Steven Read online

  She grinned. “Well, the nanny can move out and leave you and your baby to yourselves.” Not that she’d ever leave her niece, but it was fun to tease him and watch his face blanch at the idea.

  “Don’t you dare!” He propped Faith into a sitting position on his lap so she could see Bailey.

  Bailey’s heart skipped a beat at his words. For all his gruffness, Steven was a man who had a lot of love to give. He was a giver, and she needed him in her life. She smiled at him. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

  “Are you hungry yet?” Steven wasn’t comfortable with the direction the conversation was going. He was beginning to feel a lot more than lust for his sweet young nanny.

  She nodded. “Swimming always makes me hungry. Is it too early for lunch?” She put her hand to her stomach, amazed at how hungry she was.

  He glanced down at his watch. “Nah.” He handed Faith to her and got to his feet, reaching down for the little girl. “Let’s go eat!”

  *****

  By the time Faith was down for her nap, Bailey was starting to get nervous. She was still wearing her bikini under the white terry cloth robe. Steven gave no indication he was ready to get back to work. For once, he seemed ready to focus on the people around him. Where were his business associates?

  When she’d put the bikini on, she’d told herself she was ready to throw her morals to the wind and go the final step with this man, but now she wasn’t so certain. What if he didn’t think of her that way? Maybe he’d just been joking with her all along like his friends had done the night she came to his house.

  She tiptoed out of her suite after putting the baby down, and went in search of Steven. She could start a conversation with him and see where it went, couldn’t she?

  She wandered out to the main room and saw him leaning up against the wall waiting for her. She smiled. “Got any big plans for the rest of the day?”

  He took her hand and led her to a couch. “Not a thing. I thought it would be a good time to get to know my nanny.” He sat down and pulled her down into his lap.

  She laughed even as she blushed. “I have a feeling you’re not talking about discussing our childhoods.” She’d never sat on a man’s lap, at least not as an adult. She found she liked having him cradle her in his arms.

  He shook his head, his grin spreading. “I don’t talk about my childhood.” His hand tangled in her hair as he pulled her close, his lips descending on hers.

  She smiled against his mouth. This was what she’d been waiting for. His lips sent sparks through her body, and she turned more fully to face him, her hands caressing his cheeks and shoulders.

  He pulled one of her thighs across his lap to the other side of his legs, so she was straddling him, his mouth never breaking contact with hers. Tangling his tongue with hers, his hands untied the belt of her robe, and he pushed the offending garment off her shoulders.

  One of his hands cupped her breast through her bathing suit, while the other traced along her back. “I need you,” he whispered softly against her lips.

  His words were as potent as his magic fingers against her skin. No one had ever claimed to need her before. It gave her a feeling of power over this incredibly dynamic man. She pulled her head back and looked into his chocolate colored eyes. “Take me to bed.” She couldn’t believe she’d said those words to him, but seeing the way his eyes narrowed, she was glad she had.

  He pushed her to her feet, and taking her hand, led her to his room, which was identical to hers. He stopped beside the bed, and untied the straps of her swim suit top. He pushed down the bottoms and laid her back onto the bed, following her down.

  He trailed his lips along her neck and down to her taut nipple, laving it with his tongue. He needed her to be as ready for him as he was for her. His fingers danced across her skin, leaving no part of her body untouched. She clung to his shoulders, unsure of what to do with her hands.

  One of his hands trailed down her thigh, and came up along the inside spreading her folds. One finger entered her gently to test her readiness for him. He wasn’t sure how long he could wait for her to catch up with him.

  She tossed her head back and forth on the pillow moaning in pleasure. Her hands moved under his tee shirt, rubbing his shoulders with her hands. She loved the feel of his bare flesh beneath her fingertips.

  After a moment, he stood and stripped off his shirt, toeing off his shoes, and then pushed his jeans and boxers down and off. After stepping out of them, he rejoined her on the bed, his lips meeting hers with a kiss rough with passion.

