by T L Gray
“Why do I get the feeling you know that firsthand?”
She smiled shyly and then shrugged. Of course she had been to Japan, because that’s what rich people do. They travel, experience life all over the globe. I pushed the uneasy thought out of my mind and instead pulled her in front of me, wrapping my arms around her tiny waist. Just feeling how perfectly she fit in my arms calmed me. I wouldn’t be able to give her trips around the world, but I could give her every part of me—mind, body, and soul. Somehow with Grace, I knew that would be enough.
“Are you hungry?”
She shook her head no and leaned back against my chest, closing her eyes and enjoying the quiet of my yard. I imagined it was a nice change from the center’s constant noise and the obnoxious sirens and thumping music that often throbbed at the Raintree Apartments.
The gentle gurgle of water gliding over a rock and into the fishpond was soothing. I glanced at the hammock and pulled her along with me.
“This is my favorite spot in the entire world. Will you join me?” I couldn’t figure out why I was nervous asking that question. Probably because I felt that in doing so I was handing her a piece of my heart.
She smiled, beautifully. “I’d love to.”
I held the hammock steady so she could get in, and then did my best to join her. The woven material rocked and moved every time I tried to get in. Several attempts and lots of laughter later, we were finally settled and looking up toward the darkening sky.
“I’m usually more skilled than that,” I assured her. She giggled and ran a finger along my chest, her body halfway on the hammock and halfway on me.
“I like that you’ve never been on here with anyone else. It makes me feel special.”
I looked down at her, soaking in the way the setting sun cast a soft light across her face, the way her eyes stayed warm on mine. I prayed she could feel the truth of my words. “You are special, Grace. Nobody has ever meant more to me than you do.”
She leaned up to kiss me and then snuggled in close, letting me inhale the wonderful mix of her perfume with the citrus scent of her hair. We lay in comfortable silence until Grace spoke.
“So did you take care of the unfinished business yesterday?”
I held her tighter and then told her all about the dream and my talk with Bruce.
“At first I was so angry, felt so betrayed. But now I realize that my forgetting was just another part of God’s great mercy. I wasn’t ready to face that night. I wasn’t ready to face my past and let it go. I think I am now.”
Grace sighed as a lone tear trailed down her face. “I don’t know how you do it. How you came from such horror to be the amazing man you are.”
Reaching down to kiss away her tear, I pulled her closer. “I didn’t. God took something evil and ugly, and totally transformed it. My life has always been a gift.”
I watched her as she closed her eyes, snuggling closer. I felt I knew her better than I’d ever known anyone. Yet I knew nothing about her life before we met. Sadly I realized that part of me didn’t want to know, didn’t want to be faced with how different we were, but now it mattered.
“Grace?”
“Hmm?”
“Tell me about New York. Your life. Your friends. All of it. You know every piece of me—even the stuff I’d rather you didn’t—and I know nothing about your life before North Carolina except that all the people you love call you Gracie Belle.” I couldn’t help but say the name with a little disgust, thinking of Sam’s face.
She stiffened, making me even more curious. “I mean, you talk about your family a lot, but never about friends. Don’t you keep in touch with anyone from home?”
Grace looked up at the night sky. “My best friend and I had a falling out before I left, and most of the others were never close enough to worry about. They don’t understand why I wanted to leave. That world sucks you in, and it’s very hard to walk away from it.”
“But you did. Any regrets?” I held my breath, almost hoping she wouldn’t answer.
She turned so she was on top of me and whispered, “Not one,” then kissed me. Fire erupted everywhere within me as her hands moved over my chest and into my hair. I’d need to stop us soon, before my body trumped my mind. Grace had drawn a line for me and I respected her enough not to cross it.
Chapter 30
* * *
GRACE
Guilt consumed me. I should have told Matt about Stewart, but I just couldn’t form the words. I decided that if he asked for more details about Lacey, I would tell him, but he never did. Instead, we talked about my childhood and college, and a lot about the work I did with my mother. Never once did the word boyfriend come up, and certainly not fiancé.
