Love on the Rocks

By Kimberly Quinn

Melina Marshall is a good girl.  

 

One of those ambitious, rule following girls with a reputation for being cold as ice. The kind of girl who's irresistible to a guy like me.

 

We both work at Copper Ridge Resort, and she's in line for a promotion—just one of the many reasons she refuses to give me a chance.

 

All anyone sees when they look at me is classic bad boy. Six feet of fun and easy charm, I'm a guaranteed good time.

 

The problem is, lately "fun" hasn't been enough. Maybe it was that drunken kiss Melina and I shared, but I might finally be ready to be tamed.

 

When Melina agrees to one date in exchange for a favour, things seem to be turning around.

 

But it's going to take more than my bad boy ways to convince this good girl to give me a serious shot.

 

This time, I may just have to risk my heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: North Mile Books
• Release date: Dec 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9781989112311

Book preview

1

MELINA

The computer screen in front of me blurred as I rubbed at my throbbing temples and tried to focus. I’d been trapped in my tiny office for most of the day—hell, most of the past year—my mind pulling in a million directions and neck aching from the strain of sitting at a desk for too long.

When was the last time I’d seen the sun?

At this rate, I was barreling straight toward burnout, with no way to change course or even slow my doomsday speed. How could I? There was a job to do, and I had to do it well.

No, not just well. I had to be the best.

I rolled my neck and went back to reading my emails, but my headache only burned brighter when my eyes landed on a single word near the bottom of the screen.

Sorry.

Those five fuzzy letters made the walls feel like they were closing in. I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping the room would stop spinning. Bu it was too late.

That horrid word was burned into my brain.

Sorry. So many people had uttered this to me over the last year, I’d lost count. I couldn’t escape it, no matter how hard I tried. Most of the time it was well-meaning, but even with good intentions, it hadn’t done me any favours.

Sorry didn’t make the pain of losing my mother go away. It didn’t cover the cost of my dad’s in-home medical care or put food on the table. It didn’t help with car repairs, property tax, or insurance. It wouldn’t put my youngest sister, Lucy, through college next year. And it sure as hell didn’t warm my bed at night.

No matter how sincerely it was delivered, sorry couldn’t fix my problems. It was just an enormous pile of pity I didn’t want or need. Another hurdle I was struggling to overcome.

And here it was again, taunting me in an email. STARS catering wasn’t available for the date I’d requested. Sorry.

It’s not personal, I reminded myself, breathing deeply. This was business, and if I didn’t get a grip on my spiralling emotions, I’d only make things worse. Falling apart over a professional email wouldn’t help get me to the top.

The office phone rang, the shrill sound stabbing at my aching head.

I wasn’t in the mood to be chipper, but as Mom used to say, people can hear the smile in your voice. So, I pasted on the brightest one I could manage. Copper Ridge Resort, Guest Services, Melina speaking. How may I help you?

Melina? Hi. This is Steve Gupta over at Black Tie Catering?

His question, which wasn’t really a question, made my lips twitch with a real grin. Hi, Steve. I’m happy you called.

Yes. Well… His voice trailed off, and my smile waned, sensing the bad news coming. We got your request, and we’re flattered. We’d love to work with a group of your reputation, especially on something as fantastic as the NorthWestern retreat, but we’re a young company, and even though we’ve grown, we’re just not big enough to meet your needs. I’m really sor⁠—

It’s fine, Steve. I cut off his rambling before he could use that dreaded word, my glimmer of hope crushed.

It wasn’t fine. It was nowhere close to fine, but I gritted my teeth and kept my smile in place anyway. Thank you for letting me know. Maybe we’ll find the opportunity to work together in the future.

If I still have a future here.

After saying goodbye to Steve, I hung up the phone with a heavy sigh.

Still no confirmation on the catering staff, huh? my coworker Becky asked from the doorway of our tiny office. Her words seemed kind enough, and her expression was sympathetic, but something about her brash tone put me on edge.

