by Cara North
Grace hugged Chase first and popped him hard on the tush with the back of her hand. “Take care of bride-zilla for me.”
Megan stomped in protest but then smiled and hugged her cousin tightly. Megan had pulled her to the ladies’ room when they arrived at the airport and let Grace in on the plan. Grace had never been a spur of the moment kind of person, but she wanted, no, she needed to see him again.
“I’ll be there. Don’t forget to pick me up,” Grace whispered and kissed Megan goodbye.
Ethan was patiently waiting and wondering how this moment would play out. He tried to look detached and indifferent, but even as she drew near him, he felt semi-hard and aware of her every move.
“Well.” Grace stood in front of him. “Call me when you get home.” Don’t sound sad. Be happy. This is no big deal. You’re just friends.
“I will.” Ethan didn’t give her a chance to protest. He grabbed her and quickly covered her lips with his own. At first she was reluctant but quickly accepted him. Her arms moved from his chest to his back. She held on tightly. He hated to let go.
“See you in a few weeks.” He kissed her forehead, took a forced step away from her, and headed through the security line.
Of course, there was no wait. He waved from the other side, smiling at the way she touched her lips before waving back to him. Damn, she was under his skin.
Grace watched him leave with a rumble of mixed emotions. Her lips felt stung by the force of his kiss. She had a lot to do in the next twenty-four hours. Megan had decided what Ethan needed most for his birthday was Grace, so she bought her a ticket. Grace protested, but Megan and Chase were insistent.
Once she got in her SUV, she dialed up Amy. If she wanted the gear, she would get it tonight. Her head was swimming in thought when she met the other woman and turned over all of her keys and paperwork. It wasn’t as emotional as she thought it would be. She was almost relieved to let it go. Like shedding off an old skin, it just wasn’t who she was anymore.
Grace came home to find an unexpected guest on her door at nine that night.
“Mitchell,” she said flatly.
“Grace,” he returned in kind.
“Can I help you?” She walked past him and to the door.
“I just thought I would stop by,” he said, looking her up and down. She stepped past him like she really didn’t care he was there. “Say hi.”
“Really?” Grace was sarcastic. “How long have you been home?”
“Just today, this morning.” He looked around the open space of the kitchen and living room.
She wondered if he had seen her with Ethan. The only thing that could make this moment better would be if Ethan was actually here, and she could introduce him. “Looking for someone?”
“Ugh, no, I mean, I don’t want to interrupt anything if you have company and all.”
He seemed to relax. That agitated Grace. He was way too comfortable around her.
“So, is it serious?”
“What?” Grace couldn’t believe this. He came here because he was jealous? Looking at him now, she couldn’t see how she slept with this weasel. He was getting fat, like his mother. He always was a momma’s boy. “Ethan?”
“That’s his name?” He sounded desperate.
“Yes, it is.” And for good measure, “Yes, it’s serious.”
“Gracie, you know I never meant to hurt you.” His eyes were beady and sad.
This was his routine all right. Any time she moved on, he would suck her back but not this time. Even if Ethan wasn’t the man for her, she now had a real man to measure all men against, and Mitchell, well, he was coming up short. In more areas than one!
“Get out,” she said simply and pointed to the door.
“Gracie, don’t do this.” He was on his knees now.
“Mitchell, I don’t care if you crawl out that door, as long as you find the other side of it.” She stepped past him and into the kitchen. “And just so you know, I’m a good cook. I made chicken alfredo, and everyone loved it.”
He slowly stood and walked to the door. He had never seen Grace like this before. He didn’t like it. “Well, when he leaves, and he will, I’ll be around. Maybe.”
“Hold your breath.” She waved as he walked out. Leaving the door open, she watched him tromp down her porch stairs until the bottom of the screen door blocked her view. God, that felt good!
As if on cue, the phone rang.
“Hello.” Grace expected Megan by now.
“Where have you been? I called when I got home, like a good boy.” Ethan teased.
