Tropical Tryst: 25 All New and Exclusive Sexy Reads

by Nicole Morgan

“Give me the girl’s number,” he growled in defeat.

  After Olivia hung up, he finished entering DeAnna’s contact info into his phone. Checked his watch. The departure gate was right downstairs. There was plenty of time to contact his sister’s young friend.

  The shapely woman in the corner moved and caught his eye. Gathering her belongings, she rose, and crossed in front of him.

  As she got close, a faint whiff of vanilla drifted through the air.

  “Hi,” he said with a nod of greeting.

  She slowed, glanced at him and smiled. “Hello.”

  Getting a better look at her face, his breathing hitched. Close up, she was spectacular. Her lips were full, her eyes a smoky shade of blue. With her hair tucked into a loose knot at the back of her neck, there was no telling how long it was. As she moved, he noticed the shiny hair had several different shades of brown mixed in.

  Dressed in a pantsuit, she filled out the bright blue sleeveless blouse and light-colored slacks with plenty of curves. A matching jacket draped over one arm, her laptop case slung over a shoulder, she was beautiful.

  Wanting to fully appreciate the back-view, he waited to call DeAnna. As the woman strode across the floor, Quinn tapped the phone number. Bending forward so he wouldn’t miss anything, he heard the call connect.

  Somewhere in the lounge, a phone rang. The business woman disappeared into the restroom. He listened to more ringing, no answer. Before he was dumped into voice mail, Quinn hung up. He’d try again when he reached Kauai.

  * * *

  HALF AN HOUR LATER, Quinn moved cautiously up the aisle of the commuter jet. On the lookout for stray arms and feet, he was almost to his bulkhead seat when a child darted across the aisle in front of him.

  Stopping abruptly, he clipped the elbow of the passenger sitting on the right. Turning to apologize, he recognized the striking woman from the lounge. On the floor, scattered at her feet, were a handful of dropped brochures.

  “Sorry,” he murmured. “Let me get these for you.”

  She rubbed her elbow while he retrieved an assortment of colorful tri-folds for Kauai resorts.

  He handed them over. “Haven’t decided yet where you’re going to stay?”

  “I have a reservation,” she said. “Just doing some comparing.”

  Good idea. He’d get his own supply of brochures at the airport. “Are you going to Kauai on business?”

  “Not really. I’m more of a tourist. You?”

  “I’m here on leave.”

  “Ah, you’re in the military.”

  “That’s right. Why don’t we—”

  “Sir, you need to take your seat.” The flight attendant standing in front of him sounded like she meant business. “We can’t take off until everyone is seated with their seatbelts fastened.”

  He raised his hands in surrender. “Okay, I’m going.” And tried his charming grin on her.

  Unimpressed, the flight attendant formed her mouth into a cool smile. One that told Quinn, in no uncertain terms, obey-me-now-or-else.

  CHAPTER 3

  DeAnna only had to lean out a tiny bit to admire the handsome military guy’s excellent butt. Too soon her view was blocked by the flight attendant.

  So far, no one claimed the window seat next to her, but she wouldn’t spread out until after take-off. Quickly reorganizing the brochures, she tucked them away.

  Moments after the captain announced it was okay to use electronics, and turned off the seatbelt sign, she opened her laptop. A minute later, the military hunk appeared in the aisle beside her seat.

  Bending toward her, his words tumbled out. “Rushing this. Before the flight attendant banishes me, again.”

  She stared up. Into very familiar hazel-green eyes. The identical shade as Olivia’s, they twinkled with the same deviltry.

  In the tight space, he extended his hand. “I’m Edmund Quinn. Everybody calls me Quinn. Could I buy you a cup of coffee?”

  Oh my god. She managed not to gasp, barely, when he said his name. Olivia’s last name. Could this be Eddie, her best friend’s adored but elusive older brother? He too, was in the military, something to do with fighter planes. Was it the same man?

  She vaguely remembered seeing a photo of a younger version on Ollie’s dresser in the sorority house. But during all the months of her senior year, she’d never crossed paths with the man.

  Seriously, was Olivia Quinn’s big brother crouched expectantly beside her armrest, blocking the aisle, and urging her to “call me Quinn”?

