Why did Quinn have to pick her for his special massage? It wasn’t fair. Now everything was ruined. With a sigh, she dropped the tissue in the trashcan beneath the nightstand.
Packing hadn’t taken long. The single suitcase she owned was next to the door, ready for the morning plane. Now she just had the rest of the night to fret over her future.
The small room only contained a bed, a dresser, and a tiny bathroom, but it felt like home from the moment she arrived on the island. She would miss it here. The housing complex for employees wasn’t on the beachfront like the guest rooms, but Larissa lived on the sixth floor and the ocean was visible from her window. At night, the crashing waves lolled her to sleep. It was peaceful and just what she had needed.
Returning to her parents’ home in Iowa would be hard. At least she knew they’d take her in, since she was jobless and homeless now.
A loud knock sounded on the door, startling Larissa. Scrubbing at the tearstains on her cheeks, she kept quiet. It was probably her friend, Janie, and Larissa didn’t want to explain what happened. Maybe she would think Larissa wasn’t home and go away.
After a few seconds, the knock repeated. “I know you’re in there. Open up.”
Quinn? Anger erupted in her belly. How dare he show up at her private room! She marched across the floor and yanked the door open. “What are you doing here? If you’ve come to make more inappropriate requests, I will report it to your father. He just might believe me, so you’d better leave me alone.”
Quinn shook his head, actually seeming a bit sheepish, which surprised her. “I didn’t come for that. I apologize for having to ask earlier, but I needed to make sure you’d refuse to do it. That was a test for you, not a true desire on my part.”
For a second, it felt like the floor fell out from beneath her and Larissa gripped the doorframe. “What are you talking about? You wanted me to refuse?” She didn’t dare have renewed hope... not yet.
Quinn smiled and held out a packet of papers. “The job’s yours, Larissa. We had to make sure you were truly the right person, and that’s why I acted the way I did in the massage studio. I’m sorry. I’m really not the creep I acted like today. I promise.”
Blindly, she reached for the papers, not looking away from Quinn’s grey eyes. “The job’s mine? I’m confused. I thought my test was getting you to your happy ending.”
A door somewhere down the hallway opened, and Quinn turned his head in the direction of the noise. “Headed to the dinner party?”
“Yep. Wouldn’t miss it, Mr. McCallister.”
Larissa recognized the voice of her friend.
“I came to see if Larissa’s ready to go,” Janie explained.
“Why don’t you go ahead without her?” Quinn asked. “She and I have to talk business.”
Janie appeared in Larissa’s line of vision. Her black hair in its tight curls was a little disheveled, as always, but Larissa believed that was why so many guys liked her. Janie looked wild, fun. Her black skin was a warm chocolate shade that the men couldn’t seem to quit touching, and she never wanted them to stop. She probably wouldn’t have had a problem performing the massage Quinn requested. Good thing she was a lifeguard and not a massage therapist.
Janie shrugged, meeting Larissa’s eyes. “Catch up with me later, okay?”
She nodded, not certain she wanted Janie to leave her alone with their boss. Quinn claimed he hadn’t really expected her to get him off, but she wasn’t sure she believed him. Helplessly, she watched Janie walk away.
Quinn took a step forward, catching Larissa off guard when he shoved his way into the room. “I have some things to explain to you, but we can’t be overheard.”
She wanted to refuse him entry, but she didn’t really have a choice. However, if he made another move on her, she’d kick him in the balls. Job or no job, she wouldn’t tolerate anything like that.
She crossed to the window, staying as far from Quinn as she could. After setting the papers on the bed, she folded her arms tight to her body and leaned against the wall. “What is it you want to talk about?”
Seeming to understand her agitation, Quinn stayed on the opposite side of the bed. “Have you ever heard the name Vanessa La Fabre?”
“Sure I have. That’s the massage therapist you needed a replacement for.”
“Correction,” he said. “That’s the therapist you are replacing.”
