“Get to dry land,” Quinn choked. “Before we both drown.” Arms around each other’s waist they staggered to the shade.
Quinn collapsed in his sand chair. “Water?”
“In the blue ice-chest. I’ll break out the towels and sunblock.”
Head bent over the ice chest, he surveyed the drinks. “How about I open a bottle of champagne?”
“Sounds lovely. After I get some water in me.”
Returning the champagne to the ice, he opened two water bottles and handed one to her. He squirted sunscreen on his hand, started spreading it up his legs. “We’ll save the fun parts for each other?”
“Absolutely.” Watching Quinn smooth lotion on his sculpted body, her mouth went dry.
“If we get all this stuff out, they clean it up and take it away?” He handed her the tube of sunscreen.
“Yes,” she said, polishing off her water. “What are you thinking?”
“We should use the pop-up.” He swiveled to glance back. “Behind the umbrella. Like a storage area. Organize everything we might use over here.”
“Good idea.” Rising to her feet, she felt the heat of his gaze. “We’ll need to keep remembering the sunblock.”
He stood, kissed her with only their lips touching. “My thinking exactly.” Quinn squirted more lotion in both their hands.
Foreplay got slick and smelled like coconuts.
They ended up spread eagled on their towels, gasping for air. Finally, he rolled his head toward her. Extending a finger, Quinn stoked lazy circles around her nipple. “I love knowing we have all day to make love on the beach, swim naked in the ocean.”
“While I admire a man with ambition,” she teased. “Any more like that last time and we’ll kill each other.”
He dropped a kiss on her ear and sat up.
“Let’s see what toys they left for us.”
They opened the pop-up sunshade and placed the bins beneath it. Quinn whooped when he uncovered a miniature volleyball net and ball.
“Great,” she cheered. “I’ll kick your butt.”
“Damn, not counting the women at Seymour Johnson, you could be the most competitive female I’ve ever met.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“Not necessarily. But since I’m damned motivated already, it could be exhausting on a vacation.”
“I don’t challenge you in bed.”
“Sure you do. But in the best possible way. I keep thinking up new ways to please you. Which turns me on, like I’ve never experienced before.”
The nude volleyball game ended in a sweaty, sandy tie. They swam, perfected their sex-in-the-surf technique, and retreated to lay facing each other under the umbrella. “The ocean breeze is wonderful,” she sighed.
“What made you choose Hawaii?” Quinn asked. “The chance to follow a dream of living in paradise?”
She smiled. “No, it was the timing of the job offer. My idea of paradise is North Carolina. I lived in Chapel Hill for four years and loved the trees, the mountains, proximity to the Outer Banks, the people, change of seasons, everything.”
“All good points.”
“Don’t get me wrong.” She lifted one shoulder. “These islands are breathtaking. Each one is spectacular, with a unique beauty all its own. The job in Oahu came up at the perfect point in my life when I felt like escaping reality. So, I did.”
“Okay, we know North Carolina is your dream location, what’s your dream job?”
“I’ve always known that hospitality is a specialized, tough career and I love it. Working in Hawaii, I’ve expanded my horizons to include large resort management. Someday, I’d like to find an up-scale resort stateside, manage it, and get my MBA.”
“Ambitious and competitive. Weren’t you living in Greenville, South Carolina?”
“Before Hawaii? Yes. Near my parents.” She bit her lip, gathered her courage. “I love my parents dearly. However, the time I’ve spent here, so far from them and the rest of my family, has reinforced my need for more independence. When I go back, I need to find a resort far enough from my tribe that they can’t simply drop-in. Visits are fine, but they were in my business.”
“How far away is far enough? California? New England?”
“No, I’d stay in the south. And thanks to your offer of help, I think I can learn to run a resort with a golf course. The south is full of those.”
“Especially the Carolinas.”
She grinned. “Thanks for pointing that out.”
“My pleasure.”
