Xander toweled off and got dressed. He headed for the Daisy’s Bakery to grab some coffee and one of Grace’s favorite donuts. After receiving his coffee, he found a quiet spot and pulled out his cell phone. He punched in the lawyer’s number. It was just barely eight a.m. Xander hoped that Grace wasn’t there yet. He needed to make this lawyer understand why he couldn’t be there right now.
“Rollins Law Firm.”
Xander cleared his throat. “Mr. Bob Rollins, please.”
“May I tell him whose calling?”
“His morning appointment.” Xander was purposely vague and was put on hold.
“Grace?” A male voice came on the line.
“No. Mr. Rollins? It’s Xander Stevens.”
“Mr. Stevens, I take it if you are calling me you aren’t coming today to our meeting?” The man’s frustration came across the line.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Rollins. I can’t get there today, but I have a favor to ask.”
“Yes?”
Xander took a deep breath. “I need for you not to tell Grace it’s me that you wanted there.”
“You are named in the will, Mr. Stevens. Grace has to know that.”
Xander took in a deep breath. “Mr. Rollins, are you aware of the feud between our families?”
The silence was so dense that Xander thought he must have lost the call before Mr. Rollins spoke again. “Yes, I’m aware. Abigail was hoping this will would bridge that and repair relationships.”
“How on earth did she expect for that to happen?”
“Mr. Stevens, I can’t go into details on the phone. You need to be here for the reading of the will. Grace just walked in. I will give her the very basics of the will. Can you be here tomorrow? Just you? Let me do the same for you and then hopefully we can all meet at the end of the week to go over everything together.”
“Fine. Please just don’t tell her yet it’s me.”
“Tomorrow, Mr. Stevens, ten a.m. sharp.”
Xander agreed and ended the call. He had a reprieve into later in the week. He would need to go see Grace today and feel out how the reading of the will went. Hopefully he could get an idea of what kind of havoc Abigail was about to rain down on both of their lives.
Chapter 10
Grace walked in to the Rollins Law Firm dragging her feet. Bob Rollins had been a lifelong friend of her mother’s. Her stomach had been rumbling all morning, nerves taking over. She hadn’t even been able to finish her coffee this morning. Oh, Mom, what have you done?
Lillian, Bob’s secretary, offered her coffee. Grace declined and sat quietly in a corner chair waiting. When Bob finally came out, the grim look on his face made Grace flinch.
“Morning, Grace. I’m glad you could make it.”
“Uh oh. Does that mean the other person isn’t going to be here?”
Mr. Rollins gestured her into his office. “Not this morning, he’s not.”
“He?”
Bob sighed. “Grace, this isn’t easy for me. Abigail put me in a tough position for this will. God bless your mother, I loved her, but she could be stubborn when she wanted to be. I tried to advise her against this type of setting up of the will, but she insisted it was the best way to go.”
“I don’t understand. What were her stipulations?”
Bob took a deep breath and started reading the will to Grace. He continued through the basic legalese of it and paused briefly before continuing onto the stipulations. “You and the other party will live in the house together.”
Grace pursed her lips, but remained silent.
Bob continued, “The business involving the horses will be started and run successfully for a period of two years.”
Grace kept her mouth shut, but clenched her teeth. Horror welled up in her.
“These stipulations must be upheld for a period of two years. If at anytime these conditions are not met, the inheritance is forfeited by both parties and will be donated to charity.” Bob placed the papers on the desk and glanced up at Grace.
Grace sat there silently, listening. The tightness in her stomach grew with each word. How could Abigail have done this to her? Shock ripped through her and gave way to fury. Her hands started to shake, but she kept her silence, trying to process it all.
Bob laid down the papers and sat back. “Do you understand this, Grace?”
Grace nodded her head. “Basically, I have to live in her house with a stranger and start a business she wanted, but I don’t, and have to do that for two years, or I lose it all?”
Bob sat forward. “I know this seems unreasonable, but Abigail thought she was doing the right thing.”
Grace stood and paced the small office. “What am I supposed to do with horses? I don’t even like to ride.”
“That has to be determined between you and the other party.”
“This mystery person?
“I’m sorry. I haven’t had a chance to meet with him yet. I will be meeting with him tomorrow. Can you come back on Friday so we can all sit down together and go over this in greater detail?”
Grace sighed. “I don’t really have a choice. When do I have to be in the house?”
“You have a bit of time. By September.”
Grace nodded and picked up her purse. “Thank you, Bob. I know this isn’t your doing.”
“I’ll see you Friday, ten?”
“I’ll be here. And this other party better, also.”
Grace stormed out of the office and started down the street towards the park. She spied Daisy’s Bakery and crossed the street. Maybe some comfort food would help her sort this out. She was so intent on her own issues, she saw no one when she entered the bakery. Ordering a cup of coffee and two glazed donuts, she turned to come face to face with Xander.
“Grace.”
She swallowed hard. She hadn’t heard from him all weekend. She put on a bright smile. “Xander. How are you?”
