Surrender Your Heart

by Kirk, Cindy

  “That you don’t love Nicholas for his looks, but for who he is.” Nellie pointed her finger at Grace for extra emphasis.

  “I see what you’re saying,” Grace said. “That it’s the internal stuff that counts. And I agree. But it’s one-sided. Men love beautiful women.”

  “Are you saying Nicholas is shallow?” Nellie lifted a brow, surprise evident in her tone.

  “All men are shallow, Aunt Nellie,” Grace said finally. “And Nick is a man. You do the math.”

  * * *

  All men are shallow.

  Grace shut her eyes and willed herself to go to sleep. She’d already tried counting sheep and progressive relaxation. But though she was exhausted, sleep eluded her. She kept thinking of what she’d told her aunt.

  Though she hadn’t wanted to make Nick look bad by saying he was shallow, she also hadn’t wanted to admit her real fear—that Nick just didn’t want her. That maybe it wasn’t her appearance at all. That maybe she just wasn’t smart enough, or interesting enough, to keep Nick’s attention.

  She was scared to admit how much she cared, because she couldn’t take it if he didn’t feel the same. And now she had the added fear that he was getting back together with his old girlfriend.

  She forced the thought from her mind and reminded herself that whatever happened would be God’s will.

  Grace rested her head on the pillow and closed her eyes. Dear God. Please let me accept the fact that You know what’s best for me. That You have a plan for my life. That—

  Grace stiffened and the prayer died on her lips. Was someone at her door?

  She held her breath and listened. A light tapping sound echoed through the silent rooms and icy fingers of fear traveled up her spine.

  Her apartment was on the second floor and the stairway was open to the outside. Anyone could be out there. For the first time since she’d moved in, Grace wished she lived in a secured building.

  She shifted her gaze to the phone. She could call the police, but what would she say? Someone’s knocking at my front door?

  Grabbing her robe from the end of the bed, Grace wrapped it tightly around her and moved quietly to the living room. The apartment might not have a security system, but thankfully her door did have a dead bolt and a peephole.

  Grace held her breath and peered through the hole. When she saw who it was, the breath she’d been holding came out in a whoosh. Flipping the dead bolt, Grace pulled open the door. “Nick. What are you doing here?”

  He smiled. “I thought I’d stop by and say hello.”

  Grace glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s two-thirty in the morning.”

  His smile never faltered. “Does that mean I can’t come in?”

  Grace hesitated only a second. She waved him in and shut the door against the cold.

  He’d barely gotten inside before he turned toward her. Suddenly the large living room seemed too small.

  Nellie was right. He did look fantastic in his tux. His broad shoulders filled out the dark jacket and fit him so perfectly it almost looked hand-tailored. And to top it off, he smelled wonderful. His cologne was a popular men’s fragrance and one of her favorites.

  Though the hardwood floor was cold against her bare feet and a cool chill hung in the air, a delicious warmth filled Grace. She cleared her throat and forced a nonchalant air.

  “Would you like something to drink?” she asked, walking toward the kitchen.

  Nick shook his head. “I’m fine. Anyway, I didn’t come over for that.”

  “Then why did you come?” Grace stopped and took a seat in the room’s only chair, leaving him no choice but to sit on the sofa.

  “Because I missed you,” he repeated with a rueful grin. “I know it sounds corny, but all night all I could think of was you.”

  “Sounds like your little reunion with Melanie didn’t go well.” Grace crossed her legs. If he thought he could spend all evening with his old girlfriend and then come over and she’d fall into his arms, he was mistaken.

  “Melanie was fine,” Nick said with a dismissive wave. “Other than she had some crazy idea we were getting back together.”

  “Hmm.” Grace lifted a finger to her lips. “I wonder what could have given her that idea? Maybe because you were her date for such an important function—”

  “I told you, she asked me,” Nick interrupted.

  “And you said yes,” Grace pointed out. “Knowing how much she likes you, you still said yes.”

  “I was doing her a favor.”

