by A. C. Arthur
“You have two beautiful daughters to worry about now. I’m a big girl. If I can’t get myself out of the trouble I get into, then that’s my problem.”
“Are you in trouble? What really happened with Luther, Noelle? Because you never did tell me a lot about him or why you two stopped seeing each other. All I know is that he had some issues letting go.”
“No,” she answered quickly. “Luther is definitely not a situation. Besides, that’s over and done with and I’m not looking for another relationship until I can find a man who likes me for me and not just my physical attributes.”
Jade sighed. “Listen to you. I remember a time when your physical attributes were your best asset. That’s what you used to say.”
“Yeah, well, that ship has sailed,” Noelle responded. “There’s a new sheriff in town and she’s taking no prisoners so any man that steps to me now better be for real about being with me or else he can just keep on steppin’.”
“I hear you, little sis. And you’re right. You deserve more than a man that simply wants you in his bed.”
“And that’s what I plan to get.” Noelle sighed. “Even if I have to grow old and gray waiting for it.”
Jade chuckled. “Me, I can see growing old and gray. You, on the other hand, will be fifty years old and counting with your hair dyed blond, your party dress on and, oh yes, the hottest, most expensive designer shoes you can find.”
Noelle couldn’t help but smile—her sister knew her all too well.
Chapter 4
“I apologize for earlier,” Brock said after they’d finished cleaning up their dinner dishes. Although after Noelle’s phone call she’d come back out onto the porch as if nothing had happened between them, he felt horrible for the way he’d handled her innocent comment.
It wasn’t her fault he had no real family. And truth be told, the Donovans had been more than welcoming to him. But Brock longed for a blood tie, a real live connection to the people he’d been born from. That’s why he’d come back to Maryland, to be closer to them, hoping that maybe, just maybe, his mother would come around.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t meant to be.
He’d long since stopped going to see his mother at the psychiatric hospital. She had no idea who he was anyway. A search for any other relatives had proved unsuccessful. So it was just him in this world, the last surviving Remington. That thought made him sad more often than Brock liked to admit.
But that gave him no right to take it out on Noelle. Especially since over dinner he’d finally realized what his real issue with her was. He was attracted to her.
That seemed simple enough. Boy meets girl, boy likes what he sees, boy wants girl. Discreet glances to her left hand showed no rings and no shadow of a ring, so he figured she was free. Yet why a man hadn’t laid his claim to her yet was beyond Brock. If he were the type, he certainly would have. It was a good thing he had no intentions of claiming any woman, ever.
Shrugging, she was already heading for the steps. “Already forgotten,” she said brightly. “I’m just going to head on up to bed. Plane rides aren’t my favorite so I didn’t get a lot of rest last night from worrying about it. I know it should probably feel earlier to me, still, I’m tired. What time are we heading to the casino in the morning?”
Brock was right behind her, after switching off the only lights they’d used on the downstairs level. He’d locked the house up while she cleaned the countertops in the kitchen. Watching her bottom as she leaned over the granite top had become more than a little uncomfortable so he’d opted for some space. Now, however, with her standing on the step above him, he was afforded yet another gracious view of her gorgeous body.
It should be a sin, he told himself when he’d seen her for the first time at the airport. A sin and a shame that God created such a beautifully enticing woman. Keeping his hands off her was not a viable option, Brock finally decided.
“I thought we could tour St. Michaels, then head back up the coast toward Easton and the construction site. I’ve asked Kent and Josette to meet us there around noon.”
“That sounds good,” she said, and began walking up the stairs.
Brock followed with his eyes glued to the alluring sway of her hips, the generous curve of her bottom. She had long legs with meaty thighs. Brock was definitely into women who had some meat on their bones. Although thin might be in for some, he preferred having something solid to hold on to in bed.
Noelle Vincent was definitely solid. With her height she was evenly proportioned, with curves and thickness that had his mouth watering. It had been quite some time since he’d had such a strong physical reaction to a woman. According to Kent, way too long. He’d have to thank Linc for sending him this surprise package.
The mere thought of Linc and this project brought forth questions of whether or not it was wise to cross the line with Noelle. A couple of hours ago he’d been worried about her holding up the project, but not in this way. As with everything else in his life, Brock liked to play his cards close to the vest. So he vowed that the inevitable seduction of the enticing Noelle Vincent would be slow, drawn out and extremely pleasing.
With that out of the way the question still remained: How would making a move on Noelle play against their casino business? Generally speaking, people who were working together didn’t do well in relationships. But because Brock clearly wasn’t looking for a relationship, she was fair game.
That’s where his thoughts were leaning when she stopped in front of the door to the guest room he’d told her was hers. He’d left her bags in there earlier but hadn’t been paying much attention to walking so when she stopped he bumped into her.
“Slow down,” she said, turning and placing both her palms on his chest to stop him.
As their bodies touched, something inside Brock clicked as if falling right into place. “Sorry about that,” he said immediately but couldn’t make himself take a step backward, a step away from her.