“Good. Join me?”
Grace slid into a chair. She reached for one of the donuts and took a bite. She closed her eyes and let the freshness of it comfort her. She opened her eyes to catch Xander smirking. “No one enjoys these donuts like you do.”
Grace shrugged and took a sip of coffee. She eyed him as she took another bite, waiting for…something from him that would explain the sudden shift in climate between them. The silence was awkward. She finished her second donut and most of her coffee before Xander spoke.
“Look, I feel like I owe you an apology.”
“For?” No way was she making this easy for him, not in light of her morning. Damn it, she was itching for a good argument with someone... well, really with Abigail, but since her mom wasn’t here Xander would do.
“I went to help Dave this weekend – my friend that did your tattoo.”
“I know who Dave is.”
“Okay. Well, we shingled his room and…I just feel like I should have let you know I wasn’t going to be around, but it was a sporadic decision.”
Grace sat back. “Xander, you don’t owe me any explanations. We spent a little bit of time together, that’s it.”
Xander felt like a bucket of cold water had been thrown in his face. “Well, I wanted to talk to you, to see you, but I didn’t have your number.”
“It’s listed.” Grace snapped out. “Look, I have things to do. I simply stopped in to get a bit of comfort food before diving into my day.”
Xander reached for her hand. “What is it, Grace?”
“Nothing.” Grace moved her hand just out of reach. “Look I need to go.” Xander watched her walk away, fighting everything in him screaming at him to go after her.
Grace hauled in a breath as she exited Daisy’s. She blinked rapidly to stop the flow of tears. How could he be so nonchalant about not having her number? He never once asked for it in the times they were together. Guilt flooded Grace as she thought of the passionate kisses they had shared and how her thoughts had been on wanting him to stay with her.
She walked rapidly towards her apartmen
t. Her future was decided for her, now she had to pack. She wondered if her mom had intended for her to quit teaching. There was no way Mom would have made her do that. She knew how much Grace loved her students. But how could she start a business while she worked full time? Or was that what this other heir was supposed to be helping her with?
She wanted to scream out loud in frustration. This week was going to be a tough one to get through with all the unknowns. Grace was a planner; wanted her ducks in a row and this putting off finalizing the will until the other heir came forward was unacceptable in her book. She slowed her steps as she neared her apartment. She needed this week over – needed to make decisions that couldn’t be made without all the information.
Grace changed her clothes when she got home and pulled out empty boxes while listening to a rock station on Pandora. Looking around the living room, she decided to start with her bookshelves. She had two floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with not only her college books, but her pleasure reading as well. She hadn’t realized what a collection she had until she filled four boxes. Taping the boxes shut, she labeled them and pushed them off to the corner.
She switched her Pandora station for a softer rock. Grabbing a glass of wine, not caring that it was only noontime, she slipped onto the sofa and pondered her seemingly bare room. The books had embodied the living room; it was the essence of her life. Her mother had given her a love for reading when Grace was quite young. They had spent hours with her mom reading to her each night. As Grace had started reading on her own, her book collection grew and she spent most of her waking moments with her nose in a book.
Grace sipped her wine and contemplated where she would be in a year. Stuck in the mansion where she grew up, sharing a house and a business with some stranger. She groaned and closed her eyes. This was not going to be good. Two years she would have to run this business with a stranger before she could gain her full inheritance and then decide for herself what to do with the property.
She was pulled from her self-pity party with a knock on the door. It was a tentative knock. She set her wine glass down and moved to swing open the door only to face Xander.
“Hey.” His eyes searched her face.
Grace sighed and moved aside for him to enter. “What are you doing here?”
“I needed to see you.” Xander stepped into the living room, taking in the packed boxes in the corner. “What’s this?”
“Packing.”
“Well, that I can see. Why?”
Grace slipped back onto the couch and finished her wine. “Had the reading of the will today. Apparently I need to move back to that monstrosity of a house and live there for the next two years. Need to start a business too.”
“What kind of business?”
“Not sure yet.” Grace gestured for Xander to sit. She was quiet as he settled on the couch next to her, his arm resting behind her. His fingers played with her hair in her ponytail. “Apparently there is another heir who has yet to be named.”
Xander stilled. “What do you mean?”
Grace glanced up at him. “Mom pulled a fast one. She named someone else as a co-heir, but the lawyer won’t give me the name until he has a chance to meet with him.”
Xander relaxed. “When will that happen?”
“Tomorrow, I guess. We’re all supposed to meet on Friday to hear the details of everything.” Grace laid her head on Xander’s shoulder. She felt safe with him close and she liked that feeling. This was something she didn’t want to change in the next year, yet Xander already told her he didn’t set down roots. He moved on frequently. Why would she think it would be any different because he was here with her?
“No clue as to the details or who it is, though?”
“None.”
“When do you have to move by?” Xander brushed his lips against the top of her head.
