by Ronica Black
“Doesn’t look like nothing. You both came out looking like you’d just run a mile and had loved every second.”
“I look bad?” She touched her face and felt the heat that had remained.
“Not bad. But baaad. Know what I mean?”
She nudged him again. “Nothing happened.”
“You two want to clue us in?” Rob asked.
“No,” Grace said, a little too high in pitch.
Madison smirked and cut into her steak. Her eyes burned, but they were careful to avoid Grace.
“So you never did tell me about Jake,” Juan said after chewing a small mouthful.
“I didn’t?”
“Not really.”
She sipped her wine. “He’s sort of your average young teenager. He loves video games and music.”
“What about girls?”
“No, thankfully, we aren’t there yet. I don’t think I could handle any more at the moment.”
“How do you do it?” Rob asked. “Manage a home life with your job?”
“I—” She rested her fork. “I don’t think I do it very well, to be honest. I try, God knows I try. But with my cases and Jake, sometimes I think I need to find a better way to balance it all.”
The group grew silent. Then Madison spoke.
“I wish all my parents and guardians thought that way.”
“Well, it’s not easy for me to admit I’m inadequate.”
“No one said you’re inadequate,” Madison clarified. “But thinking along the lines of improvement is huge. At least you’re trying.”
“Am I?” She looked at her. “Because it doesn’t seem to be working.”
“You are. And you’re open to change, which is good. Really good.”
“What would you suggest? For Jake’s sake?” She really wanted to know. Needed to know. Because she was at a loss on how to make things better for him. The ranch was doing wonders, yes, but what about after that?
Madison shifted and looked to Rob. “I don’t think I’m able to answer that, Grace.”
“Why not? If not you, then who?”
“I don’t know what your home life is like. All I know is what Jake has told me.” She closed her mouth quickly as if regretting saying it, which caused Grace to react.
“What has he said?”
“I really can’t say.”
“Something bad?”
“No, nothing bad.” Madison sighed and sipped her wine.
“Tell me.”
“Grace.”
“If it isn’t bad, then tell me.”
“He just said you’re busy. With work.”
“Oh.” She stared at her plate, no longer hungry. “I knew that.”
“Grace,” Rob said. “You’re doing a good job. You care. You’re trying to be there for him. In my experience, which is a lot, I might add, those are two of the most important things a parent can do.”
“I—I work too much, don’t I?” She looked to Madison.
“I can’t answer that.”
“Of course not. Only Jake can.” She wiped her mouth. “I should go.”
“What? No,” Juan encouraged her to sit. “Enjoy dinner. We’re having fun.”
“I should be at home with my nephew.”
“But you’re already here.”
“Is he alone?” Madison asked.
“No. He’s with my good friend.”
“Then I’m sure he’s fine. You should stay and enjoy dinner.” She smiled at her softly. “Really.”
“Stay and listen to us go on about rugby,” Rob said. “If that doesn’t entertain you, nothing will.”
Grace tried to smile and found it catching. She took another sip of her wine and decided to try to relax. She didn’t want to be rude, and Jake was probably just fine. Anyone would be with May. Besides, she hadn’t said anything concerning when she’d called her.
Grace heated as she remembered Madison walking into the restroom. She hoped she hadn’t heard anything. And yet somehow Madison had known she was calling someone to bitch about the date. Just how long had she been there? Did she really feel the same way? Both of them shocked and slightly repelled, yet truly attracted? What a strange way to feel about someone. But as she stared at Madison in the dim light of the restaurant, she knew that was exactly how they both felt. There was something there. Something powerful and just below the assumptions and first impressions.
The others moved on in conversation, but she found it difficult to concentrate. They were discussing how Rob and Juan met and how Rob thought Juan was cute but was afraid to ask him out because he didn’t think he was good enough. They discussed assumptions and Grace felt herself warm again. She looked to Madison, who gave her a long, lingering look of interest as the men talked. As if to say, yes, we made our assumptions and now we’re ready to move past them. How could this have happened so quickly? One chance evening and a brief encounter in a restroom, and almost everything had changed. To the point where she was ready to go to the ranch to see what might happen.
She reached for more wine but found her glass empty. Rob noticed, and as Madison offered to order another bottle, he shook his head.
“We’ll have another at the ranch.”
Madison glanced at Grace for her approval, then nodded. “Sounds good.”
They sat for a moment after declining dessert. Juan made sure Grace would come to a rugby practice sometime. He winked, and as Madison and Rob took care of the bill he said, “Madison plays too. On the women’s team.”
“She does?”
“Mmm-hmm.”
“She and Rob look so good all dirty and sweaty.”
Grace cleared her throat, unsure what to say in response to the image he had just put in her head. “She’s always dirty and sweaty.”
He laughed. “Yes, but imagine her in a tight tee and short shorts.”
“Oh.” It did stir her, and she obviously couldn’t hide it. Juan kept laughing. “I thought so. Come on, milady, let’s blow this pop stand.”