  Grace gave an unladylike snort. “She’s a beautiful woman. She could have easily found another escort.”

  Nick raked a hand through his hair. “You don’t understand.”

  Grace stood and walked to the door. Beneath her robe her legs were trembling, but when she spoke her voice was calm. She was not going to let herself get hurt again. “You’re right. I don’t understand. You take your old girlfriend to one of the biggest parties of the year, then you come over here in the middle of the night and expect me to fall all over you. I can tell you one thing. It ain’t gonna happen.”

  “What’s going on?” Nick’s lips tightened. “You said you understood about tonight.”

  Grace’s hand rested on the doorknob. “I thought I did, but your coming over here tonight made me realize I had it all wrong.”

  Nick stood and stared, not saying a word.

  “You don’t care about me,” Grace said matter-of-factly, the words tearing at her heart. “If you did, you would have taken me tonight. I would have been the one at your side. I would have been the one meeting your family and friends. But no, I’m only good enough for some after-hours kissing.”

  “Grace.” Nick crossed the room in several strides. But when he reached for her, Grace stepped back and opened the door.

  “Goodbye, Nick.” Grace met his disbelieving gaze head-on. “It’s been great knowing you.”

  She fully expected him to leave, maybe muttering some brief platitudes on his way out. But his jaw set in a stubborn line and he didn’t budge an inch.

  “I’ll go now, if that’s what you want,” he said finally. “But we need to talk. I’ll pick you up tomorrow at six and we’ll have dinner at the Grotto.”

  “What if I’m not here?”

  “I spent a long weekend in Iowa,” he said. “I’m only asking for one evening.”

  He held her gaze for a moment then turned on his heel and left.

  Grace stared after Nick, then lifted her gaze heavenward.

  Dear God, what do I do now?

  Chapter Eight

  The garage door rumbled to a close behind the Land Rover. Nick turned off the engine, muttering a curse when the key caught momentarily in the ignition. All the way home his anger had been mounting.

  He’d always heard that redheads had a temper, but he’d never seen that side of Grace until tonight.

  The evening had gone bad from the start. He’d endured Melanie’s clinging and inane conversation with one thought in mind—seeing Grace at evening’s end.

  When he’d dropped Melanie off, he hadn’t even been conscious of the time. Looking back, 2:00 a.m. may have been a bit late to stop over but still, her tirade had been out of line. He thought she’d be happy to see him, no matter what the time.

  Nick wiped a weary hand across his face. It was unbelievable how something so good could go bad so quickly.

  Entering the house a few minutes later, he tried to walk softly. Eleanora was a light sleeper and he wasn’t in the mood to talk.

  When he saw the light coming from the living room, Nick groaned. His bad luck had followed him home.

  Heaving a resigned sigh, Nick entered the room. “Eleanora, I can’t believe you’re still up.”

  Nellie lifted her gaze from the romance novel she was reading and placed the book in her lap.

  “She sent you home.” Nellie’s voice rang with satisfaction.

  Nick stared. “What are you talking about?”

  “Gracie.” Ne
llie shifted her gaze to the mantle clock. “You were with her.”

  “I stopped by her house,” Nick said, feeling as if he were sixteen again and had missed a curfew. He plopped into a nearby chair and exhaled a weary sigh. “And you’re right. She told me to leave.”

  “Good for her,” Nellie said. “I don’t care if she loves you or not. It’s not proper for a single woman to entertain a gentleman friend in her apartment—”

  “Whoa, wait one minute.” Nick straightened in the chair and wondered if his foggy brain was playing tricks on him. “Say that again.”

  Nellie paused and blinked several times, clearly nonplussed at being interrupted. “You know it’s not proper—”

  “No, not that.” Though his mother would cringe at his poor manners, Nick stopped her. “The one before that. About her loving me.”

  Nellie’s brow rose. “I said her loving you doesn’t—”

  “How do you know she loves me?” Nick demanded, not caring if he was interrupting her again.

  “She told me so,” Nellie said matter-of-factly.

