Spring Into Love
Contributors:
Chantel Rhondeau
Kimmie Easley
Rachelle Ayala
Abbie St. Claire
Bonnie Adams
Stacy Eaton
Lyssa Layne
Jade Kerrion
Michele Shriver
Marcia James
Alicia Street and Roy Street
Copyright © 2015 by:
Chantel Rhondeau
Kimmie Easley
Rachelle Ayala
Abbie St. Claire
Bonnie Adams
Stacy Eaton
Lyssa Layne
Jade Kerrion
Michele Shriver
M. A. Anderson
Alicia Street, Roy Street
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
This book was built at IndieWrites.com. Visit us on Facebook.
Spring Into Love
Happy Endings - Chantel Rhondeau
Quinn McCallister is a driven workaholic. Managing his family's island resort is all that matters. At least, until he meets the beautiful new massage therapist...
Larissa Benner survived cancer, but its aftermath left plenty of problems. The last thing she needs is a complicated office romance. It’s hard to resist Quinn’s charms. However, Quinn is married to his job and that has Larissa scared. If the cancer recurs would he choose her or the resort?
Tasting Los Angeles- Kimmie Easley
A woman struggling to stand on her own two feet. A man who refuses to let her stand alone.
After years of living by her military parents’ strict regimen, Tori decides to take a chance and moves to LA in search of becoming a fashion designer. Pouring herself into getting ahead leaves no time for anyone else.
Cole McMahon, her hunky neighbor, works as an exotic dancer and makes it his personal mission to change Tori’s view on love.
When life knocks her off her feet, Tori finds comfort in the most unexpected place, but is it enough?
Taming Romeo - Rachelle Ayala
Evie Sanchez is recovering from heartbreak when she runs into Romeo Garcia, the boy she left behind. Now a movie star, Romeo never understood why Evie stood him up. He whisks her away on his motorcycle and reignites her love with romance and adventure. Is the fantasy real or revenge? Evie and Romeo are about to discover if their buried feelings will explode in pure delight or utter disaster.
Consolation Prize - Abbie St. Claire
Flynn Davis invested years in a relationship with a beauty queen that had no payoff. After months of hiding at home, his friends lure him into a night out with a saucy bet. Chloe Howard buries her anxiety over attending a bachelorette party by coloring her hair pink and arriving drunk. Strangers, they soon become the victims of a bet that unknowingly sets them on a game that lasts a lifetime.
Sweet Ride! - Bonnie Edwards
Katie Calhoun must nurse her mentor and friend, Harry, back to health but she can’t handle “family”.
Successful banker Jace Donner is headed for a new career in Switzerland, but Uncle Harry needs him and family comes first.
On sight Jace suspects the worst of sexy Katie, but can’t resist her tough-minded dedication. Suspicion turns to desire as Jace invades Katie’s life.
Can he convince her their love is real?
Liveon ~ No Evil - Stacy Eaton
Detective Jacquelyn Liveon loves her job, but hates attention. Not once, but twice she saves heartthrob actor, Ryan Palmer and finds herself in the public spotlight. Ryan can’t believe a woman would save him and not want more from his glamorous life. Ryan brings Jackie on undercover to work for him, but it may backfire when explosive twists hit the movie set and turn everything upside down.
Everybody's After Love - Lyssa Layne
Jules Rossi’s world is about to be turned upside down when her big brother, Paulie, announces his engagement. Throughout all the wedding festivities, Jules’ path continues to cross with Paulie’s future brother-in-law, Bentley Ladner. Bentley soon begins to take on Paulie’s role in Jules’ life, which neither of the Rossi siblings is too sure about. Can Jules cope with the secrets Bentley is keeping? Or will she lose his support when she finally decides to give love a chance?
Betrayed - Jade Kerrion
Marguerite Ferrara wows audiences on the haute couture catwalks of Milan, Paris, and New York, but whenever she’s face-to-face with Drew Jackson, she feels like a gawky thirteen-year-old in love with a superstar who will never see her as more than his younger brother’s ex-girlfriend. Will Maggie’s friendship with Drew survive her career, her fame, and the rocky transition to love?
Finding Forever- Michele Shriver
An old flame ignites new passions...
Jordan Priestley buried her mother, her alcoholism, and her California dreams to start over in Texas. Defending the accused in a violent border town is a far cry from the entertainment law practice she abandoned, and that’s the way Jordan likes it. Happiness eludes her until a former client-turned-lover Jake Morrison arrives in town for a movie shoot, tempting Jordan with a hopeful future, while dredging up mistakes from her past.
Love Unleashed - Marcia James
His best laid plans...
Ron Hart has a scheme to win back the woman he loves. It involves an animal adoption fair, a goofy dog named Charlie and an offer she can’t refuse.
Her hidden desires...
Cara Wilson has secret fantasies, and her ex-boyfriend still features in her erotic dreams. If only he didn’t keep his bad-boy urges so tightly leashed.