They rose and slowly headed for the door. Grace could feel Madison’s eyes on her as she encouraged Grace to walk ahead of her. When they stepped outside, twilight was still lingering but the heat had diminished to a pleasant breeze. The parking lot lights had yet to come on and the evening air had a beautiful blue cast to it. Grace suddenly longed to take Madison’s hand and go for a long walk in it. What would they talk about? What would they discuss? Would they laugh? Squeeze hands? Kiss?
“We’ll meet you there,” Juan said, giving Grace a nice kiss to the cheek. Rob did the same and waved, and she and Madison watched as they walked away, striding close to each other.
“They rode together,” Grace said.
“Yes. Apparently, this wasn’t their first date. Even though it was supposed to be.”
“I thought they seemed rather chummy.”
“Oh, they are.” Madison placed her hand on the small of Grace’s back as they moved through the parking lot. “I’ve never seen Rob so happy before.”
“That’s sweet.”
“It is.”
Grace wanted to lean into her, but they were at Madison’s car before she knew it.
“This is you?” It was a midnight blue BMW, modern, high class, and very well cared for.
“Yes.”
“Never would’ve pegged you for this.”
“I didn’t think so.”
Grace tilted her head to look up at her. “You’re just full of surprises.”
Madison laughed. “So I’ve been told. Where are you?”
“Over there.”
“Get in, I’ll give you a lift.”
“Thanks.”
Grace climbed in and smelled the new leather and nearly rubbed herself against it. Every inch of it was shining and clean, and when Madison climbed in behind the wheel, Grace wanted to place her hand on her strong thigh as she shifted gears.
“You look good in this car,” Grace said, meaning it.
“Thank you.”
“No, real
ly, you do. I can see how it suits you.” Not to mention how hot you look driving a machine like this. How hot would you look in my Mercedes?
“I think it suits me. I love it. I also have another one at home. An older one I restored.”
“Who would have thought?” Grace said. “Actually, I can definitely see you fixing up an old car.”
“More my thing?” One side of her mouth lifted in a coy way.
“Yes.”
“You’re still assuming, Grace.”
“So sue me. This is me.” She closed her hand over Madison’s and thanked her for the lift and for dinner. “Are you sure you want me to come to the ranch?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”
“Yesterday you would’ve said no.”
“Yesterday you would’ve killed me if I’d asked.”
They both laughed.
“True.”
“Okay, then come. I’ll see you in a few.”
“Okay.”
“Bye, Grace.”
“Bye.”
Grace unlocked her car, slipped inside, lowered her vanity mirror, and asked with a crazy smile, “What the hell are you doing, Grace Marie Hollings?”
Chapter Fourteen
“What the hell do you mean you have to go?” Madison asked into her cell phone. She’d just pulled into her garage when Rob called.
“I just got an emergency call. I’m sorry.”
“Sorry? Grace is going to be here any second.”
“So don’t cancel on our part. Enjoy your time together. You two looked like you could use some alone time.”
“Rob, I swear to God if you set this up—”
“I didn’t. I really do have a call. But honestly, this is working out for the best. She’s divine, Madness. Really. Not at all what I expected.”
“Well, you haven’t seen her all—”
“All what? Upset, cranky, uptight?”
“Well, yes.”
“I’ve seen you that way, and trust me, it ain’t always fun. So come on, enjoy her. Get to know her. I know you’re drawn to her. She’s drop-dead gorgeous, for one thing.”
“She is beautiful.”
“Madness, she’s gorgeous. And she’s bright. And she seems to really care about her nephew.”
“I thought you had a call?”
“I do, I’m driving to it, Juan’s coming with.”
“Okay, so go. She’s pulling up now.”
“Okay, see you, Madness. Oh, and don’t fuck it up!”
She hung up and slid the phone into her back pocket. Grace came to a stop closer to the garage and climbed out carefully. Darkness was settling in around them, making her blond hair contrast sharply with the night and with her dress. She was stunning.
“Don’t tell me I beat the guys,” she said with a smile.
Madison threw up her arms. “You did.”
“Well, where are they?” She moved closer, walking slowly in her heels.
“Turns out…”
“They’re not coming?”
She lowered her arms. “Nope.”
“They planned this out, didn’t they?”
“Probably.”
“So they obviously want us to spend time together,” Grace said, shaking her head in disbelief.
“I guess so.” Madison shoved her hands into her pockets. “You can leave if you’re uncomfortable.”
“No, I’m okay. I mean, unless you want me to go.”
Madison laughed. “Okay, let’s stop this. You are staying.”
“Okay, then.”
“Would you like to come in for some wine?”
She saw Grace glance around and hesitate. “Actually, I was wondering if I could see that colt.”
Madison smiled. “Really?”
Grace nodded.
“All righty.” She held out her arm and Grace tucked her hand just inside it. She also slipped off her heels and walked the flagstone path to the barn barefoot. Madison could feel her warmth and smell her perfume. Both made her dizzy with excitement and desire. Who was this knockout walking next to her? This intelligent, caring, humorous woman walking with her in the moonlight with her high heels dangling from her hand? It certainly wasn’t Grace Hollings, was it?