She glanced again at the packet of papers. It seemed he was serious. Perhaps he wasn’t the handsome bastard she’d imagined, but somewhat of a professional. “I appreciate the offer of the job, but I’m not happy with what you did. Why would you do that to me? It’s...” She shook her head.
“Awful? Disgusting? Prickish?” Quinn smiled halfheartedly and shrugged. “I know, and I am sorry, but this is business, and the island is more important than your hurt feelings. Vanessa was performing those services for guests, unbeknownst to the family, and it almost cost us the resort’s reputation. If news of her actions had gotten out, everyone here would be out of a job. Understand?”
Larissa widened her eyes, shocked. “She did that? Why would anyone...? That’s unthinkable.”
Quinn laughed, the sexy tone of it sending another shiver of attraction down Larissa’s body. “I’m happy you think that, but I hope you understand that we couldn’t just take your word for it. Dad wanted a test sure to strain your ability to resist, to make sure you would always resist. We’ve been careful to give you only female clients this season, but you’ll start getting more males now that there will be fewer workers here. They might pressure you for that sort of thing. We want you to report anyone asking for it, and definitely don’t do it.”
Larissa’s stomach churned. Even though she was mad at Quinn for doing what he did, she could understand it. They had to be sure they could trust her. “Do I have to be polite and try to convince them for a different type of massage like I tried to do with you?” She couldn’t see massaging a man once he asked for a happy ending. It would be torture to touch him, knowing what he’d be fantasizing about.
To her relief, Quinn shook his head. “Absolutely not. You’re to kick them out and call me or my father immediately. They’ll be banned from the spa and if they have a problem with it, we’ll ban them from the island. We won’t tolerate that behavior toward our employees. I don’t want this to alarm you, but you need to know of the possibility. It might never happen now that Vanessa is gone, but if it does, we’ll have your back.” He took a step forward, but Larissa shrank away and he stopped. “You’re part of the McCallister Paradise family now. Welcome aboard.”
Larissa forced herself to return Quinn’s dazzling smile. While she understood intellectually why he came on to her, she still wasn’t sure she liked being alone with her handsome boss. “Thank you, sir. I’m glad to know you aren’t the complete creep you seemed to be, and I’ll gladly accept the position.”
After all, that was the important thing. She got the job. She’d have insurance benefits and the salary was nice. Not to mention her room on the island was part of her wages. It was a dream job, and she wouldn’t let the discomfort of earlier spoil her happiness now.
“I’m glad to hear that, Miss Benner.”
Quinn seemed rather formal all of a sudden. Larissa raised an eyebrow, though didn’t question him.
“Now that that’s sorted,” he said, brushing his hands together as if to wipe away the earlier part of the day, “I’m hoping you’ll allow me to escort you to dinner. Dad requested that you sit at the family’s table.”
Dinner with her bosses? She’d only talked to John McCallister a couple of times and didn’t know any of the rest of the huge clan. Also, she must look horrible. She’d been crying for a half hour and still wore her work uniform.
“I didn’t plan to go to the party,” she admitted. “I’ve been packing since I left the studio. I’m not dressed or anything.”
“Because you’ve been too busy worrying about not having a job, which is my fault.” He f
rowned. “Get ready. I’ll come back in twenty minutes to escort you down to the beach. It doesn’t matter if we’re a little late. The line for food will be slow moving, so dancing and limbo won’t start until later.”
Although she had misgivings about going with Quinn, it was a huge party. Everyone on the island would be there. He wouldn’t try anything, and it was a lot safer than being alone with him in her room.
She nodded her acceptance. “Fine, but if we’re going to spend the evening together, we can’t be so uptight. I’d appreciate it if you called me Larissa, like you did earlier.”
His ready smile burst forth again. “Of course, Larissa.”
She didn’t know if it was intentional, but the way he said it still caused her heart to race. Her name had never sounded so seductive.
“I’ll be back soon.” He turned and opened the door, glancing back as he stepped into the hallway. “Oh, and call me Quinn.”