“September first. Just figured I would get a jump on the packing. I’m going to have to clean out Mom’s before I can move things in.” Grace snuggled closer. “If I have to be there, I need to pack away Mom’s things first.”
“Do you want some help?” Xander wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
“Only if you’re going to be around.” Grace dreaded hearing Xander say he was moving on, but he made no comment and just pulled her closer.
Chapter 11
Xander sat in silence. He didn’t want to make promises to Grace he couldn’t keep. Would he be able to stay here for two years with her? What happened to her inheritance if he didn’t stick around? Would she be penalized also? His mind whirled with the possibilities of what could be with Grace and him, if she could stand him after she found out he was the co-heir to Abigail’s estate.
He just wanted to fold her in his arms and keep her there, keep her safe from all the unknowns that were coming her way. He needed to think of something else. “What’s next on your bucket list?”
“I’m not sure. There’s some traveling…although I’ve been thinking what it would be like to get my motorcycle license.”
Xander chuckled. “Really?”
“Yeah. You don’t think I could?”
“Of course you could. If you want to do it, then do it.” Xander smiled. “Just because you get your license doesn’t mean you have to get a bike.”
“But what if I did want a bike?”
Xander shrugged. “I prefer you riding behind me, but if you want a bike I would support it.”
“You prefer me riding behind you?” Grace looked up and met Xander’s eyes.
He lowered his head so his mouth hovered right above hers. “Yes, nestled between your thighs, your arms wrapped tight around me.” He brushed her lips with his before she could speak. Her soft moan brought his fingers into her hair, angling her head to deepen the kiss. His tongue stroked hers slowly.
He broke off the kiss and watched her open her eyes. The hazel had turned to a soft green, a change he had noticed that matched her passion. He cleared his throat and moved back, holding her close to his chest. “Grace, I need to go.”
“You don’t need to.” She ran her hand along his chest.
“I do. It’s been a trying day for you. I can’t take advantage of that.” He moved her gently from him and stood.
* * *
Grace rose beside him. She was at a loss of words. She wanted him more than anything. He opened the door with his provocative statement and felt like she had been hit with cold water when he pushed away from her.
He cupped her chin and kissed her softly. “Don’t be mad. I feel just as much desire as you do.”
She nodded and watched him walk out of the apartment. She sank back into the couch cushion and wished he was still there. He was right, there was too much uncertainty in her life right now and she felt vulnerable. Damn him for being a gentleman when all she wanted to do was being a rebel and act out against the mold Mom had put her in—always the good girl, always doing the right thing.
Grace poured herself another glass of wine. She turned off Pandora and turned on the TV. Flipping through channels, she came to a sappy romantic comedy. Settling into the couch with her wine, she allowed herself to be drawn into the story where there was always a happy ever after.
* * *
Xander rode right past the hotel. It was going to be a long night, one he didn’t look forward to spending alone. Instead, he chose to ride out to the McAllister homestead. He drove past his parents’ driveway and continued into the drive hidden by shrubs that were long due for a trim. He drove slowly down it and parked before the mansion. Whereas his parents’ home was cold and gaudy, Abigail’s home was inviting. The paint had chipped, but the front porch, with its overstuffed wicker chairs and a swing, invited people to just come up and gather for great times. He could see children running all over this place. Whose children? His and Grace’s? It warmed him to think of Grace that way. He could see her petite form showing the bulge of a child within.
He shook his head. He had to get these thoughts out of his mind. She was going t
o be furious with him by the end of the week when she found out it was him that Abigail left her legacy to share with Grace. What was Abigail thinking? She had to have known how all parties would feel about this! God, his parents would have a hemorrhage.
Xander turned his bike towards the back road that he knew cut between his parents’ home and Abigail’s, heading towards Hattie’s house. She hadn’t been able to finish her story about the feud and he was dying to have some insight before meeting with the lawyer. He shut off his bike and watched the TV flicker through Hattie’s window. He had such fond memories of spending time here. Hattie had been the comfort he needed when his parents couldn’t give it to him. He never understood so much in his life. Why did his brother leave when Xander was so young? He never heard from Dale, but yet he never tried to reach out to him, either. Where was the family that Xander’s friends all had? He had spent his youth growing up being so envious of his friends and what they had.
Xander looked up and saw Hattie standing in the door. He slipped off his bike and moved past her into the living room. “Something on your mind, child?” Hattie sank into her rocking chair.
“You got interrupted the other day and I want to know about the feud.” Xander sat on the edge of the couch cushion. His stomach clenched with anxiousness, almost fearful of what he might hear.
“It was a long time ago, something that should just be forgotten by now.” Hattie rocked back and forth, the squeak grating on Xander’s nerves.
“But it’s not forgotten and I need to know.” Xander closed his eyes. “Hattie, everything is changing.”
“Change isn’t a bad thing.” Hattie shut the TV off. “You know you have always been resistant to change, even as a child. You had a hard time. Gawd, the way you cried when you were going to boarding school.”
“Why, Hattie? Why did they send me away?” Xander pleaded.
A Fine Line Page 6