Story Note
Lisa Watson
Spicing Things Up
Story Note
Working on the Spice Anthology was a unique combination of fun , hard work , and lots of creativity for me . Each of the authors brought a unique style and their own personality to the project . It was the first time I ’ ve had the opportunity to be edited by Naleighna Kai She challenged me as an author and ensured that I told the best possible story . I enjoy writing in locations that lend themselves as backdrops for a great romance , and for Spicing Things Up , the Outer Banks in North Carolina does just that .
Cassia pressed the doorbell and waited . Her palms were moist , so she wiped them on a black skirt she was wearing that fell just above her knee . She quickly ran her tongue over her teeth , then straightened her blouse .
The door opened suddenly , bringing her face-to-face with the object of her desire . “ Cassia ,” Dylan said , his expression neutral . “ Come in .” “ If you ’ re busy , I can just —” “ No , not at all ,” he said motioning for her to enter . She swept past him into a home that exuded style , warmth and masculinity . He closed the door behind her and gestured to the couch across the room . “ Have a seat . Can I get you anything ?” “ No , thank you .” He took a spot across from her . “ So , what ’ s up ? You mentioned you needed to discuss something about the agency ?”
Dylan ’ s woodsy cologne made it hard to concentrate , as did the navy-blue sweater that molded to his torso tighter than a sports car hugging a race track . Cassia tried to refocus her attention , but it was hard when gazing into his face meant staring at his stubbled jaw and eyes the color of twelve-year old whisky . She could swear she felt perspiration forming above her professionally shaped brows . She blamed her assistant , Tabitha , for this sudden , new awareness of him . Her carefully packaged feelings for Dylan had been neatly tucked away , and now the bow was starting to unravel .
Suddenly , Cassia stood and moved across the room , pretending to be studying the paintings on his wall , but in truth she was just hyper aware of everything from the unhurried pace of his breathing , to the way the dimmed light in the living room enhanced the hue of his eyes .
“ We have a new client ,” she finally said , scanning the antique world map adorning his wall . “ Mrs . Maya La Dova .” “ As in La Dova resorts ?” “ One and the same .” Cassia confirmed , with a quick glance over her shoulder . “ So , what does this have to do with me ?” “ Well , since your father ’ s health scare , things have been a bit …