Remington: Stargazer Alien Mail Order Brides #5 (Intergalactic Dating Agency)

by Tasha Black

  Remington dove under the surface of the water.

  Everything was black. There was no way he was going to find the source of the problem.

  A light illuminated the area around him.

  He turned to find Addy waiving to him. Tiny bubbles of air trailed from her long hair. She hadn’t had time to put it up. Her ball gown was ruined, but it looked beautiful swirling around her. In her hand, she held the source of the light. Her phone. He’d seen her use the flashlight feature underwater before, when Mrs. Arnett had lost an earring in the pool.

  She pointed at something, and he followed her direction.

  Sure enough, he could see the place where the anchor had pierced the line. The man must have dropped it by accident.

  He pulled the anchor free, and larger bubbles sprang forth.

  He wrapped both his hands around the line until the flow of gas into the lake had all but stopped.

  He looked back at Addy.

  She gestured to the surface and he shook his head.

  He hoped he could stay under until the fire department turned off the gas. He had never really pushed himself to the limit before. He wasn’t sure how long his body could go without air.

  But there were enough people in danger up there that he was willing to find out.

  He thrust his chin at Addy to tell her to go.

  She set the phone down near the pipe, so that he could see what he was doing, then reached out a hand to cup his cheek.

  He smiled, pressing his face into her palm.

  The bubbles began to issue from her mouth and he knew she needed to go back to the surface.

  He kissed her hand, then watched her swim away.

  Addy

  Addy swam to the surface to find that almost no one had left the water or the lawn.

  Her heart was under that cold lake.

  But her job was up here.

  She could see poor Shauna dashing around the shore pointing toward the water ineffectually. The guests and staff were having too much fun dancing and laughing to pay much attention to her.

  This called for a microphone. Good thing she knew right where to find one.

  She dashed back toward the auction stage. With any luck the mic would still be live.

  All around her torches blazed and people sat around bonfires. The D’Angelo twins twirled sparklers as they danced and giggled. Was the world always such a fire hazard?

  At last she reached the stage. She gathered up her sodden gown and climbed the stairs, grabbing the mic and hoping for the best.

  “Hello,” she said.

  Her voice echoed back through the speakers.

  Thank god.

  “Attention, staff and guests,” she said loudly.

  Plenty of people stopped what they were doing to look up, but the lawn was still alive with dancing and talking.

  “Attention, staff and guests,” she repeated, more forcefully. “There has been a gas leak on the premises. We need everyone to calmly evacuate.”

  Now there was silence.

  “Staff, please follow the emergency protocol we went over at orientation,” she continued. “You’re going to meet at the bridge, organize, and then walk toward town, rather than waiting for emergency personnel. Guests, please walk calmly to the bridge and meet the staff for further instructions.”

  She expected that mayhem would ensue almost immediately, but the staff had been trained well. They rounded up guests, who wandered to the one-lane bridge looking almost excited for this change in events.

  She wondered fleetingly if they might think this was all just an elaborate part of the event. But whatever their reason, she was relieved that the guests were calmly following instructions.

  She headed down the steps and back to the lake.

  No bubbles.

  Somewhere deep in the water, Remington still held the line.

  She wondered if the big man’s strength was waning without oxygen.

  The lawn was empty now, except for two small figures running toward her.

  “Addy,” Honey called. She was dragging Kitt along with her. “Where’s the fire department?”

  “I-I don’t know, I told Shauna to call 9-1-1,” Addy said. It occurred to her that she didn’t hear sirens.

  “Do you think she did?” Honey asked.

  Addy looked up to the bridge, but the staff had already disappeared down the main road with the whole crew of staff and guests.

  It struck her that Shauna really might have been so freaked out that she had forgotten to call.

  “Can you call now?” Honey asked. “My phone is at the cabin.”

  “My phone is with Remington,” Addy said, shaken.

  “Where’s Remington?” Honey asked.

  Oh boy.

  Addy hadn’t exactly told her friends about his gift.

  She jogged with Honey toward the bridge, wondering how quickly they could catch up with the others.

  “He’s got, um, a special talent,” she said as vaguely as she could, wondering if Kitt already knew about his brother’s gift. “He’s helping to control the leak until help arrives.”

  “Kitt has a special talent too,” Honey said.

  “You do?” Addy asked Kitt.

  He nodded.

  “It’s a long story, but basically he’s so fast. Like, really fast. I wouldn’t have thought you’d believe me, but I saw Remington go under and I know he hasn’t come back up yet.”

  “Oh,” Addy said, thunderstruck. “Wow.”

  That was a lot to unpack, but it would have to wait.

  “If you can explain to me where the fire station is, I can be there instantly, as far as you’re concerned, and get them to help,” Kitt said.

  “Yes,” Addy said. “Please, as fast as you can. I don’t know how much longer he can hold on.”

  She explained carefully how to follow the main road around the curve all the way to town, then the exact spot where the firehouse was tucked between the library and post office.

  Then she blinked and he was gone.