My head drooped in my hands. I would tell him. I would. I just had to figure out how to do it without him thinking the same thing everyone else did—that our relationship was a rebound. Oh, if they only understood. If I’d known what love and passion were supposed to feel like, I would have broken it off with Stewart years sooner. I never knew what I was missing.
“Now that does not look like the face of the woman who just weeks ago took the Asheville elite by storm.” Sam rested casually against the doorjamb with his signature smirk.
Scowling, I turned my head away. “I’m not speaking to you.”
His laugher filled the room as he strolled to my desk. Placing his heavy, manicured hands on my shoulders, he leaned in. “And here I was going to hand this envelope off to you without delay. Too bad.”
He made a tsk sound and jumped around my desk before I could grab the envelope in his hand. I went after him, jumping for the cursed thing he held high above his head. His laughter as he evaded my pursuit only made me madder.
“Dang it, Sam. Just give it to me!” My words came out like those of a spoiled brat and seemed to only incite more laughter from him. Finally he lowered the envelope enough so I could snatch it away, and I tore it open to see the number I had been waiting for.
The number was printed in bold black. “Oh my—$4,284,500.” I dropped onto the couch in shock, my mouth hanging open. “It’s not possible. We didn’t even raise that much on the dinner.”
Sam sat next to me, smiling brightly. “Remember that couple, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Barron?”
“Yes. They were some of the few who actually listened to what I had to say.”
“Well, it turns out that Mrs. Barron is a freelance writer with a pretty successful blog. She called the next day for an interview and then did a write-up on the Hartsford Foundation. Donations have been pouring in ever since.” Sam took the paper out of my hand slowly. “Now, some of this money will be redirected to the New York center, but you’ll get the additional staff and renovations as promised.”
My heart pounded as tears of joy sprang to my eyes. I looked up at Sam’s happy face and smiled. “Thank you. I know you only gave me this job as a favor to my dad, but I’m so glad you did.”
Sam’s face softened, his eyes watching me closely. “I didn’t do this for your father. In fact, he didn’t speak to me for a week after he found out you were moving. I did it for you, Gracie.” He reached up and lightly touched my cheek, then lowered his hand. “I wanted to see that smile back on your face.”
I sighed and fell back against the couch, putting some distance between us. For some reason his touch felt intimate. “Well, it worked.” I eyed the paper that was now on the coffee table. “That there makes me very happy, even if you tormented me with it.”
Sam laughed and returned to his casual demeanor, a relief to me. “Well, I have more news that will make you happy.”
My back shot straight up. I was eager to hear whatever it was. “Spill it.”
“I’m promoting you.” He stood after that announcement and leaned back against my desk, facing me and looking very much the savvy CEO.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s all taken care of. I cleared out that office next to mine, and your mother has loved spending a fortune getting it
ready for you. You’ll take over the Hartsford Foundation, running both the New York and Asheville centers. It’s perfect.”
I shook my head, my heart beating in my ears. “Sam, I can’t leave these kids.”
“You can visit them anytime. You’ll have free rein with my jet whenever you need it. Just think what a partnership we would make. I mean, come on, Gracie. Look what we’ve already done together.”
I couldn’t wrap my mind around his offer. Couldn’t even imagine going back to New York after having changed so much since being in Asheville. Matt’s face filled my mind. I wouldn’t leave him, couldn’t leave him.
I stared at Sam, hoping he would somehow understand. “It’s more than just the kids, Sam. I have a life here.”
He scowled. “No, Gracie Belle, you had an escape. I gave you that, and now it’s time for you to come home.”
I jumped up, anger coursing through every inch of my body. “Is this my friend talking or my boss?”
