Spring Into Love

by Chantel Rhondeau

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.”

  Curiosity 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?”

  “I’ve had other things to think about.” She yanked on his arm slightly, urging him more quickly down the path to the beach.

  “Well, since we’re both flying solo, maybe we could watch the fireworks together?” He tried hard to keep his voice from sounding too pathetically hopeful.

  A half smile curved her lips. “Okay.”

  “Okay?” He was a bit surprised. Maybe Larissa was more forgiving than his ex-wife. Camille would hold a grudge for months when Quinn upset her. Making up with Larissa was almost too easy. “That’s great. I have a perfect spot to watch them from. It’ll be fun.”

  As they broke out around the guest cottages and the ocean came into full view, Larissa stopped walking. “Wow.”

  Wow was right. The clouds were a bright red closest to the sun, fading to different shades of pink and orange. The blue water sparkled in the fading light, looking silver in places. It had been far too long since Quinn stopped to appreciate the wonders of the island he was fortunate enough to call home.

  “It’s great,” he agreed.

  Her face glowed with excitement. “All this and fireworks? I can see why everyone has been excited about this night for so long. I can’t believe I was going to miss it.”

  “It wouldn’t be nearly as nice without you here.”

  He hadn’t meant to say that. What wrong with him?

  Quinn resumed walking at a quicker pace. “We really should get down there. I’m surprised my family haven’t texted to ask where we are.”

  He couldn’t look at Larissa’s face. If she was upset with him for sticking his foot in his mouth again, he didn’t want to see it.

  Out on the beach, the portable wooden dance floor had been set up to the left of the buffet and tables and chairs. His family, as always, sat at the largest table, centralized to the other tables so guests and employees could feel free to mingle with the McCallisters.

  Quinn’s parents believed good customer relations was the thing that made their family-operated resort such a success. People liked feeling as if they were a part of something special when they visited McCallister’s Paradise. Something they didn’t get at more commercialized resorts was the family touch.

  The rest of the family already had their food in front of them by the time Quinn and Larissa made it down the beach. Two empty chairs were open at the end of the table opposite his parents. His sister sat next to them and waved Quinn over.

  The smile on her face widened as they approached. “Who’s your date, Quinn? I didn’t even know you were bringing one until Dad said to leave two chairs open together.”

  Well, it looked like it was officially a date, whether Larissa wanted it to be one or not.

  “Larissa Benner, meet my sister, Sydney McCallister.”

  The women shook hands.

  “Sydney runs the McCallister charity funds,” Quinn explained. “It’s a big job.”

  “That sounds interesting.” Larissa returned Sydney’s smile. “You all have a charity fund that’s a full-time job to manage? You McCallisters must give away a lot of money.”

  Sydney tucked light brown hair behind her ears and smiled. “Yeah, it’s a large fund. I’m responsible for going over all the request proposals and deciding where our grants will be allocated each year. It’s rewarding work, making a difference in people’s lives.”

  “I’m sure it is,” Larissa said.

  Parker, the brother closest to Quinn in age, jumped up from his seat, bumping Quinn out of the way as he took Larissa’s hand and bent over it in a flourishing kiss. “So nice to meet you, lovely lady. I’m Parker. My job isn’t quite so glamorous as Syd’s, but I’m t
he scuba diving and snorkeling instructor. Maybe you’d like to ride my boat sometime?” He wiggled his eyebrows up and down.

  Larissa laughed softly and her cheeks reddened. “Scuba diving sounds fun. I love being on the ocean.”

  A thread of jealousy coiled in Quinn’s stomach, and he tried to ignore it. Parker flirted with all the girls. It was just his way. But Quinn didn’t like the sparkle of attraction lurking in Larissa’s eyes. He pushed Parker out of the way, putting his arm around Larissa’s waist. “Larissa’s the newest member of the full-time McCallister family,” he said. “She’s replacing Vanessa.”

  “It’s about time that hussy was replaced.” Sydney raised her upper lip in distaste. “That was horrible and almost ruined us. I trust you’re not a little slut like Vanessa?”