“What about you and Uncle Sam. Will you be bouncing around the US? From base to base?”
“Nope. Except for deployments and training exercises, I’ve put down roots in Goldsboro.”
“That’s good to know. And I like the sound of permanency.”
If she hoped to enjoy roots sooner rather than later, then she’d better reconsider the promotion to Maui. It sounded wonderful coming from Mr. Martin. Except she wasn’t certain she was ready to call Maui her permanent home.
If not, then her next job change needed to be well planned. First, she’d do her research. Compile a short list of ideal resorts, located in the south, but not too close to the family. Then she’d orchestrate the interview process, and slowly narrow down the list.
Still, the Maui resort was the ideal spot to learn about managing a resort with a golf course.
CHAPTER 16
Q uinn rolled onto his stomach. Glanced at Dee. She’d gone awfully quiet. Propping himself on his forearms, he grasped one of her hands, played with her slender fingers. God, he loved touching her.
“I have a question,” she said, piercing him with those intense blue eyes. Tempted to tease, her expression checked the impulse. Better keep it serious.
“Shoot.”
“Before Frank left, he extended a job offer from his dad. Frank Senior wants me to work at Whitney Investments.”
“Doing what?”
“I’m not exactly sure. We didn’t get that far. I imagine it could be evaluating properties, snooping around resorts for him to invest in.” She licked her lips and his brain blipped.
“Uh, would you like doing that?”
“Not if it involves as much travel as I think it will. After you mentioned roots, I’ve been thinking how much that appeals to me. Getting back to the south. Finding a big resort and setting down career roots.”
He got to his knees, crawled to the blue chest, and opened the bottle of champagne. He handed DeAnna a flute of bubbly, cold wine.
“Is there a question in there?”
“I guess not. Just wanted your reaction.”
“I think you’d get real tired of travel.” His gaze swept her body head to toe.
Under the light tan, a blush spread across her face. “Ed?”
“Simply enjoying the view.”
“As I recall, Ollie said you always preferred blondes.”
“Only in my callow youth,” he said with a solemn nod. “These days, I find the long-haired brunette, sexy-snoopy-type irresistibly attractive.”
She choked.
He lifted his champagne glass. “Let’s drink to you. Irresistible.”
* * *
AFTER A HUGE PICNIC LUNCH, they waited to go back in the ocean. Quinn, his eyes closed, was stretched out in the sand chair. He couldn’t recall ever feeling this relaxed. Or content. “Is it time for more sunscreen?”
“Since you and I both know how that ends, not yet.”
“We’ve already set up the net and there’s badminton stuff. Up for a game?”
“Too strenuous. Later.”
“I’ll add it to our agenda.” He swallowed a big yawn. “They packed snorkeling equipment. We could hunt up more dolphins.”
“Wasn’t that an amazing adventure? I’ll remember it ‘til the day I die. A bucket-lister for me.”
“Me, too.” His mind drifted. “Even better,” he mumbled, “when shared with the woman you love.”
The silence was deafening. Even the
surf quieted. He cracked open one eye, just a slit. Had she heard him?
Slowly, Dee sat up. “Could you repeat that last part?”
Both eyes open wide, he sat up, too. “The way I let it sort of slip out, that was cowardly. Let me say it again. I love you, DeAnna Drake. I’m crazy in love with you.” He watched her eyes. “Don’t even think about running.”
“Where would I go?”
“Not funny.”
“You’re right, sorry.” She sat straighter. “Word of honor, I’m never running again. And after hearing you say you love me, I’m not about to go anywhere. We need to talk about this. Please explain to me how you know it’s love.”
His temper flared. “You mean instead of a hot vacation romance? Simple lust? An extended one night stand?”
“Please, Quinn, don’t get huffy. It’s a legitimate question. How can you love someone you’ve only known for a week?”
“While the timing is technically true, don’t you dare forget about the Olivia connection. I’m remembering all kinds of stuff about you.”
Like what?”