Tonight they’ll learn that winning sometimes takes losing control.
Kiss Me, Dancer - Alicia & Roy Street
Ballet teacher Casey Richardson is all too familiar with hard times and disappointment. After years of struggle, she’s on the verge of losing her beloved dance academy. Enter handsome playboy businessman Drew Byrne. The sexy divorced dad would fix things with a check if she’d let him. After all, Casey’s the only person who’s been able to reach his shy, withdrawn son. But will saving her school mean losing her heart?
Happy Endings
Chantel Rhondeau
Copyright © 2015 by:
Chantel Rhondeau
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
Cover Design: EDH Graphics
This book was built at IndieWrites.com. Visit us on Facebook.
Dedication
In loving memory of my niece-in-law: Tara, you fought a courageous battle with cancer, and we lost you too soon. We love you!
Acknowledgement
A great many people help during the process of my writing. I was pushed to finish this book by my writing bestie and good friend, Rachelle Ayala, as well as the other women who took the Romance In A Month class with me. Thanks for all the support and fun along the way!
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My biggest thanks goes out to my great group of beta readers and proof readers. I can’t thank these wonderful people enough or repay them: Author Rachelle Ayala, Editor Sara Kay, Author Lyssa Lane, Nickie M. I couldn’t do this without your help.
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My awesome cover artist is always on point, creating a beautiful package for my novels. Thank you, Erin at ED
H Graphics. I’m so grateful to have you on the team.
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I’d also like to thank you, the reader. With each new book, I’m even more grateful for my growing list of fans and people who enjoy the same sorts of things that I do. I write because I can’t NOT write, but I also do this for you. Thanks for sticking with me.
Chapter 1
Larissa Benner stared at the mostly naked man lying on the massage table. Had Quinn McCallister just asked her what she thought he did? She forced her eyes away from his shapely body, not allowing her mind to dwell on his sexy six-pack abs. Quinn was a handsome man and could likely get with any woman on the island. Why would he offer to pay her for that kind of service?
She tucked a strand of long brown hair behind her ear. “I think I heard you wrong, Mr. McCallister,” she said. “What kind of massage did you want?”
Quinn chuckled, a rich, deep sound.
Larissa looked at him again, despite her resolve not to. His gorgeous eyes caught and trapped her gaze. They were an unusual color, nearly a steel gray. Coupled with his jet-black hair, Quinn’s hotness jumped her pulse up a notch.
“You heard right, Larissa.” Her name flowed from his mouth in a sexy lilt, as if he caressed the word with his tongue. “I asked for a happy ending massage. I’ll pay extra. Maybe even a bonus if you’re good at your job.”
She swallowed hard and fought against blushing. How many women had been convinced to have sex with him, just by gazing into Quinn’s amused eyes? However, his request for her to get him off while massaging him was not at all amusing.
“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re asking, sir.” She folded her arms tight against her body, trying hard not to display her disgust with his request. “I do many massage techniques, but that’s not something I offer. Ever. I have a brochure explaining what you can get from me if you’re interested in receiving a service I will perform.”
She hoped that sounded professional enough. After all, Quinn McCallister was technically her boss, even if his dad made the final decisions on the island resort.
He shifted on the massage table, propping himself on one elbow. Unfortunately, that caused the sheet draped across his nude midsection to slip down further, showing off the sexy v-shaped crease at his waistline. “Of course this isn’t a service you normally offer, Larissa. That’s against the resort’s rules. But I’m not just any client, I’m the boss.” His grin widened. “I dictate the type of service you’ll offer, if you know what’s good for you. And I want to be serviced.”
Larissa’s mouth dried out and she gazed past him to the large bay window beyond. The ocean was calm with gentle waves lapping against the pristine private beach. She’d always liked the fact that guests weren’t allowed to wander outside the spa complex, in order to better preserve the relaxing atmosphere for the patrons inside. Today she didn’t get a feeling of calm from the seclusion. She felt trapped and alone. No one was around to overhear what Quinn demanded she do.
Straightening her spine, Larissa looked back into his eyes unflinchingly. She needed to present a strong front and maybe he would back down. “What, exactly, are you saying, Mr. McCallister?”
The smile on his face never wavered. “I’m saying that if you want to stay on the island during the off season, obtaining the one full-time position we have open for a massage therapist, you need to show me what you can do. What can I expect to get when there aren’t many guests here? The off season lacks many women, after all. I don’t want my bed to be lonely.”
Suddenly, Quinn’s good looks were repulsive and his smile didn’t strike her as charming at all.
“Is that truly my option, Mr. McCallister?” she asked, spitting his name out like a curse word. “I get you off or lose my job?”
If he took affront to her tone, Quinn gave no indication. “Yep, that’s the choice. And it is a good deal, really. Take care of me, and I’ll take care of you. My father’s leaving the decision up to me this season for which employees to keep, but said you’re the front runner in his opinion. If you can make me happy, the job is yours.”
