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  “Quinn invited me,” she said after a short pause. “I’m sorry, Parker. I really enjoyed dancing with you, but...”

  “Eh.” He shrugged. “Win some, lose some. If you have your heart set on my stuffy older brother, you won’t mind if I go find an accommodating wench to watch the show with, will you?”

  Apparently she’d wasted as much of Parker McCallister’s time as he would allow if he was getting nothing in return at the end of the night. “Whoever she is, she’s a lucky girl.” Larissa grinned. “Have fun.”

  Parker dashed back to the dance floor, and Larissa was unsurprised when he quickly had a pretty blonde partner who Larissa remembered seeing working in the housekeeping department. He wasn’t in any danger of spending his evening alone.

  Shaking her head, she turned back to the table.

  Sydney sat alone, staring at the ocean.

  “Where’s Quinn?” Larissa asked, taking the chair next to Quinn’s sister.

  Sydney raised her eyebrows without turning to look at her. “Now you’re worried about Quinn? You’ve been gone a half hour.”

  Uh oh. Was dancing with Parker another of Quinn’s tests? Larissa started to feel bad for a few seconds, but then slapped the table as the day’s frustrations overcame her. “If Quinn didn’t want me to dance with Parker, why didn’t he say so? I asked him what he wanted me to do.”

  “Parker’s a flirt who has stolen away more than one of Quinn’s girlfriends, and Quinn would rather hide out in his office than admit he might have a vulnerable side.” Sydney rubbed at her temples, looking as if she had a headache. “Idiots, the whole group of them. Do you know how hard it is to be the only girl with four brothers?”

  Trying not to examine too closely being thrown in the same group as Quinn’s girlfriends, she decided to focus on the last half of Sydney’s statement. “There are more than Quinn and Parker?”

  “Yep. My younger brothers, Brad and Shane. They’re out partying with their friends, but I’m sure you’ll meet them sometime. Watch out, though. Brad has more of a rivalry with Quinn than Parker does.”

  The sounds of the other partygoers surrounded them, but silence stretched out between the two women. Larissa didn’t know what to say, really. She hadn’t meant to flare up any sort of sibling rivalry with the men, but Quinn hadn’t acted like he wanted her there.

  She sighed, frustrated for feeling guilty. “Do you think I hurt his feelings?”

  Sydney snorted. “Quinn’s feelings don’t get hurt. I told you, he hides.”

  “Where is he? I should apologize. I didn’t know whether or not this was a date or if he was introducing me around because your dad made him or what, exactly.”

  “Hmmm...” Sydney frowned. “He’s usually pretty forward about what he wants. He didn’t say it was a date?”

  Larissa shook her head.

  “Did he bring you flowers or compliment your dress, anything?”

  “Well, yes.”

  Sydney nodded. “Thought so.”

  “W—wait. That meant it was a date?” she stammered. “I didn’t know.”

  “Forget it, Larissa. By the time morning rolls around, Quinn will have forgotten all about you.” Sydney stood, waving at someone out by the water. “It’s nice to have you on staff and was great to meet you. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

  Sydney walked away as though she couldn’t leave fast enough.

  Laying her head onto the table cradled in her arms, Larissa suddenly felt very tired. It had been one hell of a day, and now she’d pissed off at least two people who had sway over whether or not she kept her job.

  She should probably try to find Janie, but it would be better to just head back to her room and go to sleep. The night was ruined. Besides, Janie had probably snuggled up with her man of the night by now.

  The fireworks started while Larissa trudged up the beach path, lighting the sky above her. It was definitely a big display, as promised. If Quinn had just admitted they were on a date instead of being so infuriatingly silent, it sure could have been romantic.

  Chapter 5

  A week later, Quinn poured over the supplies files, checking the reports from his hotel management staff and matching them to the items he planned to order. It seemed as though more lamps had been broken and linens ruined by this year’s batch of partiers than ever before. However, that also had to do with the increased number of guests. The more McCallister’s Paradise grew, the better. Profits had exceeded expenses by a significant margin during the first three quarters of this year, and Quinn hoped that fact hadn’t gone unnoticed by his father.

