Too Grand for Words (BookStrand Publishing Romance)

by Natasza Waters

  “She’s more than that. Moira’s stubborn, and she might look like she’s got it all together, but the fact is she was burned badly once before. Sometimes she acts all tough as nails, but that’s just to scare people off.”

  He gave Mandy a quick squeeze on the shoulder. “You’re a good friend, Mandy.”

  “Aw shucks, thanks.” Mandy patted his arm. “But seriously—she needs more than me. If you drive a car that’s worth half a million dollars, and you look like something off the cover of a magazine I’m guessing you can have the pick of the litter.”

  “I hear you, Mandy.” She was giving him the “don’t hurt my friend” talk.

  “I hope you do. Moira said you won’t tell her who you really are. I don’t know what that means exactly, but you won’t be able to keep a secret from her for very long. She’s a pro at digging for the truth. It’s what she holds in highest regard.”

  “I’ll tell her eventually.” His eyes strayed to Moira who still walked beside Marcus. “It’s just not the right time.”

  “Why’s that?” Mandy stopped, and placed her hand on his arm for him to do the same.

  He shielded his eyes. “It’s complicated.”

  Mandy sighed and swiped her hand across the back of her neck. “Look Steven, I know you two just met. You seem like a really nice guy, but I have to tell you, I don’t think she’s going to go for a Las Vegas fling. That’s just not her. But even if she doesn’t, I hope you see the real Moira.”

  “Oh, I see her all right.” He twisted the cap off his water and took a long drink. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to hurt your friend.” He offered the water to her, and she waved it off.

  “No, I don’t want you to hurt her, but I want you to show her a really good time. She deserves it. And to be brutally honest, if you can get into her pants—do it, because she needs her ballast water changed, if you get my meaning.”

  He burst out laughing at her honesty. “Jesus, Mandy, come on.”

  * * * *

  He and the rest of Moira’s crew trekked for another ten minutes until they found the entrance to the cave.

  “Ho, would you look at this,” Mandy said, walking cautiously into the cave entrance first.

  “Wow, this is awesome,” Marcus called out.

  They all entered and walked the fifty or so feet into the cave to find the pool of water Steven had promised.

  “There’s a lot of rubble on the ground,” Sasha noted, running her hand along the dry walls. “Do you think it’s safe?”

  “If it was going to cave in it would have done it a few minutes ago,” Steven reassured her.

  Callie sauntered ahead and stopped a few feet from the pool. She peered into the depths of the water. “Now that looks inviting.”

  A crack in the cave’s ceiling allowed the sun to dive into the depths of the pool, brightening it to an emerald green. Before anyone could object, Callie pulled her shirt right over her head, pushed her shorts to her ankles and dove into the water with panties but sans a bra. Steven grinned as Moira rolled her eyes, and shook her head like a mother embarrassed by her brazen child.

  Shrugging, she said, “I wish I had her limitless bravery when I was younger. She’s proud of her body and her brains. The girl has spunk.”

  He knelt down in front of her, and slid his strong hands around her hips. “But there’s something to be said for a woman with grace as well.” Gently he pushed aside her wrap and ran his hand over her skin.

  “It’s fine, really.” Moira squirmed at his touch, and darted a look at her crew.

  “No one’s watching,” he said quietly. The splashes told him the rest of the crew had reached the pool.

  Nervousness filled Moira’s eyes as they strayed to his. “You can’t keep the kids from the water, BCers, ya know.”

  He reached up, and slowly untied her wrap. Fire burned in her eyes, no matter how she tried to hide it. Mandy’s words still echoed in his mind. He wanted Moira, and the need was building. He slipped the wrap from her waist, slid it sensually down her legs, and let it pool at her feet.

  She let him take her hand and guide her to the water. For the first time in his life, he was glad he had spent years busting his gut exercising and keeping in shape. He reached for the hem of his T-shirt and yanked it over his head.

  A small choke escaped Moira’s throat, and he liked the response. Something told him this woman burned hot inside. Moira looked over at Mandy, whose eyes had doubled in size. She gave her a scolding look and Mandy jerked her head away. Unbuttoning his jeans he stepped out of them. He couldn’t help but grin at the expression on her face.

