“Someone in the pool. After hours.”
His eyes met those of the building security man and he raced to the screen the guy was looking at.
She stood at the side of the pool. The lights around the deck danced in the light breeze, casting patterns over her suit and skin. Her face was pale in the light that emanated from the surrounding buildings. She glowed like a star—just about the only one visible in light-polluted New York. As he stared at the screen, she peeled one strap, then the other, from her shoulders.
There was a hiss as Hunter—behind him—sucked in a breath. “Seems to me you’re gonna have your hands full getting her out of there.”
Xander half smiled, half grimaced. “You have no idea.”
He reached forward and hit the button on the monitor to turn it black, knowing damn well that Terry was going to turn it straight back on the second he got out the door. Xander didn’t give a shit how much Terry saw of him. And given Xander would be all over Chelsea, he’d hardly see her. Xander needed to be beside her, supporting her. Needed to be with her every step of the way.
“I’ll give you fifteen minutes.” Hunter grabbed Terry by the arm and hauled him out of the swivel chair and into the reception area.
“You’re kidding me. I’m supposed to watch the screens.” Terry protested.
“I’ll take full responsibility.” Hunter growled, easily blocking the guy from moving. “Xan, you have fifteen.”
Hell, the way he was feeling he’d need less than two.
“I’ll take care of the tape too,” Hunter called as Xander reached the door to the stairwell. “Good luck.”
“Gonna need it,” Xander muttered beneath his breath as he ran. “Gonna need every damn inch of it.”
She was going in the water?
Not without him.
Chelsea took one step. There. She was on the first step into the water. It was a notch cooler than the warm air, both were sensual on her bare body. She was hyper aware of every tiny feeling. Every change. She took another step down and deliberately drew air into her tight lungs.
Behind her the door to the stairwell opened and banged shut.
She smiled and stepped down to the third step—out of arm’s reach. Then she turned.
He stood at the edge of the pool. He’d whisked off his tee and was grappling with his jeans. His chest rapidly rose and fell. He’d run all the way up? Her lower belly tightened. She did like this man.
“You want me to rescue you?” he called to her.
She let her hands swirl in the water, trying to keep herself connected, grounded. “I’ve never wanted that.”
“I know.” He sent her a cautious look. “You know it’s after hours.”
“I do know that, Superman.” She managed a smile.
“And you know you’re giving Terry a show? The security camera is just there.”
“Only in black and white,” she shrugged. “And no sound.”
“That’ll only make it all the sexier for him,” Xander half choked. “He’ll be coming all over the screen in seconds.”
“Hmmm,” she nodded. “That wouldn’t be good for security.” She acknowledged.
“So you’ll get out then? Put your swimsuit back on?”
“No. I don’t think he’d see all that much if we stay under the water.” She took another step down—so the water came to just below her breasts.
She breathed in slow and deep. Not panicking. Not remembering. But not forgetting either. Just moving forward. With Xander watching her. Xander here for her if she needed him.
But she could do this.
“I’ve been under in the bath you know.” She took another step. “I’m okay. I’m never going to forget, but I want to make new memories as well now. I need to do that,” she said. “I’m going to dive.” Her voice wobbled.
“I’m right here.” And he was.
As naked as she. She looked at him, saw his belief in her. His compassion. His encouragement. And his understanding.
She inhaled a deep breath and lifted her arms above her head. With a little spring she did it—plunging deep, submerging. Swimming. She opened her eyes, saw his shadow walking alongside her as she swam underwater—the length of the pool.
She surfaced at the deep end. He’d come to the very edge, was on his haunches, his expression searching and concerned.
But she smiled at him. “I’m a mermaid.”
“Are you now?” He sent a small smile back at her.
“Yes.”
“And who am I?” He asked carefully. “A sailor?”
She knew he was making sure she was okay with this fantasy. That it wasn’t too close to wounds. It wasn’t.
“You’re a pirate,” she corrected him.
“Oh.” His smile widened.
She put her hands on the tiled edge and pulled herself out of the water a little, whispering. “You’ve captured me.”
“I have.” He reached down and grasped her wrists.
She pushed back against the wall with her feet—with all her strength—and surged back into the middle of the pool. He tumbled in with an almighty splash.
She broke the surface again, laughing as he swam after her to the shallow end. He reached for her, clutching her tight.
He drew in a ragged breath. “Pirates can be a little rough.”
“Mermaids are tougher than they look.”
“Maybe they are,” Xander hauled her back against him. His heart thundered. She’d given him a hell of a fright with this stunt. But he understood it. She was in the water again. This was what she’d wanted.
“Umm hmmm.” She wriggled a little closer. “And I’m figuring out my way to escape your villainous clutches.”
The rope around Xander’s heart tightened, but he felt lighter than an eyelash. He smiled, not quite as pirate as he’d hoped—it was too loving for that. And he slid into the fantastic reality she wove for him. “This mermaid is never escaping my clutches.”
Her smiled deepened. “Why’s that?”
