Well, it's the day after Christmas (if you celebrate), I Canada it's Boxing Day. I used to start taking down decorations today but I married into a Ukrainian family so I leave it up until after Ukrainian Christmas.

I am participating in a stuff your e-reader extravaganza! Over 800 romance books free for today only! So go check out the website in the link! I hope you find some great books and new to you authors!

800+ Free Books

So as a late Christmas gift, how about meeting Gabriella from Seducing her Mountain Man!

Chapter 2

Copyright © 2022 by Bonnie Poirier

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any printed or electronic form without written permission from the publisher or author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

The rooftop restaurant was humming. There wasn’t a table to be had. Thankfully, I had planned ahead and made reservations last month. Lights of the Los Angeles skyline shimmered and twinkled, making up for the starless sky.

“Gabby, sorry I’m late. Traffic was insane.” Turning, I saw my assistant Hannah rushing toward me. Plopping down in the chair across from me, she grabbed the wine the server poured while I was waiting for her. “Wow, this is amazing. I’m going to have to get the name of it.” I couldn’t help but laugh. She was like a bee flitting from one thing to the next. 

“Do we agree, no work talk tonight? I’m tired of thinking about it all day and all night.” I raised my glass, and she clinked hers against mine. 

“You know, if you found someone to occupy your nights, you wouldn’t think about work.” She shrugged and set her glass down.

“Oh, you’re one to talk. When was the last time you went on a date with someone other than me?” Not only my assistant, but my closest friend. I asked her to join my company because she was the only person I could trust. 

Hannah scrunched up her face and stuck her tongue out at me. “Shut up. Maybe I could if you left me alone.” Picking up the menu, she looked over it before slapping it shut. “When do we order?”

My phone chimed, and I picked it up. “I thought we weren’t working?” She asked, frowning.

“I’m expecting an email for a proposal that will have to start tomorrow. This will be the only one, I promise.” I opened my phone and, as if someone sucked out all the oxygen in the world, I couldn’t breathe. The rooftop spun, and I slammed my phone down on the table.

“What was that all about?” She asked as she leaned in? “Did you get a dick pic?” Her face lit up and I could have thrown a roll at her.

Taking a gulp of my wine, I leaned in. “A few months ago, I recklessly filled out a form to be a mail-order bride. I had totally forgotten about it until right now.” My stomach lurched, and I thought I was going to be sick. Another dull of wine should help, so I downed what was left in my glass and waved at the server for more. “That email I just got was confirming I’ve been matched.” I whispered so nobody would hear.

Hannah’s eyes grew as big as saucers. “What did the email say?” She asked, moving out of the way to let the server bring our food.

“I didn’t read it.” 

“What?” she squealed. “Open that phone and get reading. Out loud.” Cutting her food, she ate and waited for me to read.

Sighing because I knew no matter how much I procrastinated, she would keep pestering me. Grabbing my phone, I loaded the email.

“Dear Gabriella,

I am so pleased to tell you I have found a match for you. This gentleman lives in the mountains of rural Montana. I have arranged flights for you on Monday.

There are a few things I need from you. I will need to know if Monday works, and what you will wear or be holding to identify you by. 

This match has taken a little time, but I believe you will be perfect. He doesn’t want any more children as he has a grown son. He is also an entrepreneur like you, so I think you will have a thing in common.

I look forward to hearing about your successful match.

Gwen Wallace, Owner

“I’m not going. Montana? That’s ridiculous. What would I do in Montana?” I sat there reading the email again.

“A mountain man, apparently.” She said off the cuff.

My eyes shot up to Hannah and laughter erupted from deep with in me. “As great as that sounds, I can’t do it. I belong here. My work is here.” Shaking my head, I took a bite of my pasta. Resigning myself to the fact that I would be alone forever.

“Gabby, you can move anywhere. I will be here to handle things in person when needed. Go, this is your opportunity to be happy in your personal life. Just last week you said how lonely your apartment is. The evolving door of men only last a few days, at most a week. You need stability in your life, and this is a way to do it.”

Staring at her, I wondered what these last six years would have been like without her. “Would you stop making sense? You’re supposed to beg me not to go.”

“If you don’t try it first, how am I supposed to know if I should do it too?” She sat back in her chair, crossed her arms, and stared smugly at me. 

Looking over the edge of the railing at the dark skyline, I wondered silently if this might not be what I needed to do. A small sliver of black night sky peaked through the smog and the stars twinkled brightly. Was that a sign? 

“Hannah, I’m going.”

“Yes.” she yelled and held up her glass. “My best friend is getting married.” The crowd that surrounded us cheered and I could feel heat climbing up my face and was thankful for the dark ambiance. 

“Well, I guess I need to pack. I’m going to Montana.” 

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I hope you all have a restful remainder of the holidays. Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year! Thank you for being with me during this past year, taking the time to read my books! I appreciate every purchase or page read!

Talk to you in the new year!

B