  Moira swallowed and tore her gaze away. “Last man in.”

  * * * *

  They jumped in together, and when they surfaced, Steven immediately reached for her and pulled her into his arms. His hands glided down her curves to rest on her hips. The cool water soothed her legs after the initial sting, but his touch wasn’t helping. Her heartbeat had gone from sixty to one hundred and sixty just like that. The rest of the crew missed the show, including Callie. Marcus had her attention by attempting to drown her.

  “Mr. Porter?”

  “Are you feeling any pain?” Steven asked as he pulled her to straddle his thighs.

  The hardness between his legs brushed against her sex, causing an ache to grow between her legs. With a breathy gasp, she choked on her own air. Not an easy task, but she managed it. His growing erection left no doubt how large he was. She clung to his upper arms. They felt like smooth marble, hard and bulging with strength.

  “You feel good,” he said, so only she could hear.

  He knew what his shaft brushed against, and the intimacy of it sent her heart fluttering.

  “Save me,” Callie squealed and threw her arms around Steven’s neck, no doubt pressing her perky little breasts against his back.

  It shocked them both out of their heated stare. The rest of the group surrounded them, treading water.

  “This is awesome, Steven,” Sasha said, grabbing the rocks at the edge of the pool. “How did you know about this place?”

  Steven gave Moira a look that said he wished they hadn’t been interrupted. “We used to camp around here a lot when I was younger. We found it by accident.”

  “I love camping.” Moira pulled away from him. Distance, she needed distance from this man. She didn’t know what game he was playing, but he was already a couple nautical miles ahead of her.

  “I haven’t done it in years. Maybe I should think about that again.” Steven pushed his hand through his wet locks, his attention still on her.

  She palmed the glassy top of the cool water. How could a man look so incredibly sexy? Little droplets of water clung to his wavy hair and dripped down his concave, tanned cheeks. Those full lips of his had touched hers, tasted her skin. She peered at the surface of the pool, half expecting to see it bubbling around her.

  “No way would I camp out here,” Sasha said. “Scorpions, snakes, and tarantulas, no thanks.”

  “Tarantulas?” Mandy glanced around as if half expecting to see one skittering over the top of the water. “I hate friggin’ spiders.”

  “They’re pretty damn big around here,” Steven teased, laughing at Mandy’s phobia.

  “Are you serious?” Patti said nervously.

  “I don’t think they swim, but you never know.” Marcus’s fingers crawled up Patti’s shoulder.

  “Get outta here, you dumbass.” Patti splashed him and then cuffed him for good measure.

  Steven cocked his head. Callie’s face sat perched on his shoulder. She still clung to his back. Her half-naked body didn’t seem to affect him in the least. Steven lifted his brows comically at Moira. He was too much of a gentleman to throw Callie off.

  “Okay, Callie, please let go of the handsome man,” she berated good-heartedly.

  Callie screeched in Steven’s ear as Marcus grabbed her legs and yanked her off him.

  “Jesus,” Steven said, quickly protecting his ear with
his hand.

  Moira couldn’t help but laugh. Catching the wicked look on Steven’s face, she tried to get away as he thrust his powerful body through the water at her. He had her within a second, and pulled her to the darkest corner of the pool.

  “Mr. Porter, what are you doing?” She glanced at her crew. They weren’t paying any attention to them, or at least they pretended not to.

  Steven drew her tight to his chest and reached up to pull a wild curl from her cheek. “Can you feel my pulse now?” he asked seductively.

  He placed her palm against his chest. Trapped by his gaze, she nodded. “Yes,” she said, suddenly unable to get enough air into her lungs.

  “Those siren eyes of yours are calling to me, Moira. I want to answer, but you keep moving away from me.”