  A knocked sounded on Quinn’s office door.

  “Come in,” he called.

  Almost as if the man could read his mind, John McCallister popped his head inside the doorway. “Hey, son. You have a minute to talk?”

  “Sure. I’m just finishing up the expenses sheet.”

  John’s deep black eyebrows rose. “You’re almost done? I thought you weren’t even starting until this week. Those reports take me two weeks to finish.”

  Pride filled Quinn. He’d found a way to impress John, it seemed. “I started it the morning after the farewell party, and I’ve been working all week. I also finished the inspections you asked me to do.”

  John walked across the room, taking the chair opposite Quinn’s desk. “You’ve been working hard, then. Good. But there’s a problem with too much work. Your mother’s worried about you.”

  That was odd. “What could Mom be worried about? Things are going great. We’re finally getting somewhere with the advertising companies I talked you into using. Business for the resort was officially up this year over any year in the past. Now, we just have to see how things go through the slow season, but we’ll be working on Project Green then if I can get the contracts to go through.” Quinn felt the large grin spread across his face, but he couldn’t help but be proud. “If I have my way, in a few more years there won’t be a slow season.”

  “It’s a good goal, but I think Mom’s concern was the fact that you’ve been working nonstop for such a long time. Everyone needs a break sometimes.”

  Quinn shrugged. What reason did he have to take a break? The resort was his life. Since he started working with John four years ago, he was happiest while inside the office. “Tell her I’m fine.”

  John crossed his hands over his knee and shook his head. “Tell her yourself. She insists you come over for dinner tonight.”

  Even though the expense reports were nearly done, there were plenty of other things for Quinn to work on. Still, he hadn’t really had a chance to visit with his parents outside of work-related obligations for a while. Mostly because he had buried himself deeper into the job after his divorce. His parents had been disappointed when things didn’t work out with Camille, which was part of the reason he didn’t like to face them. “Is it just us, or are you inviting all the kids?”

  “None of your brothers will be there, and Sydney flew to New York this morning to meet with some art group she’s thinking of giving a grant to.”

  The careful way John picked his words caused Quinn to frown. “So, it’s just you, Mom, and me?” Because it sure sounded like someone else would be there.

  His father stood up, flashing a dazzling smile. It was the same look Quinn saw him give Mom whenever he was up to something, but not yet ready to reveal it. “Your mom’s making chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting for dessert. Be to the house by six.”

  Quinn laughed. “Leave it to Mom to bribe me with cake.”

  “She knows you can’t resist it, and she’s determined to see you take it easy, at least for tonight.”

  “All right, Dad. You can count on me.”

  Quinn didn’t miss how his father’s sneaky smile widened before he shut the office door.

  With a shrug, Quinn turned back to his file. If he was taking the night off, he’d better speed up. He wanted this report on Dad’s desk before dinner.

  ***

  Larissa rubbed clean
ing solution over the massage table in her studio, sanitizing it after the last client.

  A light tap sounded on the door and John McCallister walked into the room without waiting for her to answer.

  She set down her cleaning supplies and pushed away the hair falling across her eyes. “Mr. McCallister? How nice to see you. I wasn’t expecting you.”

  “I know, but I came to check in with you. How has your first week gone as part of the McCallister family?”

  She figured she had a pretty good idea of what he wanted to know. “Your son is the only person who has tried propositioning me, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

  When John chuckled, Larissa breathed a small sigh of relief. It had perhaps been out of line to speak to him that way, but she continued to be frustrated with the test he and his son decided to pull.

  “I’m glad the guests are minding their manners,” he said. “Did you get the information about your benefits package and family week?”

  She nodded. “Thank you very much. Despite the way it came about, I’m grateful for the full-time job.”