“I’d say you were intoxicated but I know you only had an iced tea with dinner. Which was very tasty, by the way. Jade was impressed by a man that could cook. I’ll have to tell her that you did the job very well.”
He chuckled, and Noelle felt little twinges in her stomach. He hadn’t laughed once during dinner. It was a nice sound, deep and rich. His eyes crinkled ever so slightly at the corners when he did and she figured he obviously didn’t laugh often. Pity, she thought.
Brock Remington was a very nice-looking man, with his bronzed skin and close-cut dark brown hair. The strong bone structure of his face could be presumed as intimidating, but Noelle thought it showed strength and endurance. His eyes were a light shade of brown, not as light as hers but certainly not as dark as his hair. He had a great body—she’d already checked that out when they were downstairs—and his attire was casual yet attractive. Jeans and Timberland boots had never looked so good on a man to her before. His Ralph Lauren polo shirt was a summery shade of coral, which was a great accent to his complexion. In short, he was quite a tasty morsel to look at. If one were looking, that is.
“You talked to your sister about me already?”
He was more than in her space, backing her up against the door. Surely this was inappropriate…but that didn’t stop it from feeling good.
“She called earlier and asked how things were going. I told her you were being very hospitable.”
“Even though at that point I wasn’t?”
Noelle waved a hand. “I told you that was already forgotten. I may have been a little out of line. Sometimes my mouth moves faster than my brain. It’s a horrible habit that’s gotten me into lots of trouble.”
He cocked his head to the side, his eyes fixated on the mouth she spoke of. “Trouble, huh? I can just imagine.”
Right there, in that hallway where they stood, the temperature seemed to rise another fifty degrees, so that tiny beads of sweat had begun to form in the valley between her breasts. That, coupled with his proximity and the timbre his voice had lower
ed to when he’d just spoken gave Noelle a slight start. If she didn’t know better she’d think…
Before she could actually finish that thought, his hand was cupping the nape of her neck, pulling her the half step closer that landed her chest flush against his.
“It’s such a pretty mouth. When I look at it I can only imagine good things,” he said gruffly.
This wasn’t right, some distant voice spoke in the back of her mind. This wasn’t what she was here for. And yet she’d seemed to fit against his strong body so perfectly. His mouth somehow knowing exactly how to work hers. Her thighs quivered as in her mind’s eye she could see them together, naked, rolling over a big bed, bodies entwined with one goal in mind—pleasure, mindless, earth-shattering pleasure.
That part moved fast, going into a blur and then there was nothing…once more, for Noelle, there was nothing left.
Her brain attempted to protest and had just sent the message to her mouth, which had opened to do its bidding, when bam!
His lips touched hers, his tongue slipping quickly inside, stroking hers until the heat that surrounded them was transferred directly into her body. From his lips to hers the fire climbed, swarming through her body until her arms were instinctively lifting, wrapping around his neck as his moved to her waist, slipping farther to cup her bottom.
And there she was, back pressed against the bedroom door, his strong hands lifting her until only the tips of her toes touched the floor. She felt trapped, absorbed and terribly aroused all at once. The dance of his tongue around hers made her dizzy, but she didn’t miss a step, opening her mouth wider, tilting her head to take him deeper.
Brock groaned, his fingers digging into the soft skin of her backside. She felt so good against him this had to be a crime or an explicit-as-hell dream. She was kissing him back, this pretty woman he’d just met. Kissing him with a hunger that matched his own.
His erection pounded against his zipper, demanding release. He ground into her, lifting her off the floor, letting his hands move down to her thighs to wrap their solid length around his waist.
Her center was flush against his erection. His hips jerked instinctively. Full breasts pressed against his chest and the blood pounded fiercely in Brock’s ears.
Then she made an indecipherable sound, and through the haze of desire he felt her struggling to break free of his grasp. The word no echoed in his mind, even though he knew she couldn’t possibly have said anything because his lips were still devouring hers. Still, her palms pressing urgently against his chest and her thighs trying to squirm down from him could mean only one thing. Without the conscious consent of his body, his mind roared for him to stop. And when that message finally filtered through, Brock released her completely, taking a step back.
Noelle fell backward against the door with a thump but miraculously remained upright. She looked up at him, unable or unwilling to speak, Brock wasn’t quite sure. Then she was gone, disappearing behind the door in seconds.
As the door to her room clicked shut Brock inhaled a deep, steadying breath.
So much for seducing her slowly.
Chapter 5
So they kissed, that wasn’t so bad. Over and over Noelle told herself this as she moved silently through Brock’s house, passing the porch where they’d shared a nice platonic steak dinner last night. That had been only an hour before he’d kissed her and she’d acted like a deprived sex fiend, crawling all over him as if she just couldn’t get enough.
It wasn’t quite six yet, but the sky was already brightening, the morning coming whether she wanted to face it or not. Now, was it through this door and around to the left or around to the right? Brock had shown her the pool during the tour yesterday. One thing she’d become accustomed to living in Jade and Linc’s spacious home was the indoor and outdoor pools. So the majority of her mornings either started with a brisk run or a couple of laps. Because she didn’t know this area well, Noelle had opted for a swim. She was meeting with Brock in a few hours, so thinking about the kiss and its effect on her would have to wait. Or she’d simply bypass it altogether.
