Love’s Ride
McCallister’s Paradise – 4
Chantel Rhondeau
Contents
About the Book
Acknowledgments
McCallister Family Tree
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Author’s Note
Also by Chantel Rhondeau
Read on for an excerpt of Cooking Up Love (McCallister’s Paradise – 5)
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
About the Book
Love’s Ride
(McCallister’s Paradise – 4)
Chantel Rhondeau
Brad McCallister has always felt estranged from his family. He thought taking over as manager of their paradise resort would make him feel more connected but that hasn’t happened. To top it off, his siblings are finding life partners and settling down while Brad’s still single. If only he could stop obsessing over the island's psychologist, Chelsea Taylor.
Chelsea loves working at McCallister's Paradise. She enjoys the large family of employees and feels at home in the sand and sunshine. The only thing missing is the spice of adventure. She longs to explore the island and conquer her longstanding fears.
After Brad’s sister schemes to bring Brad and Chelsea together things go horribly wrong, but Brad refuses to give up without a fight. A two-week island adventure will not only help fulfill Chelsea’s lifelong dream of being a survivalist, it will give them a chance to get to know each other—away from his meddling family.
This couple gets more than they bargained for when survival takes on a new meaning in paradise.
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“A wonderful book about surviving the elements and overcoming odds to find love.”
Reader Rebecca Austin
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“An island adventure worth waiting for, especially when love is the final reward.”
Author Rachelle Ayala
Electronic Edition
Copyright 2015 Chantel Rhondeau
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Cover Design: EDH Graphics
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This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to an ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
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This book is a work of fiction. The characters, names, events, and places in this novel are used fictitiously or are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to real people, living or dead, or to places, businesses, or events, is entirely coincidental.
Dedication
To my big brother, Josh, who always made me feel like a princess and had my back whenever I got stuck in a tree and needed rescued.
Acknowledgments
I can’t do what I do without the help of a great team of proofreaders and beta readers who help me in the editing process and just encourage me along the way. Thank you so much: Rebecca Austin, Jill D, Author Rachelle Ayala, Editor Sara Kay, Liza Robbins, and Evelyn N.
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Erin at EDH Graphics is awesome! I’m always amazed and in awe of the wonderful covers she creates to showcase my stories. Thank you!
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Also a big thanks to you for picking up this book. If this is your first time to McCallister’s Paradise, I hope you enjoy the adventure. If you’re a return visitor, welcome back. Enjoy the beach!
McCallister Family Tree
John & Susan McCallister - Parents/owners of McCallister’s Paradise
Quinn is the oldest brother. He is an artist and married Larissa Benner, a massage therapist on the island. Their story was told in Happy Endings and happened during November, Year Zero. They are now pregnant.
Parker is the second brother, a huge flirt who runs the snorkeling/scuba diving expeditions on the island. His fiancée Sierra Burns comes from a rich family with problems. Their story was told in Diving Into Love and happened during Summer, Year 1. Parker’s son is Ryan – born May 15, year 1.
Sydney is the only girl in the family and runs the McCallister Family Charity Fund. Her fiancé Matt Coleson ran a charity in New York City to help people with addiction problems get back on their feet (New Beginnings). Their story was told in For Love or Charity and happened during November, Year 1.
Brad is second-to-youngest brother. He took over as manager of McCallister’s Paradise after Quinn married Larissa. Before that, he managed the resort’s horse stables. His story is told in Love’s Ride and happens in April, Year 2.
Shane is the baby of the family. He acts as head chef at Paradise Point Restaurant and oversees The Pavilion staff.
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Thanks to Jill D. for suggesting a family tree as a reminder of the relations on McCallister’s Paradise.
Chapter 1
Brad McCallister kept a smile pasted on his face as people wandered the island’s new art gallery, stopping to examine this picture or that. As much of a rivalry as Brad had with his oldest brother, Quinn, it was difficult to keep his happy façade in place. Quinn’s artwork might be worthy of hanging on the walls of the finest homes in the United States, but Brad couldn’t help but feel that, once again, he was left in the dust while everyone fawned over Quinn’s talents.
“Your smile’s slipping,” a voice whispered from behind his shoulder.
Redoubling his efforts, Brad turned to his sister. “It’s here. See?” He gave her a huge, cheesy grin.
Sydney laughed and shook her head. “So not convincing, little brother. Here, try this.” She handed him a shot glass. “I figured your favorite brandy could help take the edge off.”
“Thanks.” Brad tipped the glass back, enjoying the smooth burn of the amber liquid while it traversed his throat.
