Happy Endings
(McCallister’s Paradise –1)
Chantel Rhondeau
Electronic Edition
Copyright 2015 Chantel Rhondeau
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Cover Design: EDH Graphics
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This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to an ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
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This book is a work of fiction. The characters, names, events, and places in this novel are used fictitiously or are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to real people, living or dead, or to places, businesses, or events, is entirely coincidental.
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Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Chantel’s Books
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Author’s Note
Don’t miss these hot titles
About the Author
Dedication
In loving memory of my niece-in-law: Tara, you fought a courageous battle with cancer, and we lost you too soon. We love you!
Acknowledgements
A great many people help during the process of my writing. I was pushed to finish this book by my writing bestie and good friend, Rachelle Ayala, as well as the other women who took the Romance In A Month class with me. Thanks for all the support and fun along the way!
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My biggest thanks goes out to my great group of beta readers and proof readers. I can’t thank these wonderful people enough or repay them: Author Rachelle Ayala, Editor Sara Kay, Author Lyssa Lane, Nickie M. I couldn’t do this without your help.
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My awesome cover artist is always on point, creating a beautiful package for my novels. Thank you, Erin at EDH Graphics. I’m so grateful to have you on the team.
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I’d also like to thank you, the reader. With each new book, I’m even more grateful for my growing list of fans and people who enjoy the same sorts of things that I do. I write because I can’t NOT write, but I also do this for you. Thanks for sticking with me.
Chantel’s Books
Romantic Suspense
Stand alone titles:
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Always & Forever
Crime & Passion
Murderous Lies
Season For Love: A Christmas Romance Novella
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Agents in Love Series:
Love & Deception – Book 1
Love & Redemption – Book 2
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Boxed sets (limited time offers):
Killer Romances
Romancing Christmas
Heroes To Swoon For
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Contemporary Romance
McCallister’s Paradise
Happy Endings –1
Diving Into Love –2
For Love or Charity –3
Love’s Ride –4
Cooking Up Love –5
Coming Next:
Lovers in Paradise (5 book series)
Workers in Paradise (5 book series)
Deadly Encounters (Romantic suspense digital boxed set)
Chapter One
Larissa Benner stared at the mostly naked man lying on the massage table. Had Quinn McCallister just asked her what she thought he did? She forced her eyes away from his shapely body, not allowing her mind to dwell on his sexy six-pack abs. Quinn was a handsome man and could likely get with any woman on the island. Why would he offer to pay her for that kind of service?
She tucked a strand of long brown hair behind her ear. “I think I heard you wrong, Mr. McCallister,” she said. “What kind of massage did you want?”
Quinn chuckled, a rich, deep sound.
Larissa looked at him again, despite her resolve not to. His gorgeous eyes caught and trapped her gaze. They were an unusual color, nearly a steel gray. Coupled with his jet-black hair, Quinn’s hotness jumped her pulse up a notch.
“You heard right, Larissa.” Her name flowed from his mouth in a sexy lilt, as if he caressed the word with his tongue. “I asked for a happy ending massage. I’ll pay extra. Maybe even a bonus if you’re good at your job.”
She swallowed hard and fought against blushing. How many women had been convinced to have sex with him, just by gazing into Quinn’s amused eyes? However, his request for her to get him off while massaging him was not at all amusing.
“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re asking, sir.” She folded her arms tight against her body, trying hard not to display her disgust with his request. “I do many massage techniques, but that’s not something I offer. Ever. I have a brochure explaining what you can get from me if you’re interested in receiving a service I will perform.”
She hoped that sounded professional enough. After all, Quinn McCallister was technically her boss, even if his dad made the final decisions on the island resort.
He shifted on the massage table, propping himself on one elbow. Unfortunately, that caused the sheet draped across his nude midsection to slip down further, showing off the sexy v-shaped crease at his waistline. “Of course this isn’t a service you normally offer, Larissa. That’s against the resort’s rules. But I’m not just any client, I’m the boss.” His grin widened. “I dictate the type of service you’ll offer, if you know what’s good for you. And I want to be serviced.”
Larissa’s mouth dried out and she gazed past him to the large bay window beyond. The ocean was calm with gentle waves lapping against the pristine private beach. She’d always liked the fact that guests weren’t allowed to wander outside the spa complex, in order to better preserve the relaxing atmosphere for the patrons inside. Today she didn’t get a feeling of calm from the seclusion. She felt trapped and alone. No one was around to overhear what Quinn demanded she do.
Straightening her spine, Larissa looked back into his eyes unflinchingly. She needed to present a strong front and maybe he would back down. “What, exactly, are you saying, Mr. McCallister?”