“Hi, I uh, had a few errands to run.” Grace could feel the butterflies. She missed him. She didn’t need to miss him like this.
“I’ve been gone less than eight hours, and you’re already on to another man, aye?” He laughed into the phone.
It felt good to hear her voice. Alone in his loft, Ethan regretted not buying the ticket. He could pay whatever the cost. It would be worth it. He knew there was something going on between them. She filled his thoughts now. Unable to push her out, he had to call. He was going to wait until the next day. Create distance. Establish that they were friends not lovers. But he couldn’t settle in, he just wanted to talk to her.
Time just flew by; then, the cordless phone Grace now held to her ear in the bed was beeping.
“Low battery.” She was tired, so was he. They had talked for hours about nothing. There weren’t any discussions of sex, or the future, or anything that would matter. Her ear was numb.
“I guess that’s the signal to go then.” Ethan’s voice was thick and sleepy.
“I wish you could be here.” He paused, and she could hear him rustling around in his bed. “Damn, it’s three in the morning. I’m officially old now.”
“You are not old.” Grace giggled. “Happy birthday, Ethan.”
Her voice was silky.
“Thanks, Gracie.” He breathed a heavy sigh. “Good night, sweetheart.”
“Night.” The phone went dead before she could finish.
It was just as well. She had only three hours to sleep before making the drive to Jacksonville. It was the closest mall, and Megan had left her magazine clippings to shop for clothes. If she was going to crash a party in New York, she had to dress the part.
* * * *
Six O’clock came early. Grace woke up hugging the pillow Ethan had slept on. His scent still filled her sheets. The shower curtain would have to be replaced but another day. This morning the look of it gave Grace a second wind. She grabbed her bag, told the neighbor she was going to be away for the weekend, and headed to the mall.
By comparison the Jacksonville Mall was considered small. It had improved greatly over the years and now had a Gap, Victoria’s Secret, and other staple stores. Grace had a hair appointment at ten sharp. She hadn’t cut her hair since before her mother died, but she felt like making a change, a real change.
The girl asked three times before taking the scissors a little below the shoulder and chopping it all off. It took a while to straighten it, but with the layers, it looked great. It was different, very different, but then so was she.
Next stop, the Gap, the sales clerk was actually from New York and married to a Marine at Camp Lejeune. She proved to be more helpful than Megan’s clippings, which Grace promptly tossed out after the first outfit made her cringe when she saw herself.
Armed with a few new outfits and some accessories, she felt transformed but comfortable. A quick stop in Victoria’s Secret, and she was done.
The drive to Albert Ellis airport, just outside of Jacksonville, seemed forever. Grace was beginning to regret flying out from there. It was closer now, but on the trip back, it would be almost a two hour drive home. Ethan’s worth it. Whoa, where did that come from? Grace shook her head. Megan better not forget to pick me up.
New York, New York
John F. Kennedy airport was huge in comparison. Grace finally made her way to baggage claim and looked around for Megan. No sign of
her. Shit. It was five thirty, and Grace was growing impatient. She finally found where her bags should be and saw Chase. She ran up to him relieved.
“This place is huge,” Grace said as she hugged him.
“Wow, your hair looks great.” Chase was the pick up. Thank God Grace was already dressed and ready. The party started at seven, and everything was running behind.
“Thanks, so what’s the plan?” Grace looked up at him in anticipation.
* * * *
The limo pulled up outside the Gray Alexander Art Gallery, and Grace grew more nervous by the second. The limo seemed parked, so she looked out the window and saw Ethan headed right for it. He looked good. Damn good. He wore khakis and a button down shirt with a blue tie. He seemed more put together, even his hair was brushed. He opened the door waving the driver to stay put and slipped inside.
“Holy Shit!” He jumped realizing someone was in the car.
“Grace!” He immediately grabbed her and pulled her into his arms hugging her tightly.
“Happy Birthday, Ethan!” Grace was nervous, but now he was there, she felt relieved. Beyond that she felt alive. He was breathtaking and looking at her like he wanted to eat her alive. It made her feel so good.
