“Quarterback!” Grace and Cora shouted out together.
“I can see you ladies have heard a few of his football stories,” Todd laughed.
“More than I can count,” Cora said. “Each one gets better and better. The man is adorable.”
“The kids love Grandpa Locke. I saw him teaching Mattias all about football the other night. Mattias was glued to his grandfather. They have a special bond,” Grace shared.
“I hope he didn’t confuse the boy. I’ve been teaching him baseball,” Brent added to the conversation. The group began to settle into a cordial conversation until Brent began the inquisition.
“What do you do for a living?” Brent grilled Todd. “Doctor? Stockbroker? Lawyer?”
“I am the Director of the Boys and Girls Club in downtown San Francisco,” Todd replied back unashamedly.
“Really? So you play with kids all day long?” Brent commented rudely.
“Brent, Todd is very good at his job. He does a lot more than play with kids. The Boys and Girls Club provides kids with a safe place to learn and grow. It is a remarkable organization,” Grace defended. She narrowed her eyes and stared at Brent. He was too focused on Todd to even notice Grace’s displeasure.
“Do you need a college degree for your line of work?” Brent continued the assault.
“It is not a requirement. We are a nationwide non-profit,” Todd responded, attempting to keep his anger from showing. If Brent wanted a battle, Todd was going to give him a battle of the wits.
“So you work for free?” Brent jabbed back.
Todd responded with a full rich laugh and then replied, “Really, Brent? Paid salaries are usually the norm for the executive positions.”
“I am trying to figure out your cover, Todd. As you know, Grace is a member of my family. I don’t take it lightly when new people enter into my family’s life. Do you understand?” Brent blurted out as he rose from his seat and left the table.
Cora quickly attempted to fix the tense moment she created. “Todd, I am really sorry about Brent’s demeanor. I didn’t realize he would be so challenging today.”
Todd gave Cora a genuine smile. Brent’s comment regarding Mattias was enlightening for Todd. Of course! Since Derek’s death, Brent had filled the fatherly role for Mattias and Bella. Not only was Todd a threat to Grace’s happiness, but Brent was also protecting the children. Brent wanted the best for Grace and was not going to settle for anything less. Little did Brent know that they shared a common goal. If only Brent didn’t have to be so ruthless. Getting Brent Locke on Todd’s side was not going to be easy.
Brent returned to the table with an announcement. “The table toward the front of the car is available. Maybe Grace and Todd can move over there?” Brent offered.
“What a marvelous idea. We’ve treaded on your private time long enough. Thank you, Brent,” Todd answered as he began to get up. “Grace?”
“I agree. We don’t want to interfere,” Grace said, snatching up her purse. After her recent dating episodes, Grace knew how to make a quick escape. Todd and Grace were seated at their table before Cora even knew what happened.
“Smooth, Brent. You aren’t fooling anyone. Your overprotective attitude of Grace is going to backfire on you,” Cora said, displeased with Brent’s overt distrust of Todd.
“I have to protect my family and that includes you, Corina. Tell me more about Todd. How did you meet?” Brent inquired, wanting to gain as much intelligence on the man as possible. Not only was he irritated with the way Todd looked at Grace, he was more concerned with the interest Grace displayed toward Todd. Her feelings were already strong and he knew nothing about the man. It was very unsettling.
“There isn’t too much to tell,” Cora responded vaguely, twiddling her long fingers around her wine glass.
“Is there more, Corina?” Brent pressed, knowing his fiancés expressions when she was hiding something from him. Her spitfire personality attracted him from the first time they met; however, it could also grate on his nerves at times.
“Samantha and I met Todd in college,” Cora stated a little too quickly.
“And?”
“We went out once or twice, but…” Cora began before Brent interrupted.
“You dated that man and are now fixing him up with Grace?” Brent seethed. His dislike for Todd just increased dramatically.