“What’s his name?” Grace asked as they entered the barn and came to the first stall where the colt stumbled to his lanky feet.
“I haven’t named him yet.”
“Why not?”
“He hasn’t chosen.”
“Oh right,” she said. “The cowboy mentioned something like that. Can I go in and pet him?”
Madison unlatched the door. “Barefoot?”
“I’ll watch where I step.”
Madison allowed her in, followed, and closed the door. The colt kicked a little in excitement and ran from side to side. But when Grace called him and held out her hands, he came at once up to her.
“Aww, he’s so sweet,” she whispered, holding his face and kissing his snout.
“Careful,” Madison said, growing uneasy. “You don’t want to hold them there or put your face that close because they can move their head suddenly and knock you.”
Grace ignored her, kissing on him profusely.
“Grace,” Madison said, stepping up to her. “Please be careful. I don’t want you to get another bruise like the one on your knee.”
“The one on my knee is fine, and I heard you.” She smiled. “But look at his little face. I can’t help it.”
“Here.” Madison gently eased Grace back. “You want to create a bubble.” She drew a semicircle in the hay. “This is your bubble. And that’s his.”
“But I don’t want to stay in my bubble,” she said. “I want to love him.”
Madison hoped Grace couldn’t see the rush of heat that burned her neck and face. I want to love him. The way she’d said it and the way she’d looked. It nearly melted her.
She cleared her throat and continued. “And you want to pet them on their withers. Here,” she said, taking Grace’s hand and placing it just below his mane. “Right in here.” She helped her stroke, and her own breathing grew quick and sporadic at their close proximity.
“Like this,” Grace whispered, looking at her.
“Yes.”
“I feel so far away.”
“You aren’t. You’re close. You’re very close.”
Grace looked into her eyes. “But I want to be closer,” she said. “I need to be closer.” She stepped into Madison and angled her head.
“But you can’t get much closer,” Madison said, her eyes threatening to flutter closed.
“I think I can.” She dropped her shoes and tugged Madison in close. “Like this,” she whispered just before placing a warm, long, wet kiss on her lips. Madison shuddered and groaned against her.
“Yes,” Grace said. “Just like that.” She fanned her pale lashes at her as they struggled for breath.
Madison could taste her still, and she licked her lips, wanting more. Never had a woman’s kiss stirred her so, melting and then steeling her bones. She longed for that melting feeling again and she pulled her closer and held her tightly. “Again,” she said staring into her irises. “And then again after that.”
Grace tangled her hands in the base of her neck. “I refuse to kiss you again in the middle of a horse stall.”
Madison laughed and lifted her with ease up into her arms. “Then we’ll go someplace else.”
Grace laughed and called out for her shoes.
“Damn it.” Madison eased her down, grabbed her shoes, and closed the stall door. She killed the lights as they ran from the barn back to the house, Grace laughing all the way.
“This feels so good,” she said, twirling by the patio door.
“What does?”
Grace stared up at the midnight blue sky. “This. All of this. You. This place. That sky. I just feel so…free. Free to be happy.”
“You are free to be happy.”
Grace lowered her arms and looked at her. “Not al
ways. Yesterday I wasn’t free to be happy. Yesterday I had to hide how I felt for you.”
“You—hid—you’ve had feelings?”
“Yes, haven’t you?” But she held up her hand. “Wait, no don’t answer that. I don’t think I can handle hearing that it was solely this black dress that changed your mind.”
Madison laughed softly and took her hand to lead her inside. “It wasn’t solely the dress, but I’ll admit it does have a way.”
“I knew it.”
Madison closed the door behind them and switched on the lights to the front main room. She heard Grace pull in a surprised breath at getting her first glimpse of the house.
“This is…spectacular,” she said softly. “So Southwestern but so tastefully done.” She turned to look at her. “Did you do this?”
“Yes.”
“All by yourself?”
“Yes.”
“Madison, wow.”
“You like it?”
“I love it. This is by far the nicest working ranch I’ve ever seen. It should be in magazines.”
“It has been. In two, actually.”
“Get out—seriously?”
“Seriously. And,” Madison said as she set Grace’s heels aside and approached her from behind, “I did have feelings for you before tonight.”
“I love the color of the walls in here. They almost look suede. And the way they complement the couches and that corner arched fireplace—Wait, what?” She turned in to Madison’s arms. “You did?”
“I was attracted to you.”
“You were.”
“Yes.”
“You’ve got a great way of hiding it.”
“So do you.”
“Touché.”
“You were just so damn—”
“Bitchy?” Grace covered Madison’s mouth with her finger. “Don’t agree or I’ll have to punish you.”
“What if I want the punishment?”
Grace groaned. “You really were into me?”
“I liked you, yes. Very much. But I couldn’t figure you out.”
“What changed?”
“You.”
“Me?”
“Yes, I saw a softer side to you tonight. A vulnerable side. I saw Grace.”
“And that did you in?”
“That and the dress.”
“Ahem.” A deep grumble came from near the kitchen and Grace jumped in Madison’s arms.