Kate Hoffmann - The Mighty Quinns - Ryan

2

SERENA ROLLED OVER in bed and squinted at the clock. From the light filtering through the shutters, she could tell that it was closer to noon than to midnight. She’d slept for five hours without moving and she felt perfectly refreshed.

They’d spend a week on Fiji, and though this was technically her hen party, in truth, she didn’t feel much like celebrating. Instead, she wanted to distract herself with exercise and adventure. Perhaps that was the best way to calm what Thom called her “prewedding jitters.”

“Jitters,” she murmured. Serena held out her hand. She wasn’t jittery. She felt a sense of calm now that she’d put an entire ocean between herself and the wedding plans. She could almost pretend it wasn’t happening.

She smiled, remembering her conversation with Ryan Quinn. The idea of spending the next week with him was more appealing than spending it with her four bridesmaids. And just because she enjoyed his company, didn’t mean she was cheating.

Unfortunately, Ben didn’t have the same loyalty to her. He’d strayed twice in the past year, both times with married costars. The tabloids had printed the rumors but hadn’t been able to confirm them, and Serena had almost convinced herself that his behavior was indeed part of his “process.” In order to play a believable romantic scene on-screen, Ben claimed he needed to experience real romance with his costar.

She frowned. Why did that suddenly seem so disingenuous? Was it because her doubts about their pending marriage were growing deeper with every day that passed? Was it because she was searching for a way out and the clock was ticking down?

Cursing softly, Serena rolled out of bed and rummaged through her suitcase for a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. She slipped into a pair of sport sandals, then grabbed a band and gathered her tousled hair into a ponytail. Her sunglasses were tucked in her purse, and she pulled them out and put them on top of head.

The housekeeper, Juni, was in the kitchen and offered Serena some lunch when she walked through. Serena politely declined, instead grabbing a banana and a bottle of water. “Have you seen Ryan?”

“He said he was going to take a walk on the beach,” Juni said. “The other ladies are at the pool, enjoying mimosas. And Mr. Miles is in the office on the phone.”

She wandered out onto the rear terrace and headed to the pool. Her bridesmaids were dressed in colorful bikinis and sprawled on cushioned chaises. “Let the adventure begin,” Serena called.

They all groaned. “Have a drink,” Arabella insisted, her glass dangling from her fingers. “It’ll help with the hangover and the jet lag. And your infernal enthusiasm.”

Serena settled onto a chair and turned her face up to the sun, but before long, she sighed impatiently. “We can’t spend the entire week lying about like this. It’s a crashing bore.”

Caroline sat up and glanced around. “We could go shopping. I’m up for that.”

“We can shop at home. Don’t you want to explore the island? We’re in Fiji. There are jungles and volcanoes and—well, I don’t know what else. I want to see something amazing.”

“Do they have a Tiffany’s here? We could go look at diamonds,” Cecily said. “They’re amazing.”

“Have a drink, Serena,” Lizzy said. “Relax”

A long silence descended over the group. Maybe they were right. Maybe she should just relax for a day and let everyone decompress from the flight. Then they’d all want to do something tomorrow.

“Who is that?” Lizzy asked, tugging her sunglasses down and staring toward the beach. “Is that our pool boy? Oh, my, I call dibs. That man is going to be in my bed tonight.”

“Then I get him tomorrow night,” Arabella said.

Serena sat up and gazed toward the beach, then smiled. “That’s not the pool boy, that’s Quinn.” All four girls turned and looked at her for further explanation. “Ryan Quinn? He was on the plane with us last night. He helped you with your bags?”

“He’s the butler?” Lizzy asked.

“He’s the adventure guide,” Serena said. She waved to him as he approached, taking a moment to admire the sight. He was dressed in board shorts and nothing more. His tanned chest was muscled, his shoulders wide. He looked impossibly fit but not the fit that came from hours with a trainer. His skin gleamed with a sheen of sweat, and it looked as if he’d been running on the beach.

“Bloody hell, Serena, you’re drooling.”

Serena glanced over at Caroline. “What?”

“Hi,” Ryan said as he climbed the steps to the pool terrace. His gaze was fixed on her and he didn’t seem to notice the other four women there.

“Good morning,” she said. “Or afternoon.”

“Did you sleep well?” he asked, a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. Her heart skipped and Serena drew a deep breath. He was so much sexier in the light of day.

“I did. Sleep. But now I’m ready for some excitement. Adventure.” She cleared her throat. “Ryan, let me introduce you to my bridesmaids. Lizzy Stanton is on the end. And that’s Arabella Moulton-Gray,” she continued. “This is my maid of honor, Cecily Winston. And that’s Caroline Pentwell.”

“Hello,” Ryan said, gifting them all with a charming smile. “It’s nice to meet you. I’ve got a great plan for this afternoon if you’re up for it.”

Serena nodded. “Absolutely.”

“When would you like to go?” he asked.

“Now,” Serena said. “I’m ready now.”

“Let me change and I’ll meet you all out front in ten minutes. Wear sturdy shoes.” He glanced down at Serena’s feet. “Like those.”

He waved and walked to the house, five pairs of eyes fixed on his retreat.

“That man needs an agent. He is all kinds of hot,” Arabella said. She turned to Serena. “And you, my darling Serena, are smitten.”

Serena gasped. “What?”

“Totally smitten,” Cecily said. “So, how was he in bed?”

“I did not sleep with him!” Serena cried.

“Then what was all that talk about sleeping well?” Caroline asked. “And that stare. He looked like he was about to devour you.”

“In case you’ve all forgotten, I’m getting married next month.”

“Yeah, but you don’t love Ben,” Arabella said.

Serena frowned. “What—what makes you say that?”

“You never talk about him,” Cecily said. “You haven’t mentioned him once since we left L.A. We understand. It’s all for show. And it’s a great PR move. We’ll play our part.”

“I’d do the same if I had the chance,” Caroline said. “And after a while, you just get a divorce. It’s no big deal. Every great actress goes through a few marriages before she finds the one that works.”

“Besides, Ben messes around,” Cecily said. “You should be able to have some fun of your own.”

Serena scrambled off her chaise. “It’s not like that. And I am not smitten with Ryan Quinn. Now get up and get dressed. We’re going on an adventure.” She spun around and stalked toward the house. They were right. She didn’t love Ben. She’d been able to convince herself she did, at first, but somewhere between the cheating and the time apart, she’d realized what she really wanted.

She’d fallen for the fantasy, the security of love and marriage, the happily-ever-after. Her parents, both actors, had divorced when she was six and had stumbled through a long series of affairs and marriages. Why had she thought she’d be any different?

She stopped and turned around, then strode back to the girls when she realized they weren’t following. “Are you coming or not?”

Lizzy waved her off. “Let’s just say we did and stay here. I’m still working on my hangover from last night and the jet lag is starting to set in.”