Diving into Love (The Armstrongs Book 11) Read online

  Diving into Love

  Los Angeles Armstrongs

  (River and Pippa)

  L.A. Armstrongs Book 5

  Armstrong Series Book 11

  Jessica Gray

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, names, and places in this book exist only within the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons or locations is purely coincidental.

  Diving into Love, Los Angeles Armstrongs, Book 5

  All Rights Reserved

  Copyright © 2017 Jessica Gray

  This book is copyrighted and protected by copyright laws.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission from the author.

  All characters, names, and places in this book exist only within the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons or locations is purely coincidental.

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  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

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  Chapter 1

  River Armstrong’s day had just gone from bad to worse. It was a beautiful day in Aruba, but he didn’t notice the bright sunshine, the white sandy beaches, or the turquoise water. A steep frown creased his forehead as he stomped into the employment agency.

  “Mr. Armstrong,” the clerk said, waving him forward. “How can I be of help today, sir?”

  “I need a new assistant,” River said and flopped onto the chair in front of the clerk’s desk.

  “I’m sorry, sir. I don’t understand. Didn’t we just place a young woman with you last week?”

  River spit fire through his blue eyes. “Yes, but I caught said woman stealing and fired her on the spot. I need a replacement immediately, as I’m bound to depart tomorrow.”

  The clerk made a tsking noise and shook his head. “I’m sorry for your predicament, sir. Let me pull up your account and we’ll see what we can do.” He typed into his computer and a few moments later looked up with a smile saying, “Ah, here it is. We would be happy to place another assistant with you; we just need to take care of this existing contract and commission fee. Would you like to cut us a check right now?” The clerk looked up at him expectantly.

  “Come again?” River stared, stupefied for a moment.

  “We need you to pay the entire first month of your contract with us, as is stipulated under paragraph seven—“

  “I’m not paying a single cent for that thief you sent me!” River jumped up, but then sat back down, taking a deep breath, controlling his urge to blast the man with a volley of less than polite words. “Let me go over the facts one more time. Your company was hired to provide me with a reliable, and trustworthy, employee. Needless to say, stealing was not one of my requirements for an assistant, even though it was the highlight of her resume. I want a replacement. And I want it now.”

  The clerk shook his head and leaned back in his chair. “I’m sorry, sir. In this instance, we would need verified witnesses to the thievery.”

  “Witnesses?” River pushed his hand through his dark, longish hair in exasperation. Then he fisted his hands at his sides. They itched to reach across the span of the cheap metal desk and throat punch this insolent prick. “Are you kidding me? I saw with my own eyes how she stuffed money into her bra while walking out of my cabin.”

  “But you can’t be sure, it wasn’t her own money, right?” The clerk lazily spun his pencil in his hand.

  “She came out of my cabin, for God’s sake. What more proof do you need? Last I heard, Victoria’s Secret hasn’t invented money making lingerie.” River’s voice filled the entire office of the employment agency. He heard the sound of the door clicking shut, but couldn’t care less.

  “Have you told our employee not to enter your cabin?” The clerk ignored River’s question.

  “Of course I have. My cabin is taboo for everyone except me.” Why am I even answering his ignorant questions? It’s ridiculous.

  “Well, then wouldn’t it have been better to lock the door to your cabin?”

  “Are you now telling me it was my own fault, that your thieving employee stole from me?” River grabbed his legs with both of his hands to prevent himself from strangling the fat, self-righteous man in front of him. He wouldn’t be surprised if the clerk was in cahoots with the assistant he’d just fired, palming his cut to fund his fast food habit.

  “Sir, we need more proof to nullify the contract. Maybe you could provide us with a video tape of this person’s alleged thievery in your cabin?” The clerk had the audacity to smile at River, who felt the rage boiling in his veins.

  “No! This is ridiculous! I don’t have a hidden video camera in my cabin! That is sick! I want a new employee, that’s all…” A stealing employee would ruin River’s entire business. He couldn’t even imagine what would happen if this girl decided to bypass him as a target and instead, steal from his cruise guests due to arrive this weekend.

  The clerk shook his head and smirked. Smirked. “I’m more than happy to provide you with a new employee, as soon as we’ve taken care of the existing contract. You do understand that without witnesses or other proof, we cannot nullify the contract. We pride ourselves as a company on treating everyone fairly.”

  “Yeah, except your paying customers. What’s fair about making me pay for an employee who isn’t even an employee any longer?”

  The clerk ignored his question and continued, “I hate to be the bearer of such distressing news, but unfortunately, you will have to pay the first month plus our commission before we can place another person with you. Now, would you prefer to cut us a check or pay with cash?”

