ruggedly handsome Homicide Lieutenant Jake Carrington. A member of Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America, Marian/Merry loves snowboarding, rollerblading, and chocolate, and hanging out with friends for lunch and laughter. Fans are invited to check out Marian/Merry’s books at her website, http://marianl.com, where they can sign up for her newsletter and keep up with all the latest happenings and upcoming releases. You can also connect with Marian/Merry on any of the following places: Website:  http://marianl.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/marian.lanouette Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AuthorMarian Pinterest:   https://www.pinterest.com/mlanouette/ Pinterest 2: https://www.pinterest.com/marianlanouette/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6478248.Marian_Lanouette Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Marian-Lanouette/e/B0095YFGZ6

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      Book preview

      Unexpected Holiday Bonus - Merry Holly

      Chapter One

      I don’t care what you have on your plate, you will attend the holiday party, Suzette, said Lois. It’s important that you mingle with your employees and managers.

      I know. I’m just not in the mood this year. What will I do without you, Lois? Suzette said, looking around the crowded restaurant.

      Luce’s was all the rage at the moment. Business posh mingled here with New York celebrities. If you were lucky enough to be seen dining here, you made the social column in the Daily Mirror. She recognized and nodded to a few of the other CEOs as they acknowledged her. Not one of them seemed worth taking for a test drive.

      Well, it looks like my dry spell’s going to continue throughout the holidays.

      You’ll keep being the success you are, just like before. Lois rubbed a hand over her bulging belly.

      I’m a lot more successful with you by my side.

      Good, then I know I have a job when I get back.

      Of course you do. How are you coming with the applicants to fill in for you while you’re out on maternity leave? I want someone familiar with manufacturing.

      I looked inside the company and decided I didn’t want to put anyone in a temporary position. It would feel like a demotion to them when they had to go back to their usual departments. I have maybe two or three from the agency that are all right, but nothing special.

      You’re being pickier than I would be.

      No, I’m using your logic. I’ll give it another week before I narrow down the list and test the candidates’ skills. Once I do I’ll send them to you.

      Nodding, Suzette lost herself in thought. Last week’s party had been the same as all the others her mother had forced on her, with one exception: the tuxedoed man in the far corner. His black, silky hair had fallen over his forehead as their eyes locked. When he pushed it back it showcased a chiseled face. Boy, she wished she could’ve made out the color of his eyes. Either way, what she had seen took her breath away. But by the time she’d worked her way across the room he was gone. Why did she expect her luck to change now? He might’ve been a lovely temporary distraction through the holidays. Lord knew she certainly needed one. Her mother seemed more bent than usual on fixing her up.

      As successful as I am, Mom can’t get it through her head that I don’t need a man. I’m not her.

      Earth to Suzette. Lois placed a hand on her arm.

      I’m sorry. I was just going over a few things in my head. Is the holiday party all set for the twenty-first?

      Yes, don’t worry, I took care of everything. All you have to do is show up. If this bundle of joy lets me I’ll be there too. Hopefully she arrives after the holidays but before the thirty-first, Lois said, rubbing circles around her large belly.

      As long as you don’t have her at the office, it would freak me out.

      Not to worry, she’ll be good.

      Dirk spotted that gorgeous woman from the party the minute he walked into the restaurant. After generously tipping the maître d’ he was able to grab the booth joining hers. He slid into it with his back to hers. He could eavesdrop this way. Hopefully, he’d find an opening and introduce himself.

      Bits and pieces of her conversation drifted into his head as he ordered his lunch. A few people stopped by his table to chat. Distracted, he tried to shorten each conversation. Not many people would recognize him. He had worked hard for years to remain anonymous while he built his father’s floundering company back up to its glory days. He and his mother hadn’t realized just how sick his father had been or how his meds had messed with his mind. Darren Harvey had been gone five years now along with his destructive decisions and ways—and under Dirk’s guidance almost all had been corrected. The firm, a leader in the micro-chips field was one to contend with as the bottom line grew. It had become a benchmark for others under his guidance.

      With all his efforts thrown into reviving the company, he’d sacrificed his relationship with Eileen. She’d broken the engagement in year two of the revitalization. Looking back, he knew he’d dodged a bullet there. Twice married, Eileen had called him last week after her last one fell apart. He was happy to speak with her, but told her no thanks. Though he had no interest in relationships, he had to admit something inside of him had shifted when he locked eyes with the blonde at the party. She threw a one-two punch to his gut. Why had she had that effect on him?

      Research gave him the basics. Not only the youngest CEO of Sherman Industries she was a female to boot in a male dominated field. Ms. LeBlec had proved over and over again why she’d gotten the position—her solid decision making, her excellent management skills, and her strong knowledge of manufacturing. Since she took over the helm, she’d diversified into other lines besides fashion clothing. In the last three years Sherman industries had become a leader in the automotive parts field as well. Maybe down the line he could entice her to join his firm.

      Her intelligence, strong moral character and strategies—three things he liked in a person—were written about in the industry publications almost weekly. Though she shied away from interviews, on occasion she did use the press to her advantage. But what he had dug up on her only related to business. He wanted more on the woman. What made her tick? What kind of men did she date? Damn, the woman kept her private life private. Add respect to his list of likes. Her name conjured up hot images of sweaty bodies entwined through long smoldering nights. Ah, Suzette LeBlec…

      Her next sentence grabbed his attention. Of course you do. By the way how are you coming with the applicants to fill in for you while you’re out on maternity leave?

      An idea formed as she and her admin chatted away. He took notes.

      Crazy, the idea was just crazy. But could I pull it off? It’d only be for a few weeks. And it might be quite fun…

      He’d work out the logistics when he got back to the office. He would create a résumé and fax it over today. This was just what he need over the holidays to distract him, now that the Kaleigh deal was complete. And maybe, just maybe, he’d gain some insight on Mark Adams’s. He’d heard Adams was

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