by Deanna Chase
Grayson slipped his arms around her, kissed her shoulder, and said, “I might not be able to please you the way I want to, but I sure as hell can take care of you in other ways.”
“Oh? How’s that?”
“Like this.” Grayson grabbed a bottle out of her shower caddy and went to work on shampooing her hair. He took his time massaging her scalp, washing every inch of her skin, and generally worshiping her body without defying the healer’s orders. By the time they stepped out of the shower, Amelia was warm and happy and had never felt more cherished.
“Okay, go relax on the couch,” Grayson said. “I’m going to make breakfast.”
“I can help,” she said.
He raised one eyebrow. “Absolutely not. You heard Healer Whipple. You’re to stay off your feet for the next week.” He pointed toward the living room. “Go, or you’re getting oatmeal for breakfast instead of waffles.”
She held up her hands in defeat. “Okay. You’re right. I guess I’m a terrible patient.” And she really was. Just the day before she was berating herself for not being more careful with her pregnancy. She just felt so good that morning that she’d momentarily forgotten that she was to take it as easy as possible. “I promise not to get up for anything. But do you think you could make coffee a priority? I’m getting a little desperate.”
“Of course.” He chuckled, kissed the top of her head, and guided her to the living room, making sure she was comfortable on the couch before he disappeared into the kitchen, while she called the fire station to let them know she was on bed rest for the week.
After Grayson rescheduled his appointments, they spent the rest of the day at her house, with Grayson hovering over Amelia, making sure she was comfortable, fed, and entertained with card games and movies. It was the perfect way to spend a chilly winter day.
By the time the evening rolled around, they were both cuddled up on the couch with Grayson’s arm around Amelia and her head tucked against his shoulder.
“Grayson?” Amelia asked.
“Yeah.”
“If you were in PR since you graduated college, how did you end up becoming an account rep for a beverage distributer?”
“It’s kind of a funny story, actually.” He let out a soft chuckle. “A few years ago, I parted ways with Kira and went to work for a PR firm in Boston. I was living downtown and used to frequent this neighborhood bar a few times a week just to get out a bit. Every Thursday night, this guy used to come in and sit next to me. We talked about everything from sports to movies to politics. Then one day he comes in and asks if he can buy me a drink. I honestly thought he was hitting on me.”
“He wasn’t?” she asked.
“Nope.” Grayson laughed. “I stammered all over my words because I was so caught off guard that I made a complete fool of myself. I said something about how that was really nice of him, but I wasn’t looking to date or hook up with anyone.”
“What did he say?”
“He just threw his head back and laughed. Then he ordered the beer, had me try it, and asked what I thought.” Grayson shrugged one shoulder. “I told him it was the best thing to pass my lips since I made out with Tyler Foster in the ninth grade. Of course, he thought Tyler was a guy and it was just a big cluster of mistaken communication and sexual identity. Eventually, he said he didn’t give a damn who I slept with as long as it wasn’t him because he already had a wife.”
Amelia turned to watch him, enjoying the humor in his expression. He never looked like that when he talked about his past. It was a refreshing change.
“Anyway, over the next few months, he was constantly asking me to try different beers and wines. Not everything was a winner, but there were quite a few. I kinda just thought he liked taste-testing stuff, and I was happy to go along. But eventually he told me he owned a distribution company, and that my taste was impeccable. That everything I liked always ended up being a winner for them. He handed me his card and said if I ever wanted to switch jobs, I had a place with them. I pocketed it and thanked him but told him I liked my job. Shortly after that I went back to work for Kira. Two years later I called him, and he offered me any territory I wanted. That’s how I ended up here.”
“That’s… something,” she said.
He shrugged. “After I took this job, he told me he knew we’d end up working together one day, he just didn’t know when.”
“Another spirit witch?”
Grayson nodded. “I think that might have been one of those mystical connections.”
Amelia squeezed his hand. “I think you’re right. Thank him for me one day, okay? The best thing that’s happened to me was when you walked back into my life.”
Grayson opened his mouth to answer her, but there was a loud knock on the door that cut him off. “Are you expecting anyone?”
She shook her head.
He got up, and before he even answered the door, he let out a curse.
“What is it?”
“Not what, who.” He gave her a pained look. “Kira’s here.”
“Why?” Amelia asked, all the warm feelings of the day vanishing. But then she suddenly remembered that she’d had plans with Kira at the Cozy Cave that night and let out a curse of her own.
“I know. I’m sorry. I’ll make her go away,” Grayson said, already reaching for the doorknob.
“No, don’t.” Amelia said quickly. “I owe her an apology.”
“What? Why?” he asked just as the knocking started again.
“We had plans tonight. I stood her up and forgot to send her a message. Open the door, Grayson. It’s cold out there.”
He let out a groan, clearly unhappy at the turn of events, but he did as she asked.
Katy Carmichael stood on Amelia’s front porch, dressed in tight jeans, an oversized sweater, and a faux fur white jacket that looked about two sizes too big for her petite frame. “Grayson, I figured you must be here,” she said with a bright smile. “But when you didn’t answer any of my texts, I couldn’t be sure.”
