Picture Perfect by Leslie Ferdinand

Blurb:

 

Alexis Morgan returned to New Orleans just after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city.  Determined to focus on rebuilding her interior decorating business and saving her home, Alex has no time for relationships.  She refuses to fall into the same trap that her mother fell into and become involved with a married man.  Then, the soon-to-be married Elliot Walker storms into her life, tempting her to forget the hard lessons she learned as a child.

Businessman, Elliot Walker, is the youngest, and only adopted, son of a wealthy and prominent New Orleans family.  The Walkers’ natural children are models of Society and Elliot will do no less.  Once his older brother marries, Elliot knows their mother will push him to marry the woman she believes is perfect for him, a high-powered attorney with a thirst for money, power, and sex.  With six months to go before his wedding, Elliot hires Alex to redecorate his home.  Suddenly, keeping his mother happy by marrying Rachel, a woman he’s beginning to realize he barely knows isn’t as important as having Alex in his arms.  But Rachel intends to have it all and she’s willing to murder to get it.

Out of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, secrets are revealed, relationships tested, and true love born.

Excerpt

At first glance of the man, her breath whooshed from her lungs. Light brown eyes enhanced the lines of his face. She blinked, finding him the most magnificent male specimen she’d ever seen in her life. His dark hair was cut short and neat, his generous mouth a wicked temptation. Firm, confident strides brought him inches from her. As sleek as a jaguar, muscles strained against his designer, charcoal-gray suit. Alex breathed in his cologne, an exhilarating scent that filled her with euphoria. Tingles coursed down to her toes.

“I was wondrin’ if ya gots a sampla wid lighta wallpapa prints?” the first man asked.

She lifted her brows in surprise at her first customer, his expression now more mocking than threatening. Caught off guard, she faltered. “Wh-what?”

“Good afternoon.”

Alex glanced toward the sound of the deep baritone.

“Good afternoon, sir.” She stretched her hand out in greeting. The newcomer’s interruption allowed her to regain a measure of equilibrium. “How may I help you?” Her breathlessness reeked uncertainty. Awareness of this beautiful man curled around her.

The handsome stranger grasped her hand. His big hand with long fingers and trimmed nails closed over her smaller one. A few moments passed as their gazes locked. The same awareness overwhelming her was mirrored in his expression. Clearing his throat, he nodded at their entwined hands, indicating the handshaking should end … which had evolved into handholding.

Alex snatched her hand away.

“I seem to have interrupted your interest in your other customer.” Excitement lurched within her at the husky command of his tone. “I haven’t much time, Miss…?”

“Um, Morgan.” Her heart raced at the spark of eroticism in his smile. “Alexis Morgan, Mr…?”

“Walker,” he completed. “Elliot Walker, CEO and founder of Walker Way.”

“Walker Way, the company that’s becoming a formidable force in the technology industry?”

He grimaced. “As I started to say, Ms. Morgan, I haven’t much time, but I can wait for a few minutes while you complete your transaction with your other customer.”

“No need.” The other man had followed the exchange with interest. “I seed all I need ta … hava nice day.” The doorbells jangled as he exited the shop.

“Good riddance,” she mumbled to the glass door, her anxiety easing. “I’m sorry about that.” A quiver surged through her veins at Elliot Walker’s nearness. “He was a browser. I’m all yours.”

“All mine? Is that so?”

His suggestive tone made her feel attractive and feminine. She brushed off his words, determined to ignore their pull. “How can I help you?”

  

About Leslie C. Ferdinand

Leslie C. Ferdinand and her mother, Shirley H. Ferdinand, have been writing together since 1991. Leslie is divorced and the mother of three daughters. She is Shirley’s only change. Under their pen name, Christine Holden, they sold five books to Berkley/Jove between 1998 and 2001. In 2010, they began writing Picture Perfect. They are represented by D4EO Literary Agency and are hard at work on their next project.

About Leslie C. Ferdinand

Leslie C. Ferdinand and her mother, Shirley H. Ferdinand, have been writing together since 1991. Leslie is divorced and the mother of three daughters. She is Shirley’s only change. Under their pen name, Christine Holden, they sold five books to Berkley/Jove between 1998 and 2001. In 2010, they began writing Picture Perfect. They are represented by D4EO Literary Agency and are hard at work on their next project.