Maybe it was because I didn’t like Becky much. Her underhanded comments, too-tight skirts, and obnoxious perfume weren’t exactly my favourite combination. But it was her work ethic, or lack of one, that really turned me off. The girl barely did her job, yet always complained about it.

She also had a not-so-lovely way of pointing out all the faults in how I did mine.

It was like she purposely tried to undermine me every chance she got. Only, I couldn’t figure out why. What the hell had I ever done to her?

I wasn’t delusional enough to believe we’d ever be friends. Honestly, I was fine with that. But was it too much to ask for a little common courtesy?

Not yet. My face ached from the phony-ass smile I was still wearing. But I’m sure I’ll figure it out soon.

I’m sure. She plopped into the chair next to me, invading my limited space while scrolling on her phone.

Ignoring her, I turned my attention back to work and the seemingly impossible task at hand.

Copper Ridge Resort was hosting the annual top performers retreat for NorthWestern Bank, our largest corporate client, who also happened to sponsor the Copper Ridge Winter Festival, a town-wide event which ran at the same time as their retreat each year.

The festival was a weeklong celebration with food, vendors, games, and lights. It was fun for everyone, locals and tourists alike. And the pinnacle attraction was the Winter Festival Dance, held here at the resort.

Not only was the dance the biggest and fanciest town event, but usually fodder for the local gossip mill for the entirety of the next year. We put on one hell of a good time—while remaining professional, of course—and this year, my boss had asked me to plan it.

All of it. The retreat, the dance, and coordinating it all with the town.

For the first time, I’d been given the lead on a major function and handed a once-in-a-lifetime shot to prove myself. It was a huge undertaking, but I was ready.

Our event coordinator, Lydia, had announced she was retiring after this season, and I knew if I played my cards right, I could be her replacement. It was a dream I’d set my sights on before I’d even been hired to work the front desk.

The opportunity thrilled me.

It also terrified the hell out of me.

Yes, my career was riding on this and that was a scary prospect, but it was my family’s future that was truly at stake, and I couldn’t imagine a scenario where I failed.

Do you think they’ll bother replacing Lydia when she leaves? Becky asked, interrupting my panicked thoughts.

What do you mean?

Her shoulders lifted, but her eyes didn’t budge from her social media feed. You and I do most of her work anyway. It’s not like she’s super important around here.

Fresh pain shot through my head, sending a ripple of tension down my spine.

What the actual…

A jumble of thoughts swirled through my mind. Hostile, mean, unhelpful things. Things I wanted so badly to let loose. My mouth dropped open, ready to hurl an insult so tangible, I could already taste my regret. But like a perfectly timed sign from above, my cell phone rang, cutting off my words and stifling my anger.

Becky looked up, her reproachful gaze darting to my ringing device.

It’s time for my break anyway. Not that she was owed the explanation, but people pleasing was a habit I seemed unable to break—another of Mom’s lessons, so deeply ingrained, it was really starting to hurt.

I stood, smoothing my skirt with shaking hands before swiping my phone off the desk and stalking out of the room. The ringing eventually stopped, but I continued down the narrow hall, taking deep calming breaths and getting as far away from Becky as I could.

Fuck, what was I thinking?

I couldn’t afford to be reckless. Overreacting to Becky’s bad attitude wouldn’t earn me the promotion; it would only make my job harder. Or make me lose it altogether.

The front lobby was quiet, and I slowed my stride, trying to compose myself. Our new employee, Cassandra, worked alone at the desk, helping a young couple check in. I tried not to stare at them as I passed, but it was hard to ignore their beaming smiles.

The woman had both arms wrapped snugly around the man’s waist, her cheek resting against his chest, and he had an arm draped possessively over her shoulders. They looked happy—ecstatic, actually—and it reminded me why I loved working here so much.

Copper Ridge Resort was a place built for escape. It was an enchanted wonderland where you could unwind, have fun, and forget your troubles. Where people could meet, make friends, and fall in love. It was a romantic paradise.

Unfortunately, all the magic seemed reserved for our guests.