“Brent, stop jumping to conclusions. Todd and I were never together. There was no chemistry there for a relationship, but we have remained good friends. I didn’t develop any feelings for him. That is it. End of story,” Cora emphasized the word ‘end’.
“What did Grace have to say when you told her about your prior relationship with Todd?” Brent prodded, guessing that Cora had yet to talk to Grace.
“I haven’t said anything to Grace. There is truly nothing to tell,” Cora replied with her arms folded.
“You should let Grace be the judge of that, Corina,” Brent said, scolding Cora like a young child.
Cora knew Brent was right. Why did he always seem right, Cora wondered to herself?
“I will talk to Grace about it,” Cora said with some frustration. She wasn’t sure if she was more frustrated with Brent or herself.
“Can we please just have a nice afternoon? I’ve been looking forward to spending time with you all week,” Cora asked, moving in closer to Brent. It was challenging with Brent on the other side of the table. She discreetly slid off her high heel shoe and placed her foot inbetween Brent’s legs, pushing them apart. She moved her foot back and forth across his bulge. Brent smiled mischievously at Cora. She knew exactly how to get his attention.
“Feeling a little brave, Corina?” Brent inquired. His voice was full of passion and desire for the beautiful woman sitting across from him who would soon become his wife. He knew she had no romantic feelings for Todd, but this knowledge did not ease his concerns when it came to Grace. Unlike Cora, Grace had developed feelings, and unbeknownst to Cora and perhaps even Grace, the feelings were already very deep. He knew Grace well enough to understand when she was on the verge of giving away her heart.
“Actually, I was thinking of using the restroom. Would you like to join me?” Cora asked seductively. “I am sure we can walk around on the train and find a less crowded car where a discreet restroom would be available,” Cora stated as she rose from the table. Her long black hair swung around as she extended her hand to Brent.
“Have you ever had make-up sex, Corina?” Brent now cool, calm and collected asked, taking her outstretched hand in his. “There is a passion in it unlike anything else. You know, we did just have an argument.”
“We did,” Cora acknowledged as the desire grew within her. Her desire for the man did not wane; it continued to grow stronger and stronger every day. It was unlike anything she had ever experienced before. With Brent, it was like she was with herself, but a much better version of herself. True love allowed Cora to accept herself fully because Brent had embraced all aspects of her: the strengths, weaknesses and imperfections.
The love they shared enabled them to feel whole, complete, and at peace with the world around them. Everything took on a brighter hue: songs were sweeter, colors more brilliant, food even tasted better when experienced through love.
“Follow me,” Brent said, guiding Cora down the stairs in search of a restroom. He went through two train cars until he found a slightly empty car. He allowed Cora to enter the restroom and then waited to be sure nobody was around. After double-checking, he opened the door. Cora giggled when she saw him. Brent locked the door behind him. “Well, this is cozy,” he whispered.
“I want you, Brent,” Cora said, wasting no time in getting to the point. She unzipped his pants and found exactly what she wanted. The man was drop dead gorgeous and irresistible. She still could not believe that he was hers to love. She wanted to take every moment for the rest of her life to show him exactly what he meant to her. Cora pulled his member from his pants. Brent groaned. He knew what Cora was about
to do. He braced himself with his hands against the wall in order to handle the pleasure. Cora knelt down between his legs. Before even touching him she gazed up and gave him a wicked smile.
“Corina,” Brent groaned as she had her mouth upon him. His taste was light and sweet like a single drop of honey. Cora twirled her tongue around his hardness in every angle in an attempt to get the taste all throughout her mouth. Prior to meeting Brent she rarely even touched a man’s private part, let alone put it in her mouth. The thought grossed her out. Yet with Brent, she craved it. At first, she had to get used to the intimacy and physical act. She did it mainly to please him, but over time, it became purely for her. She merged within the uniting of their souls. She completely surrendered to the love she had for Brent as he claimed her as his own. At times, she lost all touch with reality. She felt sensual gratification of his smell and touch.
