Last Resort: Marriage

Last Resort: Marriage
Pamela Stone

Desperate times call for…a quickie wedding!And desperation is the only reason Charlotte Harrington would even consider marrying local playboy Aaron Brody. Even if he is the most irresistible man she's ever laid eyes on. Charlie's proposition could be a win-win for both of them. Aaron keeps his charter business afloat and the gorgeous, cool-as-ice hotel heiress keeps her grandfather from selling her hotel out from under her.Besides, it's temporary. Isn't it? It was supposed to be strictly a business arrangement. Falling in love with her husband wasn't part of the deal. So when the time comes, will Charlie be able to just shake hands with Aaron and part ways forever?

“I’d like you to meet my fiancé, Aaron Brody.”

Charlie beamed at her speechless grandfather. She tried to present the picture of calm confidence, but inside her stomach lurched. What now?

Edward glanced at her bare ring finger, leveled his pointed glare at Aaron and demanded, “Is that true? Are you planning to marry my granddaughter?”

Locking gazes with Aaron, Charlie silently pleaded with him to back her up. His eyes matched the murky green of the gulf right before a storm, and were just as dangerous. Hopefully he was crazy enough to take the challenge.

“Why would Charlie lie about a thing like that?” Aaron asked without looking Edward’s way. He slipped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.

Dear Reader,

I’ve always loved to travel, and my favorite destination is always a beach. But in all my travels, I’ve found no place on earth that matches the eclectic character of the Florida Keys. The Keys are more than a string of islands linked by more than seventy bridges. They offer a hodgepodge of open-air bars, hot sandy beaches and boats of every description. There are colorful locals, breathtaking sunsets and key lime pie. Romantic? You bet. But what if your job is creating romantic island vacations for other people and you never have time for love of your own? In fact, it’s been so long since you’ve had a day off, you haven’t even noticed anything is missing! Until one day he walks into your office. All muscled and tanned, his mischievous eyes twinkling as he flashes a roguish grin. You might consider doing something wild. Something crazy. Something completely out of character. But only as a last resort.

I’m so thrilled to be writing for Harlequin American Romance. Let me know if you enjoy escaping to the Keys with Aaron and Charlie in Last Resort: Marriage. I’d love to hear from you. You can contact me and find out about my upcoming books at www.pamelastone.net.

Wishing you sand between your toes, a salty breeze rustling the palms and a special someone to share it with.

Pamela Stone

Last Resort: Marriage

Pamela Stone

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Texas native Pamela Stone is an accounting graduate who spent more than twenty years in the technology field before publishing her first romance novel.

Pamela still resides in Texas with her childhood sweetheart and husband of—well, we won’t mention how many years. In her spare time she enjoys traveling. From Hawaii to California to Florida to the Caribbean, if there’s a beach, she’s there. So not surprisingly, the majority of her stories are set on a beach. She also loves spending time with friends and family, but her laptop is never far from her fingertips for when that next inspiration strikes!

She insists that writing keeps her sane. Cheaper than a therapist and tons more fun.

I’d like to dedicate this book to my editor,

Johanna Raisanen, for taking a chance on me.

And to all my family and friends for believing in me.

And last but not least, to my critique partners,

Linda and Juliet. This dream wouldn’t

have come true without you, ladies.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter One

“After all, dear, you’re not getting any younger,” Charlotte Harrington’s grandfather stated in a tone that made intelligent, self-assured adults quake in their shoes.

Not getting any younger? “Twenty-nine isn’t exactly elderly.”

“There’s more to life than work.”

Charlotte blinked. Since when had Edward Harrington thought about anything other than his precious chain of resorts?

“I only want to see you happy and settled with a husband and family. I want to hold my great-grandson before I die.” He gestured to the man beside him. “Since you haven’t found a suitable husband on this godforsaken island, I thought I’d help you out.”