Surrender Your Heart

by Kirk, Cindy

  “I’m sorry.” Grace picked up the menu. “I haven’t even—”

  “We’ll need a little more time,” Nick said.

  “No problem.” Jeremy pocketed the order pad. “I’ll be right back with your wine.”

  The minute Jeremy was out of earshot, Grace turned to Nick. “I can’t believe you and Jeremy know each other.”

  “I was just thinking the very same thing.”

  “Jeremy used to work at the clinic,” Grace said. “He was a very hard worker.”

  “Were you and he ever—” Nick paused for a long moment “—involved?”

  “With Jeremy?” Grace laughed. “He’s a boy.”

  “He’s a man, not a boy.” Nick took a drink of water and studied her thoughtfully over the top of the glass. “And he’s not that much younger than you.”

  “Well, I still think of him as a boy,” Grace said, wondering why Nick had taken a sudden interest in the waiter. “What does it matter anyway? I’m not interested in dating the guy.”

  “You’re right. I don’t want to talk about him anyway.” Nick’s gaze lingered on Grace’s lips. “I want to talk about how beautiful you look tonight.”

  For the first time in her life Grace didn’t argue. Tonight she felt beautiful. The black dress she’d chosen was simple yet elegant. The cut flattered her willowy figure and the scoop neckline showed a discreet amount of cleavage. Aunt Nellie had loaned her a strand of pearls. Though she couldn’t hold a candle to any of Nick’s previous girlfriends, Grace knew she looked good. Not gorgeous by any means, but classically elegant.

  “I’m not beautiful,” she protested halfheartedly.

  He met her gaze. “You are to me.”

  Butterflies fluttered in her stomach and when Jeremy returned to take their order, Grace barely noticed. In fact, all through dinner, the only thing she was conscious of was Nick: his look, his touch, his laugh. Even the elegant ambiance of the restaurant faded into the background.

  On the drive home Grace realized she could get used to having Nick around.

  “Penny for your thoughts,” he said, casting a sideways glance.

  Grace was glad the dim light of the car’s interior hid her guilty flush. She wondered what he’d say if she blurted out the truth and told him she was in danger of falling in love with him. She could picture it now; his eyes would turn wary and that easy smile would freeze on his lips. Because he was a nice guy, he’d say something about really caring for her, too. Then he’d change the subject.

  * * *

  “Grace?”

  With a start, Grace realized Nick was waiting for an answer. If she was Holly, she’d toss off a one-liner that would make him laugh. But she’d realized long ago that she wasn’t witty and charming like her sister, nor was she a sophisticated beauty like the other women Nick had dated.

  “I was just thinking what a good time I’ve had this evening.” Even as the words slipped past her lips, Grace knew she was probably breaking some unwritten rule of dating by making such an admission. But then again, she and Nick weren’t dating, not really.

  He smiled and his shoulders relaxed. For one crazy second Grace had the feeling he’d been worried about her response.

  “I had a very nice time, too,” he said, pulling into her driveway and turning off the ignition. “In fact, I hate to see the evening end.”

  “It did go fast,” Grace conceded, wishing that they’d lingered longer over dessert.

  Nick turned in his seat and took her hand. “How about you invite me in for a drink?”

  His thumb massaged Grace’s palm. The sensuous touch sent little shivers of electricity up her arm and threatened to short-circuit her good sense. Feeling the way she did about him and knowing they would be all alone, it would be the height of foolishness to let him inside.

  Grace took a deep steadying breath. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

  For a long moment he sat there, his gaze fixed on her.

  Her heart picked up speed and the air was heavy with longing. Grace held her breath. The sensible part of her wanted him to just say good night, but another part hoped he could convince her to let him come inside, at least for a few minutes.

  Nick leaned closer and his hand softly cupped her face. “I know you’re scared—” he barely whispered the words “—but don’t you know I would never hurt you?”

  She couldn’t help herself. Grace turned her head to his hand and kissed it, her heart aching in her chest.