  “Can I ask a question?” he asked. “If it’s totally inappropriate, you have permission to tell me to shove it.”

  That surprised her into a smile. She’d only met with John a few times, but he always shocked her slightly. For a rich businessman, he was unusually laid back and casual with everyone, even lowly employees.

  “In that case, ask away.”

  John’s eyes narrowed slightly. “What happened between Quinn and you last weekend? Sydney told me you both left, separately, before the fireworks started.”

  Dangerous territory, especially when she didn’t know just what John was expecting to have happened between her and Quinn. “Quinn didn’t really seem happy to be my escort, sir. A bit grumpy, actually. When Parker asked me to dance, Quinn said I should. When I came back to the table to watch the fireworks with him like we’d planned earlier in the evening, Sydney said he’d left.”

  If John had talked to Sydney, she likely told him that Quinn left angry. Sydney didn’t seem like the type to hold anything back.

  Larissa sure hoped John wasn’t here to take the job away since Quinn didn’t like her. It was frustrating, and she didn’t understand what happened. Quinn seemed so nice at the beginning of the night, but never said it was a date. How could she know she shouldn’t have danced with Parker?

  “Ah, Parker.” John’s smile took on a strained quality. “That rascal gets with more girls. It’s a wonder any other man has a chance with anyone on the island.”

  Larissa giggled, unable to stop herself. “He’s a charming little devil. I’ve seen you with people, sir, and I’m thinking he takes after his father.”

  “Whereas Quinn is, as you said, grumpy, driven by his job, and has become...” John sighed. “Boring.”

  This was certainly an odd conversation. Had her boss really come in here just to ask question about his sons? He didn’t act as though he were ready to fire her or anything, more disappointed... but the disappointment seemed directed at Quinn.

  “Quinn’s okay, if a bit intense,” she said, deciding to be fair. Under different circumstances, she could see herself liking him. After all, not every man would be excited by pretty sunsets and fireworks. There was something romantic lurking behind Quinn’s rude exterior. “I think we got off on the wrong foot, but he’s probably a nice guy.”

  “I really am sorry I forced him to test you that way. He didn’t want to, if that makes you feel any better, but I told him it was part of his job. We can’t afford a scandal. Can you forgive us?”

  “Sure.” It wasn’t like she had much choice if she wanted the job. Besides, she could understand why they were so worried. Something like that could land them all in jail or ruin their business. They might own the island, but they were still beholden to United States laws. “Don’t worry about it anymore, sir. I’m fine.”

  John’s eyes widened, and Larissa hid a smile. He’d expected her to be more difficult. What, exactly, had Sydney told him?

  “I’m glad you’re so forgiving, Miss Benner, but let me make it up to you.” John tapped his fingers against his lips, seeming deep in thought. “I know! I saw that your parents are making use of the free stay offered to families in January.”

  Larissa nodded. Her folks had been so excited when she told them about it. An entire week in paradise, just when the weather would be at its worst in Iowa. With the money she’d been saving up by having her housing expenses covered, Larissa was even paying for their flight.

  It was the least she could do after they helped pay her medical bills. They deserved a great vacation.

  “I’m excited about it. I can hardly wait for January.”

  “Excellent. That fits into my plan perfectly.” John’s ready smile flashed across his face. “My wife’s having a small dinner party tonight. Come over and eat with us. After you’ve tried her excellent cooking, you and I can look at the reservation scheduler. Since you’ve been so understanding about everything, I’ll upgrade your parents to one of our master suites during their stay and we can add on some extras, too.”

  Larissa shook her head, shocked. “Sir, that’s really not necessary. I told you when I first interviewed for the job, I’m just excited about your benefits package. My parents coming out here for a week’s stay is a bonus I didn’t know about.”

  “Don’t tell me you’re refusing my offer?” John folded his arms together and shook his head. “No one says no to my wife’s roast beef dinner, and she’s making cake, too.”

