The Sexiest Man Alive (The Romanos Series Book 1)
Page 1
Read this classic romance by bestselling author Sandra Marton!
Resisting the world’s sexiest man…
When Matt Romano proposes closing down Chic magazine, Susannah is determined to stop him in his tracks. He’s a boardroom barracuda! She comes up with a brilliant plan to boost Chic’s circulation: find the sexiest man alive and feature him as the Valentine’s Day centerfold. But Matt insists on supervising her search…
Suddenly Susannah is surrounded by half a dozen gorgeous guys, all vying to get between the sheets—of her magazine, of course. But she longs to be seduced by Matt, who has her vote as the world’s sexiest man!
Originally published in 1998
The Sexiest Man Alive
Sandra Marton
CONTENTS
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Epilogue
PROLOGUE
CHIC
Today’s Magazine for Today’s Woman
Edgar B. Elerbee, Publisher
from the desk of: Edgar B. Elerbee
to: Editorial Staff
Tuesday, June 3
It is with great sorrow that I announce the sudden passing of Charles Dunn, our esteemed editor-in-chief. Charles was the guiding force of this publication for 32 years, and I know our entire staff will miss him.
Effective immediately, I am naming our managing editor, James Colter, to succeed Charles in this most important role. I expect the entire staff to join me in offering James our.complete support.
E. Elerbee, pub.
from: ClaireHaines@chic.com
to: SusannahMadison@chic.com
subj: Major Surgery needed
Suze: I guess old Charlie put in one garter-belt-and-blindfold weekend too many. But Colter? Yuck. Charlie never understood the 20th century woman, but Colter probably thinks we should still be wearing bustles. Lunch at Gino’s? We can have pasta and whine.
from: SusannahMadison@chic.com
to: ClaireHaines@chic.com
subj: Getting Trampled in the Rush for the Door
Elerbee’s got to be kidding. Our circulation numbers were bad enough under Charlie, but Colter’s going to set new lows. Hasn’t it ever occurred to Elerbee that a mag for women ought to have a woman at its helm? Forget Gino’s. I went home this weekend. My mother baked up a storm. I should have saved time & put the stuff right on my hips.
Suze:
Size eights don’t have hips to worry about!
Demos you requested attached. Readers are women 40-65. Not target group Not good news. Heard the latest dirt? Colter is history. Wonder who Elerbee will put in his place?
Claire
from: SusannahMadison@chic.com
to: ClaireHaines@chic.com
subj: Mister Ed, The Talking Horse
Or maybe Lassie. But not anyone who could breathe some life into CHIC. You’re right. Demographic breakdown is N.G Women, single, 18-35. That’s where we should be aiming. We need more picture spreads, more fashion stuff, makeup ideas, advice on men. I’ve had it with Mom, apple pie and babies. What ever happened to the joys of being a single woman???
from: ClaireHaines@chic.com
to: SusannahMadison@chic.com
subj: Single Women, 18-35
The lucky ones got married
from: SusannahMadison@chic.com
to: ClaireHaines@chic.com
subj: Definitions
Depends on your definition of “lucky”
from: ClaireHaines@chic.com
to: SusannahMadison@chic.com
subj: Cold Feet
A career doesn’t keep you warm at night.
from: SusannahMadison@chic.com
to: ClaireHaines@chic.com
subj: Cures for Cold Feet
Try an electric blanket. Or get a cat.
from: ClaireHaines@chic.com
to: SusannahMadison@chic.com
subj: Women can Purr, Too
You’re heartless, Madison.
from: SusannahMadison@chic.com
to: ClaireHaines@chic.com
subj: Better a Cat than a Kitten
I’m practical, Haines.
CHIC
The Magazine for Women
Edgar B. Elerbee, Publisher
July 28
Please join me at a buffet breakfast in the boardroom Friday, from 8-30 to 10, in honor of our new editor-in-chief, Julius Partridge Wallinger. Mr. Wallinger brings with him almost 40 years of journalistic know-how. Payroll has asked me to assure you that the problem with last week’s checks was.computer related and will not occur again. Thank you for your forbearance.
