Page 54 of Easton Island

A lot of weight rested on their shoulders. The last thing Elizabeth needed was to worry about this. She had her hands full dealing with Prissy’s declining health not to mention still adjusting to married life. So much for stepping back and working less.

Quinn forced the troubling thoughts from her mind. When push came to shove, they were united in their vision for Easton Holdings Company’s future as well as Easton Island. The tight-knit family would figure it out; she had no doubt.

All too soon the evening ended and the couple returned to Quinn’s rental cottage.

“Unfortunately, I can’t hang around. I have a meeting in the city tomorrow.”

“Did Elizabeth call you back?”

“No. She must’ve forgotten. She said she was working at the art gallery in the morning. Grandmother has changed her plans and will be here for a couple more days before she and Gerard head back to Toronto.”

“Hopefully, by then Prissy will have settled in,” Quinn said. “Travis has been stopping by in the afternoon which means there’s a pretty good chance she won’t run into him.”

“She’s been warned and is aware he’s lurking in the vicinity.”

Quinn placed her palms on his chest. “Are you sure you can’t stay?” She cast him a seductive gaze through lowered eyelids.

“As much as I would love to, I’ll have to take a rain check.” Brett pulled her into his arms and gently pressed his lips to hers. The kiss deepened, and all thoughts of work and worries fled her mind.

Finally, breathlessly, she pulled away. “It’s getting hot in here.”

“I had better go before it gets a lot hotter.” He kissed her soundly, promising to call her the following day.

Quinn watched him climb into his car and wave goodbye as he drove off. She closed the door and leaned against it.

A niggling in her mind made her think perhaps she should show up at the gallery in the morning. Travis Mason had his sights set on Elizabeth Easton-Ainsworth. He knew eventually—sooner or later—he would catch her there.

Quinn was betting on the sooner part.

*****

Quinn woke early after tossing and turning, her thoughts flitting from one worry to the next. Prissy, Brett, Tristan, Elizabeth, the resort and spa, not to mention Travis Mason.

She glanced at the clock, discovering she had plenty of time to take Esther for a leisurely morning stroll, sip coffee, check the weather, and get ready to head to the gallery.

The pup sat by the door patiently waiting for her to put her shoes and jacket on. Down the sidewalk and to the harbor they walked, where the Easton Island ferry was getting ready for its first trip of the day to the mainland.

Several passengers stood waiting to board. She gave a friendly wave to Captain Davey. Strolling past the businesses, they cut through a side street and finally returned home.

Breakfast consisted of a boiled egg, yogurt, and a piece of fruit eaten while standing at the kitchen counter. She finished her apple and tossed the core in the trash.

Breezing through her morning routine, Quinn showered and dressed before tracking down her furry companion. With Esther by her side, the two walked to the gallery, only a short jaunt from her rental cottage. Although she missed living with Morgan and hanging out, she loved her new location, not only close to work but also only steps away from shops, restaurants, and the harbor.

As Quinn drew closer to the gallery, she noticed the lights were on, but there was no sign of Burnie, Elizabeth’s car.

Thinking she may have parked out back, Quinn tried the doorknob and found it was locked. Reaching into her pocket, she removed her key and unlocked the door.

Soft classical music played from the overhead speakers, and Quinn could hear footsteps coming from the breakroom.

Not wanting to startle Elizabeth, she called her name as she crossed the showroom.

Her boss appeared, a puzzled look on her face. “Good morning, Quinn.”

“Good morning.”

“Did I miss something, an update to the schedule?”

“No. You were scheduled to work. Esther and I thought we would swing by and hang out.” Quinn hung her jacket on the hook. “How is Prissy?”