  River leaned forward, encroaching on the clerk’s personal space. “I saw her with my own two eyes. She took several hundred dollars out of my wallet and tucked them inside her bra. I don’t lie, and I certainly don’t steal. Neither do I employ or tolerate those who do.”

  “Now, I’m not paying the previous contract, and I need a replacement. Today.” River’s used his most threatening voice, accompanied by the stare he’d perfected in many arguments, trying to intimidate his older brothers.

  “Sir, unless you’re going to honor the previous contract and commission agreement, there is nothing I can do for you,” the clerk answered, unfazed.

  “Your employee stole from me!” River shouted. Someone behind his back gasped. Ha! Now all future clients of this shady agency will know what they’re dealing with.

  “We need witnesses to back up your claim,” the clerk persisted.

  “This is ridiculous!” River shouted. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a woman walking over to the water co
oler. Instinctively, he turned his head and forgot to be angry for a moment. A tall, brunette woman with fascinating golden strands and mesmerizing blue eyes framed by impossibly long eyelashes did her best not to stare at the two men.

  Despite wearing a simple white shirt with spaghetti straps and faded blue jean boxer shorts, she exuded an unparalleled class. River had slept with hundreds of women over the years, but never one like her. He licked his lips and a recess of his brain started strategizing a plan on how to get into her panties.

  “I need another employee, and I need her today,” River dropped his voice to a socially acceptable level again. “Is it too much to ask that in addition to speaking fluent English, Dutch, Spanish, and having decent computer skills she also has to be honest?”

  “I’m sorry to repeat myself, sir,” the clerk said, “but nowhere in our contracts does it say we are liable if the business owner decides to claim a theft or other misdeed has been done and there is no physical proof to back up the allegations. If you do not wish to take care of the outstanding contract today, we will of course, continue to debit your account for the agreed upon amount until the four weeks are over. Then you can return and apply for another employee.”

  “You gotta be kidding me?” River said, groaning, but he already knew the answer. This son-of-a-clerk didn’t joke. He was dead serious about making River pay for the full contract. This agency had a good reputation and River had fully expected them to provide him with a viable replacement. Of all the stupid-ass policies…I can’t have a replacement employee because I have to pay for a dishonest one? What kind of sham place is this?

  “Is there anything else I can assist you with today? As you can see, I have other clients waiting,” the clerk said.

  River clenched his fists, fighting the urge to reach over the reception desk and commit a more serious crime than stealing. He stood and stomped toward the doors, checking out the beautiful brunette as he passed her. His body gave a strong visceral reaction to her presence, hitting him straight in the gut. She wasn’t actually his type, but she would do to channel his anger into something more delightful.

  The woman though, didn’t so much as glance at him and approached the clerk’s desk. “Good morning, sir.”

  River’s body stalled for a moment at the sound of her voice. It was sweet, melodic, and a tad timid, but there was also a band of strength beneath all of that sweetness. He turned at the door and let his eyes travel up and down her body.

  Even her backside was stunningly beautiful, and he longed to bury his hands in her waist-long golden-brown hair. His body liked everything he saw, but now wasn’t the time to allow his baser instincts to take over. He had a problem on his hands, and finding his next bedmate would have to take a backseat.

  Chapter 2

  Philippa Kensington took a seat in the chair that was still warm from the handsome – and agitated – stranger sitting in it moments ago. His lingering musky scent and the memory of his sky blue eyes, glaring daggers at the clerk, made her insides go crazy.

  She clutched her handbag tight to keep her hands from trembling. At the age of twenty-two, the proverbial golden spoon had dropped from her mouth and for the first time in her life she was forced to earn money.

  Money. Growing up it had always been there. More than she could fathom – or spend. But things had changed. Even with the low costs of living in Aruba several weeks ago, she was running out of money. Fast.

  “Good morning, miss. What can I do for you today?” The clerk who’d riled up the handsome man up to a point where the stranger had stomped out of the office like a miffed teenager smiled at her.

  “I need a job.” Great! Don’t make small talk, get straight to the point. Desperate much?

  “Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’re the most reputable employment agency on the island. Let me collect your personal data and then I’ll check our database to see if we have anything available.” The clerk straightened some papers on his desk and then folded them atop it, before he took out some forms. “What’s your name?”

  “Pippa, I mean Philippa Kensington.” Blood rushed to her head.

  The clerk dutifully noted her details on the form and then transcribed it into his computer.

  What a waste of time. Why doesn’t he put it into his database right away? Pippa thought.

  “What kind of schooling or training do you have? Any diplomas?” He looked at her, spinning his pencil in his hand.

  Schooling? Diplomas? He’s probably not talking about the prep school I graduated from. Pippa came from old money, learning a profession had never been an issue.

  “I speak six languages fluently,” she said, giving him a hesitant smile.