His spirits lightened more as his groin tightened to beyond painful. “Because I’m too good at keeping her satisfied.”
“Oh, you think?” Her smile deepened. “You see I’d say she can’t escape because she always wants more.”
The movement of her hands made soft splashes. Her warm wet fingers walked up his abs. Soft touches. Tender touches. The fairy lights twinkled in her eyes and she suddenly dived under the water.
He felt her warm mouth on him. He reached out, just able to brace on the edge of the pool. Barely holding on, he kept his balance until she resurfaced with a small splash.
“And mermaids aren’t as pure as all that,” she said. “We’re the ones who really win. We take hearts. Even from the most elusive pirates. You think you have me caught? It’s the other way round.”
Oh he was so caught. So in love. And still so concerned. He put his hand to her jaw.
“I love you,” she whispered, the tears sounding in her voice. “I love you and it’s okay to love you. It’s okay to enjoy everything with you. Everything, everywhere. The water. It’s okay.”
“It is.”
“Will you hold me?”
He wrapped his arms right around her. “For as long as you want me to.”
“For ever,” she whispered, burying her face in his shoulder.
Xander tightened his grip on her and waded through the water to the steps.
She’d changed his life, opened it up to all kinds of wonderful possibilities. He still couldn’t believe his luck.
He held her close as he carried her home, uncaring that they were naked and dripping and could be sprung by anyone in the elevator or the corridor. But luck really was on his side.
Their way was clear.
Chapter Twenty-Four
11 months later
Chelsea stopped outside Xander’s apartment door and quickly slipped her panties off, scrunching them into her bag. She glanced round to ensure the corridor was still empty. It was. Xande
r had texted her ten minutes ago on her way home from university with the no-knickers instruction. Smiling, she unlocked the door and went inside.
“How was your class today?” Xander called from the kitchen.
“Good.” Chelsea went to the doorway and sent him a look—waiting for his next instruction.
“Come here.”
Oh she’d be coming real soon given the size of his erection. The guy was naked—that had been the instruction she’d replied to him. He’d chosen to sit on a dining chair, his cock armed, fully loaded and aiming right at her. He gestured so she walked forward, hitching her skirt to sit on his lap. She chose to straddle him face to face—but didn’t take him yet.
“Do you know what today is?” he asked, idly stroking the inside of her thigh—her weak leg. It’d never be as strong as the other, but that no longer mattered. She shook her head.
“Random fire drill day.”
“Really?”
“Well it was a year ago.”
“So it’s a year since we met?” She slid her hands up his chest and curled them over his gorgeously broad shoulders.
He nodded. “Happy anniversary.” He wrapped his hand round the nape of her neck, pulling her close to kiss her tenderly. Lovingly. But at the same time, the tease lifted her dress to her hips.
“I love you.” He kissed his way down to her collarbones.
But she sensed something wasn’t quite right. He was too tense—not in a purely sexual way. A worried way.
“What’s wrong?” She drew back to look into his eyes as she asked.
He licked his lips and looked her straight in the eye. “Marry me.”
Warmth burst in her chest. It was like all the fireworks in the world had gone off, lighting her from the inside out. “Yes.”
He lifted something from the table beside him. A jewellery box. She hadn’t even noticed it when she’d come in. She’d been too excited about seeing him.
Now she looked at it and then, concerned, looked at the diamond that she still wore on her right hand. Tom’s diamond.
“Shall I take this off?” she whispered. “I should take it off. I’m so sorry. I should have done that months ago.” But it was just there. Part of her. She wasn’t an accessories girl—didn’t wear a different necklace with each outfit. She just wore what she had—which was Tom’s ring. Now she realized how insensitive that might have been.
“No.” Xander’s hand gently covered hers.
“You don’t mind? It doesn’t bother you?”
Xander shook his head. “I feel sorry for him. He had everything. He had you. And you are you, in part, because of him. Loyal, loving. Strong. I’d like to have met him. He sounds like he was a nice guy. And though he’s gone, he’s a part of you and I don’t think you should have to forget about him. So if you want to, wear it.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “Xander.” She’d never met a man more generous. More accepting. More loving.
“I don’t feel the need to give you a bigger diamond.” He grinned wryly but his eyes were somber. “To compete. There’s no contest. He’s dead. I’m here now. And I know how happy you are with me.”
He opened the box. The ring he’d selected for her was a sapphire, the blue the exact shade of her eyes. Diamonds sat on either side.
“You can wear both rings,” he said. “One on each hand.”
It was beautiful. But she could hardly see it through her tears. “I don’t deserve this,” she struggled to speak with the huge lump in her throat. “The love of two fine men.”
“You do.” He took the ring from the box and slid it onto her finger. “Everyone deserves more than one shot at happiness.” He drew in a breath. “Even me.”
“And I’m so happy,” she whispered.
“You love me.” His eyes burned into hers and she read the rawness in them. “You need me.”
She nodded, cupping his jaw. “And you love me. You need me.”
“More than you’ll ever know.”