He sat back and looked at her. She cut her hair, straightened it. The black dress was fitting, heels, wow.
“All this for me?” He was beaming with happiness. He didn’t care if she noticed. It was his day, and his only wish had come true.
“Well.” Grace blushed. “I want to give an Oscar worthy performance.”
God, it felt good to see him. She spent one night without Ethan, and it felt like a lifetime. How could she face the weeks ahead alone?
“Then, we should turn this thing around and go back to my loft.” His face was buried in her neck now. His lips began pulling gently at the soft flesh there. His voice grew low and hungry. “You think they will miss me?”
“Yes.” It was more a rasp than a statement. This wasn’t why she came. Was it? “They’re your family.”
“Then, I better stop this now.” Ethan couldn’t help it. She was intoxicating, every taste leaving an insatiable hunger inside him. “I do hope to continue it later.”
“Maybe, if you’re good.” Grace felt sexual and free. His lips were leading her down a path of seduction. She had never been seduced before.
His hand was on her thigh, his fingers inching beneath her dress. Her hands had grabbed his tie with one and the back of his neck with the other. She slid her hand to his chest and pushed him back gently. “Now, behave.”
“I’m not a patient man.” Ethan moved in for her lips.
“You are tonight.” Grace blocked his kiss with her hand. He was in rare form, but she had to meet his family, Megan’s in-laws. This was her first impression, and she had to make it count. “I’m not about to get out of this limo with lipstick all over my face. It will remain right here, on my lips.”
As if she had timed it perfectly, the limo pulled up to the restaurant.
“One little kiss.” Ethan spoke muffled into her hand.
“No, sir.” Grace had to exhibit great self-control because the birthday boy had obviously lost every ounce of it. “Not yet.” She dropped her hand, and the limo door opened.
“Now?” Ethan looked at her.
“Out.” Grace pointed to the door.
Reluctantly, Ethan drug himself out of the limo. He made a discrete adjustment and held a hand out to Grace.
When she stood next to him, he could appreciate her from head to toe. Ethan decided then that this would be a short party. He had a gift to unwrap, slowly.
“Ready to meet the family?” he asked.
“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Grace smiled. She had to meet them sooner or later, and the more people she knew now, the easier it would be at the wedding. “Who should I pretend to be?”
“No one, just be you tonight.” Ethan felt a strong lump in his throat. He didn’t want her to pretend to be anything. Just fudge the details of their relationship a bit. Hell, he wasn’t sure he was pretending anymore himself.
The hostess led them to the back room where a long table was set, and a group of people were already talking while enjoying wine and spirits.
“My Baby!” An older woman stood up and came rushing to Ethan. She crushed him in her arms. “My Ethan, thirty-five years old.” She released him and looked at Grace. Her brown eyes traveled over her head to toe. “Grace?” she asked unsure.
“Yes, ma’am.” Grace held out a hand.
This had to be his mother. He had her eyes. Other than that, she was a petite woman, just as Megan had described her. Jet black hair with a single gray streak running root to tip at the front, her Channel suit was pink and white. She looked ... intimidating.
“You don’t look a thing like Megan.” She smiled, taking her hand. “I’m Katherine Young.”
And so began the meet and greet. Ethan’s father was next in line. She noticed immediately how similar they looked. He was a striking man. Ethan mirrored his size almost perfectly. The main difference was the eye color. Joe Young had beautiful piercing blue eyes, just like Chase.
Of course, Megan and Chase had reserved seats next to them. Grace sat next to her cousin, who was hell bent on being unselfish this night. Megan was in rare form indeed. Quiet, she let Ethan grab all the attention. Grace decided to check out the moon when they left. It all seemed surreal. Once the main course was over, the wait staff busied themselves removing plates and preparing for the dessert.
Ethan sat to the left of Grace. It wasn’t until he grabbed her hand under the table she realized he was left-handed. His right hand held her left and pulled it to his lap. Gently, he stroked it with his fingers.