That was one of her other talents—one that she hadn’t figured out whether was good or bad. She could push things aside, put them in their own compartment and pull them out and deal with them when she was ready. And right now, she thought as just a few short feet away—after making the left turn—she’d spotted the pool, she wasn’t ready to deal with the attraction to Brock Remington.
Moving quickly, Noelle dropped her towel on one of the lounge chairs and headed straight for the water. She could dip a toe in to test the water but where was the fun in that? Instead, she dove right in, going almost to the bottom then paddling herself up to the top. Breaking through the water she spewed a bit and took a deep breath. Pushing her wet hair out of her eyes she lay back into a seamless backstroke.
When the sun finally made its appearance, Noelle felt its warm persistent rays against her skin as she continued to move throughout the water.
It was really pretty here, quaint and scenic. So much so that she probably would have never thought to put a new casino in this area. This was either a place for lovers or retirees, like one of those complexes in Florida—Lake Buena something or other.
But Linc had done his research and she’d read the reports. Just forty-five minutes to the south there was a slots-only casino and north in Delaware there was another slots-only casino, with another one in West Virginia. Maryland was prime for a full-fledged gaming facility. The state already boasted a world-class race course at Pimlico, but the Gramercy II would offer gaming beyond horse racing. It was a gold mine and Linc was determined to tap into it.
Coming out of the pool for the first time, Noelle ran to the chair where she’d dropped her towel and dried off her face. Holding her head to one side, she waited for the water to drain out. She hated that echoing when water was stuck in her ears, but she hated wearing earplugs even more. So after checking her watch and confirming she had more time, she headed for the pool once more. Just a few more laps, then she’d head into the house to get ready to meet Brock.
His name resonated in her mind as she moved sleekly through the water. She allowed her thoughts to circle around him for a moment. Attractive in a rugged, outdoorsy kind of way was what he was. Not the polished money men she dealt with back in Vegas, that was for sure. He was kind of quiet, uptight and definitely on edge about something. Still, his body was the bomb, muscles rippling from every part of him. She’d bet it came more from working right alongside his construction crew than from working out inside any upscale gym.
And, as far as she was concerned he delivered one whopper of a kiss. Her body still tingled when she thought about their exchange. But it was just that, a kiss, nothing more. Which should probably be the story of her life with men. The physical was always easy. It always came first, hot and fast. Then like a one-alarm fire being attacked by a hose, it smoldered, leaving in its wake the charred remains of what could have been.
Well, Noelle Vincent was tired of getting burned.
She swam more quickly now, trying to outrun her past, the mistakes, the pain. Her lungs were just beginning to burn for air when she felt something snake around her waist. On impulse she squirmed, turning to see what had grabbed her. But it was too late—the grip was tight and she was headed for the top without even having to tread water herself.
Sucking in air she opened her eyes, then flung around quickly, ready to punch, scratch and scream her way free, only to find herself face-to-face with the man she had a sinking feeling was up to no good.
“Mornin’,” he said, his smile not really matching the heated gleam in his eyes.
“Good morning,” she managed, wiping her hair out of her face.
Brock lifted a hand, moved another strand away from her eyes. “Heard you down here and decided a swim looked like a good idea.”
He had thick eyebrows. She hadn’t noticed that last night, but she did now because he was really close to her and she was att
empting to keep her gaze above the shoulders because it was clear he wore no shirt.
“I was just finishing up,” she said. “I need to go and get dressed.”
He caught her arm when she attempted to swim away. “No. Stay.” Pulling her close again, this time he cupped her chin. “Please.”
In the most nonchalant voice she could conjure, Noelle said, “Sure. Why not?”
Brock released a breath with her words. For a moment he thought she was going to be all awkward and bothered by their kiss. The kiss that had kept him up most of the night. But she seemed to be pretty relaxed as she swam slowly beside him. They watched each other between strokes but didn’t speak. She looked confident, self-assured as she cut through the water. He liked that. It convinced him that his instincts about her had been right. She wasn’t one of those starry-eyed women who took a kiss to mean the beginning of some life-changing relationship.
That wasn’t what Brock needed in his life. He’d had enough emotional issues without adding more. Besides, he had nothing to offer a woman on a long-term basis, nothing at all.
But right now, at this very moment he knew what he wanted to offer Noelle Vincent. He wanted her—there was absolutely no doubt about that. Beneath him, on top of him—each and every possible position had run quickly through his mind.
When he’d heard the water and looked out his window to see her in the pool this morning, his desire to be close to her had only heightened. She wore a bikini that showed more than it hid. His mouth had literally begun to water, his erection growing so hard it had taken several minutes and thoughts of the last few World Series baseball games to get it to go down enough for him to comfortably slip into his swim trunks.
So deep in his lavacious thoughts of her it took a moment before Brock realized she’d stopped swimming.
“What? Is something wrong?” he asked, treading water as he looked back at her.