E. Elerbee, pub.
from: SusannahMadison@chic.com
to: ClaireHaines@chic.com
subj: Hello
Enjoying vacation. Weather is glorious. Relaxing on all sides. Reading, renting videos, etc. Old friend’s been.coming around—Sam. Did I ever mention him? My ever-hopeful Mom invites him for dinner each night, which makes me smile. Sam’s a sweetheart. He plays canasta with her after I go to bed.
Saw an item buried in back of Business Daily. Is it true? Has the new guy gotten the boot already? I’ve only been on vacation a week!!! What about rumor of a Romano Inc. takeover? Not really possible, is it? I spotted him in Hyannisport. (Drove there to treat Mom to lunch) The only thing Matthew Romano could do for CHIC would be to let the mag lay him out as a centerfold. Not that any intelligent woman would find the studly-but-brainlessly-arrogant Mr. Romano a turn-on. He was with Ted Turner. Now, there’s a guy I’d love to see buy CHIC. Tell Peter I send love & kisses, & that I miss him
MEMO
FROM: Claire
TO: Claire
1. Remember to ask S about Sam, & why he’s playing cards with Mom instead of romancing S.
2. Remember not to bother asking.
3. Remember to ask how come she took portable computer on vacation.
4. Remember not to bother asking.
5. Remember to suggest S. should toss her hat in the ring for next ed-in-chief hiring go-round. She has an MBA, hasn’t she?
6. Remember above, for sure S. would make great ed-in-chief
7. Remember to tell S the Romano thing is nothing but an off-the-wall rumor.
8. Remember to ask S. how she knows Romano is brainless, arrogant & studly (Studly??? Susannah, how you do talk)
9. Tell S she’s got a way with a phrase. “Laying out” Romano, that hunk, is a wonderful idea.
from: SusannahMadison@chic.com
to: ClaireHaines@chic.com
subj: Tossed Hats & Studs
OK, I did it. I gave Elerbee my resume. He didn’t laugh…I guess that’s good news. Re Matthew Romano & layouts: Claire, where are your standards? Who wants a guy who thinks he’s the sexiest man alive? Only a DB, like the one who was draped across Romano’s arm at Hyannisport
from: ClaireHaines@chic.com
to: SusannahMadison@chic.com
subj: Sexiest Man Alive? DB?
When? How? What? Explain, please.
from: SusannahMadison@chic.com
to: Claire Haines@chic.com
subj: When, How, What
DB=Dumb Blonde, as always seen in tabloid photos of Romano. Sexiest Man Alive, as seen in Romano’s smirk in every tabloid shot.
from: ClaireHaines@chic.com
to: SusannahM
adison@chic.com
subj: Confusion
For shame, Suze. Didn’t know you read the tabloids (snicker). And how do you know the Bs are D?
from: SusannahMadison@chic.com
to: ClaireHaines@chic.com
subj: No Confusion
Romano was with them.
from: ClaireHaines@chic.com
to: SusannahMadison@chic.com
subj: Yes, Confusion
How.come you’re so interested in Matthew Romano?
from: SusannahMadison@chic.com
to: ClaireHaines@chic.com
subj: Non-Interest
I’m not. I don’t know how we got off on this subject to start with.
from: ClaireHaines@chic.com
to: SusannahMadison@chic.com
subj: Confused, Again
You said he was studly.
from: SusannahMadison@chic.com
to: ClaireHaines@chic.com
subj: Insanity
Good grief ’ I was being sarcastic ’ Why are we wasting time on this man?
from: ClaireHaines@chic.com
to: SusannahMadison@chic.com
subj: Hey!
It wasn’t me who brought Romano the Stud into the conversation.
You’re right. I did—and I’m taking him out of it, now.
