Alex hoped she wasn’t spying on him out of the window or the little happy dance he had just performed on the pavement was going to come back and haunt him.
Sitting on the balcony of his hotel suite the next morning Alex called home, best to get it out of the way now, his mother wouldn’t be happy that he had decided to look for somewhere to rent for month or so up here. A decision he had made on his journey back from Grace’s last night. It was a risk but he figured it was one worth taking. Now he had gotten her to agree to see him he didn’t want to spoil anything by having to fly back and forth. It may only be just over an hour’s flight but he had an overwhelming urge to be wherever she was.
The evening had been a complete success as far as he was concerned. She had seemed to enjoy his company, even invited him. He had no idea what it was this woman had that made him so desperate to be around her. He just knew he had to stay close to her. He had never just upped and left his home town for anyone else. That was precisely what he was now considering. For reasons unbeknown to him he wanted this thing with Grace to work out, and for that he needed to stay in Scotland.
After promising his mother that she and his father could visit as soon as he got settled she became more reasonable. His next conversation wasn’t so easy. He had to get Izzie back on side, he needed her help to find a rental property. The one’s he had looked at on the internet had been a little run of the mill; if he was staying for a while he wanted somewhere half decent where he would feel safe, somewhere a bit secluded. For some reason he wasn’t in his sisters good books at the minute, he was damned if he knew why though. After a good amount of grovelling and agreeing that she was worth an average sized pay increase, Izzie agreed to help find somewhere for him.
“Right bro, I’ve emailed you some info. I personally love the lighthouse one but its pricey, depends on how long you plan on staying. The agent said he can get you an appointment this afternoon to view it. I’ve checked the flights and I could get there in time but you’d need to pick me up at the airport.”
“Bloody hell Iz! Where did you find that? It’s perfect? Are you sure you can get here though, I can go alone if it’s a problem?” He was busy flicking through the online catalogue of photos listed for the lighthouse. This place was stunning, she was right about the cost though but he did only plan on staying for a short time. Everyone kept telling him he needed to spend some of his fortune instead of sitting on the huge nest egg he had built. “Can you bring me some clothes? Just chuck some stuff in a suitcase for me would you? Whatever the baggage allowance is, just use it up or charge it if you need to. Oh and thanks sis, I appreciate it.”
After collecting Izzie from the airport he drove down the long meandering road that led to the lighthouse. He was captivated by the scenery. The ground undulated across the cliff top, almost guiding him towards his destination. The lighthouse stood tall and proud, encapsulated by beautifully kept gardens all encased in high white stone walls. The agent was standing by the entrance to the glass walled extension that wrapped half way around the base of the building. “Mr Carter, pleased to meet you, shall we step inside?” Alex stepped past the aging man into the pristine entrance, pulling Izzie along with him he wandered further into the room which the agent described as the morning room. The whole room was breathtaking; Izzie took control of the meeting leaving her brother to take in the full beauty as he made his way up the winding staircase that followed the outside curve of the ancient building. The top observation desk left him speechless. The former light had been removed, leaving a circular wooden floored room which housed a small sofa and not much else. The views out over the sea were spectacular; Alex walked the perimeter of the room before settling on the soft engulfing sofa as he waited for Izzie to make her way up to him.
“I’ll take it. How soon can I move in?” The agent smiled broadly as he began rummaging in his briefcase for the paperwork. Izzie however wanted to take figures. There was no way she was letting her brother pay the over exorbitant rent without first trying to strike a deal. Her dad had always taught her to never accept anything at face value, there was always a deal to be had.
Alex rolled his eyes skyward as he watched his sister in full on negotiator mode. The girl was a demon but he had to hand it to her, she knew her job inside out.
Chapter 9
Sprawled out along the sofa on the Observation deck he didn’t think he would ever tire of this view, tucked away at the top of the lighthouse he felt at one with the world around him. The day’s papers were scattered across the floor, long abandoned for the view. Instead of reading he just lay there propped up with his drink in his hand, fully appreciating the panoramic vista the glass walls offered him.
Izzie had left two hours ago in a taxi, allowing him to settle in to what would be his home for the next few weeks. They had spent yesterday lounging around the lighthouse, tying up any lose ends left over from the tour and making arrangements for the contract renewal meeting which was looming large over his head. He had kissed her goodbye as he promised to keep to his word and have his parents up to visit in the next week or two. Before then he had a much more pressing arrangement to take care of. Today was Thursday. It was date night.
Grace hadn’t called but she had texted him explaining she had been snowed under with work and she hadn’t got cold feet as he suspected she would. Glancing at his watch he seized his phone, holding it to his ear as he listened for her voice to replace the dialling tone.
He let her ramble on about how busy her boss had kept her all week. He loved the soft gently lilting accent that poured from her; he could listen to that voice for ever. “Just about to set off, wanted to check you haven’t been held up or anything. Great...yeah, yeah, I’ll wait in the car I know! I wouldn’t want to embarrass you now would I?” Chuckling, he couldn’t help but be confused by her. Most of the girls he had dated – and there hadn’t been that many, certainly not nearly as many as the press made out he had - thrived on been seen with him, they wanted the whole celebrity exposure, but not Grace, she seemed quite embarrassed about the idea. Not bothering to change, no need for what he had planned for the night, he grabbed his keys and headed out into the late afternoon.
