Caribbean Contract with Her Boss


 
 
 
 The atmosphere suddenly grew thick and heated.
 Eva’s pulse quickened, a flush crept up her cheeks. What exactly was Rafe saying? That he lay awake in his bed, remembering the two of them frolicking in the water? Heaven help her, the images she was assaulted with nearly had her rushing out of her chair to see if he might take her in his embrace the way he had yesterday on that stairwell. It had taken all the will she had then not to try to kiss him. It was taking even more now to stay still where she sat.
 How much longer could they ignore what was clearly present between them? Eva knew the attraction wasn’t one-sided. She could see it in the heat that swam in Rafe’s eyes even now as he looked at her across the kitchen. She wasn’t imagining it. Rafe wanted to kiss her, too.
 
 
 Dear Reader,
 Welcome to the sunny, gorgeous island of Puerto Rico. Evalyn Gato was born and grew up there. The rum distillery her family has run for generations is part of her DNA. But a soul-crushing betrayal has led to the devastating loss of the property and business. Eva and her family have no choice but to sell.
 Enter Rafe Malta. Rafe is looking to rebuild his life after one too many of life’s blows. He may be successful as a businessman, but through the years, he’s been dealt one crushing defeat after another. Finally, it becomes too much and Rafe decides to leave his old life behind for a new start. What better way than to buy a rum distillery on a peaceful island?
 Together, Eva and Rafe help each other learn to overcome the past and embrace a brand-new future. Along the way, they find true love.
 I felt so fortunate to be able to write Eva and Rafe’s story, one of redemption and self-forgiveness. I hope you enjoy their journey.
 Nina Singh
 
 
 Caribbean Contract with Her Boss
 Nina Singh
 
 
 
 Nina Singh lives just outside Boston, Massachusetts, with her husband, children and a very rambunctious Yorkie. After several years in the corporate world, she finally followed the advice of family and friends to “give the writing a go, already.” She’s oh-so-happy she did. When not at her keyboard, she likes to spend time on the tennis court or golf course. Or immersed in a good read.
 Books by Nina Singh
 Harlequin Romance
 How to Make a Wedding
 From Tropical Fling to Forever
 Destination Brides
 Swept Away by the Venetian Millionaire
 Their Festive Island Escape
 Her Billionaire Protector
 Spanish Tycoon’s Convenient Bride
 Her Inconvenient Christmas Reunion
 From Wedding Fling to Baby Surprise
 Around the World with the Millionaire
 Whisked into the Billionaire’s World
 Wearing His Ring till Christmas
 Visit the Author Profile page at Harlequin.com.
 
 
 To Becks, for being more loving and loyal than I could have ever imagined.
 
 
 Praise for Nina Singh
 “A captivating holiday adventure! Their Festive Island Escape by Nina Singh is a twist on an enemies-to-lovers trope and is sure to delight. I recommend this book to anyone.... It’s fun, it’s touching and it’s satisfying.”
 —Goodreads
 
 
 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
 EPILOGUE
 EXCERPT FROM CONSEQUENCE OF THEIR DUBAI NIGHT BY NINA MILNE
 
 
 CHAPTER ONE
 RAFAEL MALTA SIGNED off on the final document and closed the file on his laptop. That was it. Everything was settled, all the i’s dotted and all the t’s crossed. He’d left no detail unattended. His life here in Seattle was essentially over.
 Good riddance.
 And not a moment too soon. He wouldn’t miss it in the least. And he certainly had no plans to look back.
 His last brief relationship had gone sour. Really sour. Rafe blew out an ironic laugh. That was one way to put it. Trina had said all the right things when everything had begun, but in the end, she’d walked. She hadn’t been able to stand by him through the turmoil.
 No, there was nothing left for him here. He’d never really had many friends in the city to begin with. Nothing remained but painful memories, sharp anger and hurtful loss. It was beyond time to make a clean break.
 And make a clean break he would.
 By this time tomorrow he’d be deplaning on Puerto Rican soil in San Juan. His titles of developer and investor would be wiped off his profile. Now those monikers would have the disclaimer former in front of them. His new official title, as of about 9:00 a.m. this morning, included the words “Owner/Operator, Gato Rum Distillery.” And if he was a novice at this next endeavor he was embarking on, well, so be it. There had to be a reason this opportunity had randomly fallen in his lap. Besides, he considered himself a fast learner, especially when he was highly motivated to achieve a particular goal. And this goal had him really, really motivated. He couldn’t fail. There was no plan B at this stage in his life. He’d used up all his second chance cards.
 This next stage of his life would be much more than a business venture. It was an adventure—a whole new way of life. His goal was to become a completely different person. He’d shed the ghosts of his previous life.
 A brief knock on the door pulled him out of his thoughts. A moment later, his administrative assistant walked in. He’d employed Patty since he’d started his businesses many years ago. She was the only person who had stuck by him throughout the scandals and accusations.
 She held up a yellow folder full of paperwork. “Look what you’ve done.”
 Rafe had no idea what she might be referring to. He knew for a fact he hadn’t overlooked anything as far