As manager of their family’s island resort, Brad typically didn’t drink during an island function, knowing at any moment he could be called away to deal with a problem. However, Sydney was right. He had to keep his cool and not let jealousy eat him alive. A little tipsiness would help further that goal along and keep him from growling at anyone.
“The good news is that this shindig ends in another half hour,” Sydney pointed out, taking the shot glass from him. “By the way, Quinn and Larissa asked us to stick around for a few afterward.”
Brad wrinkled his brow. “Why?”
“Something about the baby.” Sydney shrugged. “I heard a rumor that she went for another ultrasound yesterday. Maybe we’ll finally know what the darn kid is.”
That provoked a real smile from Brad. “I hope it’s a girl. Ryan needs a cousin to protect.”
“Nah.” Sydney shook her head. “He needs another boy to fight and explore with.”
Brad gave a light punch
to his sister’s arm. “Being a girl didn’t stop you from exploring with the boys.”
Sydney nodded, and they both looked over at their clearly pregnant sister-in-law from where she stood with Quinn. “Larissa was an only child, though. I have a feeling she’ll be more inclined to coddle her kids. I can’t see her letting her daughter go off on horseback, exploring the island like we did.”
“That’s why she’ll go with Ryan. He’ll keep her out of trouble.”
Their second brother, Parker, was the only one with a kid already. His son would turn one the middle of next month. Ryan would be the perfect age to look out for his younger cousin, whether Larissa had a boy or a girl.
“Speaking of Ryan,” Brad said, “where is he tonight? I figured I’d hang around him and avoid most of the chaos at this party.”
“Our brother didn’t want him out so late past his bedtime. Parker talked one of the people who run the island’s daycare into going to their house and staying with him until the party ended.”
Which meant there was nothing for Brad to do here but continue practicing his smile. Ordinarily he spent time with his little nephew, and that made family gatherings worth it. That was one more thing his older brothers both had that he wanted. Kids.
First, he had to find the right woman of course.
Glancing across the busy room of the gallery, Brad spotted the curly-haired beauty who he thought would make a perfect mother. Dr. Chelsea Taylor had been on the island for a year. Although Brad had developed a crush on her from the moment she arrived, he’d still been too nervous to ask her on a date.
Chelsea was deep in conversation with Parker’s fiancée, Sierra. The psychologist threw her head back, laughing at something Sierra said. Unlike Brad himself, it was rare to see Chelsea without a smile on her face. The woman was in a perpetual state of bliss. After listening to people’s problems all day long, Brad wondered how she did it. He couldn’t keep himself happy, and he only had his problems to handle.
“If you stare any harder, she’s going to notice,” Sydney said, startling him. “Why don’t you just talk to her like a normal human being? You’ve probably said five words to her in a year. I think it’s time you fixed that.”
“I can’t. I have to stay here and watch the door. We can’t have anyone leave without paying for one of Quinn’s paintings.”
Sydney shoved him, causing Brad to stumble forward. “Talk to her. I’ll watch the door.”
Brad shrugged her hand away from his back. “I’m okay where I am, Syd. Stop it. Go find your man and leave me alone.”
“You’re impossible.” Sydney spun around, her light brown hair swishing around her shoulders.
To Brad’s dismay, she marched straight across to where Sierra and Chelsea visited. She wouldn’t say anything to embarrass him, would she?
Scratch that. Of course, she would. Sydney did whatever she wanted to, without regard to what others wanted.
Holding his breath, Brad watched the three ladies, trying to read their lips and wondering how soon it would be before one of them looked over at him. That was when Chelsea would shake her head and laugh—laugh at the idea of dating a guy five years younger than her and a polar opposite in attitude and mood. Sydney thought she was helping, but his sister was just hastening the end of his dream.
To his relief, after several minutes none of the women looked his direction, and he dared to breathe normally again. Maybe, for once in her life, Sydney decided not to meddle in someone else’s business.
When the party began winding down, Brad looked around the gallery. As he’d suspected, letting Quinn have this empty store on the east end of the shopping district had been a good idea. Most of the paintings Quinn had prepared for opening night were either off the walls and with their new owners or had tags attached to them stating “sold.”
Whether Brad had issues with his brother or not, Quinn’s talent couldn’t be denied, and the art gallery would be a further draw for visitors to McCallister’s Paradise. Besides the chic clothing shops and souvenir stores, Quinn’s art gallery was another experience people couldn’t get anywhere else.
Quinn approached the front of the shop, his dark hair having a spot of white paint in the front as it usually did these days. A grin broke out on his face as he approached Brad. “What do you think, little brother? Pretty good turnout.”
“Yep,” Brad agreed. “I think your monthly rent is going to be money well spent.”
Quinn laughed. “You could have offered me a discount since we’re brothers.”