“Is your favorite color still blue?” She nodded. “And your favorite ice cream is rocky road? You like your rib eye steak medium rare, yet would rather eat seafood. You’re not ashamed to tell people you read romance novels, love chick flicks, cry at Hallmark commercials. How am I doing so far?”
“Your memory is excellent. I still have serious doubts about love at first sight. I do know I’m crazy about you. I want to continue seeing you. But, in love?”
“DeAnna, I was attracted to you in the Plumeria VIP lounge. Then, on the plane, I knew I was falling. Remember? I was down on one knee, picking up the brochures I knocked out of your hand. It hit me the minute I knelt beside your seat and looked into those awesome blue eyes of yours.”
“No. How could you—?”
“You asked, sweetheart. Now I need you to listen, at least hear me out. Please. I’ve been where you are. I scoffed, I laughed. Hell, I flat-out ridiculed any guy who claimed they’d fallen in love at first sight. Impossible. Would never happen. I didn’t believe it could happen. No, wait. Stronger than that: I positively knew there was no such thing.”
She watched him carefully. Appeared to weigh each word. While he was compelled to speak straight from the heart. Without hesitation, without censoring.
He took a breath. “Let’s put this a different way. How do you feel about destiny? Fate?”
She shrugged. Yet, there was a gleam in her eyes.
“There I was, moping, just hanging out off base, when Frank called. This trip was spur of the moment, all a last-minute deal. Fate.”
He tapped a finger on her shoulder. “You know as well as I do, I have no business being here. This assignment doesn’t fit any of my skill sets. Hotels, tours, reviews, the entire hospitality industry? I have zero professional experience. How did all this happen to bring the two of us together? Blind chance? Or destiny.”
She stared at him. “What are you saying? Both of us here at the same time is part of some cosmic plan?”
“Fate. Destiny. Whatever you want to call it. But no matter how it all came together, pre-arranged or random, you’ve got to admire and respect the plan. Otherwise the string of coincidences between the two of us will drive you crazy.”
DeAnna compressed her lips, remained silent. Her body moved slightly closer. She was listening.
“I can’t come this far,” he said, “feeling what I feel, and then simply walk away. I’m not leaving you until we both agree to see where this could take us. Find out what these feelings could mean for us.”
Brows raised, she asked, “How does that work in the real world? You’re going to run out of leave. After the weekend, I’m returning to Oahu. Once I file my last report, I’ll make the move to Maui.”
“Maybe what I should have said is, we need to get you settled. Then we’ll promise to stay in contact. I can extend my leave until you decide whether to accept the promotion in Maui.”
“And that’s how we figure out what’s happening?”
“I know already. I love you. It’s you we need to get onboard.”
“Onboard—what?”
“DeAnna, I love you to distraction. We were made for each other. We just need you to realize you feel the same about me.”
“Sometimes you scare me.”
“The whole deal scares the hell out of me.”
DEANNA APPLIED LIP GLOSS, rubbed her lips together. She’d showered, tried to rest, then began dressing for dinner with Quinn. The phone in the suite rang as she walked through a spritz of perfume. Who would call her on the landline? Hurrying to the living room, she picked up the cordless handset.
“Hello.”
“Ms. Drake?”
She hesitated. Her name here was Smith.
“Ms. Drake, this is Mr. Martin.”
Oh lord. She hadn’t recognized his voice. “Yes, Mr. Martin. Sorry, I hesitated. I’m used to the name Smith.”
“I’ve reviewed each of the reports you sent.”
She waited for more but he was silent. “Yes, sir. I received your message commending me on my paperwork.”
“While they are comprehensive and detailed as far as they go, they lack two critical components I specifically sent you to Kauai to get.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Don’t play stupid or ignorant with me. I told you to get us the complete list of vendor names and contacts. As well as the pricing structure between each of the vendors and Fragrant Gardens.”