  Honey grabbed Addy’s hands and held them tight.

  “It’s going to be okay,” Honey whispered.

  Addy hugged her friend close.

  Two minutes later, there was a whoosh of air and Kitt was back.

  “Wow,” Addy breathed.

  She could already hear the sirens just over the crest.

  “Go get him,” Kitt said. “By the time you get him out they’ll have shut down the main.”

  “Are you sure?” Addy asked.

  “Go,” Kitt nodded.

  Addy could see the firefighters in the lot above, already wrestling the metal cover plate off the shut-off valve. They had a special key they would use to shut down the gas main as soon as the plate was off.

  She dove into the water and swam out to Remington.

  He was holding the pipe, a fierce expression of determination on his face.

  Addy patted his shoulder and he didn’t even look up.

  She patted him again, more urgently.

  He didn’t respond.

  Then she swam in closer, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him softly.

  He leaned his forehead against hers.

  She pulled away and gave him a thumbs-up.

  Suddenly he was smiling.

  But he didn’t let go.

  She pulled on his arm, but he shook his head vehemently.

  She rose to the surface for a quick breath, flummoxed as to what she should do.

  Then she saw the two men carrying equipment down to the water.

  She stayed above while they swam out to her.

  “We brought a pipe clamp,” the one said. “We shut down the main but there’s still plenty of gas in the pipe. Is it down here?”

  “Yes,” she said, “the boat dropped anchor by accident. My friend is down there trying to stop the leak.”

  “We’ll take it from here,” the other firefighter said.

  They were trying to hide their smiles. They u
nderstandably thought it was funny that someone was trying to stop the leak by hand.

  “You and your friend should evacuate,” the first firefighter said.

  “Okay,” Addy said. “I’ll try and explain to him.”

  She went under as the men put on their masks and dove under too.

  When Remington saw the divers he nodded.

  They came over to examine the area he was holding. One of them held out the patch, and when Remington let go, they clamped it down before too many bubbles could escape.

  Then Addy grabbed Remington’s hand and half dragged him to the surface.

  Remington

  Remington allowed Addy to pull him with her to the surface of the lake.

  For once, his body welcomed the breath he took when they emerged.

  Then Addy was covering his face with kisses, warm and feather light, so that he thought his heart would burst.

  “Are you okay, Remington?” Her whispered question awoke him from the stupor of enjoyment.

  “Of course,” he said.

  “You were so strange down there, you wouldn’t look at me,” she said.

  “I was afraid I would begin to crave air,” he told her. “I was practicing meditation to ease the cravings if they came. I learned to meditate to calm myself when I was getting accustomed to my human form. Meditation is most useful. I’m sorry if I frightened you.”

  Addy laughed.

  “My mom would like you,” she said.

  He smiled. That was a nice thought. He knew her mother had been here and it was a sadness that he had not had the opportunity to meet her. Perhaps another time.

  They climbed up the bank.

  It was strange to see no one on the moonlit lawn except the firefighters.

  He turned to Addy.

  She was shivering. The beautiful gown she’d been wearing was completely soaked and bits of algae clung to it.

  “You’re freezing,” he said.

  “I’m okay,” she replied.

  He suspected that she was in shock. This happened commonly to humans who were placed in stressful conditions without the soothing effects of meditation.

  “I’m going to hold you anyway,” he said.

  He lifted her up and carried her up toward the main house. She wound her arms around his neck.

  Ellen, the night manager was coming down the hill as they walked up.

  “Is she okay?” Ellen asked.

  “She’s cold,” Remington said.

  “Take her inside. Room 38 is open tonight,” Ellen said, tossing him a key card. “That will open any of the rooms, but I trust you to use it only on 38.”

  “I promise,” Remington assured her.

  “Get some rest,” Ellen said, giving Remington a significant look, “both of you.”

  He nodded and cuddled Addy closer to his chest.

  When they reached the lobby he had to take a breath. It was strange, thinking about being a guest instead of a waiter as he crossed the plush carpet.

  There was no one to be found anywhere. He pressed the button and the elevator doors slid open.

  At last they arrived on the top floor of the stone house and he followed the numbers on the doors to #38.

  Addy had been silent in his arms all this time.

  She wiggled to be let down when he struggled with the key card and he placed her gently on the ground.

  She took the card from him and slid it through the reader. It beeped and the lock clicked.

  Remington pushed the door open.

  The room was large, with a cream-colored carpet, alabaster bedding, and white curtains framing a huge window that overlooked the resort. He could see the single moon reflecting in the black water of the lake and the gently swaying trees on the hillside above.

  It was beautiful.

  But not as beautiful as his bedraggled bride, resplendent in her ghostly glory.

  “What are you looking at?” Addy asked.

  He gaped for a moment, then realized she was joking.

  “I look like something out of a horror movie, don’t I?” she asked, then laughed.

  “You always look beautiful to me,” he said, not quite wanting to agree.

  “Well, enjoy then, because I’m taking it off right away,” Addy said.