  Because though Nick might not realize it, he’d already broken that promise. The moment he’d flashed her that first smile, he’d sealed her fate.

  * * *

  Nick stared into Grace’s eyes. He could see the fear in the emerald depths and hot anger rose inside him. How any man could hurt such a wonderful woman was beyond his comprehension. But she had been hurt, and badly. Her inability to trust told him that.

  He longed to tell her that she would never be sorry she’d met him, but he knew words were pointless. He would have to show her he could be trusted. And there was no better time to start than now.

  “Invite me in,” he repeated, offering her a reassuring smile.

  He’d been wrong to move so fast in her bedroom that night. If she let him in her house tonight, he would be on his best behavior. He wouldn’t even try to steal as much as a single kiss.

  His gaze lowered to her soft sweet lips and Nick quickly amended his hasty promise. Maybe he would give her a good-night kiss or two—but that would be all.

  “Nick, I—” Indecision warred on her beautiful features.

  “If you’d rather I not, I completely understand.” The words were out of his mouth before he had the chance to think them through. But hastily thought out or not, they came from the heart. He would do whatever it took to make Grace happy.

  Relief filled her eyes and he was already shrugging aside his disappointment when her hand lightly touched his arm. “I don’t have any alcohol, but how about a cup of cocoa?”

  His heart picked up speed. At this point he would have agreed to prune juice if it meant he could stay longer. “With marshmallows?”

  Her smile widened. “I think that can be arranged.”

  In only a matter of minutes Nick sat on the sofa in front of a roaring fire with Grace beside him and a steaming cup of cocoa topped with marshmallows in his hand.

  Nick heaved a contented sigh. It didn’t get much better than this.

  His gaze strayed to Grace’s mouth. Her last sip of cocoa had left a thin film of sticky marshmallow on her top lip.

  He’d promised himself that he wouldn’t kiss her until he was walking out the door. But the urge to taste the tantalizing sweetness tugged at his resolve.

  Placing his drink on the end table, Nick turned to Grace. “I’ve had the best evening.”

  “Me, too.” Grace’s tongue swept her lips, removing most of the marshmallow residue, and Nick groaned with frustration.

  Grace’s brows pulled together and worry filled her gaze. “Are you okay?”

  “I will be.” He lowered his mouth to hers. The marshmallows were gone but her lips still tasted sweet. And one taste was not enough. Not for Nick. And not for Grace, either, judging by her response. She kissed him back, her mouth pressed eagerly against his.

  They sat on the overstuffed cushions and kissed until the hot cocoa grew cold and the fire in the hearth was reduced to glowing embers.

  Though Nick could have kissed her forever, the feelings stirring inside him warned that he’d better leave. He didn’t want to let things get out of hand. Not when she was beginning to trust him.

  “I need to go.” Nick released his hold on her and sat back.

  Grace fought a surge of disappointment. As much she knew it was a good idea for him to leave before things intensified even more, Grace hated to see the evening end. The whole night had been filled with a certain magic.

  And it wasn’t just kissing Nick that generated the magic. She’d enjoyed the intimate dinner
and conversation immensely. It was amazing how much they had in common.

  They both wanted three children and believed that a mother’s place was in the home. Though many of Grace’s friends were working moms and wouldn’t have it any other way, Grace had always dreamed of staying home with her children.

  She’d been surprised to find Nick shared her traditional beliefs. Though they’d spoken of their future dreams in only the most general of terms, for a moment Grace had found herself picturing what their children would look like—a little boy with her green eyes or a little girl with Nick’s dark hair.

  She’d visualized herself living in Hazelwood, taking care of the children and making a house a home. She would have time to participate in church activities and put the skills she’d acquired in her gourmet cooking class to good use. But the evenings would be their time. When Nick came home she’d be waiting. And late at night, nestled in her husband’s arms, she’d thank God for sending her the man of her dreams.

  “It’s late. I’d better get going.” Nick stood abruptly. “Tomorrow will come all too soon.”