  The clerk nodded and jotted down something on the form front of him. “Where did you study?”

  “The world? I learned to speak those languages by practicing.” Pippa shrugged.

  “We need certificates, diplomas, or at least the results of a language test to put this in our database.” He handed her a stack of papers. “Fill these out, include originals or authenticated copies of your diplomas and other certificates. Furthermore we need at least three references from previous employers, preferably in Aruba, and two testimonials from people you are not related to.”

  Pippa’s heart sunk and she made an effort not to show her dismay as she stored the packet of papers in her handbag. But then she cleared her throat and said, “I’m not from Aruba and it will take some time to gather all of the paperwork you just mentioned. Can’t you put me into your database anyway?”

  “I’m sorry, but without the proper documentation on file we can’t connect you with a potential employer. We are a reputable company. Come back when you have everything.” The clerk dismissed her with a gesture.

  “Thank you,” Pippa murmured without looking at him. She had none of the things he required. Not now. And not in a few weeks either. With tears pooling in her eyes, she stood and turned to leave the employment agency.

  She doubted she would have more luck in another agency, but maybe she could find work by directly approaching a potential employer? But what kind of work could she do without any experience to speak off?

  Pippa wandered down the main street, automatically taking her sandals off as she reached the white beach. She didn’t stop to enjoy the warm sunshine or salty ocean breeze on her skin, but kept wandering, her mind deep in thought. As it stood now, she was broke, alone and out of options.

  Her father would never welcome her back in his mansion, and her cheating scumbag of an ex-husband – she’d rather starve than beg him for money. Millions of young girls her age had jobs and maintained themselves. Why not her? Just because she didn’t have a formal education?

  “No way! Now more than ever!” Pippa pumped her fist into the air, at the surprised glances of some beachgoers. She quickly turned away and walked several minutes, passing beach vendors who pitched their bracelets, fake brand sunglasses, and other rubbish to the tourists.

  In her head she calculated how much money she still had and whether she could get one last juice at one of the beach bars. As she approached one of the cute wooden huts with a thatched roof made of dried palm leaves, a brilliant thought occurred to her. I could work as a waitress or barmaid. Mixing cocktails. Pressing juice. Handing out snacks. How hard can that be?

  Pippa gathered all her courage and stepped onto the tiny porch. At this time of the morning, she was the only guest and the bartender was clearly excited to see her.

  “Good morning, beautiful. What can I get you?”

  Pippa gave him her best smile and cocked her head to the side. “A job?”

  The bartender looked at her for a moment and then shook his head. “Sorry, sweetheart. I’m not familiar with that one. What’s in it?”

  “No, I mean, I need work.”

  “Oh.” The bartender grabbed the rag from his shoulder and wiped the counter down. “You ever waitress before?”

  “No, but I’m a fast learner.” Pippa didn
’t even consider lying, as he’d find out sooner or later anyway.

  “I’m sure you are, but I don’t have the patience or the time to train anyone right now. You might check with some of the other bars further down the beach. Someone is always looking for part-time help.”

  “Thanks. I’ll do that.” Pippa smiled and turned to step off the porch. At least the man hadn’t brushed her away like the clerk at the employment agency. And he didn’t ask you for diplomas. That’s a plus.

  With newfound hope she walked down the white sand and inquired in a similar fashion at the next three beach bars. To no avail. Everyone preferred a skilled worker they wouldn’t have to train.

  Pippa sat down on the wet sand after she left bar number four. That hadn’t gone as well as she’d hoped. Damn! In her former life as a spoilt, rich society girl her parents had employed a legion of servants for literally everything. Cooking. Cleaning. Laundry. Errands. Gardening. Tutoring. Even opening the front door and announcing the arrival of guests.

  Mingling, making smart conversation while playing a gracious hostess, dressing fashionably, and organizing charity events, now, those were her areas of expertise.

  Skills that would get her nowhere in Aruba.

  Chapter 3

  River left the paved main street and wandered toward the ocean. He took off his sandals as he reached the wet sand and dug his toes into the soft material. The turquoise ocean waves topped with white spray rolled onto the beach, filling the air with a salty taste and the distinct rumbling sound.

  He loved the water and under normal circumstances he would have fetched his surfboard and hit the surf. River smiled at the memory of when his friend Chase Paxton, a professional kite surfer had visited him last year. They’d raced each other in the waves for hours until Chase’s girlfriend, Pearl Davids, had called a stop to their friendly combat.

  But today, he had no time for play. He urgently needed to find a new assistant. Aged twenty-four, he was the youngest of the six Armstrong siblings. He’d never attended college, because he just wasn’t the type to stay indoors and study, and founded his own scuba diving company during his senior year at high school.