Clutching the large brown paper bag to her stomach, Grace headed off to the ladies bathroom dragging Sasha along with her for moral support. “It’s a bloody dress! How hard can it be? You put your legs in first, shimmy it up over your backside and tits, job done.” Sasha winked at the astonished woman, she was sure she was visibly shaking in front of her. “Alright, I know. Come on then let’s get you into the damn thing. Christ knows it took you long enough to pick it!” They had spent hours shopping, with Sasha telling her she looked amazing in everything she had tried on. What did she know? Sasha had a figure to die for.
Standing back to admire her reflection, she was pleased she had gone back to buy the first dress she had seen after all. It was perfect, not too over the top but still elegant enough not to let her down if they ended up in similar surroundings to last time. The low whistle Sasha let out made her throw her head back in laughter before slapping her friends arm. As she slipped her feet into the black heels her text alert rang out. He was here, waiting like a good boy in the car. She blew out a short breath trying to ease her nerves.
“You’ll be fine, I’m sure he has something amazing planned. Go, you look drop dead gorgeous, now scoot.” Sasha swatted her behind before shoving her out the door towards the lift that would take her straight down to the car park.
Not taking his eyes off of the building’s exit doors he tapped his fingers on the steering wheel in time to the music that softly emanated from the stereo. Humming along to the tune as he watched for her to emerge, nothing could have prepared him for the moment she did. The last of the day’s sun lit up the natural highlights in her hair which swished around her bare shoulders. The black dress clung to her curves finishing just above her knees, showing off the most stunning legs he had ever seen. Gulping audibly he just managed to bring the wor
ld back into focus enabling him to leap from the car to open her door.
“Hi.” She smiled sheepishly at the stunned man who held the door ajar for her. Giggling she slid into the seat as he skipped around to the driver’s side. “Where are we going Alex?”
Swallowing loudly again he managed to finally force his voice to work. “Surprise. You look... awesome.” Refocusing on the task in hand, he pulled the car out onto the main road, heading back towards the lighthouse. He tried desperately to fill the rest of the journey with witty but charming banter.
“This place is amazing! Is this some new restaurant? I don’t come out this way much.” She gazed at the building in awe as Alex drove through the entrance gates.
“It’s pretty impressive isn’t it?” He agreed as he dumped the car at a jaunty angle right in front of the door, before hopping out to open her door for her. “I rented it for the next few weeks, hope you don’t mind if we eat here tonight, but I thought that you might feel a little more comfortable here instead of another stuffy posh place.” Grasping her hand tightly he led her through the sun room to where he had wine chilling in a fancy ice bucket.
“Erm...I just wish you’d told me, then I wouldn’t be dressed like this. Alex I feel stupid now. Where’s the bathroom? I’ll just change back into my work clothes.” She should have known that he wouldn’t want to be seen in public with her again after the whole knocking over of the drinks.
“Why? I told you, you look fantastic, stunning in fact. If you prefer I can go change, put on something a little smarter? Do you want me to? Hang on, wait there. I’ll be two minutes.” Before she could protest he scooted off through the doorway, disappearing out of view, leaving her standing alone dressed up to the nines and twiddling her thumbs. She strolled over to the beautiful glass walls that allowed the view of the beach to seem like it was part of the room. Hypnotised by the view she didn’t hear him re-enter the room until he was standing besides her holding out a wine glass. The scent emanating from him was incredible. He was now dressed in pair of what she presumed were very expensive black jeans with a white shirt which was immaculately pressed, the sleeves turned up to his elbows revealing the intricately designed tattoos on his arm. Poking out of the end of his jeans was a pair of monster feet slippers.
“Nice! If you’re not wearing shoes can I take mine off? They are crippling my feet and if we’re not going out to eat...”
“Hey, I’m cooking! What more could you want, give a guy a break would you! I have spare slippers if you like, this floor gets bloody cold.”
“If they are anything like the ones you have on I think I’ll pass. Do you need me to help with the food? I could chop or just keep you company.” Grace had returned her gaze to the beach below as she sipped her wine; it was helping to suppress the butterflies that appeared to be trying out for the air force display team in the pit of her stomach.
“No way, tonight is about you having fun, and me proving that I’m not some big celebrity. I’ll cook and you’ll eat and have a good time. But I may allow you to wash up though cos I hate that bit.” Alex offered her his trademark smile as he tentatively placed his arm around her shoulders. “You like the view? It is mind-blowing, wait til you see it from upstairs.” He felt Grace stiffen at the side of him, her breathing altered, when he looked down at her flushed face he realised his mistake. “From the Observation deck. I meant from the Observation deck not my bedroom but....if you want to see my room I would happily oblige Grace.” It was his turn to keep focused on the view, desperately trying not to laugh out loud at the horrified look she now wore.
“Come on I think I should feed you, before you get anymore flustered and run out on me.” Taking her by the hand once more he led her to the dining room. He’d spent ages after Izzie left laying the table and rummaging around for candles for the table, he was quite impressed with his efforts when he opened the door to hear her intake of breath.