“I could have, but that wouldn’t be fair to the other shops on the island. They all pay the high rent.”
Stopping beside him, Quinn folded his arms together. “You don’t seem happy, Brad. No matter what I do, you’re always upset about something. What is it this time?”
Brad knew Quinn was right. Ever since marrying Larissa, Quinn had changed. He no longer tried to compete with Brad over everything. He never went to the horse stables unless it was to ride, and after handing everything over to manage the island, Quinn never showed his face around the office. That didn’t stop him from offering advice, but still, Brad was the manager of the island now.
Maybe Brad had held the grudge against his oldest brother for too long. Just because he’d felt left out as a kid while Quinn and Parker were the best of friends didn’t mean things couldn’t change now that they had grown up.
Clapping his hand against Quinn’s shoulder, Brad gave him a curt nod. “I am happy for you, Quinn. I don’t mean to be a grouch. You’re going to have to work overtime to paint enough to restock the gallery. People love your artwork.”
Quinn’s lips twitched back to a grin. “Well, I didn’t display everything yet. I’ll need to have things ready once the baby’s born. I won’t have as much time to paint because I’ll need to get home to Larissa and our kid.”
Brad shook his head. “No matter how hard I try to like you, I can’t help being jealous. A wonderful woman and a baby on the way. I wish I had that.”
“You’ll find someone,” Quinn said. “In the meantime, you’re an excellent uncle to Ryan, and Larissa and I would love it if you’d spend time with our baby too. Maybe you can even babysit her... uh, it, once in a while.”
“Her?” Brad whispered. “It’s a girl?”
“Shhh...” Quinn pressed his index finger against his lips. “That’s Larissa’s announcement once everyone leaves, but yes. We’re having a girl, and now you’re the first to know.”
Not able to stop himself, Brad grabbed Quinn in a bear hug. “Congratulations, Quinn. I’m still jealous but also really happy for you.”
Chapter 2
Psychologist Dr. Chelsea Taylor sipped champagne and smiled at her best friends on the island. Although Sierra and Sydney were both former patients, Sierra had switched therapists to one of the new ones hired last year, and Sydney had finished her treatment sessions—declaring herself healed. After that, the women had all become close friends.
“Hey, I was thinking.” Sydney snatched a glass of champagne from a tray as a server walked past.
“You think?” Chelsea teased. “Imagine that?”
Continuing as though she hadn’t heard, Sydney said, “Matt has tomorrow off, and I threatened him about bringing any work home. We should go for a picnic.”
“Sounds like that would be fun for you guys,” Chelsea answered, wondering if Sydney felt insecure for some reason and wanted Chelsea’s professional opinion about the picnic. She sure hoped Matt and Sydney weren’t having problems again.
“You misunderstood what I’m saying. I meant for you to come with us.” Sydney reached over with her empty hand and squeezed Chelsea’s shoulder. “We’re taking the horses up to the meadow, and you need to get off the beach for once.”
Wasn’t that the truth? Chelsea had lived on McCallister’s Paradise for almost a year. Even though she knew there was much more to the island than the four miles of sandy beaches she lived on, she had yet to see anything.
“That sounds fun, but I don’t want to intrude.”
“You aren’t intruding,” Sydney assured her. “I invited you. Maybe Parker and Sierra would like to come?”
As Sydney turned to Sierra, Chelsea thought she caught something pass between the two ladies but wasn’t sure what it was.
After a second, Sierra shook her head. “Parker has a snorkeling trip scheduled tomorrow with important guests, and I want to stay home with Ryan. I hated getting a sitter for him tonight but with Larissa’s big announcement, it’ll be late before we get back out to the house.”
Chelsea couldn’t help herself from giving Sierra a sidelong grin, and Sierra smiled back before ducking her head so Sydney wouldn’t notice. Besides Parker and Sierra, Chelsea was the only person on the island who knew Sierra had her own announcement to make. It would have to wait, though. Sierra had kept quiet because she didn’t want to steal Larissa and Quinn’s thunder.
As slick as Chelsea thought their private exchange had gone, Sydney was too damn sharp.
“What was that look for?” she asked, putting a hand on her hip. “Is there something you ladies aren’t telling me?”
Sierra glanced up, her hazel eyes round with surprise. “I-I-I—”
“It was nothing,” Chelsea interrupted, stopping Sierra’s stammering. “Nothing more significant than the look you gave her before when you didn’t really want Sierra joining us tomorrow for the picnic, I mean.”
Sydney gave a soft pout before shaking her head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. For a psychologist, I think you’re kind of crazy.”
Love's Ride (McCallister's Paradise Book 4) Page 1
