Unfinished Business

Unfinished

Business

Business Mixed with Pleasure Series

– Book 1 –

Lisa Y. Watson

~~~

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2011 Lisa Y. Watson

All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Any references or similarities to actual events, real people, living, or dead, or to real locales are intended to give the novel a sense of reality.

Any similarities in other names, characters, places, and incidents are entirely coincidental.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

More Novels by 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