The room was lit by candle light alone, sitting in the middle of the room was a rectangular table big enough to seat at least eight, the centre piece consisted of white roses and greenery buffered by two large candlesticks. The side tables housed masses of tea lights offering an exquisite soft glow. Alex pulled out a chair motioning for her to sit before he topped up her glass. “Back in a few, ok?” He darted out of the door leaving her alone once again. Taking in her surroundings Grace didn’t feel quite so overdressed now. The house was staggering; it deserved to have people dress well whilst visiting it. On the flip side she could so easily imagine sitting out on the deck with her pyjamas on and coffee cup in hand. Snuggled up with Alex on the soft seating she could just about see through the patio doors, watching the wave’s crash against the shore.
Alex stood in the doorway watching her, in admiration of how beautiful she looked in the candlelight. He almost didn’t want to enter the room in fear that he would break the mood, but his creation was getting cold and the plates were heavy.
He placed the cloche covered plate in front of Grace before he took a seat beside her. She looked at him with uncertain eyes, no idea what awaited her underneath the silver dome. He lifted both the domes from their plates with a flourish in unison. “Ta da! Dig in.” He grinned as Grace sat staring at the meal he had placed before her. Shrugging he spoke quietly. “It’s the only thing I can cook...sorry. I can order in if you prefer.” Maybe he had massively misjudged this.
“Fish finger sandwiches? Are you kidding me? I love this; I haven’t eaten these since I was in school! Wow!” Her face lit up, eyes sparkling. Not such an epic failure after all then. Lifting the two little side dishes up to investigate their contents she shuddered at the second one whilst making a gagging noise. “Who in their right mind has mayo on fish fingers? Yuck!” Looking up she saw Alex tipping the disgusting white sauce all over his sandwich.
“Me. Now eat before it’s ruined.”
And she did, wholeheartedly. Nerves now gone, she hadn’t realised just how hungry she was, Alex watched, in awe of her before he devoured his own creation. He was used to watching girls picking at a salad in front of him, insisting they couldn’t eat another thing. Not Grace.
“Having fun? Or is my big celeb lifestyle too much for you to take?” Alex rested his chin upon the top of his tented hands, unable to take his eyes off of Grace.
“Ok, I misjudged you. I apologise. Are you going to keep making me feel bad or can we just get on with enjoying our night? The sandwiches, by the way, were a major selling point, I have to say.” Grace giggled now, that enchanting soft chuckle that made his insides flip and his breath hitch in his chest. Lifting her head, she too leant forward resting her chin in her hands. With their faces now only inches apart she reached up to rest a hand on his cheek, rubbing her thumb against his stubble then tracing his lip with her fingers. His gaze left her eyes and rested upon her mouth watching as she parted her lips slightly. Taking his chances, Alex brought his mouth to hers with great tenderness. His lips just brushing hers, waiting for permission to continue. Taking his lead, Grace increased the pressure, sliding her tongue against his lip begging for entry, touching his tongue with hers tentatively. She felt his hand move around her head pulling her to him, holding her in place as he deepened the kiss further.
When he eventually broke away, allowing them both to breathe she felt bereft with her lips swollen and tender. Alex smiled as he traced a finger along her cheek. Unsure whether it was a lack of oxygen from being so high up, Alex’s kiss or the fact that she had simply drunk too much wine that made her feel suddenly quite tipsy but she certainly should make this her last glass.
“I bet you get laid a lot, right?”
“Excuse me! Did that really just come out of your mouth?” Alex almost choked on the rich red liquid he had just swallowed, he had been asked some real difficult questions in his time but that one had to take the prize.
Grace quickly clasped her hands to her mouth in utter devastation. “Oh crap! I am so, so sorry. It’s the alcohol, I’m sorry. Look I’ll just l
eave now...” Standing swiftly, she not only pushed her chair over but managed to knock the remainder of the bottle of wine over, sending a burgundy waterfall cascading from the edge of the table. “Jeez, sorry, sorry, I really shouldn’t drink. Christ, I’ll see myself out; just send me the cleaning bills. Sorry Alex.” Turning, she shot out of the door like a frightened rabbit with Alex scrambling to his feet to run after her.
Grabbing hold of her arm he managed to catch her before she reached the external door. “Whoa, it’s just a bit of wine, nobody died did they? Grace, don’t rush off please. It doesn’t matter really. I don’t care, just don’t leave like this.” He pleaded with her as she refused to look him in the eye.
“Yeah the wine and the insult. Why would you want me to stay after that epic foot-in-mouth moment? No I just want to go home Alex, thanks for tonight it really was lovely, but I’m gunna call a cab before I say or do something else stupid. I am really sorry but it’s time I went home.” Grace’s mouth lifted slightly at one side in some kind of apologetic smile.
“You really don’t have to but if you insist on leaving, at least come and wait inside while the taxi gets here. Please?” There was no point in arguing he could see by the look on her face she wasn’t being persuaded anytime soon.
Chapter 10
Taking A Risk Page 6