  She smiled back. “Sure. Coffee sounds nice.” She had to know for sure. “Let’s exchange phone numbers in baggage claim.” Glancing up she said, “You’d better go now, there’s a line forming behind you.”

  Quinn shot a glance over one broad shoulder. “Hey, those guys are too late. I saw you first. Quick, tell me your name.”

  “De…Dee,” she stuttered, searching for her alias. “As in Delores. Smith.”

  “Excuse me,” a large man said from behind Quinn.

  Chuckling, Quinn said, “Hello, De Dee Smith.” He grasped her hand, shook it. “See you at the airport.” In a quick move, his thumb caressed the back of her hand before he released it. Then he stood, and made his way toward the rear of the plane.

  She touched the warm spot left by his finger. What were the odds that he was the same Edmund Quinn? A gentle smile curved up the corners of her lips. Whoever he was, he’d need to come back this way again to return to his seat.

  Quinn passed her several more times during the three plus hour flight. He never fully stopped, didn’t speak. But each time he slipped a little gift onto her tray or into her lap. By the time the plane landed she had two fresh, fragrant Plumeria flowers, a dolphin keychain, three bags of pretzels, and a packet of cookies.

  She spotted the top of his head above the crowd on the walk to baggage claim, but he didn’t approach her. Until they reached the luggage carousel.

  “Hi Dee Smith. I’m at the Fragrant Garden Kauai Resort and Spa,” he said in a low voice. “Somebody needs to shorten these resort names. Any chance you’re staying someplace nearby?”

  She smiled over her shoulder. “Most tourists shorten the name to Fragrant Garden. I’m staying there, too.”

  “Outstanding. Let’s get our coffees, or a tropical cocktail at the hotel?”

  “The bar will be noisy this time of night. Why don’t we meet on the sunrise lanai?”

  The carousel started and pieces of luggage and golf bags began to appear. There. She spotted a large, soft sided blue suitcase that looked like a dozen others. But DeAnna could identify hers. When a group from the sorority drove to Myrtle Beach for spring break, Olivia tied red, white and blue ribbons on the handles of both their suitcases.

  Quinn stepped up beside her and grabbed her bag.

  “Thanks.” She closed her hand over his. “I’ve got it.”

  “This one’s mine,” he said.

  “Lots of suitcases look alike. This time I’m positive.”

  “Me, too. I recognize the ribbon. My little sister tagged every piece of luggage I own. For just this reason.”

  She bit the inside of her mouth to keep from laughing. Another clue. Olivia would love this. “I did the same thing to my luggage.”

  He stared at her.

  “Look.” An identical bag chugged past, festooned with identical ribbon. “I’ll be damned,” Quinn said under his breath and lunged for the suitcase. “This is like destiny or something.”

  Now it was her turn to stare. Destiny, huh? She gave herself a little shake. How was she going to handle this chance meeting? Mr. Martin expected her to remain incognito during her entire time at the resort. All her reservations were in the Smith name.

  “That one’s mine.” DeAnna indicated the first suitcase. “With the little lock.”

  “I’ve got a rental car reserved.” He deftly removed their luggage from the crowd clustered around the carousel. “Can I give you a lift?”

  “No thanks, I need to tak
e the shuttle.”

  One of his brows arched in a silent question, his sexy green-ish eyes twinkling.

  “I’ll explain when we meet for the drink.”

  “See you soon.”

  She began a hotel critique the minute she climbed into the shuttle. The interior needed a once-over and the driver sat while she lugged her bags aboard. Sitting in the first seat, directly behind the driver, she spoke in a confiding whisper. “It’s my first trip here. Can you recommend a good place to shop?”

  He smiled and pulled a card from the pocket of his flowered shirt, handing it to her. “This place. A short cab ride from hotel. Show my card, big discount.” Undoubtedly, he’d get a percentage of whatever she spent.

  “My goodness,” she gushed. She kept her voice soft as the shuttle filled. “You’ve got the most exciting job. Meeting all these new people.” She leaned closer. “And you get a discount at a famous resort?”