Chapter Three
Quinn returned to his room and changed from his usual business suit into black slacks and a deep purple dress shirt. He left the top buttons undone and skipped the tie. Looking in the mirror, he realized his hair was a mess and he smoothed it down, practicing smiling at himself in the mirror.
He didn’t know why he cared so much what he looked like. This wasn’t a date, after all. Smoothing things over with Larissa and welcoming her to the McCallister Paradise family was his job.
Not that he’d be against dating her if he had more time to pursue his own agenda instead of always working. She’d looked so distraught when she first opened the door, Quinn’s first instinct had been to take her in his arms and kiss her pain away. That was a dangerous fantasy he didn’t have time to entertain. He needed to be careful around her so as not to get distracted.
Camille’s parting shot, while taking half of Quinn’s assets in the divorce, had been to say he’d never love a woman half as much as he loved the island and his ‘damn office.’ The fact that her leaving didn’t hurt had proven to him she spoke the absolute truth. He’d never been too concerned with Camille’s happiness if it interfered with his job.
So why did Larissa’s opinion bother him so much? He’d been with a few other women in the three years since his divorce, usually a seasonal employee who was looking for a good time but nothing serious. They’d have a few nights of fun, and then Quinn could get back to the business of working, with no interference or distractions.
Larissa would live on the island full time, even in the slow season. It would be dangerous to think about her too much. No—he definitely couldn’t date her.
Tonight sure felt like a date though, and part of him wanted it to be one. When Quinn passed through the lobby of his building and spotted the vase of white roses on the front desk, he didn’t even hesitate in grabbing them. White roses seemed to suit Larissa’s wholesome beauty.
It was quite the distance back to her building, since his room was in one of the lavish beachfront properties, but Quinn walked rather than taking the four-wheeler. He didn’t want to mess his hair up again, and also didn’t want to rush Larissa. She’d seemed hesitant enough about allowing him to be her date—escort!—tonight.
The sun was just starting to set, and Quinn lengthened his stride, suddenly anxious she’d miss the view of the sun meeting the ocean. With the wispy clouds surrounding the island, the colors would be breathtaking in a few minutes.
It surprised Quinn that sweat coated his palms as he rode the elevator to her floor. This sure felt like all the nerves of a first date. What was he thinking?
He smiled at his reflection in the mirror-like surface of the metal door, knowing he was halfway there to talking himself into pursuing Larissa. What could it hurt, really? She was attractive and seemed sweet. Maybe there could be something worth looking into with her.
The slow season started tomorrow. Even though Camille had been right about work being the most important thing to Quinn, there wouldn’t be as much to do from December to the end of February once he finished the energy consumption project he currently worked on. He could afford to relax some next month. Have a little fun.
When he reached Larissa’s door, he knocked lightly. “It’s Quinn. Are you ready?”
The door opened immediately, and she stood in the waning light coming from the window.
Quinn’s mouth dried out and his pulse rate rose. “You look beautiful.”
Larissa smoothed her hands across the skirt of a white summer dress. “I’m glad this is okay. I didn’t know what to wear to eat dinner with my bosses.”
The earlier evidence of her crying was gone, and she’d pulled her hair into a flirty ponytail. A touch of blush graced her high cheekbones and her lips shimmered with a hint of pink gloss.
An overwhelming urge to lean forward and kiss her took over again, and Quinn actually leaned in slightly before remembering they weren’t on a date. And she definitely wouldn’t want to kiss him after what he did today.
Larissa’s eyebrows narrowed. “You’ve got a funny look on your face. Are you sure this is okay? I can change into slacks or something if that’s—”
“No, no. Don’t change. You’re perfect.” He thrust the vase of roses between them to keep himself away from her lips. “I saw these and thought they’d look nice on your dresser.” Without asking permission, he pushed past her—inhaling the scent of her lightly flowered perfume—and crossed the room. He centered the flowers on the dresser.