Sir, I never agreed—”
“I don’t want to hear your lies or excuses. To date, you’ve failed to obtain any of the data you were sent to Kauai to collect. Data you assured me you would get. Do you have that information to send to me?”
“No sir, I do not.”
“Then you’re fired. Your termination is effective immediately. A final paycheck will be mailed to you. After all the expenses of this past week are deducted. Expenses that include the hotel, flights, spa, tours, meals, clothing, any miscellaneous.”
“Wait, how am I supposed—?”
“My assistant has changed your return airline flight reservation to tonight.”
“She what?”
“Your ticket to Honolulu will remain valid until the airline’s last flight tonight. After that, the ticket expires. Miss that flight and you can swim back to Waikiki for all I care.” He disconnected.
DeAnna stood for a moment, stunned, the phone still pressed to her ear. After a moment, Martin’s final threat sank in. DeAnna didn’t have the extra money to spend on a new ticket back to Honolulu.
Besides, Mr. Martin owed her that much. She’d fight about the money for the rest of the week when she got to Oahu.
Could she make it to make to the airport in time? She had to. It was imperative she catch the last flight.
CHAPTER 17
Q uinn pressed his hand to the glass-fronted door of the florist’s display cooler. He’d ducked into the lobby shop to buy a new lei for DeAnna. And couldn’t decide between the aromatic plumerias or one strung with classy orchids.
In his pocket, his phone vibrated. Caller ID read: Olivia.
“Hey baby sis. How are you?” He glanced at his watch, did the mental calculation. “It’s after midnight in Greenville. What’s up?”
“I’m dying for a DeAnna update. Have you got anything?”
“As a matter of fact, drama queen, I’ve got amazing news for you.”
“Awesome. Tell me everything. I’m so sick and tired of DeAnna putting me off. Right about now, I’m considering hopping a plane.”
“No, don’t do that.” Quinn’s phone chimed with another call. He checked Caller ID again. Dee.
“Sorry, Ollie,” he said, “I need to get—”
“Stop.” Olivia’s voice rose to a shrill demand. “Don’t you dare hang up on me. I mean it.”
Damn it. “Calm down, peanut. I’ll let the other call go to voice mail. Listen baby sis, it’s D
eAnna calling me. I met her, she’s here, at the same resort.”
“What?” That word came out as a full-fledged shriek. He jerked the phone away from his ringing ear.
“Damn, Ollie. You’ll ruin my hearing.”
“Tell me everything. Instantly. When did you two meet? Why hasn’t she called me?”
“One question at a time. Let me pay for this.” He handed over his credit card, accepted the receipt, and put the phone back to his ear.
“Sweetie, it’s dinner time here. Let me give you the abbreviated version for now and I promise, big bro word of honor, I’ll call back soon with all the details.”
How much could he share and not get into X-rated territory?
He told Ollie about the first meeting on the plane. Detailed their assignments, DeAnna’s need to keep her last name a secret. “So, I’ve known her for a week. We’ve been sightseeing and taking tours together all along. I didn’t know who she was.”
“Talk about unbelievably spooky. How could you not recognize my best friend?”
“Ollie, I had no reason to memorize DeAnna’s face in your crowd photos. I always knew that someday you’d introduce me to her.”
“Tell the truth. You never looked at my pictures.”
“I did so. Are you going to tell me you recognized Steve the first time you met him in the flesh?”
“Absolutely. I’d have known him anywhere. From the millions of pics of the two of you. Duh. Not to mention on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, flickr—”
“Enough. This is different.”
“Yeah, right. Any chance DeAnna’s coming home?”
“You need to talk to her about that. I can’t—”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to do.” His sister’s volume was back to full blast.
He flinched. “Ollie, I know you’re upset. You need to crank it down. I’m sure DeAnna has good reasons.”
“You’d know better than me. I’m only her bestie. Screw it. I’m calling her right now.”
Tropical Tryst: 25 All New and Exclusive Sexy Reads Page 91