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Category: Romance
Description: Millionaire Ian Cathmor decides the best way to help his cousin with her fledgling bed and breakfast is to sponsor a contest through his company, giving the winner an all expense paid trip to her Irish retreat. He is immediately drawn to the beautiful winner, Jacquelyn Tracer, as soon as she arrives. But Jacquelyn has no idea the handsome "local farmer" is actually the head of the company who employs her, and Ian decides to allow her misconception to go uncorrected for at least a little while. It has been too long since a woman has shown an interest in him as a man instead of a wealthy CEO.

Jacquelyn Tracer is hoping this once in a lifetime trip will help to heal the wounds of a broken engagement and the cheating fiancé who destroyed her heart. She's not expecting the powerful attraction she feels for one of the locals, especially given the fact he's probably a player and Heaven knows, she's had her fill of those. But passion overcomes her resolve, and she finds herself falling hard for the Irish rogue with the gentle touch?until she learns the truth and his lies threaten to destroy everything they have.
eBook Publisher: Whispers Publishing, 2011
eBookwise Release Date: June 2011

Available eBook Formats: OEBFF Format (IMP) [56 KB]
Words: 10229
Reading time: 29-40 min.

"CHANCES TAKEN transports the reader to romantic Ireland where one special woman wins her heart's desire."

Becky Barker author--Bridleton and Undercover Virgin

Jacquelyn grimaced then began to pull the pins from her hair, sending the locks down her back like a waterfall of silvery blond. She ran a hand through her hair, spreading it over her shoulders, mesmerizing Ian. Jacquelyn turned those huge sea-green eyes to him, imploring. "Would you know how I might call a cab to come get me?"

"There's no cabs here," he whispered and watched her face as a wash of emotions took in his news.

"Could you give me a ride?" Jacquelyn's tongue darted out to lick her lower lip then capture it between her teeth.

A few of the pub's patrons raised a brow and smiled in their drinks at her statement.

Ian nearly swallowed his tongue along with the reply he wanted to give her innocent words, thanking the stars for his travels to the States. He knew Jacquelyn was asking for a lift to the inn and not a sexual favor, as that particular phrase normally would be interpreted in this part of the world.

"Yes, I can see that you reach the inn."

The trip wasn't long. The gentle rumble of the lorry's engine had put Jacquelyn to sleep as they pulled from the pub. Now, they sat in front of Kyna's B&B, the Thistle Down. Ian turned off the engine, listening to the moment of silence cocooning them, enjoying the illusion of being a couple as Jacquelyn sighed softly in her sleep. Strange, he wanted these moments to last an eternity.

Exiting the truck, he went round it to her side and opened the door. He slipped his arms under her, thus cradling her against him. Her head nestled in the hollow of his shoulder. Her heart made a steady slow rhythm against his chest. Ian rubbed his cheek over the top of her head, reveling in the silken, soft feel of her hair there as it cascaded across his arm. He was nearly to the door when she awoke.

"Put me down," she gasped and struggled in his arms. "Where do you think you're taking me?"

He released her so she slid down the front of him, still held loosely pressed against him. He could still feel her heart beat, and it was at a gallop now. Ian let his hands fall gently away from her.

"Let me go." Jacquelyn stared up at him, fear dancing in her eyes.

"I've not a hold on you," Ian whispered low and soothingly. "I was only delivering you to the inn."

Jacquelyn swallowed hard, making a loud gulping sound.

Ian grinned, acknowledging he'd heard the sound.

"Oh."

"You're at the Thistle Down, safe and sound. I hope your dreams are sweet and plentiful."

Ian touched his cap, turning to leave.

"W...w...wait, what do I owe you for the ride?" she stammered.

He bit the inside of his cheek at the phrase, turning back to her. Quickly, before she could react, he snagged her with one arm, crushed her to him, and fastened his mouth to hers. He kissed her thoroughly, and then he released her.

"That's more than enough payment." Ian rounded the lorry to hop inside, and just before he placed the truck in gear, he shouted over the engine. "In fact, I'll be by on the morrow to give you your change. Goodnight to you now."

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