“Is that why you’re here?” he asked coolly. “Because I didn’t answer you?”
“Of course not. Don’t flatter yourself.” She brushed past him and walked into the house without being invited. “I’m here because Amelia and I had a date. When she didn’t show up for our dinner, I heard through the grapevine that she’s on bedrest, so I decided the best thing to do was to bring dinner to her.” She beamed at Amelia. “I’m glad to see he’s taking care of you. I hope you don’t mind the intrusion, but I did bring dinner for three, hoping we can still get to know each other.”
Amelia stared at the star, both speechless at her audacity to just barge in and also slightly guilty for standing her up. “Hi, Katy. I’m really sorry. I should’ve gotten your number from Grayson and let you know I couldn’t make it. Please, come in and have a seat.” She glanced at Grayson. “Get Katy something to drink, will you?”
Grayson pressed his lips into a thin line, clearly not happy with this turn of events. Still, he turned his attention to Katy and said, “Amelia doesn’t have any alcohol in the house. Is sparkling water okay? Or I can make you coffee or tea.”
“Sparkling water is perfect,” she said with a bright smile. He nodded, and as Katy watched him walk toward the kitchen, she added, “Hey, Grayson?”
He paused and glanced back at her. “What?”
“Try to remember that you love me while you’re in there. Okay?”
Grayson rolled his eyes and disappeared into the other room.
“He’s just cranky because I showed up unannounced,” Katy said, placing the takeout on the coffee table and sitting next to Amelia. “He’ll get over it soon enough.”
Amelia was well aware that wasn’t the only reason he was annoyed, but she wasn’t going to get into it with the actress. As long as Katy left Amelia out of it, Amelia had no desire to come between the two of them. She cleared her throat. “So, how are you enjoying Keating Hollow? Have you had a chance to see much of it?”
She l
aughed. “Oh, yes. The brewery, the café, the winery, the spa, and even the music store. The owner there, Chad, is that his name?”
Amelia nodded. “Yes, he’s Hope’s husband. She works at the spa.”
“Fascinating,” she said in an exaggerated tone that made Amelia wonder if she was mocking her. “He is a delicious piece of man-candy, isn’t he? The way he was demonstrating the guitar I inquired about…” She fanned herself with her hand. “Too bad he’s already taken. I think we could’ve had a hot weekend together.”
“Sure,” Amelia said just to be polite. She liked gossiping about boys just as much as the next girl, but there was something off about the interaction with Katy that Amelia just couldn’t put her finger on. “You play guitar?”
She shook her head. “No, but there’s a role in a movie that I want and the lead plays. If I could get the basics down, that will probably help convince the casting director that I’m the right fit.” Her entire demeanor had changed when talking about her career. She was much more natural and relaxed. Just more comfortable in her skin.
Amelia decided to keep the conversation focused on her work. It seemed to be a better path than Keating Hollow. “That’s pretty cool. How much time do you have to learn?”
She shrugged. “A few weeks I think.”
“That should be enough to at least make it look like you know what you’re doing. Wait here a minute. I’ll be right back.” Amelia swung her legs off the couch and started to get to her feet.
A firm hand landed on her shoulder. It wasn’t heavy enough to keep her in place, just enough to make her pause and look up at Grayson.
“What?” she asked.
“Unless you’re headed to the bathroom, whatever it is you need, I’ll get it,” Grayson said as he handed Katy her drink.
Amelia let out a long-suffering sigh. This bedrest thing was for the birds. Thankfully he hadn’t taken Healer Whipple literally and forced her to actually stay in bed all day. Instead, she was relegated to the couch. “My guitar is in the nursery in the closet. Can you get it for me?”
“Sure,” he said without hesitation and left the room again.
“You play?” Katy asked, her eyes lighting with interest.
“Some. I learned as a teenager.” Amelia smiled shyly. It was a hobby she didn’t talk about often, since playing the guitar was something she just did for herself. She’d never had dreams of being a professional musician or anything like that. It was more of a way to unwind at the end of the day and to keep her hands busy.
Grayson returned with the instrument and handed it to Amelia. She smiled gratefully up at him. “Thank you.”
“Of course.” He went to work on removing the takeout from the bags, while Amelia took a moment to strum a few chords before breaking into “Royals” by Lorde.
“Wow, that’s pretty good,” Katy said, sounding impressed.
“Thanks. After dinner, I’d be happy to show you a few things if you’d like. You’ll still need lessons, but at least you could get hand positioning down.”
“That would be wonderful,” she said, looking pleased. Then she glanced at the coffee table and frowned. “Looks like we need plates and some silverware.” She got to her feet and said, “I’ll find them.”
Amelia and Grayson watched her go and then turned to each other. Amelia said, “She’s quite the contradiction, isn’t she?”
“You can say that again.” He reached out and squeezed her hand. “Thank you for being you.”
She squeezed back. “Ditto.”
Dinner was filled with celebrity gossip and talk of different movies and shows Katy had done. The actress was in her element, and if Amelia was honest, very charming when telling her stories. By the time they were done eating, Amelia could see why she was so popular with her fans and hoped they’d eventually find a way to be friends.
“I’ll clean up,” Grayson said, grabbing the plates and takeout trays.