Do me a favor. Take a look at attached: tell me what you think of these ideas. Would any of them make you, for instance, buy a copy of CHIC?
Uh-oh. Phone call from Elerbee. Wants to see me pronto. Here.comes the turn-down…
CHIC
The Magazine for Tomorrow’s Woman
Edgar B. Elerbee, Publisher
I am delighted to announce that Susannah Madison is our new editor-in-chief. Susannah has been with us as senior editor for the past two years. She’ll be assuming her new post at the start of next week. I know you’ve weathered some difficult moments the last few months but I can assure you, that’s all behind us.
The payroll dept. has asked me to inform those who may have, again, experienced some difficulty cashing last week’s checks to please be patient. The problem is.computer related. Thank you again for your forbearance and, may I add, it’s been a pleasure working with all of you these past years.
E. Elerbee
from: Susannah Madison, editor-in-chief
to: Staff
I have just been informed that CHIC has been purchased by Update Publications of NYC. Don’t panic, people. I’m trying to get info re Update. As soon as I do, I’ll cc: whatever I have to all of you. Since we’ve never heard of it, it’s probably a small outfit, one that will give us time to regroup, retrench & make CHIC the winner we all know it can be
Susannah
While You Were Out
Mr. E:
S.M phoned. Asked for info re rumors sale of magazine. What shall I tell her?
Pam
from: claireHaines@chic.com
to: SusannahMadison@chic.com
subj: Congrats & Query
Wow! Congratulations, Suze. You’ll be great! What’s Elerbee mean, “It’s been a pleasure,” etc. Is he retiring? Selling? The mag can’t be going under, not if he’s just appointed you ed-in-chief, right? RIGHT’?
MEMO
from: Matthew Romano
to: Joseph Romano
re: CHIC takeover
Sept 10
Joe:
Update Division just acquired CHIC as part of the Elerbee package. From what I’ve seen, the kindest thing would be to put it out of its misery. What in hell’s going on there? I want to see some data. Copies of correspondence re revolving-door ed-in-chief position, also any pertinent correspondence, files, email, etc on my desk, ASAP. Matt
from: JoeRomano@romano.com
to: MattRomano@romano.com
subj: Some guys are, some guys aren’t. Thanks a lot, big brother. You just about kept me chained to my desk this weekend. Info on its way. Files sent via Internet, pertinent correspondence faxed. Emails mostly office chitchat-but you should take a look at some of them. Forwarding same to your acct. Got to say, buddy, I never did notice you were (ahem) studly.
Joe (trying very hard not to guffaw)
P.S. I guess I’d better tell you now, I’m not the only one who eyeballed this stuff. Material went thru a few hands before hitting my desk. Sorry, but you have to admit, it’s funny.
MEMO
from: Matthew Romano
to: Jane
re: Elerbee package
Jane
Will be leaving for NY on Sun. Contact Hank. Tell him I’ll need the plane. Arrange for hotel accommodations. Also phone CHIC offices, inform ed-in-chief I’ll expect to see her in her office 9 AM Monday.
MR
Jane—Flowers to Miss Darvis, please. A dozen roses. Make it two dozen. Apologies, etc. for breaking next Sun night engagement. Tell her I’ll phone from NY. As for ed-in-chief.. please be sure to impress upon the lady that she’d damn well better be prompt.
from: MattRomano@romano.com
to: JaneTrent@romano.com
subj: CHIC
I’ve changed my mind. Do not contact ed-in-chief at CHIC. I prefer to make my visit unannounced.
CHAPTER ONE
SUSANNAH stepped from the shower, wrapped herself in a towel and raced down the chilly hallway to the kitchen.
This day—this very important day—was not off to a good start.
The shower had been so cold it had made her teeth chatter. The radiators were rattling enough to wake the dead, but the heat trickling out of them wouldn’t have heated a dollhouse. And, as she set the kettle on to boil, a cockroach the size of Godzilla scurried across the linoleum.