  He moved between her legs, and stared straight into her eyes as he entered her. Once he was deep inside her, he gave her a moment to adjust to him, and then started moving, pushing them both toward the ultimate pleasure.

  Bailey was a bit shocked by the feeling of having him inside her, but then the pleasure overtook her. She arched beneath him, her body moving along with his of its own accord.

  Soon, they were both crying out in pleasure, and he collapsed beside her on the bed, drawing her close to him. She pillowed her head on his shoulder, lightly trailing her fingers across his chest, still not quite able to get her breath back. She couldn’t believe she’d done that with him, but she couldn’t make herself regret it.

  After a few moments, she sat up. “The baby. I won’t be able hear her from here.” She couldn’t believe she’d forgotten the baby. It was the first time since Faith was been born she’d been so irresponsible.

  He got up and strode to a panel in the wall, apparently unashamed of his nudity. He flipped a switch she hadn’t noticed before. “There. Now we can hear her if she cries.”

  He slipped back into bed with her, and held her close. “Are you okay?” His eyes echoed his concern. She was too precious to him to hurt her in any way.

  She nodded, embarrassed, burying her face into his shoulder.

  He smiled at her timidity. “Are you going to be embarrassed every time I make love with you?” His voice made it clear this was not an isolated incident. He planned on doing this often.

  “Probably,” she mumbled, her voice muffled by his flesh.

  He laughed softly. “I’ll just have to do it more, so you’ll get used to it.” His hands started stroking her body again, much slower this time. “Anything you didn’t like last time?”

  She shook her head. “I liked it all.”

  “Good. Let’s see if we can’t find a few more things you like.” His mouth connected with hers and finally she was able to stop thinking and overanalyzing the situation.

  Chapter Six

  They had a quiet dinner that evening, and she realized no one else had arrived. “Where are your business associates?”

  He smiled, his hand holding hers. “They’ll be here tomorrow. And just so you know, it’s just Justin and Cody. They each said they were bringing a date, but I don’t think they’re seeing anyone, so who knows what they’ll do?” They’d both responded enthusiastically to his suggestion they bring dates. He was surprised, because he hadn’t been aware of either of them seeing anyone. Of course, they didn’t know he was currently sitting here with his nanny, either.

  “Why did you guys need to come all the way here to have a meeting? You couldn’t do it at the office? Or your house?” Her voice conveyed her disbelief. Were they all just so frivolous they felt the need to go to an exotic location every time they had to have a meeting? What did that say for their sense of responsibility?

  “I wanted to bring you here, because you said you’d never seen the ocean. Justin had been making noise about us needing to have a meeting about something, and I never even asked what. I’ve been putting him off for a couple of weeks. So, I decided I’d come here, and make it a business trip, but bring you and Faith along.” He was almost embarrassed to admit there was no real reason for them to be there.

  Her eyes widened. “So you did this for me?” How could any woman resist a man who would do something so sweet? Why was he still single?

  He shrugged, a little e
mbarrassed. “I needed to get away for a while, too.”

  She stood and walked around the table to sit on his lap, pressing kisses all over his face. “That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me.” Her voice conveyed her pleasure and excitement.

  His face was serious as he looked her in the eye and said, “You deserve it. You deserve so much more.” It was true. He’d never met a more selfless person in his life. She was teaching him to look at the world in a whole new way. He’d been rich for too long and had started taking everything for granted.

  “Thank you.” The sincerity of her voice warmed him. He’d done nice things for other women, but they all seemed to think it was their due. Sure, they’d thank him prettily, but it was nothing on the genuine gratitude he sensed from Bailey.

  He smiled. “You’re very welcome. Now, do you wanna finish eating, or just go back to bed?”

  She grinned and pointed toward the bedroom. He didn’t have to be told twice.

  *****

  Reality intruded the following afternoon in the form of the other two couples. Bailey was thrilled to see both Justin and Cody had brought dates with them. When she said that, the woman with Cody shook her head emphatically. “Oh, no! I’m not Justin’s date. I’m his administrative assistant.” She held her hand out to shake Bailey’s. “I’m Sarah Roberts.”