He matched my hardened stare, fully expecting me to back down the way I always had in the past. “It’s both.” His expression eased up just a little when he saw tears threaten my eyes. “Just come home, Gracie. Please. If not for me, then for your family. We miss you. You have to know it was never my intent for you to stay here indefinitely.”
“What are you saying?” I could barely choke out the words.
He hung his head. “I’m not saying anything . . . yet. There’s still plenty of time to decide while we get the renovations started.” Disregarding my defensive stance, he walked over and pulled me into a hug that I didn’t respond to. “You’ve grown into a beautiful, talented woman, Gracie.” He kissed the top of my head. “Just promise me you’ll think about it. You’ve already accomplished everything you needed to here.”
Tears were streaming down my face the moment he walked out. Sam’s promotion didn’t sound like an offer—it sounded like an ultimatum.
Matt could sense something was wrong the minute he saw me.
“Hey, what’s with the frown?” He pulled me out of my chair and into a sweet hug. My door was open, but that didn’t stop him. As usual, he knew when I needed to be held.
“It’s nothing. I’m just lost in thought.” I eased out of his embrace before the tears came again. I’d already shed way too many.
My second conversation with Sam hadn’t gotten me anywhere. He acted as if the discussion was closed, telling me he’d be back in two weeks to meet with the architect. He even had the gall to invite me to see the new condo he purchased so he would be comfortable in Asheville during the renovations. Funny how three months ago his buying a condo would have seemed normal, expected even. Now it just felt insane.
“A little birdie named Marcus told me Sam is back in town.” Matt’s words were careful, but I didn’t miss the look in his eye. There was no love lost between Sam and Matt, and neither of them attempted to hide their disdain for each other. “I think that kid’s more possessive of you than I am.”
I tried with all my might to find a smile, but I just couldn’t. “He had the final numbers for me.”
“And they aren’t good?”
I shook my head, sitting back down at my desk. “No, just the opposite. They’re amazing. Almost twice what I expected.”
“Grace, that’s awesome! So what’s the problem here?” Matt kneeled so we were eye to eye, his face growing more and more concerned. He’d been so happy lately. The circles under his eyes were gone and he spent more time laughing than scowling. I reached out and touched his cheek, breaking into my first genuine smile all day.
“Nothing. I guess I’m just suffering from the Elijah syndrome. You know, that emotional drop after such a great achievement.”
He kissed my hand and scooted closer. “Then we’ll go celebrate tonight. Anywhere you want, just name it.”
My head screamed, “Tell him!” But my mouth remained silent. To tell Matt about Sam meant that I would have to tell him about Stewart, and I couldn’t handle that yet. Couldn’t stomach the idea that I would wipe away the smile I’d come to adore on his face. He would believe what Sam had so crassly implied today, that my being there was an escape. That being with him was no more than a stepping-stone in my quest to find independence.
No, I would wait until I knew Matt would believe me when I told him the truth.
Forcing myself to relax and enjoy the incredible man in front of me, I leaned in to kiss him quickly before anyone saw. “I heard about this amazing Japanese garden, with running water and a hammock. Not to mention the chef serves a seriously mean piece of steak.”
Matt beamed. “Funny, that’s exactly the place I had in mind.”
Chapter 31
* * *
MATT
It felt wrong to be this happy, this content with my life. The nightmares were gone. I was sleeping for long stretches of time and had the pleasure of spending every evening with someone who inspired, excited, and challenged me all at once.
Grace was so unexpected. Beautiful, smart, kind. That playful laugh she would let loose on occasion. Those gorgeous, blue, understanding eyes that never judged or ridiculed.
I heard a snort of laughter next to me before the ball was knocked out of my grip. I’d been standing there staring into space, the ball still in my hand, with a stupid grin on my face. Shaking myself hard, I let out a long breath.
“You got it baaad!” Marcus teased as he caught Grace in my line of vision. “Dude, just marry the girl and get it over with. Your drool is starting to wet the floor.”