My neglected heart squeezed a pathetic, mangled beat, and despite my better judgment, I peeked toward the open doorway of our bar, the Mountain View Lounge. My insides melted at the mere possibility of seeing him… Zane Wilder. The sexiest man at the resort, in town, or maybe anywhere. The only man I’d ever wanted to be mine.

But that was only a fantasy. A daydream I’d once tried to convince myself could be true.

I didn’t want, and certainly didn’t need, a playboy like him in my life. Hell, even if I did, I could never have him anyway. At least not for more than one night.

My phone vibrated in my hand, reminding me of my priorities and the call I’d missed. There were too many concerns competing for my attention; romance was at the bottom of the list.

Hell, was it even still on the list?

When I unlocked my phone to check for messages, my screen lit up with notifications. Two hundred and ten unopened emails, fourteen new texts, and one missed call from home.

I hit our number and paced the floor while I waited for the line to connect.

Hello? my sister, Olivia, answered.

Hey, it’s me.

Hey. The word rushed out in a relieved gust. I’m sorry to call while you’re at work, but I just didn’t know what to do.

Are you okay? What’s going on?

Yeah, I’m fine, but uh… the home care agency called again… Her voice faltered, like she was afraid to finish. Like I didn’t already know what they’d called to say. Melina, if we don’t make a payment in the next week, they’re threatening to cancel service and send us to collections.

I’d known this day was coming, but that knowledge didn’t stop the sick feeling from growing in the pit of my stomach. I’d been bumping the home care bill to pay for physiotherapy and psychological counselling for Dad—insurance barely scratched the surface. Now, at least one of those things, if not both, would have to end. There was no way to pay for all of it, plus keep our sparse household running.

It’s okay, I said, trying hard to reassure both of us. I’ll deal with it.

She didn’t reply, but a quiet sniffle broke her silence.

Olivia, are you crying? Is something else wrong?

I’m not crying… not really. It’s just that Dad overheard my conversation with them, and now he won’t come out of his room. He locked the door and won’t answer me. I think he’s okay, but…

My pacing stopped, tension seizing my body. How long has he been in there?

Two hours.

Dad spending time alone shouldn’t be a big deal. With three daughters driving him crazy, he’d always enjoyed his moments of solitude. He should be allowed that peace.

But nothing was normal in our house anymore, and his silence was a huge red flag.

Okay, I need to find Lydia to explain the situation, and then I’m coming home.

The sniffles on the other end of the line grew louder. Okay.

Don’t worry. Everything will be fine, I promise.

I just needed to figure out how.

2

ZANE

You two planning another party? Nate asked, settling his Hulk-like body at the bar where Colin and I were trying to look busy, cleaning glasses and stocking shelves.

Yeah, man! Colin’s lanky form practically vibrated with excitement. You in?

The season hasn’t even started. Who’re you going to invite? Nate laughed, motioning toward the near-empty lounge.

Not you, with that attitude. I smirked, surveying the quiet room.

The Mountain View Lounge was exactly the type of bar you’d expect to find at a five-star ski resort in British Columbia. Warm wood beams ran across the ceiling, amber lights cast a warm glow, plush seating was scattered around an impressive stone fireplace, and a full wall of windows showcased a breathtaking view of Green Mountain, which was snuggled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Even when busy, the place had a relaxed and friendly vibe, making the twenty-nine-hectare Copper Ridge Resort feel intimate and cozy.

To me, it was a second home.

But Nate had an excellent point. Other than our local search and rescue team, who were relaxing after their most recent drill on our mountain, and a few old-timers playing cards in the corner, the place was a dead zone. And it was driving me crazy.

I was the fun guy, the one everybody looked to for a good time, and for the most part, I was fine with that. Being the go-to guy for entertainment had its perks. But it was hard to be fun-time guy when there was no one around to enjoy it.

I’ll be there, Tonya announced, bumping shoulders with Nate as she sidled up to the bar. She should’ve been in the kitchen working—hell, we were all supposed to be working—but she was good at sneaking away to hang out with us. Some of my old school friends are in town. I’ll bring them.

Colin groaned. "Please tell me it’s