Island Pleasures(2)

She cleared her throat. “Sounds nice. Do you have time to tell me more about the resort and recommend some fun things I can do?”

Fiona nodded. “We can talk in the restaurant. The buffet lunch is being served.”

“Sounds great,” Carly said with just enough enthusiasm. In the oceanfront restaurant, the smell of sizzling meat, along with the tropical fruit and other tasty delights made her salivate. A lively crowd surrounded the bar.

Fiona guided her to a vacant table with a perfect view of all the action. “I need to check with my boss to see if I can take an early lunch break.” She glanced around and her face brightened. “I don’t have to go far. He’s by the bar. Excuse me.”

She darted off and Carly dug into her purse for her phone. Before she could check for a text from Cass, her new friend reappeared.

Carly’s heart jumped into her throat. Next to Fiona stood a man she’d never thought she’d see again.

“This is Brian Woodall, our social events coordinator,” Fiona explained.

She slumped in her seat. Brian’s—better known as Woody in their college days—eyes lit up in recognition.





Chapter Two





Quinn took a sip of tepid coffee and scowled. He needed more caffeine before he dove into his work again, but this was two hours old and stale. Cracking his neck from side to side, he laid his head back and closed his eyes. He wished he could take the rest of the day off and relax on the beach instead of sitting behind his desk. His promotion as head of employee relations had increased his workload far more than he’d expected.

He sat up at a knock on the door. What now? “Come in.”

His secretary, Margaret, entered. “Mr. Castillo wants to see you in his office.”

“Why?”

The older woman arched a brow. “You’ve been summoned. You have five minutes to make yourself presentable.”

He stared at his pants. Not one wrinkle in the fabric. “I’m always presentable.”

A suffering sigh left Margaret. “Your hair is sticking up, and you have shadows under your eyes. Go splash some cold water on your face. Trust me on this, boss.” She turned on her heel and left, closing the door behind her before he could argue.

Being late wasn’t his style. He stepped into the adjoining bathroom and dipped his comb in water, taming the cowlicks. Not a gray hair in the coal black strands, despite his stressful new position. At least he had gained confidence working with one of the most powerful businessmen in all the Caribbean. After rubbing his face and back of his neck with a wet wash cloth and splashing on a touch of cologne, he felt much more alert.

As he left, to head down the hall to his employer’s office, Margaret presented him a fresh cup of coffee. He sighed in relief, the caffeine boosting his energy after a few gulps.

Jagger, deep in conversation on the phone, waved him in.

He shut the door and sat down taking another sip of coffee while he waited.

Jagger ended his call and grinned. “Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with me. I need you on duty this weekend and all of next week.”

“I’m taking a few days off to catch up on rest.”

“Sorry, you can’t.” His boss gifted him with the dark, predatory stare that made men cower and women sigh.

Undaunted, he met the unwavering gaze straight on. He tapped his knee, resigned to his employer’s request. “What’s so important you need me to work overtime?”

“Jackson has called me away to Atlantic City to check on the progress of the new casino there. He’s overwhelmed in Vegas. I need you to be in charge here while I’m gone.”

He cleared his throat and tugged on his suddenly constricting tie. “There has to be someone else with more experience and years of service—”

“Your work speaks for itself. I’m very pleased with the way you’ve helped me run the resort. I trust you to make sure things go off without a hitch.”

“As long as the booze is flowing and people get laid, why would there be any problem?”

Part of him was excited for the opportunity to show his worth, but the responsibility could also lead to even more stress and headaches. I’ll suck it up and take time off later this month.

“It’s come to my attention we have an imposter in our midst who might cause trouble.”

“Someone among the staff?” Impossible. Each Castillo employee was thoroughly investigated and endured a rigorous interview process before he or she was hired. If there was an issue with one of them, he would have been made aware.

“Not among my staff.” Jagger’s face revealed nothing.

“You’ve lost me,” he said, running a hand through his hair.