  True to her word, she began to struggle with her sodden gown immediately.

  “May I help you?”

  “Sure,” she said. “Thanks.”

  They wrestled the wet dress together until at last it was piled on the floor at her feet.

  She gazed up at him, her eyes luminous, as if she were ready for a kiss.

  His heart ached in response, and his body raged. But Remington wasn’t going to take advantage of her state of mind. He patted her shoulder gently, then headed for the bathroom.

  “I’m going to start a warm shower for you,” he said over his shoulder.

  He could sense her confusion, but she trailed after him agreeably enough.

  When the water was steaming, he turned back to her.

  She had removed her undergarments and stood before him completely bare.

  Her breasts were beautiful, delicate pink nipples jutting out as if begging for his touch. Her waist narrowed before the flare of her hips. The triangle of pale skin between the deep tan of her belly and her thighs looked like an arrow to him, pointing the way for him to find her pleasure.

  But he brought his eyes to hers and tried valiantly to keep them there.

  She blinked up at him, blue eyes filled with… something that made him feel warm inside.

  He puzzled over whether it might be wonder or gratitude, then forced himself back on task.

  “Let’s get you in there,” he said gently, taking her hand to help her into the water.

  She stepped into the shower.

  He watched, hypnotized, as she tilted her chin back, letting the water cascade through her hair, down her chest.

  When she reached for the shampoo, he grabbed it for her and hesitated before handing it over.

  She looked at him, then smiled, and let her hand fall to her side again, waiting expectantly.

  He squeezed some shampoo into his hand, replaced the bottle, and leaned in to massage it into her hair.

  She closed her eyes like a kitten and leaned into his touch.

  Her hair was smooth as satin in the warm water. When he was finished with it, he took soap and worked it between his hands, then skimmed it down her arms, across her chest.

  She held her breath, and he knew she was waiting to see what he would do next.

  Slowly, so that she could stop him if she wanted, he circled her breasts, then allowed his palms to caress them gently.

  Her nipples pebbled against his hands and he almost groaned with frustrated need.

  Addy drew in a breath and he knew she felt this too, this desire that was almost like gravity.

  He slid his soapy hands down to her belly, around her posterior, down her legs.

  Then he worked his way back up her inner thighs.

  She was trembling, but she held still, so he slid his hand against her sex.

  He nearly lost his resolve then. She was warm and wet, and it had nothing to do with the shower.

  But he kept going, withdrawing his hand as soon as he was sure he had bathed her properly.

  She whimpered lightly, and he rejoiced inside, knowing she wanted him.

  He slowly rinsed the soap from every part of her body beginning at the top.

  By the time he found himself back between her thighs he was desperate to taste her.

  He had sworn to himself that he would not choose her tonight, but he had not sworn that he wouldn’t pleasure her again.

  He was peeling off his clothes, joining her in the shower, and down on his knees before he had time to rethink things.

  “Remington,” Addy breathed.

  Then he was between her legs, lapping at the sweet tanginess of her, reveling in the small sounds of need she made as he toyed with her, unable to sto
p himself from teasing her just to prolong the incredible sensation of having her at his mercy. Her exquisite pleasure was tied to the tiny movements of his tongue.

  When she laced her fingers through his hair, he knew he had pushed her too much.

  Slowly, he pressed one finger against her opening and licked her clitoris into his mouth.

  She arched her hips and cried out as he sucked and pressed inside at the same time.

  He felt her whole body tense around him, and then she was moaning deliciously as she squeezed his finger in an endless series of pleasant contractions.

  At last he rose, enjoying the sight of her pink cheeks and the wondering look in her eyes.

  That other expression was still there.

  He washed himself quickly, then turned off the water and wordlessly offered her a towel.

  She took it, dried off, then padded past him, naked, out of the bathroom.

  He dried off too, and followed her.

  She sat on the edge of the bed.

  He sat next to her.

  “You told me something once,” she said. “It feels like a million years ago.”

  “What was it?”

  “You said that you wanted to choose me for your mate,” she said, sounding uncharacteristically shy. “Is that still true?”

  “Of course,” he said, preparing himself for the pain of hearing again that she did not want him.

  “I want it too,” she said softly.

  “Addy,” he groaned.

  “Please,” she said. “I mean it.”

  “What about Marco?” he asked.

  “What about Marco?” she repeated.

  “I saw you with him,” Remington explained. “I thought… I mean it looked like…”

  “Marco?” She said with a laugh that did more to put his mind at ease than any words could. “He’s a goofball. I was only going to see him to find Jasmine.”

  “Jasmine?”

  “I thought…”

  He could tell that whatever she wanted to say caused her great difficulty, so he waited without pressing for more.

  “I thought,” she continued, “that she would be a good match for you.”

  “What?” he asked, not sure he had heard her correctly. “Why would you want me to be matched with Jasmine?”

  “I don’t,” she insisted. “I never really did. I was just kidding myself. But I thought if I couldn’t be with you, then I needed to make sure you didn’t end up with someone who would mistreat you.”