The smile on his face never wavered. “I’m saying that if you want to stay on the island during the off season, obtaining the one full-time position we have open for a massage therapist, you need to show me what you can do. What can I expect to get when there aren’t many guests here? The off season lacks many women, after all. I don’t want my bed to be lonely.”
Suddenly, Quinn’s good looks were repulsive and his smile didn’t strike her as charming at all.
“Is that truly my option, Mr. McCallister?” she asked, spit
ting his name out like a curse word. “I get you off or lose my job?”
If he took affront to her tone, Quinn gave no indication. “Yep, that’s the choice. And it is a good deal, really. Take care of me, and I’ll take care of you. My father’s leaving the decision up to me this season for which employees to keep, but said you’re the front runner in his opinion. If you can make me happy, the job is yours.”
Tears pricked the corners of Larissa’s eyes. The elder McCallister, John, knew how badly she wanted the full-time position here. Living in a paradise resort on a private island would be the perfect job by anyone’s standards, but for Larissa it was more than that. She needed the insurance benefits that came with the full-time job. The insurance she had managed to pay for on her own would barely help in the case of a complete disaster.
Given her medical history, a disaster could happen at any time.
Still, she couldn’t do what Quinn asked. Under normal circumstances, she’d never fight back. Before understanding just how important insurance was for her, she would have just walked away quietly... but this was her life Quinn toyed with.
Entirely ignoring his body, Larissa met Quinn’s eyes again. “Mr. McCallister, I’m sure you’re aware that what you are asking for is illegal. Furthermore, threatening my job if I refuse is outright sexual harassment. I’ve earned this position by being a good therapist. I don’t need to massage your penis to prove my skill. Kindly, put your clothes on and leave, or I’ll report this conversation to your father.”
Quinn shrugged, his aggravating smile not faltering one bit. “Do you think he’ll believe you over me? Get a clue, Larissa. You’ll do what I ask or line up with everyone else catching a plane off the island tomorrow.”
Tears stung her eyes, but Larissa wouldn’t let them fall in front of him. The choice he gave her was unbelievable, but she had to consider it. After all, if her cancer came back and she was unemployed, how would she manage? Her parents practically bankrupted themselves paying for the treatment she needed last time.
She closed her eyes, trying to talk herself into just giving him what he wanted and getting it over with. After all, what would it cost her—other than her self-respect?
Her stomach curled with disgust thinking about it. “No.” She might be desperate, but she wasn’t a whore. “I want this job so much, but not if that’s a requirement. Good luck finding another therapist as good as me.”
Without waiting for his reaction, Larissa spun on her heel and marched out the door. She might as well go to her room and start packing. All the employees not staying on through the slow season would fly out tomorrow. Too bad she had to join them. As much as she loved the island and her job here, she’d find another way to get what she needed.
She wouldn’t touch Quinn McCallister for all the money in the world, let alone pleasuring him for a job with insurance benefits.
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Quinn watched Larissa walk away, surprised by the way the angry set of her chin and sexy sway of her hips attracted him. She was intriguing. And stronger than he thought she’d be—that made her even sexier.
With a shake of his head, Quinn made himself focus on the reason he came here. After all, he was second in command of the island. He didn’t have time for idle attractions to employees.
It was a great relief Larissa refused his demands. If she’d started touching him, Quinn would have had a difficult time ordering her to stop before he fired her. Being attracted to the employee he tested wasn’t a good thing. But Larissa was so different from his ex-wife—Quinn couldn’t help but think the changes were all to the good. Camille had been beautiful and knew it. Larissa was merely pretty, but in a way that drew his attention, especially since she didn’t act snobby about it.
He closed his eyes, picturing her again. Once she found out the full-time job for the off season and beyond was hers for the taking, he doubted Larissa would want anything to do with him. He’d never see her again privately, so it couldn’t hurt to indulge his attraction for a few seconds. Larissa’s brown hair was a little longer than shoulder length, framing her sweet, heart-shaped face. Even though anger had been apparent in her eyes when she glared at him, their greenish blue shade was enchanting.
Wholesome. That was the word which best described Larissa’s good looks. She’d proven it wasn’t only her looks that were wholesome by refusing his threats to her job and not servicing him. Not all women would have turned him down. That was an act of bravery Quinn admired.
Sighing, he stood up. No more daydreaming about Larissa Benner’s sweet face. He needed to speak with his father.