She lifted up a fraction and slid onto him, locking tight onto his body. He looked up at her—the most gorgeous, confident, vulnerable smile in his eyes.
There was a time for play and a time for nothing but love. This was nothing but slow, sweet love. He was her beautiful lifesaver.
“I love you so much.” She held her breath as the sensations build so unbearably.
“Breathe for me,” he said hoarsely. Holding her, rocking her to pleasure. “Breathe for me.”
“Kiss me so I can.”
And, as always, he did.
THE END
Coming Soon – Logan’s Story!
BEG FOR ME
One mistake means she’s his to marry?
No one needs an image overhaul more than Logan Hughes. His notoriety has reached epic proportions thanks to a sex clip circulating on the Internet. But when his newly contracted social media manager inadvertently tweets his happiness at his engagement, he—along with the rest of the world—is astounded.
With one wrong click of a button Min Jones just committed career suicide. Mixing up her client’s account wouldn’t have been so bad if he had only a few followers... unfortunately he has almost a million. Summoned to meet with him face-to-face, she’s more tongue-tied than ever. Then he announces that his engagement is to stand and that she’s to be his fiancé. For six months she’s to play along, but it only takes six seconds for her to realize the extent of the man’s charm. He’s temptation incarnate.
With her career on the line Min agrees but she isn’t going to hide away meek and mild. If Logan Hughes wants a fiancé, he’s going to have to play by her rules and that means he’s going to have to learn to handle some restraint…
Releasing late 2013
Turn the page for other titles by Natalie available now…
Other Titles Available Now
THE RIGHT MR. WRONG
Harlequin KISS, June 2013
"Will you marry me?"
Isn't that the question every girl dreams of hearing? Victoria certainly used to think so. And safe, steady Oliver seemed perfect husband material. But that was until she met Liam, his rebellious, scorchingly hot best friend. Suddenly Victoria's feeling things—crazy lust-fueled things!—she's never felt before. But for the wrong guy… Then Oliver goes down on one knee, and it's decision time—head or hormones?
Victoria's about to discover the truth about guys like Liam—once you go bad you never go back!
FLIRTING TO WIN
Entangled Indulgence
Three sizzling stories in one indulgent anthology—Bargain in Bronze; Seduction in Silver; Gamble in Gold.
Gamble in Gold
The one that got away...
Seven years have passed since shy Lexie Peterson had her heart trampled by her teenage crush. When she comes face to face with him in London, she vows to stay strong against his charms. But there's something about the man who has always made the impossible seem possible.
When Luke Marchetti walks into his flat to find Lexie in a negligee, all he can think of is having a little flirt and fling. But sweet, caring Lexie is all grown up now, and her determination to keep him at a distance makes him realize she deserves more than he can offer.
One kiss when they were younger ignited a passion that lasted seven long years. But is it enough to entice the two to take a gamble on love?
Seduction in Silver
A limited engagement...
For two weeks Nina Breslin had passed an enticing stranger when catching the Baker Street Tube to go to work. So utterly sexy, and enticingly foreign, she figures he's eons out of her league–until the day he makes an outrageous proposal.
Dr. Eduardo Ruiz needs a break from the heart-breaking reality of his job. So when he finally introduces himself to the vivacious woman he's been admiring, he quickly realizes they could help each other with their sticky situations...and have great fun in the process.
They agree to an outrageous plan. For one night only, she'll masquerade as his girlfrien
d to appease his overzealous family members, and he'll accompany her to meet with her ex-fiancé's friends, pretending to be her attentive lover. Can they play by their own rules, or will they succumb to the pull of seduction?
Bargain in Bronze
If you can't take the heat...
Entrepreneur Libby Harris's specialty is making her famous muesli. So when an Olympic hopeful invites her to his flat to make her delicious cereal, she's bewildered when his brother Jack walks in, accusing her of trying to ruin his brother's career. Libby has every intention of staying single, but with Jack around, no way can she suppress the personal pleasure she's long denied herself.
Investment banker extraordinaire Jack Barnes’s attraction to Libby is instantaneous, but he's raised his two siblings after their parents died in an accident, and it's been all work and no play for as long as he can remember. He can't let down his guard now–not when his brother is so close to the gold. But keeping Libby busy and out of his brother's life challenges every ounce of his self-control. Until now...
Neither wants a relationship, and though they can't deny their incredible chemistry, Libby and Jack agree that what they have is temporary. So when things start to sizzle between them, will they be able to take the heat?
You can buy Bargain in Bronze separately here.
Other recent titles by Natalie include:
Dating and Other Dangers
Waking up in the Wrong Bed
First Time Lucky?
Nice Girls Finish Last
The End of Faking It
About the Author
USA TODAY bestseller Natalie Anderson writes fun, frisky, feels-good contemporary romance. She’s published with Harlequin Mills & Boon, Entangled Publishing and also independently. With over twenty-five books published, she’s been a Romantic Times Award nominee & a finalist for the R*BY (Romantic Book of the Year).
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