  Sarah was a brunette with striking green eyes. She looked like she was around Bailey’s age of twenty-four. Her skin was almost white and flawless making her look ethereal.

  “It’s nice to meet you. I’m really not a date either. I’m the nanny.” She smiled as she shook the other woman’s hand. “I’m Bailey Borders.” She didn’t add that last night she’d slept with her boss, although at this moment, it was all she could think about as she watched him chatting with his friends.

  Bailey turned to the other girl, who had come with Cody. “Are you a date?” she asked with a grin.

  She shook her head. “I’m Cody’s riding instructor.” She looked bewildered by that fact. She shook her head. “I’m Amber Cassidy.” Amber had blue eyes and dark blond hair. She kept sneaking glances at Cody, and she’d find him looking at her. She wasn’t the type to back down, though, and met his gaze fearlessly.

  Bailey nodded. “I’m sure he’ll need you for the horse riding portion of the business meeting,” she said with a straight face.

  All three women burst into laughter, and the men turned to look at them. All three men had besotted looks on their faces, they’d have been ribbing each other about if they hadn’t been too busy starting at the women to see each other.

  Bailey took it upon herself to play hostess. She took the other girls around the beach, showing them the different bungalows available. She held Faith in one arm as they all talked. “I’m sure we can take meals together, or not. Whatever. Steven said they were having their big meeting tomorrow. Do you guys want to hang out on the beach during it? Or we could use the boat for whale watching?” She paused. “Steven said he’d have someone watch the baby if we wanted to go. It seems strange to let him pay for a babysitter so his nanny can go for a ride in a boat, but who am I to argue?”

  Bailey had missed having her girlfriends around. Ever since her breakup with Bradley, she’d kept to herself, so she was thrilled to have the other women there. Of course, that was around the time Angela had returned home, and she’d had to devote all her spare time to taking care of her pregnant sister, and then the new baby. Angela had never really been interested in Faith.

  Sarah shook her head. “That sounds like fun, but I’m sure Justin will need me during the meeting. I mean, he wouldn’t have brought me along otherwise, right?” Her eyes met Bailey’s as if she needed confirmation of her thoughts.

  “I have a feeling the only reason any of us are here is because those men over there thought we should be.” Amber shook her head bemusedly. “I still can’t figure out why I agreed to come here.”

  Bailey nodded emphatically. “They’re certainly….forceful.” She glanced over to where Steven was talking with his friends and found herself blushing as she met his gaze. “They’re all standing there talking to each other, but looking at us.”

  Sarah sighed. “I think maybe we need to go do something just us women. You’re right, Bailey! Let them have their meeting alone. They don’t need me there.” She looked at Bailey. “What do you think we should do? Go out on the boat? Hang on the beach?”

  “I’m open for anything. Steven also said something about how he could have spa treatments arranged. It didn’t sound fun when I was the only girl, but having a spa day could be cool.” Bailey threw the idea out to see what the others would say.

  Amber grinned. “That sounds like fun. Let’s do this. We’ll spend the morning whale watching in the boat, and then come back here for an afternoon of spa treatments. I spend so much time smelling like horses it would be nice to actually have my nails done and look like a girl for a change.”

  Sarah shrugged. “I could do go for that! I’ve never done anything like that. Have you?”

  “I did once, when I was a teenager, but not since. I’ve been too busy trying to save my family’s ranch so my kid brother would have the life he’s always thought he’d have.” Amber shrugged. “It’s all been worth it, too.”

  Bailey simply shook her head. “I’ve been too busy simply struggling to survive. Who can afford a nice spa day?”

  The men moved over toward them, Steven dropping his arm around Bailey’s shoulders to show his possession. “What did you girls decide to do tomorrow while we’re in our meeting?”

  Sarah looked at Justin. “You don’t need me for the meeting?”

  Justin shook his head. “Have fun with the other ladies.”

