Page 50 of St. Lucia Escapades
Kat snickered, “Oh he’s been working on this little project for the last three months. He started it the day after Moira started on her book tour. He had been planning to tell her about it that night.”
Roxi faced Cord, shock on her face. “Wow, you really do love her, don’t you?”
“Yes. I’ve never loved anyone the way I love Moira and I’m damned well going to do everything in my power to prove it to her.” Cord said. “The big question now is, can we get her here on Friday night?”
“Roxi and I will take care of that.” Collen answered. “I’ve been talking to Kiernan and he’s been fully informed about this little operation.”
“Same with Maureen. They will make sure that Friday night Moira will be here. After that, the rest is up to you.” Roxi added.
Cord let out a sigh of relief. This plan had to work. It was his one and only chance to get Moira back. He had to succeed. There was no room for error in this. If he failed, he knew he would simply fade from public life. Hell, as far as he was concerned, he had no life without Moira in his life. He needed that fiery Irishwoman at his side, in his arms and lastly in his damned bed. Plain and simple.
“Well boss?” Kat questioned, a knowing smirk gracing her lips.
“Then let’s get this show started.” Cord instructed.
Moira
“Excuse me?” Moira demanded in shock.
“You heard me Moira. Friday night, you will be going out with me and yer mum. We’re going to dinner then to the grand opening of a new pub.” Kiernan said.
“But Da…” Moira started to protest.
“No.” Kiernan interrupted. He sighed and moved to her, cupping her chin as he used to when she was a little girl. “Is leor Moira, mo poppet. Enough is enough. You’ve been hiding in this house for almost two weeks. I know yer hurting, but you canna keep on hiding this way. Roxi went through a lot of trouble to get us the reservations at the restaurant and for the opening. And aye, she will be joining us for dinner and at the pub.”
Moira bit her lip and nodded. Even as an adult she knew better than to argue with her Da. Moira turned and left the living room and made her way back upstairs to her bedroom. Yes, she knew her Da was right about her hiding from the world, but she still could not believe that he would force her to go out on the town as he was. But she knew there was nothing more she could do except to grin and bear it. Well, bear it anyway.
‘Bloody hell, what am I gonna do?’she thought as she dropped onto the bed, burying her face in her hands.
Yes, she listened to the voice mails from Cord and while everything he said in them sounded plausible, she still couldn’t bring herself to reach out to him and confirm them. The hard truth was she was still hurt by what she had witnessed that night and even hearing the explanations, didn’t ease that hurt. Moira was stubborn and once she set her teeth in, it took time before she would let go.
Cord
Cord stood in the middle of the room turning in a small circle admiring all the hard work he and his team had pulled off. It was perfect. By this time tomorrow night, if things worked in his favor, he would have not only kicked off a new venue, but most importantly, he would have Moira Donovan back with him. ‘Please, please let this work. I can’t go on any longer without her.’
“You ready brother?” Collen inquired, stepping up beside his brother.
“Collen, this will work right?” Cord asked, facing his little brother.
Collen placed his hand on Cord’s shoulder, “Cord, everything will be just fine. By this time tomorrow you and Moira will be together again. I just know it.”
“I hope you’re right. God, Collen, I can’t stand being away from her like this. I need her.” Cord breathed.
“I know, I know. Just stick with the plan that Roxi came up with and it will all work out. Trust me.” Collen smiled. “Now, come on. Let’s get back to the hotel and get some sleep. I have a feeling we’re gonna need it.”
“Yeah. Let’s go get some sleep.” Cord agreed.
Chapter 20
Moira
Moira and her parents walked into the restaurant. Moira still wasn’t looking forward to the evening, but knew that her parents and Roxy wouldn’t let her out of it. They were immediately led back to the table where Roxy sat waiting. Moira watched as her parents hugged her best friend. When Roxi turned to face her, Moira just stood there. It was Roxi who moved first and gathered her into a tight sisterly hug.
“How are you holding up sweetie?” Roxi asked.
“I donna know honestly. I…I did listen to his voicemails, but…” Moira started.
“Moira, I know how you are and that you need time, but at least now you know what happened right?” Roxi replied.