  “Will I see you tomorrow?” Grace reluctantly stood, and the words slipped past her lips before she had a chance to stop them.

  Nick shook his head and regret laced his handsome features. “I have an event at the country club. Melanie, an old friend of mine, is in charge of a fund-raiser to benefit the music program at one of the local high schools. She asked me months ago to be her escort. Plus Sara is performing.”

  The lovely fantasy that Grace had spun only moments before shattered into a thousand pieces. Her smile froze on her face.

  “It would have been fun to meet your sister-in-law,” Grace said, pleased she could sound so offhand. “She’s Sara Michaels, right? The Christian singer?”

  “That’s right,” Nick said. “She’s married to my brother Sal. He’ll be there, too. In fact the whole family will be out in force.”

  And your old girlfriend will be on your arm.

  Grace had seen Melanie’s picture in the society column several times and though she couldn’t visualize exactly what Melanie looked like, three words stuck in her mind: tall, blond and gorgeous. Melanie and Nick were perfect together.

  Grace’s heart sank. How could she have thought for even one minute that she could compete with such a woman? Her father was a farmer. She worked at a free clinic for the indigent. She’d never fit in with the country club crowd.

  It was time she took charge of the situation and broke it off now. But the words died on her lips when Nick pulled her into his arms and murmured how much he was going to miss her.

  A tight band gripped Grace’s heart, and when Nick kissed her she had to close her eyes against the sudden tears. She returned his kiss with extra fervor, hating herself for being so weak.

  How had she ever let herself fall in love with Nick Tucci?

  Chapter Seven

  “I’m so glad you invited me over this evening,” Nellie said, handing Grace her coat. “It seems like forever since we’ve spent any time together.”

  Grace hung her aunt’s coat in the hall closet and shut the door. “I’m just glad you were free. I thought you and Paul might be going to that fund-raiser at the country club.”

  Grace hoped Nellie wouldn’t pick up the tension in her voice but her aunt just smiled and followed Grace into the living room.

  “We were planning to, but a friend of Paul’s from medical school called and said he’d be in town and wanted to get together. Paul was going to turn him down, but I told him there would be lots of other events we could attend together.”

  Grace thought about reminding her aunt that she’d be going back to Iowa in a few weeks, but she kept silent. She wanted this to be a relaxing evening and arguing with Nellie wasn’t the way to make that happen.

  “Nicholas looked so handsome in his tuxedo.” Nellie took a seat on the sofa. “Why didn’t you go with him?”

  Grace took a seat in the chair. “Nick is escorting his old girlfriend. I imagine after tonight they’ll be back together and I won’t be seeing him anymore.”

  Though the words visibly surprised her aunt, they surprised Grace even more. She’d never intended to voice her deepest fears.

  “Oh, Gracie.” Nellie’s eyes filled with concern. “I don’t know why he’s with another woman tonight, but I do know you don’t need to worry. Nicholas loves you.”

  Her aunt said the words with such conviction that Grace couldn’t stop the flare of hope that rose inside her. “Did he tell you that?”

  “He didn’t have to.” Nellie covered Grace’s hand with her own. “I can see it in his eyes, the way he looks at you.”

  Nellie continued to talk, but Grace tuned her out. After all, her aunt’s words were merely the ramblings of an incurable romantic, one who lived in a fantasy world where men were honorable and happily-ever-after was part of the picture.

  “…I’m going to stay.”

  The unexpected words jolted Grace back to reality. “Stay?”

  “Yes, my dear.” Nellie smiled. “I’m staying in St. Louis.”

  Grace widened her gaze. “But you have to go back.”

  Nellie laughed as if Grace had said something terribly witty, instead of something that made complete sense.

  “What about the library?” Grace asked. “You’re just going to walk away from that?”

  “I think it will get along quite nicely without me,” Nellie said with a wry smile. “Anyway, Mable Applebee has wanted to be head librarian for years.”

  “But what about my mom?” Grace asked, a tinge of desperation in her tone. Her aunt had always been one of the most sensible women Grace knew. For her to make such a rash decision was totally out of character. “You two are best friends.”

