LITMIR.BIZ

      First, I thank God With

       His hand on my shoulder, anything is possible….

      This book is dedicated to two amazing people: my husband, Daniel Ionazzi, and my best friend and critique partner, Julie Hogan. Where one gave me wings to fly headfirst into my dream, the other gave me fresh air and clear skies. You are the rocks, the ears and the encouraging voice. I love you both with all of my heart.

      LAURA WRIGHT

      has spent most of her life immersed in the world of acting, singing and competitive ballroom dancing. But when she started writing romance, she knew she’d found the true desire of her heart! Although born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Laura has also lived in New York, Milwaukee and Columbus, Ohio. Currently she is happy to have set down her bags and made Los Angeles her home. And a blissful home it is—one that she shares with her theatrical production manager husband, Daniel, and three spoiled dogs. On those few hours of downtime from her beloved writing, Laura enjoys going to art galleries and movies, cooking for her hubby, walking in the woods, lazing around lakes, puttering in the kitchen and frolicking with her animals. Laura would love to hear from you. You can e-mail her at [email protected].

      Acknowledgments

      To my teacher, mentor and friend, Barbara Ankrum: I’m forever in your debt for showing me this exquisite world.

      To my best girls, Julie Ganis, Tami Goveia and Patti Chung: I thank you so much for your friendship and hard work, and I share this with you.

      To my Aunt Marsha: Thank you for being you….

      A special thanks to Steve Philipson for teaching me all about gliders and soaring in them (from the ground, of course).

      And to you who are reading this: May I always grant you words from my heart and stories from my soul.

      Contents

      Chapter One

      Chapter Two

      Chapter Three

      Chapter Four

      Chapter Five

      Chapter Six

      Chapter Seven

      Chapter Eight

      Chapter Nine

      Chapter Ten

      Chapter Eleven

      One

      “You need a wife.”

      It was a ridiculous piece of advice and C. K. Tanner barely raised an eyebrow before responding, “You’re fired.”

      “You can’t fire me.” Jeff Rhodes grinned widely. “I’m too valuable…your CFO and your friend.” He slid a fax across Tanner’s massive desk. “And speaking as both, I see no other way. Two other corporations are chomping at the bit for this deal, and both CEOs have wives. It looks to me like Frank Swanson wants an honest, good old-fashioned family man. So if you’re hell-bent on acquiring the Swanson Sweets Candy Company, you’d better consider producing a Mrs. Tanner ASAP.”

      Swiveling around in his chair, Tanner turned to face the floor-to-ceiling windows. From his offices on the thirty-first floor, he stared out across the city of Los Angeles and beyond to the ocean. It was a crystal-clear Wednesday in October—no smog, perfect sunshine—but he barely saw it. His mind raced to find another solution to the problems plaguing what should have been an easy purchase. He wanted that candy company. Hell, he wanted every company that posed a challenge to him. Acquisitions seemed to fill a hole in him, even if the feeling was only temporary.

      Jeff was right, though. Acquiring Swanson Sweets was going to take more than quick thinking, clever strategies and Tanner’s trademark never-say-die negotiating style.

      Friday morning he was flying to Minneapolis. He was the last of the competitors to stay with the Swansons for the weekend. It was a chance for each man to see how the company was run, tour the plant, and get to know the family behind the chocolate.

      “I spoke with Harrison this morning,” Jeff said, breaking off Tanner’s thoughts.

      Tanner inhaled sharply. Mitchell Harrison was as ruthless a businessman as they came. He also wanted to own Swanson Sweets—and would be willing to pay top dollar for the honor. Harrison’s own candy company was a longtime rival to Swanson Sweets, and he was looking to eliminate the competition. But the man was three times divorced and a notorious womanizer. Tanner had heard through the acquisition grapevine that Swanson wouldn’t even review a bid from Harrison—no matter how high he went. And Tanner couldn’t help but assume that the reason was rooted in Harrison’s spotty reputation.

      Jeff cleared his throat. “He’s willing to pay a hefty premium to buy Swanson Sweets from you once you get it from Swanson.”

      “I’m still considering

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