Tears pricked the corners of Larissa’s eyes. The elder McCallister, John, knew how badly she wanted the full-time position here. Living in a paradise resort on a private island would be the perfect job by anyone’s standards, but for Larissa it was more than that. She needed the insurance benefits that came with the full-time job. The insurance she had managed to pay for on her own would barely help in the case of a complete disaster.
Given her medical history, a disaster could happen at any time.
Still, she couldn’t do what Quinn asked. Under normal circumstances, she’d never fight back. Before understanding just how important insurance was for her, she would have just walked away quietly... but this was her life Quinn toyed with.
Entirely ignoring his body, Larissa met Quinn’s eyes again. “Mr. McCallister, I’m sure you’re aware that what you are asking for is illegal. Furthermore, threatening my job if I refuse is outright sexual harassment. I’ve earned this position by being a good therapist. I don’t need to massage your penis to prove my skill. Kindly, put your clothes on and leave, or I’ll report this conversation to your father.”
Quinn shrugged, his aggravating smile not faltering one bit. “Do you think he’ll believe you over me? Get a clue, Larissa. You’ll do what I ask or line up with everyone else catching a plane off the island tomorrow.”
Tears stung her eyes, but Larissa wouldn’t let them fall in front of him. The choice he gave her was unbelievable, but she had to consider it. After all, if her cancer came back and she was unemployed, how would she manage? Her parents practically bankrupted themselves paying for the treatment she needed last time.
She closed her eyes, trying to talk herself into just giving him what he wanted and getting it over with. After all, what would it cost her—other than her self-respect?
Her stomach curled with disgust thinking about it. “No.” She might be desperate, but she wasn’t a whore. “I want this job so much, but not if that’s a requirement. Good luck finding another therapist as good as me.”
Without waiting for his reaction, Larissa spun on her heel and marched out the door. She might as well go to her room and start packing. All the employees not staying on through the slow season would fly out tomorrow. Too bad she had to join them. As much as she loved the island and her job here, she’d find another way to get what she needed.
She wouldn’t touch Quinn McCallister for all the money in the world, let alone pleasuring him for a job with insurance benefits.
***
Quinn watched Larissa walk away, surprised by the way the angry set of her chin and sexy sway of her hips attracted him. She was intriguing. And stronger than he thought she’d be—that made her even sexier.
With a shake of his head, Quinn made himself focus on the reason he came here. After all, he was second in command of the island. He didn’t have time for idle attractions to employees.
It was a great relief Larissa refused his demands. If she’d started touching him, Quinn would have had a difficult time ordering her to stop before he fired her. Being attracted to the employee he tested wasn’t a good thing. But Larissa was so different from his ex-wife—Quinn couldn’t help but think the changes were all to the good. Camille had been beautiful and knew it. Larissa was merely pretty, but in a way that drew his attention, especially since she didn’t act snobby about it.
He closed his eyes, picturing her again. Once she found out the full-time job for the off season and beyond was hers for the taking, he doubted Larissa would want anything to do with him. He’d never see her again privately, so it couldn’t hurt to indulge his attraction for a few seconds. Larissa’s brown hair was a little longer than shoulder length, framing her sweet, heart-shaped face. Even though anger had been apparent in her eyes when she glared at him, their greenish blue shade was enchanting.
Wholesome. That was the word which best described Larissa’s good looks. She’d proven it wasn’t
only her looks that were wholesome by refusing his threats to her job and not servicing him. Not all women would have turned him down. That was an act of bravery Quinn admired.
Sighing, he stood up. No more daydreaming about Larissa Benner’s sweet face. He needed to speak with his father.
After dressing, Quinn left the spa portion of the complex and walked into the humid air outside. It was the perfect day for a party. Tonight’s farewell dinner for guests and employees who would leave tomorrow would be a success. The rainy season wasn’t far off, and they wouldn’t have many more days such as this. As much as Quinn hated wasting time outside that could be better spent in his office working on the island’s budget for next season, it’d be nice to enjoy paradise while it lasted.
He hopped onto his four-wheeler and raced it across the sandy beach toward the main office of the resort. McCallister’s Paradise wasn't a large island, being only about seventy square miles, but Quinn loved every foot of it. More exclusive than any resort in Hawaii, McCallister’s Island was a destination for the rich and famous. With two golf courses, a spa, and plenty of activities to keep guests happy, the resort continued to flourish and grow.
As a child, he’d played on every beach, hiked every trail in the center of the island, and swam in lakes that resort guests never even knew about. Of course, that was back before he took the job as his father’s future successor. He had responsibilities now that didn’t allow him time to enjoy the pleasures of the island.
Reaching the main offices, Quinn entered the large limestone building. Waving at the receptionist, he took the stairs two at a time and stopped at his father’s door, knocking before entering.
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