Marooned With the Millionaire Read online

  “In the grotto? Yes, I know exactly what the grotto looks like. I took special care to make sure it’s spectacular. Would you like to take a look?”

  Stephanie nodded eagerly and kicked off her heels. He stood and took both of her hands to pull her up to a standing position. They walked together to the descending stairs at the pool’s entrance. The water was perfect in temperature; just cool enough to feel refreshing in the desert heat, but warm enough not to produce an instant chill. Jason followed her into the pool. Stephanie turned to him and wrapped her arms around him. "This feels wonderful."

  "The water?" he asked.

  Stephanie smiled up at him and skimmed her fingers across the back of his neck.

  "Everything,” she said. She pulled away from his embrace and ducked under the pool’s surface. Stephanie was a natural swimmer. She swam the length of the pool without taking a breath. When she resurfaced at the opposite end of the pool, she turned and placed her elbows on the pool’s edge. She eyed Jason who was not looking at her face. His gaze was fixed a few inches to the south. She looked down at her pebbled nipples clinging to her bikini top. Touching her fingertips to her neck, she traced the line of water droplets down to the valley between her breasts.

  "Do you swim, Jay?” she teased.

  Jason gave her an evil smile, slowly lowered himself under the water and swam toward her. When he reached her, he circled his hands around her waist and gave the little bows tied at her hips a gentle tug. Her black bikini bottoms slipped off as his head broke the surface and they were suddenly face-to-face.

  "You won't need these where we're going. Oh and this either." He reached behind her and pulled the string tied at her back. In a split second, she was nude in his swimming pool. He turned her around so that her back was against his chest. He nibbled on her ear and neck as his fingers rolled her pointed nipples to soft peaks. She leaned her head against his shoulder and tilted her head to kiss him. As his lips lowered to hers, she giggled and spun so that they were facing each other.

  "Well, if my bathing suit is not required than neither is yours."

  Stephanie placed her hands on his cool wet chest and lowered herself until her head was under the water. Her hands traveled down his chest to the waistband of his trunks and swiftly pulled them off. Blowing out a slow breath as her head broke the water’s surface; she dropped his suit in a wet heap next to hers on the pool deck. She laughed and wrapped her hands around his neck. Jason easily lifted her and guided her long legs to encircle his body. Stephanie kissed his cool wet mouth. The sweet taste of pineapple lingered on her lips as her tongue entangled with his.

  "To your grotto, madam."

  Stephanie giggled as he carried her to the entrance of the grotto. With a whoop of childlike glee, she lifted her hands high when he paused under the waterfall. The cool water splashed through her fingers and over her head. Jason loosened his grasp and allowed her body to slide down his until her feet hit the floor. He swiftly spun her around, covering her eyes with his hands. The exhilarating cool water flowed through her hair and over her shoulders. He nudged her beyond the waterfall and all was suddenly quiet except for the splash of the never-ending flow of water from the fall. Uncovering her eyes, she scanned the enchanted grotto.

  Directly in front of them was a natural rock staircase leading up several feet to a bubbling, steam covered hot tub. Lush, tropical greenery grew throughout the grotto interspersed with brightly colored flowers. Glancing up, Stephanie found the light source, a glass covered skylight above her head. Only Jason Royce would have a skylight in his grotto. She smirked and shook her head.

  "This isn't what you expected?"

  "Not at all, I just figured it was a little private alcove of the pool. Never did I expect to see a beautiful garden.”

  Jason led Stephanie to the stairs leading to the hot tub.

  “After you,” he said as he gestured for her to climb the stairs.

  “Uh-huh. You just want a view from behind, don’t you?” Stephanie said with a wink as she began her ascent.

  “You bet your sweet ass, darling,” he chuckled.

  Stephanie climbed the steps and smiled when she heard Jason groan behind her. She dipped one toe into the warm water and closed her eyes. The soft, intoxicating sounds of bubbling water beckoned her in. She took a seat on the bench inside and leisurely stretched her arms out over the rim of the intimate tub. Jason sat directly across from her with a sly smile.

  “This is decadent,” Stephanie purred.

  “There’s a little surprise up here, care to guess what it is?”