  Happiness bubbled up inside him. Obviously her holding back hadn’t meant she didn’t care. She loves me. The night that had seemed so dark only moments before, now was bright. He leaned back in his chair and laughed, suddenly lighthearted.

  Nellie’s gaze narrowed. “Nicholas, have you been drinking?”

  Nick’s smile widened. “A couple of glasses of wine with dinner. Why do you ask?”

  “Because you’re acting strange,” Nellie said.

  “Strange?” Nick chuckled, wondering what Eleanora would do if he suddenly burst into song. He chuckled again. “I’m just happy.”

  Now that he knew Grace loved him, all was right with the world. Tonight’s episode fell into perspective. She’d been hurt and jealous, and it was all his fault.

  He’d never told her he loved her. He’d never even taken the time to introduce her to his family.

  Nick would remedy both those oversights tomorrow night. Grace would meet his family. Later, when they were alone, he’d confess his love. Then he’d ask her to marry him.

  It was a good solid plan, practically foolproof. After all, she loved him and he loved her. What could go wrong?

  * * *

  Grace glanced at the clock and hurriedly finished fixing her hair. After the way she’d acted last night, she wanted to at least be ready when Nick arrived.

  Shame rose up inside her. She’d behaved like such a shrew. Granted he shouldn’t have come knocking at her door in the middle of the night, but she could have handled the situation with a little more maturity. After all, she had no claim on him.

  And she’d practically shut the door in his face. All because she’d been jealous.

  Grace heaved a resigned sigh. She’d really blown it. Hadn’t she learned long ago that men didn’t put up with such theatrics? They didn’t have to be understanding, because there were plenty of women who would give them their space and smile while doing it.

  As sure as she knew her own name, she knew that tonight over a dessert and coffee, Nick would end the relationship. Though it didn’t make sense to her why he hadn’t done it when she’d practically ordered him out of the house, she’d finally concluded he had too much class to end even a brief relationship in such an uncivilized manner.

  She turned away from the mirror and blinked back unexpected tears. Though she’d told herself since day one that this relationship would be short-lived and had mentally prepared herself, the knowledge didn’t lessen the pain she now felt.

  In some ways she wished she could just call him and break it off. Her gaze drifted longingly toward the phone. It would be a coward’s way out, but it would be better than trying to keep it together at a restaurant.

  Last night, she’d been angry and in control. Now all she felt was sad.

  Grace’s hand inched closer to the phone and her heart picked up speed. Her fingers closed around the receiver. But she couldn’t bring herself to pick it up. Because Aunt Nellie wasn’t the only romantic in the family. And though Grace was ninety-nine percent sure tonight would be the end, a tiny spark of hope still flickered.

  Maybe he doesn’t want to break up with me. Maybe he wants to tell me he loves me.

  The thought had been tugging at her all day. Though she knew it was crazy, she’d still dressed with extra care—selecting a green jersey dress that hugged her curves and accentuated her eyes. She’d even taken extra time with her hair, blow drying it straight so that it lay softly against her shoulders. And the new shade of lipstick that she’d bought over lunch made her lips look full and kissable.

  She could feel his fingers weaving through her hair as his lips closed over—

  The telephone rang and Grace jumped back, pulling the receiver from its base and knocking it to the floor.

  Her heart pounding, Grace snatched the phone from the floor. “Hello.”

  “Oh, hello.” A feminine voice paused. “May I speak with Grace Comstock, please?”

  “This is Grace Comstock.”

  “Ms. Comstock, I’m calling from Children’s Hospital for Dr. Nicholas Tucci. He—”

  “Before you go any further I need to tell you that Nick isn’t here,” Grace said. “But I am expecting him anytime, so I can have him call, or you could try his pager….”

  “Ma’am, I’m aware Dr. Tucci isn’t there.” A hint of amusement sounded in the woman’s voice. “That’s why I’m calling. He’s been unexpectedly delayed in surgery and wanted to know if he could meet you at the restaurant.”