  Bailey rolled her eyes at Sarah. “They’re all three just alike, you know.” She turned to Steven. “We want to go whale watching in the morning and then in the afternoon we want a spa.” She’d never asked for anything from him but money for his daughter, so she waited to see how he’d respond.

  “Sounds good. I’ll make the arrangements. Why don’t you girls tell me what you want included in your spa package, and I’ll make the call?” He didn’t even blink at her request. Bailey wanted to fling her arms around his neck and kiss him, but she was very aware of their audience.

  Amber grinned, not having believed it was all that readily accessible. “So what are we doing for dinner tonight?”

  “Let’s do the Polynesian dancer thing again!” Cody’s eyes lit up as he put his hand on Amber’s arm. “They’ll do a private show for us right here on the island, and we can have them do a luau-type traditional menu or anything we want, really.” He looked at Amber, his eyes letting her know her opinion was the most important to him. “What would you like to have for dinner?”

  “Umm….” Amber had seemed so confident when it was just the three of them, but now that Cody was there, she seemed confused. “I think the traditional thing could be cool. I’ve never been to a luau before.”

  Cody’s eyes met Steven’s. “My lady wants a luau. You wanna handle it, or should I?”

  Steven shrugged. “I’ll just add it to everything else I’m calling about.” He wasn’t sure if Bailey even realized it was Valentine’s Day, but he did, and he was going to make the evening as special for her as he could manage. She seemed to like being with the other women, so they’d do a group dinner.

  Justin turned Sarah to face him, talking to her in low tones the others could barely make out. “Is that all okay with you? I don’t want you to be roped into anything you don’t want to do.”

  Sarah smiled, her green eyes sparkling. “It all sounds wonderful to me. Thanks for asking.” Her face showed her gratitude that he actually cared about her opinions since she wasn’t really his date.

  “I’m getting a sitter for tonight and tomorrow,” Steven announced. “Bailey should be able to participate in the luau, but I have a feeling Faith is a little too young to appreciate the experience.”

  “You don’t
have to do that. You can stay with the others while I sit with the baby especially since we’re going to be doing a girl’s day tomorrow.” Bailey felt like she was lacking as a nanny. She wasn’t here to be entertained. It was her job to take care of her niece.

  “I wasn’t asking, Bailey.” He paused for a moment. “You’re not going to spend Valentine’s Day in the resort with the baby, when you can be with us.” He squeezed her shoulders and walked off toward the main resort to make his calls.

  As he walked off, the other two women looked at Bailey and laughed. She was right. The three men were all the same. “How do you three get along when you all think you have the right to control everyone around you?” she asked Cody and Justin.

  Justin shrugged. “I guess we all accept the fact that we’re equal partners, and we can only control everyone else.”

  All three women laughed at that. It really seemed like the most plausible solution. “Well, I’m going to get the baby into the house. It’s time for her to eat.”

  The other four stood on the beach deciding where they’d all sleep, and Bailey left them to their own devices.

  Chapter Seven

  Bailey fed Faith her bottle and gave her a bath. Since she had a sitter coming to care for her that evening, she thought it would be best if Faith needed nothing other than another bottle and diaper change before bed. Steven came up behind her as Bailey was zipping up her pajamas.

  When Faith saw him, she gurgled and kicked her feet excitedly. “I think you’re her new favorite person.” Bailey looked over her shoulder as she said the words, wondering how Steven would react to his place in Faith’s life.

  He shrugged, but smiled at the little girl. “A babysitter will be here in about an hour. I have the driver of the boat, and the same sitter arriving at nine in the morning. That way you’ll have about three hours before lunch. The spa is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. They’re going to do massages, facials, body scrubs, manicures and pedicures. They said if you wanted more, you could let them know in the morning.” His arms came around her waist as she picked the baby up. “Isn’t it really early for her to be in her jammies?” He wasn’t sure of her schedule, but it was only six in the evening, and he hadn’t noticed her ready for bed so early at home.