  Stephanie looked across the steamy bubbling surface at him and raised her eyebrows. “Let me guess... a strategically placed water jet?”

  Jason laughed. “Well, I can arrange that, but no. Here, I’ll show you.” He waded through the steam and sat on the underwater bench beside her. He leaned in, as if to kiss her but moved to her side and opened a compartment door on the wall. He flipped a couple switches and a solid panel closed over the skylight. The rock walls were suddenly washed with a flickering indirect light.

  “You certainly know how to set a mood, don’t you Mr. Royce?”

  Stephanie wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close. Jason growled her name as he pulled her onto his lap. He cupped her cheeks with his hands and brushed his lips against hers. Jason pulled away, his eyes riveted on hers.

  “Lean back.”

  Stephanie looked at him questioningly and after a confirming nod of his head, she wrapped her legs around his waist and let go of her grasp. She leaned back into the bubbly center with her arms stretched out on either side. She floated in the steamy water, rolling bubbles dancing at her breasts and face. His powerful hands encircled her waist and she surrendered herself to him as he rhythmically pulled her back and pushed her forward. The sensual movements through the churning water were mesmerizing. Every muscle in her body relaxed as the bubbles tickled her partially submerged face. As he pulled her back toward him, he let go of one side of her waist and suddenly plunged his cock into her heated passage. She sucked in a breath as he guided her hips so that his tip hit the perfect spot. Heaven. Her heated breath mingled with the moist air floating above the pool as she moaned and shouted his name. She pumped her hips to meet his quickened tempo and her heart rate climbed along with her unbridled pleasure. She was on the brink of climax as he changed directions and guided her hips in small, deep circles, continuing the pressure to her sensitive spot. The heel of his palm pressing against her engorged clit sent her crashing into a quaking climax.

  “Oh, Jason.”

  He took hold of her torso and pulled her upward with a rush of water. Her arms were around his neck as she rode out her orgasm. She fisted his hair, and their mouths joined as they climaxed together.

  “Damn it. I’m never going to be able to let you go.”

  ****

  Stephanie’s heart continued to pound in her chest as they walked back through the waterfall. The desert sun, now high in the sky, beat down on her tanned skin. But there was more weighing on her shoulders than the sun. His words in the hot tub had her confused. Was it an empty statement made in the heat of passion? No. She hadn’t known him long, but she’d learned from his direct style that Jason Royce was not one to mince words. He said what he meant. Period.

  Maybe her earlier assumption was false. Maybe he wanted the same thing she did, the trust and honesty of love. There was just one way to find out. It was time to divulge her secret. If there was something more than lust developing between them, she needed to remove that obstacle. It was time to tell Jason that she was in fact divorced and she prayed he would understand her deception. She wrapped a towel around her body, tucked it under her arms and handed one to Jason.

  “It’s getting hot, why don’t we get out of the sun and sit in the cabana. I think we both need to cool down a little,” Jason said, placing his hand at the small of her back.

  “That’s just what I was thinking. I want to talk to you abou
t something.”

  A cell phone chiming from the table between the lounge chairs interrupted their conversation. He looked over his shoulder at the phone’s display.

  “Shit. Sorry, sweetheart. It’s just a force of habit, but now that I’ve looked, I have to grab this call. Pour me something cold? I’ll be right in.”

  Stephanie headed toward the cabana but eavesdropped on his conversation. “I told you that I’m out of pocket this weekend,” Jason roared into the phone. “What’s so important that it can’t wait until Monday? Right. Right. Shit! Okay, set up a conference call in one hour.”

  Stephanie sat on the sofa and watched him sheepishly walk into the cabana.

  “It’s an emergency. I have to get dressed and go over to the hotel for a conference call.” He walked behind the sofa and put his hands on her shoulders. Leaning over the back of the sofa, he kissed her neck. “I’m so sorry. What did you want to talk about? I have some time before I need to go.”

  Stephanie raised her head to him. “Oh, it’s nothing that can’t wait. Really. We can talk later.”

  “You’re sure?”

  She nodded and he gave her a quick kiss.

