Page 21 of St. Lucia Escapades
“Wow, you look beautiful.” Cord gaped, looking her over from head to toe. “I thought you might like these.” He added, presenting her the flowers.
“They’re beautiful Cord, thank you.” She smiled, then inhaled the fragrant flowers, her eyes closing in enjoyment. “Come in while I find something to put these in.”
She led Cord inside and walked toward the kitchen. She found a green ceramic vase hidden in one of the cabinets. Filling it with water, she placed the flowers in the vase and carefully arranged them a little before taking the vase over to the table and sitting it in the center. She turned and was immediately pulled into Cord’s arms. Moira giggled. Cord smiled and leaned in to kiss her. Moira sighed. Unlike their previous kisses over the last week, this one just felt different. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but everything in her being told her tonight was going to change things between them one way or another.
“That’s a good start to the evening.” She said, her voice sounding breathy to her.
“And the night is still young. So, you ready?” he replied, looping her arm with his.
“Aye, let’s go.” She nodded.
Arm-in-arm, Cord lead them from her condo. The night air was cool, clear, and filled with the fragrance of the different flowers that always seemed to fill the nights here. She would have to ask Amelia what they were and maybe see if she could get them to grow back home. That way, regardless of how things went with her and Cord, at the end of this trip, she would have the scents to remember their time together. Hopefully, if what her gut told her was right, tonight would mark a new start for her and Cord and not the end.
Chapter 9
Cord
They were quickly seated at the restaurant. After making his decision, Cord had quickly did a search and found the perfect place to bring her. He got luck in getting a reservation and a semi-private table. The conversation he knew they would be having needed as much privacy as he could muster. When he saw where their table was, he was pleased. They would have the privacy they needed. Cord pulled out her chair and pushed it in for her before taking his seat across from her.
“What can I start you two off to drink?” the waiter asked.
“I think I’ll start off with a peach tea please.” Moira answered.
“I’ll have the same.” Cord nodded.
The waiter smiled and walked away. “This place is beautiful Cord. How did you manage to get reservations on short notice?”
“I got lucky.” Cord winked. “I…” he paused a moment, regathered his thoughts and spoke again. “Moira, I feel you and I need to talk before things go any further between us. I felt a place like this would be perfect.”
Across from him he watched Moira’s face and saw the various emotions play over it. He saw nervousness, understanding, hope, and a hint of fear. The fear worried him. He never wanted to hurt her or have her fear him. He reached across the table and took hold of her hand. He wanted to erase that fear. He watched her lick her lips before she spoke.
“Aye, I agree Cord. We do need to talk. I won’t deny a part of me is a bit scared, but I hope you and I are on the same page.”
“Baby, from what I’m seeing on your face, I believe we are. Let’s order first, then while we wait, we can talk. Okay?”
“Alright.”
The waiter returned with their drinks about five minutes later and they quickly placed their orders. Cord could sense that, like him, Moira wanted to get this conversation done and over with. Once alone again, Cord took a deep breath and kicked things off. “Moira, I don’t know about you but this last week or so has been beyond amazing. We’ve had fun and I don’t know if you’ve felt it too, but I just feel like there’s this deep bond between us. I’ve never felt anything like it with any woman.”
“Yes, I have felt it too and like you, I’ve no’ felt this with anyone. No’ even with my ex, Phillip. I feel as if we can talk about anything and everything. You seem genuinely interested in what I do, and I find what you and yer brother do fascinating.”
“I am interested in your writing. Hell, everything about you I find interesting. You’re always on my mind. I find myself wanting to know what makes you smile, laugh, your fears, your dreams.” Cord paused when the waiter brought their appetizer. He squeezed her hand and continued. “Moira, I’m ninety-nine-point nine percent sure that I’m falling for you. I know that’s crazy seeing as how we’ve only known each other what…a week? Week and a half? But there you have it.”
Cord studied Moira’s face. He saw what looked like tears in the corner of her eyes and he hoped like hell they were happy tears.
“Oh Cord. I donna think I could’ve said it any better. I’m with you. We are on the same page. I know it’s crazy seeing how we hardly know each other. Well, outside of the bedroom. I know I’m fallin’ for you too and I want to explore whatever this is between us.”
Cord lifted their joined hands to his lips and pressed soft kisses to her knuckles, “Baby, I’m glad we’re seeing eye to eye here.”
“Me too. I know we still have more to work out, but we still have another week or so before we head back to the states. That’s plenty of time to figure out the rest. Right?”
“Very much right. Now that we have the heavy part finished and we know where we stand, let’s start our appetizers and enjoy the evening.” He smiled.
“Yes. Let’s enjoy tonight.” She nodded.
Moira
After dinner Moira and Cord left the restaurant and headed to a small club nearby. It was semi crowded but the patrons looked as if they were mainly locals. It was perfect. She watched as Cord walked back toward their table, carrying their drinks and her heart melted just a little more.
