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grateful for the full-time job.”
    “Can I ask a question?” he asked. “If it’s totally inappropriate, you have permission to tell me to shove it.”
    That surprised her into a smile. She’d only met with John a few times, but he always shocked her slightly. For a rich businessman, he was unusually laid back and casual with everyone, even lowly employees.
    “In that case, ask away.”
    John’s eyes narrowed slightly. “What happened between Quinn and you last weekend? Sydney told me you both left, separately, before the fireworks started.”
    Dangerous territory, especially when she didn’t know just what John was expecting to have happened between her and Quinn. “Quinn didn’t really seem happy to be my escort, sir. A bit grumpy, actually. When Parker asked me to dance, Quinn said I should. When I came back to the table to watch the fireworks with him like we’d planned earlier in the evening, Sydney said he’d left.”
    If John had talked to Sydney, she likely told him that Quinn left angry. Sydney didn’t seem like the type to hold anything back.
    Larissa sure hoped John wasn’t here to take the job away since Quinn didn’t like her. It was frustrating, and she didn’t understand what happened. Quinn seemed so nice at the beginning of the night, but never said it was a date. How could she know she shouldn’t have danced with Parker?
    “Ah, Parker.” John’s smile took on a strained quality. “That rascal gets with more girls. It’s a wonder any other man has a chance with anyone on the island.”
    Larissa giggled, unable to stop herself. “He’s a charming little devil. I’ve seen you with people, sir, and I’m thinking he takes after his father.”
    “Whereas Quinn is, as you said, grumpy, driven by his job, and has become...” John sighed. “Boring.”
    This was certainly an odd conversation. Had her boss really come in here just to ask question about his sons? He didn’t act as though he were ready to fire her or anything, more disappointed... but the disappointment seemed directed at Quinn.
    “Quinn’s okay, if a bit intense,” she said, deciding to be fair. Under different circumstances, she could see herself liking him. After all, not every man would be excited by pretty sunsets and fireworks. There was something romantic lurking behind Quinn’s rude exterior. “I think we got off on the wrong foot, but he’s probably a nice guy.”
    “I really am sorry I forced him to test you that way. He didn’t want to, if that makes you feel any better, but I told him it was part of his job. We can’t afford a scandal. Can you forgive us?”
    “Sure.” It wasn’t like she had much choice if she wanted the job. Besides, she could understand why they were so worried. Something like that could land them all in jail or ruin their business. They might own the island, but they were still beholden to United States laws. “Don’t worry about it anymore, sir. I’m fine.”
    John’s eyes widened, and Larissa hid a smile. He’d expected her to be more difficult. What, exactly, had Sydney told him?
    “I’m glad you’re so forgiving, Miss Benner, but let me make it up to you.” John tapped his fingers against his lips, seeming deep in thought. “I know! I saw that your parents are making use of the free stay offered to families in January.”
    Larissa nodded. Her folks had been so excited when she told them about it. An entire week in paradise, just when the weather would be at its worst in Iowa. With the money she’d been saving up by having her housing expenses covered, Larissa was even paying for their flight.
    It was the least she could do after they helped pay her medical bills. They deserved a great vacation.
    “I’m excited about it. I can hardly wait for January.”
    “Excellent. That fits into my plan perfectly.” John’s ready smile flashed across his face. “My wife’s having a small dinner party tonight. Come over and eat with us. After you’ve tried her excellent