  “Why don’t you relax at the pool and I’ll be back in a couple of hours. I think you’ll like what I have planned for tonight,” he said as he leaned down and kissed her.

  “Another surprise? I’m growing to like surprises. I don’t think I’ll stay here all day though. I’m going to take a walk on The Strip and check out the shops at Caesars.”

  Jason frowned. “I would really like to know that you’re safe and sound here at The Gates.

  We’ll go shopping tomorrow.”

  Stephanie laughed. “Believe it or not, I shop by myself all the time. I’m perfectly capable of walking around The Strip in broad daylight unsupervised.”

  Jason took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Okay, but take the limo. It’s turning out to be a hot day and it’s a long walk to Caesars. I’ll have the driver wait for you outside the front door.”

  Stephanie rolled her eyes as Jason bent down to give her another kiss.

  “Make sure you’re ready to go by four o’clock. You won’t want to miss what I have planned for the evening.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Jason was relieved to return and find Stephanie dressed and touching up her make-up. Of course he had Sam, his head of security, keep tabs on her that afternoon. He knew she spent a little over an hour and a few hundred dollars at Caesars Palace before climbing back into the limousine with a few shopping bags and returned to the resort by three o’clock. He slid behind her at the bathroom vanity, and wrapped his hand around her waist. “Hey there, beautiful. Almost ready?”

  Their eyes met in the bathroom mirror. “Yup. You didn’t tell me where we’re going, so I hope this is okay.” Stephanie twirled in her flowing scarlet mini dress and heels. Her hair cascaded down her back ending in loose curls.

  “You’re perfect. I’m going to take a quick shower and we’ll be on our way.”

  ****

  The limousine whisked them away from the bright lights of The Strip and into the Nevada desert. Every few minutes Stephanie asked where they were headed, but Jason kept his surprise until the limousine pulled up to the Las Vegas Heliport.

  Stephanie’s eyes widened, “Jason, w-why are we at a heliport?”

  “We’re taking a little ride in that.” He pointed out the window to a white and navy helicopter with “ROYCE” lettered on the side.

  “I-I don’t know about this.”

  “Stef, you fly all over the country for work. You can’t be afraid of flying.”

  “I’m not afraid to fly in an airplane with proper doors and sealed windows. That...” she pointed at the helicopter, “...that’s nothing but a tricked out tin can.”

  “I assure you it’s perfectly safe. Come on, you’ll love it. I promise.” Jason helped her out of the limousine and led her to the helicopter where the pilot was inspecting the aircraft.

  “Mr. Royce, good to see you. This must be Miss Stephanie. What a fine evening for a flight and, if we leave in the next ten minutes, we’ll be just in time to watch the sunset along the rocks.”

  “Rocks?”

  “The Grand Canyon, of course.”

  “We’re flying to the Grand Canyon?” Stephanie paused in thought before a smile crossed her face. “Okay, let’s go.”

  Jason helped Stephanie into the helicopter and secured the seatbelt straps, pulling them twice to ensure they were tight. Sitting next to her, he placed a set of earphones over her ears before covering his own. “Are you ready, sweetheart?” Jason said into the microphone of his headset as he interlaced his fingers with hers.

  Stephanie nodded and squeezed his hand.

  With a swoosh the helicopter was in the air and banking to the right while picking up speed. Jason pointed to the diminishing lights of The Strip.

  After a few minutes, Stephanie relaxed her grip on Jason’s hand and she seemed to enjoy the scenery. The pilot’s voice came across their headphones: “We’re approaching the edge of the canyon on your right.”

  Jason watched Stephanie’s face as she looked out her window. He smiled at her wonderment as the pilot flew the chopper over the wide expanse.

  “It looks just like a giant crater in the desert floor. Oh, Jason look at the colors. It’s so beautiful.”

  Jason gazed at the multicolored canyon that glimmered and reflected in the stream along the bottom of the crevice. He had never appreciated the true beauty of the natural wonder before Stephanie pointed it out. The helicopter dove into the gully and followed the stream. Jason flew this route enough times to know the oldest pilot trick in the book. Just as he thought, they were flying directly toward the canyon wall. Stephanie had a death grip on Jason’s hand and closed her eyes tight.