I narrowed my eyes at the sassy ten-year-old. He’d become more relaxed around me, which was a start, but that mouth of his never turned off. He’d need a lot more meat and skill to back up half the things he spit out. But that was a lesson for another day. For now I’d work on consistency and trust. I assumed his wounds had healed, since he no longer winced when he shot the ball, but I knew from experience that they’d be back and probably worse the next time. If I could just get him to open up, let me help him, then maybe there wouldn’t be a next time.
“You’ve got a big mouth, you know that?”
He laughed again at my feigned irritation. “I just call it like I see it. And you, Matt, are in looove with Ms. Covington.” He began making kissing noises as he held the ball near his face. I moved quickly, but not fast enough to catch the agile little brat who wouldn’t stop laughing.
Grace saw the commotion and walked over, her heels clicking on the gym floor. I was beginning to love that sound.
“Looks like you boys are having fun over here.”
Marcus almost blew snot out his nose, he was laughing so hard at the warning stare I shot him. The last thing I needed was for him to declare my love for Grace in front of hundreds of kids. I’d barely accepted the idea myself, and if anyone was going to tell her, it would be me.
“Oh yeah,” I replied dryly. “Marcus is an all-around comedian.”
She smiled warmly at him, not hiding any of the affection she held for the kid, before turning back to me. She looked slightly nervous. “I was wondering if you might be willing to take off early tonight. I need to talk you about something.”
Any thoughts of Marcus flew from my mind as I watched her brow furrow with worry. This wasn’t like Grace; she rarely let things get her down. “Sure. Let’s go now.”
Her smile brightened a little. “Okay, good. Let me just finish and close up my office. Fifteen minutes okay?”
I nodded but didn’t miss the apprehension on her face. Whatever she had to talk to me about had her tied up in knots.
“So you’re going to bail on me for a girl. Man, that blows.” Marcus’s voice sounded hurt, but I could see the twinkle in his eye. He was just as smitten with Grace as I was, and looked for any excuse for the three of us to hang out. “Of course, you could let me tag along. It’d help with all that guilt you’re probably feeling about leaving your little brother hangin’.”
I rubbed his short, coarse hair. “Not this time, buddy. Come on, let
’s put some action to that mouth of yours. Twenty-one, your ball.”
We played hard until Marcus suddenly stopped and scowled toward the door. “Man, I thought we were done with that mess,” he whined.
Turning to see whom he was staring at, I knew immediately what had him on guard. Another young business type was coming toward us, looking around as if he was scoping out the place as he walked.
Still scowling in the man’s direction, Marcus whispered, “He looks like he belongs on one of those TV commercials, the ones that sell stuff only rich people can buy.” I had to agree with him. If a guy were to be called pretty, this one definitely fit the description. He was tall and decked out in what must have been five-thousand-dollar suit, and I knew immediately from what I saw at the banquet that Grace must have felt a final tour was necessary to reel him in. He screamed Fortune 500.
“Be nice. You won’t complain so much when you get another basketball court in here.”
Marcus just shrugged off my warning. “Yeah, whatever. I still don’t like it. They’re always checking out her butt.”
“Enough,” I demanded, feeling my temper start to sizzle.
The man stepped closer, all polish and ego, and flashed his million-dollar smile our way. “Is Grace Covington here? I was told she’d likely still be around this time of day.” His voice was silky smooth, laced with an arrogance that made the hair stand up on the back of my neck.
I’d be polite, for Grace, but I could already tell I didn’t like the guy. “Are you here for a tour? She didn’t mention an appointment.” I threw the last part in for me. I wanted this guy to know I was well versed on Grace’s schedule.
His brow furrowed and lifted, as if I’d said the most ridiculous thing. “A tour? No. This visit is personal.”
Marcus took the words right out of my mouth. “Personal? What you want with Ms. Covington that’s personal?” I would have found his snotty tone amusing if not for the icy chill that was clawing through my body.