Free Too Grand for Words (BookStrand Publishing Romance) by Natasza Waters Page A

begun to form on Moira’s shins and knees. A few deep scratches marred both legs. God, he felt bloody awful.
    “No one could have guessed that was coming,” Moira said, as he inspected her battered legs. “Let’s get to the pool. I’ll wash off there.”
    He helped her to her feet, holding her close until she steadied herself. He still felt responsible and concerned, but she seemed to brush it off as nothing.
    Moira walked ahead to check on each of her crew. When she reached Marcus, he folded his arm around her shoulder and gave her a squeeze.
    “Maybe that’s why they call her the Black Magnet,” Callie said, falling in step beside him.
    “Walk up there,” Mandy ordered harshly.
    Callie bent her head and trotted to catch up to Sasha and Patti.
    “What does she mean by that?” he asked.
    “Nothing. Callie opens her mouth and nothing but shit falls out of it,” Mandy said. “Ignore her.”
    Black magnet? Interesting, he thought, but he couldn’t even begin to guess what that meant.
      “Moira’s the one that almost dies, and she’s got to check on everyone,” Mandy said. “I hope she learned something back there.”
    “What do you mean?” he asked. Mandy kept pace with him, and he didn’t think it was by accident.
    “She couldn’t save herself. She had to trust you. She doesn’t trust anyone,” Mandy offered. She adjusted the small pack on her back.
    “Should I ask why?”
    “Probably not, but you will.”
    He liked Mandy. She seemed like a no-nonsense, down-to-earth woman. Obviously, she and Moira were closer than just workmates. “Okay then, why?”
    “You saw what she did back there. She tried to save herself, grabbing at the rocks, instead of letting you help her. She’s done that all her life. I’ve known her for years, and she’d rather fall on her face than ask for someone’s help.”
    He walked along, considering her words, trying to read between the lines. “Moira’s independent, is what you’re saying.”
    “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.”

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