***
The room erupted in applause as Jackson finished his speech, revealing his plans for a new casino resort that would be hottest attraction in Vegas in three years’ time. Carly adjusted her press badge on her dress. Everyone broke off into groups and took drinks and food from servers in the room.
Ever since her article in Chit-Chat had been published about the wonderful Grand Turk Castillo Resort, extolling its virtues as a premier destination for singles searching for romance, her professional career had exploded. Daphne ordered her to write monthly articles on great vacation destinations, geared to a female audience. Emails and phone calls poured in, praising her work, asking for more. The icing on the cake was Jagger Castillo calling personally about buying advertising in Chit-Chat and other print publications owned by the corporation.
Everything she had wished for had come to pass. But the emptiness inside kept her from getting a good night’s rest. She missed Quinn so goddamn much, she was close to asking if she could do a follow up article on Grand Turk with the real purpose of begging him to forgive her and to give them a chance. She checked her email on the hour, never let her phone out of her sight, but it seemed he’d forgotten her. The cycle had come full circle. Cass had “told her so” when she picked her up from the airport and she’d explained what had happened between her and Quinn, omitting Woody. Cass would have had a heart attack knowing her younger sister by five minutes had a ménage with two sexy men. Now she and Cass were in the same boat when it came to love—total failures.
She crossed the ballroom to the bar to have a glass or two of wine before she went home, alone. “Success in business but lacking in love,” she muttered.
As she parted her lips to give the bartender her order, a familiar voice spoke behind her. “The lady will have a glass of your finest champagne, and I’ll have whatever light beer you have on draft.”
She shut her eyes and swallowed. I have to be hearing things.
“Hello, Carly mine.”
Her eyes shot open, and when someone tweaked a lock of her hair, she spun around.
Quinn, dressed in a bold suit, the color of chocolate with a silk, maroon tie grinned at her. She dug her nails into her palms.
“What are you doing here?” His arms came around her, and she collapsed into them, breathing in his manly scent. “I’ve missed you so much.”
He traced a tear track on her cheek. His own eyes were damp. “You’re not wearing your glasses. You’re gorgeous with your hair down like this.”
She sniffed. “The glasses were part of my disguise along with my braid. I usually wear it free.”
“Good.” He rubbed his face against hers. “I love the way your hair slides across my chest and how it brushes over my crotch when you suck off my cock.”
Her stomach dropped. She let out a nervous laugh. “Are you here on business or pleasure?”
He rested his hands on her shoulders and flashed her a dazzling smile. “I’m living here now. I was offered a position I couldn’t refuse. I can tell you more about it after we have a drink together. I’m staying in one of the Castillo Hotel penthouses. We’ll order room service and spend the remainder of the night and the morning together talking about everything and anything until we can get over the past and move on.”
“Oh really? Just us? No Woody to help you out?” She took her drink and Quinn grabbed his.
A smoldering look filled his eyes and he tapped his bottle to her glass. “Woody’s given me his blessing. Don’t worry, he’ll come for a visit soon. But from now on, it’s just you and me. You’re all I need.”
“Is it true you have a Jacuzzi? I’ve heard all the penthouses have them,” she purred and tugged on his tie.
“Yes. We can soak in mine, and you can catch me up on everything you’ve been doing since you left me.” His eyes softened. “I read your article. So, I made your vacation a memorable experience?”
“I found my heart there.” She rested her palm on his chest.
He placed his hand over hers, his hungry stare making her want to jump in his arms and kiss him. “What a coincidence. I found mine, too.”
She melted, and not caring if anyone saw, wrapped her arms around Quinn and gave him a kiss. He returned her passion and didn’t stop until she was dizzy.
He whispered those three special words she’d been dying to hear.
Her heart exploded in her chest. “I love you, my darling Quinn. I think I always have.”