Page 43 of St. Lucia Escapades
“Thank you, Hank.” Cord said, offering his hand to the Mayor. “If you hadn’t stepped in, I’m sure I would have punched him.”
“I gathered, which is why I stepped in. I was at the table next to you and heard it all. I think Mr. Clark will find I am unforgiving on matters like this. Well, you two enjoy your meal. Good evening.” Hank smiled and turned away.
Moira
Moria sat on the stoop and sighed. After dinner, they returned home and she quickly stripped out of her dress, threw on some yoga pants and a tank top before coming outside. She turned her head when she heard the door open and close. When Cord sat beside her, she just leaned against him as his arm eased around her shoulders. She was silent for a few moments then finally spoke.
“Why did he do that? Phillip, I mean?”
“Baby, I think he was trying to intimidate you. When you saw him, you looked shocked?”
Moira nodded. “I was Cord. I haven’t seen him in a year. I had heard he was in New York, but never thought I would actually run into him.”
Cord kissed the top of her head, “Moira, men like him, they’re not worth your time. You are in a class of your own and he will never understand what a class act you are.”
“I wasn’t lying when I said he insulted me. The last six months we were together, he was always putting me down in public. He would play it off as a joke and the politicians we were around either believed it was a joke or didn’t catch on. Not sure which. Finally, I had enough and left him.” Moria explained.
“I wish I had hit him now.” Cord growled.
“No.” Moira said, turning and cupping his face. “You are better than him boyo. You hear me? You make me feel beautiful. Special. Loved. That’s what’s important now. You and me. Not that asshat. Okay?”
“Okay.” Cord nodded, leaning in, and kissed her. “You are beautiful and special to me. And I love you.”
“I love you too Cord. So very much.” She sighed. “And thank you, for defending me tonight. It was nice knowing I have a man like that when I need one.”
“My pleasure.” He said.
Chapter 17
Cord
Cord shut down his computer with a sigh. Just as Al had predicted, the numbers of attendance and sales for O’Brien’s Tap had indeed increased. After the success of the private concert back in June, things had only gotten better. It was now August and Cord and Collen had been busier than ever. Today Cord was taking a three day vacation and driving out to DC to see Moira. Over the last two months they had seen very little of each other.
For Moira, she got the edits done on her new story and her publisher had pushed up the release date from September, to the last week of August. While Cord was happy for her, he knew that starting next week Moira would be tied up with book signings and such for nearly six months. Moira had already told him of several author events she was scheduled to attend from September until just before Christmas. Cord wanted to spend what time he could with her before all that started. Grabbing up his keys, he headed for the door and clicked off the light before walking out.
“You’re heading out?” Kat asked as he stepped into the main room.
“Yeah. Collen will be around if you need anything.” Cord nodded.
Kat leaned against the bar and grinned, “Off to see your girl huh?”
“I am. In about two weeks she’s going to be busy with her new book tour and several author events she’s got scheduled. Figured we’d try to get at least three days in before the craziness picks up.” Cord chuckled.
“Well, tell Moira hi for me and that I can’t wait to read the new book. You get out of here and you guys have fun.” Kat said.
Cord gave her a wave and headed for the door. In less than an hour he had grabbed his bag from his house and was on his way toward DC. The further he got from New York, the more relaxed and excited he seemed to get. Yes, he loved what he did as did his brother, but with the upswing in business he seemed to be working longer hours than he had before. After this weekend, he would talk to Collen and see about moving forward on the project he had been considering since their mom had come out to visit.
Moira
Moira did a quick walk-through of her apartment. She had just got a text from Cord saying he had just hit town and would be there soon. Moira felt butterflies flapping in her stomach. This would be the first time that Cord had come to see her and for reasons she couldn’t fathom, she was nervous. The last two months had been a whirlwind for them both. Cord’s bars were seeing an influx of business and as for her career, she was seeing the same thing. Pushing those thoughts away, she walked back into her living room just as the bell rang. Moira hurried to the door, flung it open, and with a squeal leapt into Cord’s arms.
“Now that’s a hello.” Cord laughed holding her tight.
“I’ve missed you boyo.” Moira sighed; her arms locked around his neck.
“I’ve missed you too baby. Well, care to show me your place?” he asked.
Moira felt him lower her back to her feet. Taking his hand, she led him inside. Excitedly, she gave him the full tour of her two-bedroom apartment. Which compared to his brownstone, wasn’t much, but she liked her place. It was just close enough to downtown for her to enjoy the city and just far enough away that the noise wasn’t a bother if she wanted to sit out on her deck in the evenings.