  “Syd, that’s not cool!” Quinn shook his head at his sister. “Have some respect. Larissa’s a professional, and damn good at her job.”

  “Yes, I am certainly a professional,” Larissa agreed. “Your brother made doubly sure of that before hiring me.”

  The strain was back in her voice. Damn it. Sydney never did think before she spoke, and now Larissa was uncomfortable again.

  Quinn dropped his arm away from Larissa’s waist and glanced at the food line. Most people had already made it through and they wouldn’t have to wait too long. Getting their dinner would give Larissa a chance to compose herself, though, and hopefully become comfortable with him again. “How about we grab dinner? I’m starving.”

  With a shrug, Larissa turned and started toward the line, not taking his arm again... not even waiting for him to walk with her.

  Quinn glared at his siblings. “She’s a sweet girl who’s had a rough day. You need to make her feel like part of the family.”

  “Oh?” Sydney grinned. “You like her. That’s unusual.”

  Quinn sputtered for a minute, not sure what to say. “Just be nice. That’s an order.”

  Parker and Sydney’s laughter rose above the murmur of conversation as Quinn ran to catch up with Larissa.

  Chapter 4

  Larissa tried to be friendly throughout dinner. After all, she did just land the job she’d been hoping for. While Parker and Sydney kept up a steady stream of chatter, Quinn had gone broodingly silent as soon as they returned to his family. She wasn’t certain if he was tired of playing host to the new employee and had better things to do than spend the evening with her, or if that was just the way he normally acted.

  In comparison, Parker was an absolute charmer. He made conversation easy and seemed pleased to have her as a dinner companion.

  “What made you apply for a position here?” Parker asked. “It’s a long trip to and from the continental States out here. A lot of our workers have no family or just love the idea of being in the middle of nowhere for most of the year.”

  She shrugged, not wanting to admit what really drove her to apply for the position. “You guys pay great.”

  Sydney chuckled. “Having your housing covered is a plus, too.”

  Larissa nodded. “And the benefits package. My whole goal upon coming out here was to get the full-time position. I love it here.”

  “Good.” Parker winked and brushed his hand against the back of hers. “I’m happy to help welcome a pretty face to the island. Let me know if you get bored some night. Lucky for us you applied.”

  On the other side of her, Quinn cleared his throat. “It is lucky for us,” he agreed. “Especially me.”

  Surprised, Larissa turned to face him. Earlier in the evening, he had acted like a gentleman, if a bit overbearing, and she’d been trying her best to forgive him for the ‘test’ he gave her. But was that a hint of jealousy in his tone? “What do you mean, Quinn?”

  “I need a massage therapist I can count on,” he said, his voice gruff. “Don’t want another scandal.” He stared pointedly at his brother. “Right, Parker?”

  It was stupid, but she felt a little let down by his reply. She’d thought maybe he meant he was happy to be with her tonight. Why she’d think that was beyond her. Quinn obviously didn’t think much about relationships. Work seemed to consume him above all else. Heck, he’d already been married and divorced.

  For Parker’s part, the younger McCallister laughed away Quinn’s apparent anger. “I thrive on scandal, brother.” He leaned over, brushing a soft kiss against Larissa’s cheek. “What do you say we hit the dance floor and cause a scandal out there, pretty lady?”

  “Um, I’m not sure.” Larissa glanced back to Quinn, trying to gage his reaction. Even though he’d pitched this like an employee/employer gathering, appearing on her doorstep with flowers made it seem more like a date. She couldn’t decide what he wanted.

  Quinn shrugged. “Do what you want.”

  His voice was no longer a caress against her skin as it had been. He seemed angry. Or maybe he was just bored with her company and his attitude was indifference.

  Larissa wiped her mouth with a napkin and then set it in her plate. “All right then. Dancing it is.”

  Parker hopped up, taking her hand in his and tugging her out of the chair. “Excellent. It’s not every day I get the first chance at fresh talent.”

  A trill of nerves made Larissa tremble slightly and she pulled her hand from his. What did he mean by that? “I don’t think—”

  “Not thinking is good.” He winked and tossed sandy hair away from his eyes with a shake of his head. He grabbed her hand again. “Dancing first. Thinking later.”

