Nora Bradford – A Woman with a Secret
HEATING IT UP: A Red Hot Russians Novella is the story of Alexei Zaikov
(brother to Misha in Getting It Back, book three in the series) and Nora
Bradford, the mysterious woman he meets as part of his very unusual job,
managing a research station in Antarctica. In this sweet but sexy contemporary
romance, Nora and Alexei must work together to save the Amity Bay station from
being shut down. But will the truth about Nora’s role in Amity Bay’s demise,
doom their romance?
Welcome
Nora! Tell us a little about yourself. How old are you and what do you do?
I’m 26. I’m an architect specializing in sustainable design and I
worked as the lead designer of Glacier Ridge Lodge, a new guest house that was
intended to replace the obsolete Amity Bay Research Station. Until recently, I
worked for Quinn & Associates in San Francisco, one the world’s top firms
specializing in sustainable building.
Until
recently?
Nora offered a tight smile. "It’s a long story."
I see. What
is your relationship status?
She sighed, and gazed down
at her hands, devoid of rings. "I’m single and have been since my fiancé
Blake drowned two years, while diving in Belize.
I’m sorry
to hear that, and you have my deepest sympathies. I imagine that’s been
extremely difficult.
She bobbed her head in a
single, brisk nod. It has. "That’s why I poured everything into the Glacier
Ridge project, trying to push aside my grief. Unfortunately, that didn’t work
very well."
Tell us
about your family. Are you close to them?
My father was a colonel in the Air Force, my parents met in high
school and married soon after. I have two older brothers, both of whom followed
in my dad’s footsteps and went into the military. My dad’s retired now, and he
and my mom live in Germany. One of my brothers lives near Washington DC, the other
one is in Texas. I’d say we’re as close as a family that’s spread out all over
the world can be.
What is
your best memory to date?
Growing up, I lived in some amazing places and one of my favorites
was Greenland. My dad was stationed at Thule Air Base which is north of the
Arctic Circle, and I could see whales and icebergs from my bedroom window. On Christmas
Eve, we always received our gifts early in the morning, because my parents said
our house was Santa’s first stop, as he set out to fly around the world.
Instead of leaving cookies for him, we set out pancakes and sausage.
What would
you most like to forget?
The morning two years ago, when one of Blake’s buddies called me
at the office to tell me that Blake had drowned while diving in the Great Blue
Hole. Just like that, my world collapsed. For the next months, I was numb and went
through life in work-fueled trance. Thinking about Blake, about anything, only
made me sadder. What’s strange is that in a lot of ways, I did forget that
time. It’s only since I came to down to Antarctica that the fog has started to
lift.
Name three
of your favorite things.
I love being near the ocean. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a
sunny beach, a foggy coast, or someplace frozen. It’s the awesome size and
depth which speak to me. It’s what inspires my work as a designer. We have to
live in harmony with nature, because we’re never going to conquer it. I also
love to draw and paint, though I don’t have much time to do it. A third thing I
love is cooking and creating an amazing meal for someone who truly appreciates
it.
Name three
things that tick you off.
"Easy." She held up her
fingers, counting off each one. "People who break promises. People who lie.
People who exploit others to get what they want. And sexism. Oops. That’s four."
It sounds
like you know someone like that. I don’t suppose this has anything to do with
why you no longer work for Quinn & Associates?
She nodded, and her mouth
quirked in a rueful smile. "You would suppose right. But as I said, it’s a
long story."
Now on to
something lighter, what is your favorite drink?
A pinot noir from my favorite small winery near Sonoma. All of
their reds are amazing, but the pinot is like an explosion of dark fruit, with
soft floral hints. I wish I had a glass of it right now.
What is
your favorite food?
There are so many incredible restaurants in San Francisco, it’s
hard not to become a foodie. But I think my favorite food is Pizza Napolotana,
the traditional Italian pizza that’s baked in a wood-fired brick oven and
topped with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, herbs and oregano. It’s honest,
down to earth, and irresistible.
What was
your first impression of Alexei Zaikov?
She laughs quietly. "Speaking
of honest, down to earth and irresistible. The first thing I noticed about
Alexei, aside from his beautiful eyes and sexy smile, was his kindness. He’s
strong and capable, but at the same time, compassionate. He’s good listener,
and passionate about his work here in Antarctica, and the people who call Amity
Bay home."
If you
could make one thing happen what would it be?
Alexei wants to save Amity Bay, and I have a plan to do that, and
the expertise to make it happen. The problem is I’ve kept it secret from Alexei
and from everyone else here, that I designed the lodge that’s intended to
replace their community. I once saw Amity Bay as nothing more than a collection
of obsolete buildings, but coming here and being part of the community have
shown that the station needs to survive. But can I reveal the truth without
everyone, including Alexei, seeing me as their enemy?
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Bonnie, thanks for hosting me!
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