  In the fifteen-minute ride, she learned the shuttle service was contracted. The driver didn’t get any discounts. He was underpaid and indicated he’d love to become a direct employee of the resort corporation. She compressed her lips. No doubt the additional expense would be offset by his improved customer service.

  At the front desk, extra registration staff, timed to match the airline arrivals, kept the lines short and moving. She checked in, and received a Fragrant Garden welcome packet along with her keycard.

  “Your suite is on the top floor,” the clerk explained. “Swipe the keycard in any of the elevators to access your floor.”

  Stepping away from the desk, she saw a bell-person waiting with her suitcase.

  “Aloha,” he said. “I’ll meet you upstairs.”

  “You use service elevators for the luggage carts?”

  “Yes. May I take your laptop bag?”

  “No, I’m fine.”

  By the time she’d grilled and tipped the talkative bellhop, her throat was parched. In the spacious bedroom, she stripped down to her panties. Considered a shower but decided she didn’t want to deal with her hair. What she wanted was a long drink of cold water.

  The kitchen was tucked between the living room and dining area. She reached into the fridge, grabbed a bottle of water when she heard the main door click and unlock.

  With a squeak of surprise, she dropped the water, and ducked behind the living room drapes. Footsteps clumped on the tile entry.

  DeAnna clutched the material to cover her body and shouted, “You’re in the wrong room. This is my room. Get out.”

  Shoes scuffled. She peered around the edge of the fabric. A tall figure was backing out the door, sputtering: “Sorry. I’m going. Sorry.”

  The minute the door clicked closed, DeAnna darted into the bedroom, slipped on a thick terry robe. Covered chin to ankles, she hurried across the living room to slide the chain lock in place.

  A knock on the door’s wooden panel made her jump back.

  After a deep breath, she opened the door, as far as the chain would allow.

  Quinn stood in the hallway, his bag and a carry-on at his feet. “Ms. Smith? I apologize if I frightened you.”

  “Oh, it’s you. How on Earth did you get in? This is my room.”

  He ducked his head, saying, “Front desk seems to think this suite is mine. They gave me a key.” The corners of his expressive mouth twitched as he held up the keycard.

  CHAPTER 4

  Q uinn angled his head to get a better look at Dee’s face. “Wonder if stuff like this happens often around here?” he mused.

  She tightened the terrycloth tie around her waist. “No clue.” Frowning, she stuck her open palm through the narrow door opening. “Let’s see your key.”

  He placed it in her hand. “There’s no room number on these. But it worked the door lock.” He bent to his suitcase, and opened the welcome packet balanced on it. “They wrote the number on the cardboard jacket.” He produced that, handed it to her.

  Fingering both, she murmured, “This goes to the top of my list.”

  Mine, too. “What list?”

  “I’ll explain later. You should go now.” She handed the card and envelope back. “Find your real room.”

  “I’m in no hurry.”

  She frowned.

  Maybe he’d better change tactics. “Could I use your phone? Call down to the registration desk. Get this settled.”

  The faint frown lines crossing her forehead melted away and her kissable lips curved into an engaging smile. “There’s a butler on this floor. You’ll find her desk at the end of the hallway.” She pointed a finger.

  He raised an eyebrow.

  “We’ll talk later.” She waved her hand in a shoo motion. “Now go away so I can change.”

  “You’re still meeting me in the sunset lanai? Half an hour?”

  “Forty-five minutes.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  Quinn arrived early. The lanai turned out to be a huge covered deck overlooking a torch lit garden. By the sound of the surf, it was just steps away from the Pacific Ocean.

  A server approached as he sat down. “I’ll wait to order until the lady gets here,” he said. “Could you come back in ten minutes?”

  “Certainly, sir.”

  “Wait. Can I order hors d’oeuvres now? Have them delivered when she arrives?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “What’s a pu pu platter?”

  “A sampler of cooked meat and seafood.”

  “Sounds great. One of those. And drinks with umbrellas and fruit?”

  “Here’s the illustrated drink card. When your lady arrives, I’ll serve the pu pu and take your drink orders.”

  “Excellent. Thanks.”

