Sunset Rivalry: The Caliendo Resort (By The Lake: The Caliendo Resort Book 2) by Shannyn Leah

Rebecca to reunite them.
    Eliza’s face sobered, but retained a forced smile that didn’t reach her eyes or convince either of them.
    “I don’t know for how long,” Anya continued.  
    Eliza nodded and didn’t press for answers for which Anya was grateful.
    Hours slipped by as they talked at the restaurant. Mostly Eliza talked. She caught Anya up on all the details of the family, the resort and the minimal gossip of Willow Valley, which was mostly about events and new stores. While the town no doubt gossiped about every tiny thing about the Caliendos, it was quite the opposite for them. They didn’t know much about the townspeople, except who owned which business.
    When they tired of sitting, they walked the grounds of the resort, with Eliza pointing out the changes. Some were subtle, like the update of painted walls, while others were unmistakable, like the new kids splash pad.
    They ate lunch with the family before Eliza whisked her away to the far side of the resort where the preparations were in full swing for the upcoming Secret Garden Gala two nights from now.
    Emma, having skipped lunch, met them in the center of the gorgeous outdoor garden. Gold and umber shades warmed the tented area accented by a sharp pink. Extravagant floral centerpieces were emphasised by feathers and twigs. The decor continued outside the tent around benches and tables. Anya could envision the strings of lights woven into the vines and trees, lighting the paths around the stunningly elegantly decorated area. It was incredible. It portrayed a rustic English country garden incorporating the wonderful scents of herbs, and flowers.
    Employees were scattered around the area working on final touches and Emma barked orders.
    “Hey,” she greeted with a full smile, but with eyes stuck to her iPad.
    “Darling, it’s looking beautiful.”
    “Thanks. It has been hectic without Violet and stepping in for the weddings this weekend.” She looked up finally. “I am so glad you’re throwing this mid-week giving me some extra time.”
    “Do you need help?” Anya offered.
    “No, I don’t want to put you to work. You just got home,” Emma said, but Anya saw her consider it for a moment. Emma shook her head, as if shaking the idea away.
    “I don’t mind,” Anya said.
    Her alternative was being squirreled away in her suite with Mr. Untrusting Quinn.
    “I would actually love to help.” Anya took her excitement up a notch. “I have missed this and I used to help all the time. What do you need me to do?”
    Emma was hesitant for about one second, sharing a quick look with Eliza. Then she put Anya to work. The time passed quickly and before Anya knew it, it was almost six in the evening.
    Parting seemed difficult for Eliza, but she needed to get ready for dinner. Anya hugged her mother and promised to see her at supper.
    On the way back to Anya’s suite, every camera she walked by, she didn’t dare look at, but felt the eyes of the man behind the security footage watching her.
    How could she blame Quinn? She’d made it clear she wasn’t sticking around or helping him with his file anymore, which left him no alternative but to ensure his involvement.
    So Anya wasn’t the least bit surprised when she found Quinn stretched out on her sofa...doing nothing.
    She walked past him, trying not to show her irritation. Couldn’t she have one free minute to herself? Even more irritating was how much she liked having him here.
    He used you...from the very beginning.
    What did she see in him? What made her think there was more to him then he showed? Was she a glutton for punishment? Did she only go after men who were unavailable?
    Anya noticed that he had showered, shaved and changed, looking deliciously delectable and like he was waiting for her to climb on top of him.
    She needed to get rid of him and the thoughts that lingered when he was around.
    Anya stopped in front of Quinn, feeling worn out and shattered from her day and ignoring the desire to