LITMIR.BIZ

       “Even if I did agree you are the right choice,” Gabe said evenly, “we still need to discuss our other problema.”

      “What other problem?”

      “That problem.”

      Alex frowned. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

      He lifted a brow. “Tell me that was not a distinctly lustful look.”

      “That was not lustful. That was—”

      “Alex.” He angled his body toward her and captured her gaze. “You’ve been jumpy since the minute we walked into this hotel room and we both know why.”

       Ahh. The almost kiss.

      She scowled at him. “I’m working on four hours’ sleep. That’s why I’m jumpy. Maybe you should just say yes to the contract so I can get some rest and—” She stared at him as he moved closer. “What are you doing?”

      He lifted his hand and splayed his fingers across her jaw. “Figuring out how bad this particular problema is before I make up my mind.”

      “There is no problem,” she croaked. “And if we’re going to be working together I—”

      “I haven’t said yes yet,” he cut in, his gaze purposeful. “Right now we have no working relationship whatsoever.”

      They did have heat. They definitely had heat. She swallowed hard as it washed over her, made her pulse dance. “If I make this really bad you’ll say yes?”

      His gaze darkened. “It’s not going to be bad.”

      JENNIFER HAYWARD has been a fan of romance and adventure since filching her sister’s Harlequin Mills & Boon^® novels to escape her teenage angst.

      Jennifer penned her first romance at nineteen. When it was rejected she bristled at her mother’s suggestion that she needed more life experience. She went on to complete a journalism degree before settling into a career in public relations. Years of working alongside powerful, charismatic CEOs and travelling the world provided perfect fodder for the arrogant alpha males she loves to write about.

      With a suitable amount of life experience under her belt, she sat down and conjured up the sexiest, most delicious Italian wine magnate she could imagine, had him make his biggest mistake and gave him a wife on the run. That story, THE DIVORCE PARTY, won her Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest and a book contract. Turns out Mother knew best.

      A native of Canada’s gorgeous East coast, Jennifer now lives in Toronto with her Viking husband and their young Viking-in-training. She considers her ten-year-old-strong book club, comprised of some of the most amazing women she’s ever met, a sacrosanct date in her calendar. And some day, they will have their monthly meeting at her fantasy beach house, waves lapping at their feet, wine glasses in hand.

      You can find Jennifer on Facebook and Twitter.

       Recent titles by the same author

      THE DIVORCE PARTY

       Did you know this is also available as an eBook? Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk

      An Exquisite Challenge

      Jennifer Hayward

      For my editor, Carly, whose impeccable advice made this book what it is. Thank you!

      For Victoria Parker and Kat Cantrell, the two best critique partners a writer could have. Your advice and support mean everything to me.

      For winemaker Jac Cole of Spring Mountain Vineyard in Napa, who graciously offered his time to teach me about the fine art of blending and bringing a wine to market. I can only hope Gabe’s wines are half as wonderful as yours!

      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

       EXCERPT