Free Island Pleasures by K. T. Grant Page A

you won’t be lonely for long. You may find romance where you least expect it.”
    She shifted from one leg to another and scraped the toe of her sandal across the floor. “I haven’t been too lucky in that department.”
    Fiona laughed. “Most of our single guests find a compatible companion while vacationing here. Or if you’re a romantic, perhaps your soul mate.” A dreamy haze clouded her eyes. “I’ve seen many couples fall in love at our resort.”
    Carly gritted her teeth. Love ? Please . Like that could happen over the course of a weekend, even with the beauty of the island or the possibility of hot monkey sex on the beach. She had no intention of going through with her 1Night Stand date either, despite the huge amount of money spent and paperwork filled out to get here.
    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