The sound of the rails on the tracks set the tempo which she mimicked with her mouth. As the train picked up speed, she matched the speed of her movements. She held his member at the shaft firmly with her right hand while her mouth moved up and down. When Brent could take no more, he put his hand under her chin and pulled Cora back on her feet. He slipped his hand under her dress and slid off her panties. He turned her around and braced her arms against the wall. He felt the wetness between her legs which was his signal to proceed. Brent lifted up Cora’s dress to expose her smooth bronze skin. It got him fired up every time. He took his member and pushed it inside her. Cora began to moan.
Brent took his right hand and put it over her mouth knowing that it was difficult for her to remain quiet when she was lost in the throes of passion. Brent continued to drive himself into Cora. He took his free hand and grabbed her breast. It drove Cora to the edge. He waited until she could take no more and released himself inside of her. Brent collapsed his head upon her shoulder. Their breath was rapid. They stayed still while each caught their breath. Cora turned around and gave Brent a long kiss.
“I may need to get in trouble more often so we can have lots of make-up sex,” Cora whispered, throwing her arms around his neck.
“Don’t worry. Trouble has a way of finding you, my love,” Brent replied, knowing Cora’s propensity to stir things up.
“Funny, Brent. We better hurry up and get married,” Cora stated out of the blue as she zipped up Brent’s pants.
“Why? The wedding will be here before you know it,” Brent said, lost in his nothingness.
“Because if we have any more unprotected sex like we just had, a little Brent is going to grow inside my belly. I don’t think your mom would be happy if I was a pregnant bride.” Cora laughed imagining the look on Leslie’s face if Cora was showing at the wedding.
“I thought you were on birth control?” Brent asked, slightly concerned. A smile formed in the corners of his mouth imaging Cora’s swollen belly.
“I am. I just wanted to gauge your reaction to the idea of us having kids sooner than later. I am happy to see that the idea didn’t freak you out,” Cora said, proud of her little game.
“Corina, I cannot wait to start a family with you,” Brent responded. “Let’s just wait until after you are officially Mrs. Brent Locke. Okay?”
“Yes sir!” Cora replied, more than willing to wait for the proper time. “I love you, Brent.”
“I love you too, baby. Now be a good girl and put on your panties. We need to sneak back to the table before they give our lunch away,” Brent said, picking up Cora’s panties and handing them to her.
“As you wish,” Cora said, more than happy to obey.
Brent slipped out of the restroom first and then knocked on the door when the coast was clear. Cora came out and followed Brent back to their table. They both were far more relaxed and totally forgot about their earlier disagreement.
While Cora and Brent were off in the restroom, Todd and Grace settled in to their lunch. Todd asked Grace how things were going with the CASA organization. Grace relayed that she had signed up to be a volunteer and had attended the mandatory training. In a few weeks, CASA was going to place Grace with her first case. She admitted her concerns, but also her unbridled excitement.
After finishing lunch and knowing about Grace’s sweet tooth, Todd suggested that they walk over to the dessert car. They ordered two delectable desserts and sat in plush, velvety chairs. Between the delicious lunch, wine, dessert and afternoon sun, both Grace and Todd were fully relaxed. The rhythmic motions of the train also added to the relaxation. Grace gazed over at the man next to her. Todd’s eyes were slowly opening and closing as he looked out the window. Her left leg brushed up against his in a comfortable fashion as they held hands. She felt at peace, like she was home. There was nowhere she wanted to be except right where she was, right there with Todd in that moment. She never thought she would feel so happy again. It seemed her prince charming had arrived.
Chapter 7
A few days later, Grace received an email from Todd. It was in the evening and the kids were asleep.
Grace,
Thanks again for spending your Saturday with me in Napa. I find it easy to talk with you. I have never been able to share so many of my thoughts and feelings with a woman before. I want to continue to get to know your children and extended family. I completely understand their desire to protect you. I would do the same thing if I was in their shoes. Brent’s probing questions and cautious attitude towards me do not upset me. I would do the same thing if I was Brent.