  Grace paused, wondering if this could be her out. But as quickly as the thought entered her mind, she discarded it. “That would be fine. What time?”

  “Dr. Tucci indicated he should be able to make it by seven.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  “Have a good evening,” the secretary said.

  “You, too,” Grace said, and hung up the phone.

  She glanced at the clock. An hour’s reprieve. At this point she didn’t know whether to be upset…or relieved.

  * * *

  Sal Tucci stood next to the wall of the Grotto and wondered if this occasion really warranted wearing a tie.

  He glanced around the crowded lobby noting casually dressed men. But when Sara had heard the purpose of tonight’s hastily arranged family dinner, she’d insisted on the tie, as well as the sport coat and dress slacks.

  Sal ran his finger around the inside of his collar. His younger brother had dated lots of women over the years, but none of them had ever come close to capturing his heart. But this one had. Sal could hear it in Nick’s voice. His brother was finally in love. Sal could recognize the symptoms because he had the same affliction.

  A moment later, Sal caught a glimpse of his wife exiting the ladies’ room. He couldn’t help but smile. With her long blond hair and big blue eyes, Sara drew admiring glances wherever she went. But when she caught his eyes and smiled, he felt a surge of pride. She was his. Every day he thanked God for bringing her into his life.

  In only moments she stood before him and his arm automatically circled her waist. “Are you feeling better?”

  “I’m still a little queasy.” Sara laid her hand on her rounded ball of a stomach. “I knew I should have eaten something before I left the house.”

  She raised a hand to her brow and swayed slightly and Sal tightened his grip.

  As a former undercover police officer, Sal had seen his share of hazardous duty and he wasn’t ashamed to admit he’d been afraid a time or two. But that was nothing compared to what he felt now, holding his pregnant wife.

  “I’ll get you something right now,” Sal said, panic edging his tone. He looked around, trying to find a waiter to flag down.

  “Honey—” Sara smiled reassuringly “—I’m fine. Really. Once we sit down, we’ll order an appetizer and—”

  “Is this the reason you invited me here?” The feminine voice was filled with anger. “To humiliate me?”

  Sal jer
ked his head up at the sound of the angry voice. A young woman stood before him, her hands on her hips.

  “You cad.” With a strength that would have done a longshoreman proud, the woman slapped Sal across the face.

  Even as Sal took the blow he stepped protectively in front of Sara. But the woman had already turned on her heel and headed toward the door.

  You could have heard a pin drop. Sal forced a laugh, his hand rising to rub his stinging cheek.

  “Mistaken identity,” he told the onlookers.

  “What was that about?” Sara’s eyes were wide and her voice trembled.

  Sal pulled his wife close in a comforting embrace while his gaze shifted to the doorway just in time to see the woman leave.

  “Red hair. Green eyes. Great figure.” Sal smiled, still rubbing his cheek. “I think I just met the woman Nick is going to marry.”

  Chapter Nine

  Grace wrapped her arms around herself and headed down the sidewalk. Though it was warm for December, forty degrees was still too cold to be walking without a coat.

  But she’d rather freeze to death on the streets of St. Louis than go back in that restaurant and face Nick and Melanie. How could he have brought her? And for what purpose? To tell Grace what she already knew—that she couldn’t hold a candle to the gorgeous socialite?

  Melanie was even more beautiful in person than in those old newspaper photographs. Her hair was a silvery blond that fell in loose waves past her shoulders. And her eyes that had been nondescript in the black-and-white photos had been large and startlingly blue.

  Though Melanie was striking, Grace hadn’t initially noticed her. Grace had been checking her coat when she’d caught a glimpse of Nick standing against the far wall. The waiting area was crowded, and by the time Grace got close, Melanie had reached him.

  The look in his eyes when he’d seen the statuesque blonde had taken Grace’s breath away. It was obvious the two were lovers.

  Grace had decided right then and there that she was just going to walk out the door without saying a word. Until she’d seen the blonde at a different angle and realized that she wasn’t just beautiful, she was pregnant.