They both watched him walk away. Amelia smiled to herself. A month ago, she’d never have imagined that they’d find their way back together, but here they were with Grayson taking such good care of her. It was like a dream. A wonderful, love-filled dream.
“You know he’ll never last here, right?” Katy said.
“What?” Amelia turned to study Grayson’s friend. “What do you mean?”
“This town. Keating Hollow. It’s too small town.” She shrugged as if what she was saying was obvious. “He’s spent his entire adult life in the city, surrounded by powerful people in the business. This life he’s tried to start here, being a beverage account rep? It’s not him. Not at all. He thrives on the cutthroat business of celebrity public relations. I doubt you’ve ever seen him after he’s killed a big story or planted one to help my star grow. It’s almost like a drug, knowing you’ve outsmarted the media like that. He tried to walk away once before. That only lasted a few weeks. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if he’s back in the city within the month.”
Amelia gaped at her. Had she seriously just sat there and matter-of-factly told Amelia that the life she was looking to build with Grayson was a fantasy?
Katy’s phone buzzed. She glanced down at it and frowned. After sending a text back, she gave Amelia an apologetic smile. “Listen, thanks for the offer to show me the guitar, but it looks like I’m going to have to take off. My business manager is on a tear about something.” She hurried to the door, and on her way out, she said, “Tell Grayson I’ll talk to him soon.”
The door slammed closed and Amelia stared at it. There was no doubt the actress wasn’t going to give up Grayson easily. She just wondered what Katy would do next to try to lure him back to her.
Amelia’s vision blurred, and she clutched the arm of the couch, wondering if she was getting ready to pass out. But then the vision hit.
Grayson stood in an unfamiliar bedroom. The king-size bed had a white satin comforter accented with furry pink pillows. The ornate white headboard looked like something out of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Grayson moved toward the window with his arms outstretched, and a moment later, Katy Carmichael stepped into his embrace. They stood there holding onto each other, her head pressed to his chest while he caressed her hair and kissed the top of her head.
“I’m here now, Kira. You don’t have to worry about a thing. I’ll take care of you,” he said.
She tilted her head up so she could look at him, and then she kissed him.
Amelia’s vision blurred once more, and just like that she was sitting in her living room still staring at the door, her heart racing so fast she thought it would beat right out of her chest.
“What is it?” Grayson asked, sitting on the sofa to face her. “What happened?”
Amelia swallowed hard, trying to keep the tears from pooling in her eyes. “It’s not over between you two,” she forced out.
“Between who? Me and Kira?”
She nodded. “I had a vision. You’re going back to her. Holly had one, too. I just…” She shook her head. “I don’t know how to do this, knowing that I’ll always have to share this part of you.”
Grayson grabbed both of her hands and stared at her earnestly. “Listen to me, Amelia Holiday. I’m in love with you. Not Kira. Understand?”
She nodded, because she really did believe him.
“Neither of us can predict the future. Those visions… I can’t control what you or anyone else sees. But I can control what I do. And I’m making a promise right here and now that you and our child come first. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
She nodded again, this time, unable to stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks.
“I choose you. I’ll always choose you.” He pulled her into his arms and held her, just as he’d held Katy in her vision. “I choose you,” he whispered again, his voice thick with emotions.
Amelia clung to him, desperate to believe him. But in her heart, she knew their time was limited.
Chapter 18
For the second day in a row, Gra
yson woke with Amelia in his arms. After Kira left the night before, they’d had an emotional but quiet evening. They’d lain on the couch together with Amelia leaning against his chest while they watched some movie that he didn’t even recall. He’d just been happy to have her near and trusting him to take care of her.
He’d have been happy to keep her wrapped in his arms for forever, but it was a new day and Grayson had a job to do. After carefully slipping out of her bed so as not to wake her, he quickly cleaned up and then went about making her breakfast. Once he had an omelet made and coffee in hand, he slipped back into her bedroom and sat next to her on the bed. The movement roused her, and she blinked sleepily at him.
“Morning,” she said, her hair mussed and her cheeks rosy from sleep.
Gods, she was adorable. “Morning.” He leaned down and gave her a gentle kiss. “I have to get home and get changed for work. But if it’s okay with you, when I get back into town this afternoon, I’d like to pack a bag and stay here for the rest of the week.”
She pressed her hand to his cheek. “It’s more than okay.” She lifted her head and scented the air. “Is that coffee I smell?”
“Yes. I made you breakfast.” He gestured to the omelet and the coffee on her nightstand. “I also brought you the remote and that book you had in the living room, so you can stay right here for as long as you want.”
“You’ve just thought of everything, haven’t you?” Her eyes twinkled with amusement.
“I hope so.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Call me if you need anything. Or even if you’re just bored. I only have two appointments, but I will be driving a lot today so it’s likely you won’t be interrupting me.” He’d managed to rearrange his schedule so that he only needed to be out in the field for half the day.
“I’m sure I’ll be fine. Those herbs Healer Whipple prescribed really did help with the bleeding.”
“How about your back?” he asked, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. She’d been moving slowly and using her hand to support her back when she moved between the couch and the bedroom the night before.