  John seemed especially excited about the cake with the way happiness glowed in his eyes upon mentioning it.

  She suppressed a sigh. “You probably have a lot of fancy, rich guests at your party. I’d be out of place. I’m not trying to refuse your kindness, but I’m just an employee. I don’t belong at a dinner party. Please don’t worry about the way you guys tested me. I’m okay with it. I’m just happy I got the job.”

  “You’re wrong about not fitting in,” John insisted. “Susan really wants to meet you since we didn’t have a chance at the party to mingle. She and I have been discussing all day about what sorts of things to upgrade for your parents’ visit, and she suggested that I have you come out to the house so you can tell us more about them and what they’ll like to do. We are giving them a dream vacation.”

  She wondered if this was standard for all new employees. Quinn had said she was part of the family now. Maybe they took that seriously. The last thing she wanted to do was offend them. They could easily replace her with one of the others lining up for this job. Then she’d be right back where she started. Besides, anything nice she could do for her parents was worth a little discomfort at a McCallister dinner party.

  “If you’re sure, Mr. McCallister, I’d be honored to have dinner with you and your wife.”

  “Excellent. Our house is a few miles away, on a private beach, so you can’t walk there. I’ll send a car to pick you up in about an hour. Will that give you enough time to get ready?”

  “Sounds great.”

  And a bit terrifying.

  Chapter 6

  Quinn sat in his father’s study, sipping a tumbler of Brandy. The mystery guest hadn’t arrived yet, though he was now certain there was one, since he peeked in the dining room and saw four place settings. Quinn’s mom was in the kitchen making gravy for the roast while John kept him occupied. It definitely felt like a setup.

  “Who’s the other guest, Dad?”

  John took another pull on his glass, a smile playing across his lips. “I really think she’s a nice girl, son. Give her a chance.”

  With a sigh, Quinn downed the last of his drink. “Larissa?”

  “I figured I’d give you a chance at her without Parker around.” John chuckled. “If he were half as concerned with running the boats as he is with having a different bed partner every night, that boy might be a good help to you in the future.”

  Quinn never could figure out why his paren
ts were so forgiving of Parker and his playboy ways. Perhaps it was because he was such a charmer. No one could stay mad at Parker for long. Not even Quinn.

  The bigger problem here wasn’t Parker. It was his parents.

  “Do you and Mom remember what happened last time you set me up?”

  John’s forehead furrowed and his happy smile turned downward. “To be fair, Camille was a nice girl. You shouldn’t have married her if you weren’t willing to make time for her. You have to make time for love. That’s why Mom and I live away from the resort and take vacations every year.”

  Of course the divorce was his fault. John and Susan would never admit how hard they pushed him into marriage. He didn’t know why he was the one child, out of all five, who had to be involved in a relationship to make his parents happy. He was perfectly content spending his days in the office.

  “Dad, I know you and Mom mean well, but Larissa isn’t my type.” That was only partially a lie—he liked Larissa, but it turned out she was Parker’s type. He couldn’t compete with that, and he wouldn’t take his brother’s sloppy seconds. Forget the fact that he couldn’t get her off his mind all week long. It was easy to bury himself deeper into work to forget. Even if images of her fantastic smile danced in his vision at odd times when he forgot to guard himself against them.

  Quinn shook his head. “Maybe you should get Parker over here. You should settle that kid down and find him a wife, or you’ll end up with grandchildren that don’t have the McCallister name.”

  John looked up at the ceiling, a clear indication he was losing patience. “At the rate you’re going, it might be the only way we get grandchildren.” John met his eyes again. “Your mom and I are worried about you, Quinn. This obsession you have with the business isn’t healthy. Things won’t fall apart if you take some time off and let yourself be happy.”

  “I am happy, Dad. You don’t need to worry.” Well, mostly happy. If he could stop thinking about a certain massage therapist. “You should call Larissa and cancel. Let’s have a nice dinner just the three of us, and then we can go over the expense reports. I finished them today.”