Page 11 of St. Lucia Escapades
“Fair enough,” he nodded. He cleared his throat before speaking again. “Moira, I want you to know that this…you and me I mean, well... I’ve never been like this with other women. It’s a first for me.”
“‘Tis the same for me. For nearly a year I’ve not done much in the lines of dating. Partly because the last year has been busy on the writing front. I had six author events, three releases and two book tours.”
“And the other reason?”
“The other...well, that’s a bit complicated. Let’s just say I went through a bad breakup.”
Cord took her hand and squeezed it gently. He wouldn’t push even though he really wanted to know what happened. He hoped her ex hadn’t been one of those asshats that liked to beat up on women. Men like that deserved to be dragged through the streets and shot as far as he was concerned. Moira Donovan was the type of woman that deserved to be kept and loved. Emotionally and physically.
“I see. Well, since we’re both here for three weeks, what do you say we just enjoy our time and see what happens?” He proposed.
“I say, you’re on Mr. O’Brien.” She answered brightly. “You can start by dancing with me some more.”
“It will never be said that I don’t aim to please.” Cord smiled.
Moira
Moira laughed as Cord broke the surface sputtering. “How do you like it?”
“I at least gave you warning.” Cord countered, wiping the water from his face.
“Like bloody hell you did.” She laughed, splashing water at him.
That morning she had awakened to a text from Cord asking her to go swimming with him after breakfast. She agreed. She had fallen in love with the ocean when she was about seven and her parents had taken her and Sean on vacation to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
“You’re a sneaky one.”
“I have an older brother and I’m Irish. Of course, I’m sneaky.”
Moira let out a squeal just as Cord grabbed her and wrapped her in arms. “I can be sneaky too Moira.”
“Thanks for the warning.” She giggled.
The giggle faded into a moan when he kissed her. She hadn’t been lying the night before when she said he could kiss her all day. As he continued his assault on her mouth, she vaguely registered being lifted into arms and him walking toward the shore.
When he eased her down against one of the towels they had brought, she sighed. His body rested partially over her, so he wasn’t crushing her. It felt both comforting and sizzling.
“Have I told you how fucking sexy you look in that bikini?” Cord asked, his voice deepening.
“No, but I’m glad you like it.” Moira answered, her fingers slipping through his wet hair.
Cord kissed her once more before lying beside her, pulling her to him so she was nestled against him. “What’s on your agenda for today?”
“Well, I was thinking of actually spending the day writing. I’ve been on such a roll with the latest project, I want to strike while the iron is hot.” She replied, hearing sadness in her voice.
Cord
Cord moved onto his side, shifting Moira onto her back once more. “You sound sad about that.”
“Well, I donna want you to think I donna want to spend time with you...” she began, but a finger to her lips stopped whatever she had been about to say.
“Baby, you don’t have to explain anything to me. Nor do you have to worry about hurting my feelings. Writing is your livelihood and I’m not going to stand in your way.”
She lifted a hand to caress his cheek. “You’re too good to be true Cord O’Brien.”
“I could say the same about you Moira Donovan.” He replied, turning his head to kiss her palm. “What do you say I take you back to your place. Then, if you want, we can meet for dinner. I could even cook for you again if you’d like.”
“That sounds wonderful. Should I go to your place or mine?”