  Steven cupped her chin in his strong hand. His lips touched hers sweetly, but sweet turned to heat in seconds. His tongue shot out, as if unable to resist the temptation of her mouth. He embraced her, while she clung to the cool stones behind her. She tried to ground herself, but heat flooded her body with his overwhelming sensual power. Her body screamed at her to cave to his will. Control escaped her, turning her into a wanton slut—at middle age, with a stranger, an alpha male. But he didn’t feel like a stranger to her.

  She pulled away from him. “Tell me who you are.” His hand snaked up her back and behind her head, gently bringing his forehead to hers.

  “No.”

  “Why?”

  He caressed her skin as he pulled her closer to kiss her one more time. “I’m just a hardworking guy, takin’ a break.” His brow furrowed. “Do you want me to be something more than that?”

  “No,” she said quietly. “I just…you don’t…” His expression changed to concern with her stuttering. She cleared her throat. “You belong with a beauty queen, not with me.” She pressed her lips together.

  “Moira,” he said in a hushed tone. “You’re beautiful inside and out.” He ran his fingers through her wild curls. “Believe that,” his voice rumbled. His eyes locked with hers as he pulled her into his chest, hungrily possessing her lips with his.

  * * * *

  After cooling off they spent time sitting in the sun to dry off before continuing on their trek. The rest of the journey was uneventful, and two hours later, they’d made it back to the parking lot. They raced back to town, but it wasn’t much of a race since Steven’s Mercedes spit the rented convertible out of its tailpipe. She kept her eyes on the landscape for most of the drive.

  “Well, I certainly need a shower.” She rubbed her legs carefully. The abrasions covered both limbs. “No more shorts on this trip,” she said.

  He reached his hand to glide along her thigh. “Man, you have gorgeous legs. They curve in all the right places. For a small woman you’ve got it all, sweetheart.”

  The welts had grown considerably, even though they’d stayed in the water for a long time. Just something else to hide, she thought to herself.

  “You’re feeling it now, aren’t you?” He looked at her with concern.

  “Nothing a long soak can’t fix.”

  “Good idea. We should go to my hotel. There’s all you girls vying for one shower, I’ll bet.”

  “What the hell is the matter with you?” Losing control of her normally calm reserve, she took a deep breath and lifted her hand as if to steady herself.

  “It makes sense, doesn’t it?” He glanced at her.

  “You’re a friggin’ gigolo—aren’t you?” she accused. He obviously was having too much fun taunting her. He knew it was driving her nuts not knowing who he was.

  “Okay I’ll tell you.”

  He had her attention now. “Well,” she said when he wasn’t forthcoming.

  “How about an Indy car driver?” And he nailed the accelerator to the floor. The car shot down the highway, the yellow lines becoming one continuous streak as they tore through the desert heat that blistered the pavement.

  She tugged on her seatbelt, and closed her eyes, feeling the G-force of the car pin her to the leather. “Show-off,” she yelled, but the wind tore the words from her mouth, the speed and him exhilarating her.

  * * * *

  He pulled up to the front entrance of the Morocco. Moira got out and he saw her stop and stare at a man walking toward their car. “Is that who I think it is?” she asked.

  He glanced up to see Vince approaching. “If you think that’s Vince Laker, then yes.”

  “Jesus, the same Vince Laker as in self-made millionaire who changed the face of Las Vegas, building billion-dollar casinos?”

  He didn’t have a chance to answer before Vince reached them.

  “Hey, Steven.” Vince extended his hand.

  Accepting his hand for a friendly shake, he said, “Vince, how’s business?”

  “It’s going to get a whole lot better soon, I hope. You’re still up for a round of golf tomorrow and some negotiations?”

  His stomach knotted, but he unraveled it quickly. This was not good. He walked to Moira’s side. “Vince, I’d like you to meet Moira.”

  “Hello, Moira. I’m Vince Laker.”

  “I know,” she said, shaking his hand. “I’m pleased to meet you.”

  Vince sized her up for a moment. “Moira?” He glanced at Steven. “Moira Viterra?”

  Moira nodded slowly, visibly shocked.

  Vince was a savvy businessman. With an almost imperceptible expression, it was enough for Steven to send a message. One that said, “don’t go there.”

