Spying Under the Mistletoe (Love Undercover #2) - Stina Lindenblatt Page 0,111

my lungs.

And it had nothing to do with them being together.

Okay, it might’ve had a smidgen to do with that.

Trent was introducing Holly to his parents when I stepped into the house. The place hadn’t changed much over the years, with its nautical-themed decorations and antiques. As always, his father’s arm was around his mother’s waist. I almost sighed out loud at seeing them this way. There was never any doubt how much he worshiped his wife—and vice versa. My parents had been the same way.

“Mom, Dad,” Trent said, “This is Holly Whittaker. She’s an investment analyst at my firm.”

So not only was she gorgeous, she was smart. And let’s not forget super nice. Darn it. Why couldn’t she have at least been bitchy? Then it would’ve been easier to hate her.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Joanne said, smiling at Holly.

Trent’s father shook Holly’s hand as my best friend walked into the foyer, hand resting on her protruding stomach. Whereas I was tall, Erin was short, which made her look more pregnant than her current four months.

She grinned when she saw me and hugged me. “You’re late.”

“Sorry. My car broke down on the way.”

“And if I hadn’t done my civic duty and rescued her, she’d still be stranded.” The corner of Trent’s mouth jerked into a one-sided grin, his usual look when he was teasing me.

“Holly,” Joanne said, “have you met Trent’s sister yet?”

Holly shook her head while Erin eyed the woman like she was a curious science experiment that could go wrong at any second. She quickly glanced at me and I shrugged. Not that she knew how I felt about her brother. As much as she loved him, she had never considered him good boyfriend material—as his track record with girls clearly illustrated.

And there was also that incident back in college, when She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named (AKA Michaela, Erin’s former classmate and close friend) dated him. Let’s just say it didn’t end well for all parties concerned. After that, Erin made it clear that none of her friends were allowed to date Trent. Ever.

After the introductions were over, Erin grabbed my hand. “C’mon,” she said, and dragged me into the living room where my brother would be waiting.

As soon as I spotted him near the couch, talking to Erin’s husband, my body put the brakes on and refused to keep moving.

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Other Books in the Love Undercover Series

Spying Under the Mistletoe

She needs a fake husband. He needs to protect his best friend...

Ever since I caught my boyfriend getting hot and steamy with another woman, I’ve thrown myself into my career. But now I’m ready to move from being the super-efficient office manager to an operative with Quade Security and Investigation.

Just as soon as I prove to my boss that I’m kick-ass enough to do the job.

So when my grandmother asks for my help, there’s no way I can say no. Her former love has a mission for Jayden—my hot colleague and best friend—and me. What more could I want?

***

The last thing I want is for Isabelle to be is an operative. She’s my best friend, and I hate the idea of her being in danger. Unfortunately, our boss has other plans.

Isabelle and I go undercover at a resort for happily married couples. But forget moonlight walks and hanging out by the pool. To maintain our cover, we have to participate in activities that would make a nun blush.

Clothes come flying off, and we agree to temporarily be friends-with-benefits while there. No strings attached. No complications. Nothing could be simpler. Right?

Wrong—because there’s another reason we’ve been lured to the resort. A reason that will put our hearts to the test…and our lives on the line.

Also by Stina Lindenblatt

Romantic Comedy Series

By the Bay

Decidedly Off Limits

Best Friend Rule #1: never want the guy’s sister. Oops.

Decidedly with Baby

One-Night Stand Rule #1: always check the condom’s expiry date. Oops.

Decidedly with Love

Fake girlfriend Rule #1: never fall for your fake boyfriend. Oops.

Decidedly with Mistletoe

Kissing-under-the-mistletoe rule #1: never kiss your ex-fiancée. Oops.

Decidedly by Chance

Single Mom-To-Be Rule #1: watch out for those horny hormones. Oops.

Decidedly with Luck

Masquerade ball rule #1: what happens at the ball doesn’t always stay at the ball. Oops.

Love Undercover

While You Were Spying

She needs a fake husband. He needs to protect his best friend...

Spying Under the Mistletoe

She’s a former mafia princess. He’s been hired to track down her family secret…

Copper Creek

Cowboy Most Wanted

A sexy cowboy. Some racy photos. And an accidental hook up—or three—with his best friend’s sister.

Once Upon a Cowboy

Cinderella's fairy godmother just turned hot. And male. Very, very male.

Fix Me Up, Cowboy

Nails aren't the only thing getting banged in this opposites attract romantic comedy.

Acknowledgments

The idea for the Love Undercover series came about in an unusual way. Two years ago, I took a Romance Writers of America (RWA) workshop about the CIA. I mentioned it to a friend, and she told me I should write a spy rom-com series. At the time, I was busy writing the By the Bay and Copper Creek books, so a new series wasn’t in the works. But one of the topics covered during the workshop focused on female agents during the Second World War. I became fascinated by their stories, so much so that I started doing research for a historical novel.

It was Brenda St. John Brown, a fellow romantic comedy author, who suggested that maybe I should write a spy rom-com series. She knew about my research. I had so much fun writing the first book in the series (While You Were Spying), I couldn’t wait to write Landon’s story. Thank you to everyone who fell in love with Jayden and Isabelle’s story and wanted more books in the series. And a special thank you to the members of my Facebook reader group (Stina’s Sweethearts) for suggesting Whiskey’s breed and name.

This story wouldn’t be the same without my editor Bev Rosenbaum, as well as Hope and Jessica from Flat Earth Editing for the copyediting and proofreading. All three individuals helped make this book sparkle. The same is true of Brenda St. John Brown, who always shares her brilliant suggestions and wisdom when it comes to my romantic comedies.

And as always, hugs and kisses to my husband Ralph, my three kids, and my cat Callie for your love and support over the past several years.

About the Author

Born in Brighton England, Stina Lindenblatt has lived in a number of countries, including England, the US, Finland, and Canada. This would explain her mixed up accent. She has a kinesiology degree and a MSc in sports biological sciences. At one point, she applied to work with the Canadian Intelligence through the military reserves, but moved to another city before she had the chance to be part of the team.

In addition to writing fiction, she loves photography, and currently lives in Calgary, Canada, with her husband and three kids.

For news about her books, social media sites, and to sign up for her newsletter, check out her website at stinalindenblattauthor.com. Newsletter subscribers will receive a bonus short story.