  Jason chuckled and gave her hand a squeeze. “Open your eyes.”

  Stephanie’s eyes opened just in time to see the last of the setting sun and the orange and purple haze of the sky. The canyon was below them once more.

  Jason tugged her hand and she turned to search his eyes.

  “I wouldn’t let anything happen to you. When you’re with me, you will always be safe. Never doubt that. Ever.”

  The look in her eyes caused his breath to catch in his throat. He prayed it was a look of trust. He’d been waiting for her to tell him that she was divorced and didn’t have a husband home waiting for her. He had known since returning from Miami, but he wanted Stephanie to tell him. He kicked himself for leaving that morning. He was sure she was about to tell him, but he was preoccupied with business that he didn’t realize it until it was too late. He hoped he didn’t miss the opportunity for her to come clean with the truth.

  *****

  They landed next to a resort on the canyon’s south ridge. A man standing next to a white golf cart waved as they stepped off the helicopter.

  “Mr. Royce, welcome back!” the man heartily shook Jason’s hand then turned to Stephanie. “Welcome to the Crimson Ranch. I’m Henry, the resort’s manager. Chef Jamison has been preparing all day for your meal. Please come with me.”

  Seated at a single table on a small private balcony overlooking the canyon, Stephanie enjoyed the view of the sky as it reflected the last effects of a beautiful sunset on the rocks below. Various wildlife calls filled the air. Owls hooting and coyotes howling was a welcome change from the usual dinner music she was used to. After an exquisite dinner, Jason reached across the table and took her hand.

  “You wanted to tell me something earlier this morning and I rudely ran off to a meeting. I’m sorry. What did you want to talk about?”

  “Oh, yes, I did.” Stephanie took a deep breath. “But first, before I forget, I wanted to tell you I ran into a friend of yours today.”

  “A friend?”

  Was it her imagination or did Jason’s body tense up? “Yes, she said she’s an old friend of yours and she recognized me because she saw us leaving La Cote Noir la
st night. Her name is Jessica and she said to give you her regards.”

  Stephanie studied Jason’s face and watched his jaw clench. She saw the same expression when she woke that morning after he ended a phone call. She had assumed when she talked briefly with the pretty blonde woman that she must be an ex-girlfriend, but the vibe coming off of Jason told her there was something much more to this ‘old friend’.

  “Is she just another one of the broken hearts you left in your path?”

  Jason smiled. “Did she say anything else to you?”

  “No. Why?”

  “Just curious. Now, more importantly, let’s go back to what you wanted to talk about this morning at the pool.”

  Stephanie pulled her hand away and sat straight in her chair. “You didn’t answer my question, Jason. Who is Jessica?”

  Jason stood from his chair and held his hand out to her. “Come, let’s take a walk.”

  They descended an outside staircase that connected the patio with the resort’s grounds. She walked quickly away from him but he easily caught up. Pulling her into his body, he whispered into her ear. “I’m sorry, I’m not ready to talk about Jessica.”

  Stephanie pulled away from his embrace. “You’re not the only one with a past, Jay. If you don’t want to talk about her, that’s fine. But don’t expect me to open up to you.” She brushed a tear from her eye as he pulled her into his body and stroked her hair.

  He tightened his grip. “You were ready to tell me something this morning.”

  Two can play your game, Mr. Royce. Stephanie nodded. “I was, but now now’s not the time. Why is she in Las Vegas, Jason?”

  He took a deep breath. “I don’t know.”

  They were quiet for the rest of the evening, lost in their own thoughts. Stephanie wrestled with her own demons and insecurities. The tension evident on Jason’s face told her that he was fighting his own demons, too.

  ****

  Stephanie fell asleep in Jason’s arms on the ride back to The Gates. He easily carried her into the villa and softly placed her on the bed. Jason was wired from the events of the evening. But something really bothered him. Jessica mentioned that she didn’t know where he was that morning; however, she told Stephanie that she saw them at La Cote Noir the night before. That could only mean that Jessica followed him to Vegas and had been stalking him the entire time. She was even more dangerous than he’d originally anticipated.