  “My ex-wife and my girls read all your books. They loved them. They’re a real hit. You’re very talented, Ms. Viterra,” Vince offered.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  “Did you feel that quake a couple hours ago?” Vince asked.

  “Yeah, we felt it all right,” he said. “There wasn’t any damage here, was there? It was pretty strong out in the canyon.”

  “Not too much. A few things fell over, but I think we’re getting used to them now. There’s been so damn many lately.” Vince extended his hand. “I gotta go, so I’ll see you tomorrow. It was nice to meet you, Moira. Hey, are you staying here at my hotel?”

  “Yes.”

  “That’s great. What if I send some books up to your room—would you sign them for me? My ex would get a kick out of that, and my girls.”

  “Of course, it would be my pleasure.”

  “Tomorrow at three, I’ll meet you at the clubhouse, Steven.”

  Moira swirled like a dervish, glaring at him as soon as Vince walked away. “You know Vince Laker? You’re golfing with Vince Laker?” Without waiting for an answer, she abruptly turned to leave.

  Before she could get too far, he gently grasped her arm. “Moira, wait. I know him through business. We’ve known each other for years, long before he owned half the town. It’s not a big deal.”

  “How the hell did he make the leap to knowing who I was?”

  He swallowed. Jesus why the hell did she have to be so on the ball? “He probably saw your face on the back of your book. He has to learn faces quickly. He’s a shrewd businessman.”

  She planted her hands on her hips, eyeing him. “I’m not buyin’ it. Something else is going on here.”

  “He said his daughters read your books. It’s his business to know people.” Christ, she’s not buying it all right. What the hell was he going to do?

  “Fine, I’m going to go take a shower,” she said, slipping from his grasp.

  Moira practically ran away from him, and he knew exactly what she was doing. He dove for his cell phone and dialed quickly. “For the love of God, Vince,” he began.

  “Steven?”

  “Yes, just listen to me. Moira’s on her way in and she’s coming after you. I haven’t really been up-front with her.”

  “Up-front meaning?”

  “She doesn’t know who I am, and I want it to stay that way. At least for a while.”

  “I see. Yup, there she is, and she’s looking for someone. Guess that would be me.
”

  “Jesus, just…”

  “Don’t worry, Steven. I think I get it. You’re trying to impress her so the negotiations run smoothly. A little wining and dining can’t hurt.”

  “No, that’s not it.”

  “Then what exactly?” Vince asked with curiosity.

  He stuck his free hand deep in his jeans pocket, taking a few steps toward the car. “I don’t know. I just want a chance to get to know her, it doesn’t have anything do with—”

  “She’s seen me, and she’s coming, and looking very determined I might add.” He chuckled. “Don’t worry, old friend. I won’t blow your cover.”

  Chapter Five

  Moira ran into the resort, searching the casino floor quickly. “Which way, which way?” she said to herself. She spotted Vince and darted after him. Security watched her with interest. If she appeared too frenzied they might just leap on her. “Mr. Laker,” she called out.

  Vince was putting his cell phone away when he saw her. “Ms. Viterra.”

  “Mr. Laker, I know this is going to sound like an odd question, but—” Damn, he had made her resort to this. She was being ridiculous, not to mention unprofessional. “Who is Steven Porter?”

  “Who is Steven Porter? Sounds like you know him already.”

  “I mean, what does he do? Why does everyone know who he is but me? Why do you know him, for God’s sake?”

  “Through business,” he said, turning and beginning to walk.

  She kept up to him, getting the feeling that she’d already been had. Vince appeared to be a reasonable man. Somewhere in his fifties, and dressed in an expensive suit, he radiated the aura of a man well heeled. Like Steven, he had a presence, although it seemed harsher, grittier. He didn’t stand that much taller than her, but something about him said, ‘don’t mess with me.’ She imagined he would have to be like that in order to have accumulated all the wealth that he had.

  “What kind of business?” she asked. “He’s not a crook, right?”

  Vince broke into a hearty laugh. “No, Ms. Viterra, he’s not a crook, although some might think that. He’s a damn good businessman though.”