Her heart began racing, and butterflies began flying again. He caught her gaze, and they stared at one another as though they were having a private conversation with just a look. He continued to stroke her fingers and tickle her palm. They were oblivious to the rest of the table. Incidentally, that was why Ethan didn’t answer his mother on her first, second, or third call.
Ethan was stroking Grace’s soft long fingers, looking into her eyes, lost deep in the green pool enjoying the hunt for flashes of brown or gray in the prism she often reflected. He couldn’t wait to get out of there. The table was like white noise, just buzzing in the background. Even with twenty people there, it all came down to them.
His cousin, Stephanie, pinched his leg under the table making him yelp, bringing him back to life in time to hear his mother speak his name in laughing frustration.
“Yes?” He turned to look at her. The entire table was quiet, all of them looking at him. “I’m sorry, did I miss something?”
“The cake.” His mother smiled and pointed.
Sure enough there was a poor waiter standing there between him and Grace with a cake whose candles had all but burned down.
“Shit,” he said feeling horrible. It looked heavy. The waiter placed it on the table between them. Ethan blew out the last two candles that burned. Everyone broke out in laughs and a few whispers.
Grace felt the nudge of Megan’s elbow in her ribs. She leaned over to hear her.
“What are you doing?” Megan said sincerely.
“What do you mean?” Grace whispered back.
“Did you guys smoke something before you got here?” Megan looked at Grace seriously.
“No, what, are you crazy?” Grace tried to keep it down, but that was a ridiculous thing to say.
“Me, I sang happy birthday. We all did. You two just stared at each other with goo-goo eyes the whole time.” Megan’s eyes were quick and searching. “Something’s different about you, Grace. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but something’s happening.”
“Open the gifts!” his mother shouted. Katherine Young could not believe her eyes. Ethan was in love. She never believed the day would come, but a thirty-fifth birthday was as good a day as any. Maybe she would have two sets of grandchildren before long. “Mine first.�
�� She passed a thin box around the table.
Ethan began opening gifts and thanking everyone. He hated the attention and only wanted to leave with Grace. It was Megan’s turn. Chase handed her the card; then, she passed it to Grace. This was her cue. Grace didn’t give the card to Ethan. She held it up for him to read.
Direct From North Carolina. The Gift You Wanted Most.
Love Chase and Megan.
“What?” He looked over to the couple, who sat proud in their seats. “You did this?”
“Yes.” Megan shook her head. Grace shook her head, too. Chase shrugged with a nod.
“Hands down, best gift ever.” Ethan was touched. After all the fuss Chase had put up, he and Megan pulled through. “And, on that note...” Ethan stood taking Grace by the hand. “I am going to take my presents, all of them.” He bowed to Megan. “And go home.”
The table grumbled, but Ethan insisted. His mother winked at Grace. Her smile was sincere, and her hands clasped over her heart. She looked at her in a way that made her fidget. Grace could see why Megan was intimidated. For a petite thing, she had a larger than life presence.
The limo door had barely closed shut, and Ethan was kissing her. Kissing her neck, kissing her collarbone, his hands were uncontrollable.
“Ethan.” They both only had one glass of wine, so they were sober. “Wait.”
“What?” He stopped kissing her but remained at her neck nuzzling his nose in a slow soft circle. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t want those people to think I’m a bad person,” Grace whispered. God, he made her crazy. She could feel her body flame with desire. Her stomach coiled; her nipples tightened.
“Impossible.” He pressed his lips to her neck now.
“I’m serious. Your mother winked at me.” Grace pulled away and faced him. She would have to get out of his reach to have a serious conversation. “She thinks we’re, you know.”
“I know.” Ethan nodded and sat up straight. He wasn’t expecting his mother to react like that either. She normally just acted cordial. Of course, the only other woman he had brought around was Emma. “Grace, it’s my birthday. Can we talk about my mother tomorrow?”