“Thanks, I guess,” she said, not sounding impressed.
He yanked his head around. “What do you mean, you guess?” His voice came out sharper than he intended, and Quinn winced. That wasn’t the way to make friends. Or get her to kiss him tonight during the fireworks.
No! He had to stop thinking of that. Maybe he had let himself go too long since his last dalliance. He needed to be on better behavior. His hormones were on overload.
He didn’t want to admit that it might just be Larissa sparking his hormones. She definitely intrigued him.
“I don’t mean to sound ungrateful.” Larissa gestured toward the flowers. “It’s just that you’re a pushy man, Quinn. Twice you’ve forced your way into my room. I’m not comfortable with it.”
Quinn breathed deeply before answering. He was not winning points with his assertiveness, that was for sure. “We should head to the beach. The sun’s setting and I want you to see it. It’s going to be beautiful.”
He wondered if she’d argue with him taking charge again, but she merely nodded. “Let’s go.”
She motioned for him to go out the door first, but after she locked the room, he offered her his arm. He had to salvage something of the night. Obviously his thoughts of a winter romance with this girl would not happen, but if they were spending dinner together, he wanted to get along.
Larissa looked at him for several long moments before finally tucking her hand into the crook of his arm. “So, how long does this party generally last?”
He pushed the call button for the elevator and glanced down at her. “It sometimes goes far into the morning. Most people leave the island tomorrow, so this party gets wild. I usually just stay for the fireworks and then leave. My mornings start pretty early.”
“Fireworks?”
At least she sounded excited about that. Maybe the night wouldn’t be a complete loss.
“A huge display,” he told her, leading her into the elevator. “Probably bigger than anything you’ve seen. My dad hires a company who comes out and sets it all up. It lasts a long time. It’s actually my favorite thing of the year.”
“Seems romantic,” she breathed, sounding awed.
That was a good opening for him, especially since she seemed in the mood to talk now. “Is there anyone special you’d like to watch it with? Maybe a boyfriend back home or something?”
“No. I’m single. When I was in the hospi—” She stopped and peeked at him from beneath her straight bangs. “I was too busy back home to worry about relationships.”
Curiosit
y about what she’d really been about to say ate at him, but Quinn already violated her in so many ways today. It was none of his business if she didn’t want to share.
“I don’t have anyone to watch them with either,” he said. “I was divorced three years ago, and since then it’s been the bachelor life for me.”
“Divorced?” Her eyes widened as the elevator opened on the ground floor. She didn’t take her hand back from him, but Quinn got the feeling she wanted to. “I can’t believe you’re divorced. How old are you? You seem too young to have been married and divorced already.”
Hmmmm...shock wasn’t the normal reaction he received when telling people about his marriage. Maybe Larissa didn’t approve of divorce. “I’m only thirty, which I know might seem young to have already ruined one marriage. Trust me, divorce wasn’t in my game plan. My parents have been married for forty years and are still going strong. I always thought that’s what I’d have, never even got a pre-nup because I was so sure it would last when we were first married, despite my parents’ protests. Unfortunately, they were right. Things with my ex just didn’t work out. At least my job keeps me busy.”
He disentangled his arm from hers and opened the front door, holding it open wide.
When she stepped outside, she paused for a minute and sucked in a loud breath. “Oh, Quinn, you were right. The sunset’s going to be great. Let’s hurry to the beach.”
When she threaded her arm back in his, Quinn didn’t argue. She might not approve of his divorce, but she seemed to be more comfortable with him now than she was up in her room.
“So, how old are you?” he asked, wondering if that was inappropriate. Some women were ultra sensitive about their age, but Larissa looked quite young.
“Twenty-seven,” she answered without hesitation.
He would have guessed twenty-three or younger, but that was probably due to her wholesome appearance. It made her seem naïve and younger.
“Twenty-seven, huh?” He shortened his normal strides, not wanting her to have to strain to keep up. “And you’ve never been close to marriage?”
Happy Endings Page 2