But it was what she read on the clock over the stove that set her heart pounding
Seven-fifteen?
It couldn’t be. No way. It was six-fifteen, it had to be. She’d set her alarm an hour earlier than usual, given herself more than enough time to get dressed, put on her makeup and blow-dry her hair, have a slice of toast with her coffee, make Peter his breakfast and still arrive at the office before anyone else.
It was important to seem cool, calm and collected when she started today’s meeting, and never mind that her heart would be in her throat. Even the fortune cookie that had come with last night’s order of take-out General Tso’s chicken had said that much.
Tomorrow, the little slip of paper in the cookie had promised, is the first day of the rest of your life.
Well, of course it is, the practical little voice in Susannah’s head had whispered, but the other voice, the one that lived in her heart or her soul or wherever it was hopes and prayers lived, that voice had said, You see, Susannah? The whole world knows that you’re standing on the edge of your dream.
Editor-in-chief. Not in five years, or ten, but right now. A giant step up the ladder. A Career, capital C, and all that went with it—independence, respect and security. That was the dream. Now, long before she’d ever imagined it would happen, she had her shot at achieving it. And she wasn’t going to be shoved off course by a malfunctioning kitchen clock.
The clock was definitely broken, that was all there was to it. She’d set her alarm, it had gone off…and if she needed any further proof that it was after six, not after seven, all she had to do was take a look at Peter, who was still lying asleep in her bed.
Susannah gave a sigh of relief. That was something, anyway. The last thing she needed right now was to have to deal with Peter’s early-morning grumpiness. He was gorgeous, and she adored him, but there were times you had to tiptoe around his ego. He was, typically, disgustingly, arrogantly male.
Well, no. Mr. Matthew Romano, he of the smug smiles and the decorative blondes, he was typically male. Peter, on the other hand, could be a sweetheart when he wanted to. And he understood that her life could not revolve around him. He didn’t complain if she worked late or expect her to put her career on hold so she could be there to take care of his needs.
“It’s because he doesn’t really love you, Suz
e,” Claire had said more than once.
But he did, in his own way. He put what he could into the relationship, which was undoubtedly more than could be said of someone like Matthew Romano….
What on earth was wrong with her this morning? Why was she wasting precious time thinking about a man she’d never even met?
“Ridiculous,” she said.
Ridiculous, indeed. There was absolutely no reason for the insufferable Mr. Romano to wander through her thoughts, but this was the second or third time it had happened since she’d seen him on the Cape. Actually, it had been equally ridiculous for her to have taken such an instant dislike to him. It was just the way he’d strutted along with the blonde on his arm and that smug, I-am-the-world’s-gift-to-womankind smile on his face.
Positively insufferable.
She’d never even have noticed him if she hadn’t been thinking about CHIC and about publishing. There was Ted Turner, who everybody knew was brilliant and who looked like a nice guy, and then, by contrast, there was Matthew Romano, who’d probably never done anything more difficult in his life than play with his money and his groupies, looking as if he figured every woman on the planet wanted his body.
Not that it was a bad-looking body.
Susannah frowned and plucked her watch from the dresser. By now, it should be just about a quarter after six….
Oh God.
Her stomach tumbled to her toes.
Mickey Mouse grinned at her, one white-gloved, four-fingered hand pointing at the number four, and the other…
The other pointed straight at seven.
She tossed the bath towel across the room. It soared through the air and onto the bed, landing, with a dreadful accuracy, on Peter’s head.
“No,” she whispered, but it was too late. Peter came awake in a flash, bristling with anger. He shot to his feet and glared at her through cold green eyes. “Peter Oh, Petey, sweetheart, I didn’t mean.”
Whether she’d meant it or not didn’t matter. Peter didn’t believe in apologies. He never had, not since the day he’d come into her life. She watched as he turned his back on her and stalked from the room.
“Do your thing, Peter,” she muttered. “I couldn’t care less. I’ve got more important things to worry about this morning than you and your attitude.”
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