  As Parker led her away from the table, Larissa heard Sydney say something in a sharp tone, but couldn’t make out the words. She hoped that didn’t mean Quinn’s sister was unhappy with her. She didn’t need to make mistakes now that she’d finally gotten her dream job.

  ***

  “What the hell are you doing?” Sydney’s dark eyes were fury-filled, a look Quinn knew all too well. “Parker’s baiting you and you’re letting him. I’m so tired of the way he acts with women, and it’s obvious you’re into Larissa. Go get her back.”

  Quinn forced a laugh, though it didn’t mask the bitterness he felt. “She wants to be with Parker, sis. He’s fun and likes to party. That’s not me. Besides, it’s not like I planned to date her or anything. I’m too busy. You know that.”

  “What I know is that you sat here like a petulant child in stony silence all through the meal. You’re being an asshole. Larissa’s probably dancing with Parker because she thinks you hate her. You certainly didn’t let her know you were interested.”

  Quinn sighed. “I don’t hate her, but I’m pretty sure she hates me. I never told you what Dad had me do to make sure Larissa was the right woman for the job.”

  He quickly described the situation in the massage parlor, and Sydney’s mouth hung open the entire time.

  “Well holy shit,” she said when he finished. “What kind of an idiot are you?”

  Quinn leaned back and crossed his arms, tired of her judgment. “I followed orders.”

  “Since when do you do that?” she challenged. “You do have a brain, right?”

  Quinn ran a hand through his hair, knowing she was right. He shouldn’t have done it. He should have found another way to make sure Larissa wouldn’t do the things Vanessa had done. “I didn’t think I’d end up liking her. I figured if she passed the test, Dad would offer the job and that would be the end of it. I thought I’d never see her again. He’s the one who liked her so much. I don’t know why he insisted I offer the job myself and bring her to dinner.”

  Sydney turned toward their parents, who were involved in a rowdy discussion full of laughter with several people who worked on the island. “Maybe he knows you better than you know yourself,” she said softly.

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means you need to get off your ass, go out there, cut in, and get your girl, you freaking idiot!”

  Quinn gazed at the dance floor. People were thick on it, all having fun, but he caught a glimpse of Larissa’s white sundress. She laughed at some
thing Parker said, patting his arm, and then resting her head against his shoulder.

  Jumping up from the table, Quinn told himself it wasn’t jealousy that made his insides burn. “He can have her. I don’t have time for this bullshit. I’m going home.”

  He stalked toward his hotel.

  Behind him, Sydney yelled, “Come back, Quinn. You’ll miss the fireworks.”

  Yeah, right. Like he wanted to watch them now. It would just remind him that he blew his chance with Larissa. She’d probably already made plans to watch the display with Parker. It was clear that she liked him.

  Time to get back to reality and back to work. He had supply orders to approve in the morning and unit inspections to do once guests checked out. He didn’t have time for jealousy.

  ***

  Parker was a blast to hang out with and kept her laughing, but Larissa was worried about Quinn. He hadn’t seemed to want to dance with her, and she wasn’t sure if that meant he was tired of her company or if something else was going on. Still, they had agreed to watch the fireworks together, and she didn’t feel right about not checking if he still wanted to do that. She certainly wanted to watch them with him.

  “Parker, I need to get back to Quinn. I’m tired of dancing, and it’s pretty dark. Will the fireworks start soon?”

  “You’re watching the fireworks with Quinn? Hmmm… that’s unfortunate. They’d be a lot more fun with me.” Parker winked. “I know how to make things exciting.”

  Larissa laughed, pushing his shoulder as she turned toward the tables. “I’m sure you do, but I’m not interested in that sort of excitement.”

  Parker jogged up beside her, pouting out his lower lip. “You sure? Quinn’s a stick in the mud. And we could have a good time. Nothing will happen that you don’t want to happen, I promise.”

  While the younger brother might lay it on a little thick, he was a nice guy. If Quinn hadn’t brought her to the party, she’d probably be quite content to watch the display with Parker. Quinn was intense and serious. Parker was flirty and fun. The men couldn’t be more different, and Larissa was torn.