  “Margaret and I will always be close,” Nellie said, “but she’s as excited about the changes in my life as I am.”

  “Mom thinks it’s a good idea for you to stay in St. Louis?” Grace said slowly, skepticism evident in her tone.

  Nellie’s smile widened. “Margaret knows a bride needs to be with her husband.”

  “Bride?” Grace shook her head as if that would clear the confusion. “What are you talking about?”

  “Paul and I are getting married.”

  Nellie’s tone was matter-of-fact but Grace noticed her aunt’s flushed cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes.

  “You’re engaged?”

  “It’s official.” Nellie held out her left hand and for the first time Grace saw the large marquis-cut diamond.

  At the sight of the huge stone, Grace’s mouth dropped open. She snapped it shut. She’d had no idea Nellie and Paul were so serious.

  “We’re getting married on the twenty-fourth.”

  “Christmas Eve?” Grace’s words came out as a high-pitched squeak. “That’s next Thursday.”

  “It was Paul’s idea. He says all he wants for Christmas is me.” Nellie’s blush deepened.

  Grace sat back in the chair. She couldn’t believe it. Her aunt—her maiden aunt—was going to marry a man she’d just met. Since Grace’s own mother had apparently given her blessing, that left Grace to be the voice of reason. Men could be cruel and the last thing she wanted was to see her aunt hurt. “But you barely know the guy. Aunt Nellie, you have to be sensible.”

  “I don’t need to be anything but happy,” Nellie said firmly, meeting Grace’s gaze. “I love Paul. And he loves me.”

  Grace stifled a groan. Her aunt was even more of a romantic than she’d thought. “But you two just met.”

  “You know when it’s right.” Her aunt lifted her chin in a stubborn gesture. “Take you and Nicholas for example. Can you honestly tell me that you didn’t know right off the bat that he was the one for you?”

  The tantalizing option of lying hung before Grace, but Nellie had been honest and Grace owed her the same courtesy.

  “I knew I loved him within days,” Grace said reluctantly. “What I’ve never been sure of is how he feels abou
t me.”

  The words were out in the open now, like cards lying face-up on the table.

  Nellie stared at her for a long moment. “Have you told Nicholas you love him?”

  Grace shook her head. She hadn’t been able to control her heart but thankfully she had been able to keep her mouth shut. That way, when he dumped her, she would at least have her pride.

  “You’re afraid, aren’t you?” Compassion and love filled Nellie’s gaze. “Afraid he doesn’t love you back?”

  Something inside Grace exploded. “Of course I’m afraid. Look at me. Look at him. He could have any woman he wants. I’d be stupid to think he’d ever pick me.”

  Tears welled up in her eyes but Grace refused to cry. Still, when her aunt opened her purse and pulled out a tissue, Grace took it.

  Grace expected her aunt to at least offer a token protest, maybe tell her she was being foolish, that she was perfect for him and he did love her. But Nellie did none of these things. Instead her aunt’s gaze turned sharp and assessing.

  “Tell me about Nicholas,” Nellie said abruptly. “Tell me what you like about him.”

  Grace didn’t know where Nellie was going with this, but she decided to humor her aunt.

  “Nick is a genuinely nice guy,” Grace began. “He doesn’t judge people, he…”

  Once Grace started talking, she couldn’t seem to stop. She told Nellie about the fun the two of them had together, the way he made her laugh when she was blue, the common values and faith they shared.

  After Grace finished, there wasn’t a shred of doubt in either woman’s mind about the depth of Grace’s feelings.

  “Nicholas sounds like a wonderful man,” Nellie said.

  “He certainly is.” Grace heaved a heavy sigh.

  “Do you realize,” Nellie said, “that when you were listing his virtues, you never once mentioned how handsome he is?”

  “That’s because it goes without saying,” Grace said.

  “Gracie, I’m trying to make a point and you’re not helping.”

  Nellie’s indignant tone made Grace smile. “I’m sorry. What’s your point?”