Let me know when you and the kids have time to visit the Exploratorium. If it is alright with you, I’d also like to invite the little boy I mentor, Parker, to come with us.
Thinking of you and those sexy legs,
Todd
Grace smiled as she imagined Todd touching her legs at the ankle. She could feel him slowly moving his hand up her leg to her knee and then to her thigh. Her body tensed when she imagined him touching her between her legs. Grace became overcome with excitement. She was no longer an innocent virgin. Her body was remembering what it was like to be touched by a man. She yearned for the incredible sensations she felt many years ago. Grace took her desire and put it in her email.
Todd,
Each day that I spend with you draws me in closer. I find that my feelings have grown beyond friendship and I want them to continue to grow. You continually impress me with your charm, wit and sincere understanding of where I am at in my life. My heart is still fragile from the loss of my husband, but for the first time since his death, I feel like spring has arrived. My heart is light and a deep swelling of happiness has replaced the fog which had taken over my life.
I find myself thinking about you at the oddest times of the day. I want to share even the smallest happenings with you. I want you to get to know the people that are important in my life so they can also share the in the magic which you have spun over my life.
I would apologize for Brent, but I cannot. Brent is who he is and I love him for it. He feels he is my gatekeeper and I allow him that illusion. But truly, only I can protect myself. And I have no need or desire to protect myself from you. In fact, I want to only move forward in our relationship.
Today I was imagining what it would feel like for you to touch my legs, beginning at my ankles and ending up….well, we will just leave it at that for now. We are free this coming Sunday to go to the Exploratorium. Let me know if that works for you.
Waiting to feel your lips upon mine again,
Grace
P.S.- Are we going slow enough?
She was very satisfied with her email. She quickly hit the send button before she changed her mind.
Fifteen minutes later, Grace received a text from Todd.
‘Sexy legs, you sure know what to say to a man. Situation?’
Grace laughed at his code word, ’situation’. It was like they were on a secret mission together.
‘Sitting on the couch thinking of you. Situation?’
Todd immediately replied,
‘I am parked out f
ront the house of an incredible woman I know. Do you think she will let me in? It is rather late.’
Grace jumped off the couch and ran to the window. She laughed when she saw Todd standing in front of a large white truck. He wore jeans that hugged his legs and a casual light blue shirt. He looked good enough to eat. She motioned for him to come inside. Todd smiled in recognition of her gesture. Grace ran over to the front door completely out of breath. Her heart was racing with excitement. She flung open the door.
“What brings you out to my neck of the woods?” Grace taunted Todd with an extra twang in her Southern accent.
“Your email,” Todd said as he bent down and took Grace into a long deep kiss. Grace wrapped her arms around Todd and could feel the shape of his large muscles as she stroked her hand down his pants. The man was fit. Todd swung around, grabbed both of Grace’s legs and pulled her up into his arms. He carried her possessively over to the couch and gently placed her there.
“I’ve wanted to sit on this couch since the first day I saw your house. It is very comfortable,” Todd said, testing the cushions playfully with his hands. “I’ve also wanted to touch every inch of your body here.”
“Please touch me. I can’t wait any longer,” Grace begged as she untied her pink robe revealing a white silky top and matching shorts.
“You are driving me wild, Grace!” Todd growled when he saw her bare arms and legs. Her long blond hair tumbled down her back. She was a vision. Todd took his time taking in the scene merely with his eyes. Grace was a mixture of innocence and fire. He had never known such beauty or depth. He had found the woman he had looked for his whole life. It was a profound realization.
“Please,” Grace begged as Todd studied her body.
“I don’t want to rush this moment,” Todd confessed.
Grace smiled and shifted the position of her legs. She pulled down one of the straps of her top which exposed a small portion of her breast. After gauging Todd’s reaction, she slipped off the other strap exposing the top part of her breasts.
“I see I have your attention, Mr. Harcourt. Would you like to touch me now?”
47 Destinies: Finding Grace Page 10