After dressing, Quinn left the spa portion of the complex and walked into the humid air outside. It was the perfect day for a party. Tonight’s farewell dinner for guests and employees who would leave tomorrow would be a success. The rainy season wasn’t far off, and they wouldn’t have many more days such as this. As much as Quinn hated wasting time outside that could be better spent in his office working on the island’s budget for next season, it’d be nice to enjoy paradise while it lasted.
He hopped onto his four-wheeler and raced it across the sandy beach toward the main office of the resort. McCallister’s Paradise wasn't a large island, being only about seventy square miles, but Quinn loved every foot of it. More exclusive than any resort in Hawaii, McCallister’s Island was a destination for the rich and famous. With two golf courses, a spa, and plenty of activities to keep guests happy, the resort continued to flourish and grow.
As a child, he’d played on every beach, hiked every trail in the center of the island, and swam in lakes that resort guests never even knew about. Of course, that was back before he took the job as his father’s future successor. He had responsibilities now that didn’t allow him time to enjoy the pleasures of the island.
Reaching the main offices, Quinn entered the large limestone building. Waving at the receptionist, he took the stairs two at a time and stopped at his father’s door, knocking before entering.
John McCallister glanced up from paperwork sitting on the desk. A crease formed between his black eyebrows when he saw Quinn. “Did she pass the test? Please tell me she didn’t give you a happy ending.”
Quinn sat in the chair opposite his father and nodded. “She passed. I never want to do that again, just so you know. I feel dirty and disgusting, like a real pervert. Also, she hates me.”
“This is your job, Quinn. If you’re going to take over for me, you have to do distasteful things sometimes.”
“Besides that, Mom would kill you if you asked a pretty young girl for a happy ending, so I got elected for the job.”
John laughed. “Damn right. She’d skin me alive.” His good humor drained away. “I know you hated this, but it was important to know what kind of moral fiber Larissa Benner is made of. We can’t afford another scandal.”
No kidding. A new scandal could shut down the resort. “I still can’t believe Vanessa was having sex with clients for extra money. We trusted her. Treated her like family.” Quinn shook his head. “Don’t worry, Dad. It won’t happen with Miss Benner. I’m sure of it. She was mortified by the request. Once I told her she would only get the job if she did the deed, she walked out on me and told me good luck finding someone as good as her for the job.”
“That’s perfect. If she says no to you, she’ll say no to any clients who think they can pay for the special services Vanessa provided.”
Quinn nodded his agreement. “Larissa’s more likely to punch them than stroke them.”
“I’m surprised by that,” John admitted. “Every time I talk to her she seems nice, but timid.”
“Not when she’s angry. She told me off with a lecture about sexual harassment.” Quinn grimaced, picturing the anger and hurt etched into Larissa’s pretty face. “Even though she’ll be working here, it’d be best if I keep my distance. We don’t want her deciding to make a complaint against me.”
Leaning back in his chair, John folded his arms across the paunch of his slightly expandin
g belly. “There’s no hiding from this situation, son. You’re the boss. You have to face her. Go tell her the position is hers and invite her to sit at the family table during tonight’s party.”
“No way. She won’t go for that. She probably won’t even speak with me if I show up at her room.”
“That’s why you need to explain to her how Vanessa broke our trust. If she’s as smart as I think she is, she’ll forgive you and take the job.” John glanced to the wall above Quinn’s head. “People will start heading to the beach soon. Go make nice with Larissa and offer her the position. Take a packet explaining her benefits and make sure she knows her family can stay free during the second week of January.”
It was a clear dismissal and John’s voice was firm. He wouldn’t allow Quinn to pass the conversation off to someone else. “I’ll take care of it.”
Quinn crossed the hallway to his office, grabbing the benefits package paperwork from the filing cabinet. Hopefully the good news would pave the way for Larissa’s forgiveness like his dad thought it would. She appeared to be a levelheaded woman, but what he’d done would be hard for a wholesome girl like her to get over.
However, she wouldn’t have to deal with Quinn on a regular basis. As far as Quinn was concerned, not seeing her much after tonight would be a good thing. He found himself thinking of her entirely too much already, wondering what it would be like to kiss her, and he had his hands full learning everything he could before his father’s retirement next year.
Quinn would offer her the position and make sure she understood why he propositioned her. That was where his involvement with her had to end.
Larissa Benner was a distraction he didn’t have time for.
Chapter Two
Larissa plucked another tissue from the box beside the bed. All the work she’d done the past three months, proving she was right for the position, and it had been for nothing.
Now she had no job, no benefits, and no prospects. It was a disaster. Last time she spoke to John McCallister, she was confident he would offer her the job. He liked her, and furthermore, he reported that the resort guests gave her glowing reviews.
Happy Endings Page 1