  Quinn surveyed the area and changed seats so he could watch the door. He couldn’t remember the last time he was this attracted to a woman. He wanted to know everything about her.

  Dee arrived right on time. Pausing in the doorway, she spotted him, smiled and moved forward. He stood, heart thudding in his chest. As she got close, he had to fight the urge to take her in his arms. Too soon. Instead he grasped both her hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. Lord, she was beautiful. Her hair shimmered in the candlelight. Her skin glow—

  “Quinn? Are you okay?”

  What? Damn it. Squelching his inner poet, one he had no clue even existed, he focused on Dee’s mouth and the words she was saying. “Maybe we should sit?”

  “Wait,” he said. “Let me shift the chairs. There. Now we can both enjoy the view.”

  She settled into the rattan seat and scanned the garden. Sinking into his chair, he still couldn’t take his eyes off her. His view was close to perfect.

  With smooth efficiency, the server moved the candle to one side, placed the sizzling tray between them. Smiling at Dee, she asked, “Do you need a minute to decide on a drink?”

  “I’m ready.” Dee returned a friendly smile. “Will you make me a coconut mojito?”

  He reached for the drink card. “What does that have in it?”

  The server shook her head. “You won’t find it on the menu. Our bartender loves making them. Like a Cuban mojito, ours has rum, lime juice, and mint. Then we use coconut cream for sweetness, and Kai Coconut Shochu.”

  “Make it two,” he said. “And load us up with flowers, umbrellas, and fruit.”

  Dee and the server laughed together. “My pleasure. I’ll be right back with your drinks.”

  “This is so thoughtful, Quinn,” Dee said, indicating the food. “I love pu pu.”

  “Softening you up so you’ll talk. Tell me all about you. Where do you live?”

  “In Hawaii, on Oahu.”

  “You’re taking a tourist vacation to Kauai?”

  “Not exactly. May I please start this part over?”

  “Sure.” He leaned closer.

  “I moved to Hawaii last fall to take a position at a Waikiki resort hotel. Currently, I’m up for a promotion that’ll involve an island transfer.”

  “Congratulations.”
<
br />   Pink flushed her cheeks. “Thanks. Meanwhile, I’m here to look around.” She lowered her voice. “Registered under a different name.”

  “Smith?”

  “Yes. For the week, I’m Dee Smith. Sorry I can’t tell you more.”

  “No sweat, Dee.” He sipped his drink. Their assignments could easily overlap. “What kind of stuff will you be looking at?”

  “I’m spending the coming week checking out stuff from a guest’s point of view. Like how well the resort staff interacts, evaluating the sports activities, and the tours.”

  “I hear the hotel business in Hawaii is brutally competitive.”

  “It is.” She stroked the tiny orchid petals from her drink. When Dee looked up at him again, his heart stuttered in his chest. “You’re here on military leave?”

  Heat worked its way up his neck and spread across his cheeks. “I sort of told a lie of omission. I am here on leave, but also I’m doing a favor for…um—”

  “Quinn.” She placed her hand over his. “Only tell me what you can. Just please, let’s both make a promise? From now on, while it may not the whole truth, still, we tell each other nothing but the truth.”

  “Good. Right. Let me start over. I’m Edmund Quinn, air force major. F-15 Strike Eagle Weapons System Officer. Stationed at Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina. A few days ago, Frank, a WSO friend asked me to check-out the Fragrant Garden resort. To look around, critique stuff from a tourist’s viewpoint. At the last minute, Frank had to go to Maui and I came here alone.”

  “Is there more? Details you need to keep confidential?”

  “Not from my point of view. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open, take a few notes, turn them in. Where my opinions go from there is out of my hands, none of my business.”

  “Good.”

  “Last year, what made you decide to move to Hawaii?”

  “Umm…the job offer I received was very tempting, then a bad break up sealed the deal.” She fiddled with her little paper umbrella.

  Warm empathy filled his chest. Opening up to a relative stranger was tough. Especially on a first date.

  Dee returned his gaze. “Everything happened so fast, on the same day. The ex and I broke it off, I skipped the pint of Haagen-Dazs rocky road and packed for Hawaii instead. My friends and family still think I’m crazy. And maybe a coward.”