by Loraine, Kim
“Definitely.”
“I’ll ring you when I’ve got it sorted.”
She kissed him and slid off the desk, smoothing her sweater and readjusting her bra. “You’d better.”
Things with Drew turned around after Grace’s visit to Ten’s. The last few days had felt normal, steady, and she thought he was truly on the road to recovering from the loss of his mother. It was late in the afternoon and she was preparing to finish up her last project. Drew was set to pick them up in just a few hours and as she looked at the clock for the third time in five minutes, she felt a twinge of nervousness.
What if it’s too soon for him? I don’t want him to feel guilty for having fun.
She remembered the sharp stabs of pain she’d endured in the months after John’s death. Each time she laughed or even smiled, her subconscious would rear its ugly head and shame her for thinking about being happy. Why should she be happy when John couldn’t be anything anymore?
As the clock slowly crept toward the final moments of their workday, Valerie and Grace were both restless. When all of Grace’s urgent items had been checked off the to-do list, she closed her laptop and looked at her friend.
“That’s it for the day. Time to get ready.”
Valerie smiled and jumped up from her seat. “Yes! I’m so excited! I’ve wanted to take you to London since we got here.”
“We’ve got two hours. I’m going to take a nice hot bath, have a pre-party glass of wine, and relax.”
Grace padded into her bathroom, wine glass in hand, and found the bottle of Jasmine Essential oil she’d stashed away for just such an occasion. The oil mixed with the hot water and filled the room with the beautiful scent. She piled her hair on top of her head and sank into the steaming water. She noticed her legs needed shaving, as the rough spikes of emerging hair stood up with the temperature change. When she was finished, her legs were smooth and her skin soft from the jasmine. She smelled faintly of the sensual flower and as she breathed in the scent, she felt her shoulders relax and her mind become more peaceful.
A knock on her door brought her attention to the time. She’d spent an hour soaking in the bath and was still not sure what she was going to wear.
“Are you alive in there? I need help with my necklace,” Valerie called.
Grace put on her soft terrycloth robe and opened the door to see Valerie the super tramp standing before her.
“What are you wearing?”
“Too much?” she asked, going pink at the cheeks.
Grace took in her thigh-high black stiletto boots, skin-tight mini, and deep V-neck top. “Too little. You look like Julia Roberts and not in a good way,” she said, trying to be kind. “Maybe a longer skirt?”
“Yeah, you’re right.” A deep flush colored her cheeks. “Let me go change, I’ll be right back.”
Grace padded into her bedroom and pulled out a few prospective outfits. Some were too businesslike, others not dressy enough. She finally settled on a deep wine-colored dress that fell a few inches above her knees. It had a slight cowl neckline and a plunging low back. She added a backdrop necklace, with two strands of fine beads that trailed down to the middle of her exposed back, while her gift from Drew nestled itself in the valley between her breasts.
“Wow! That dress is amazing,” Valerie said from the doorway, her new wardrobe choice a relief.
Black leggings replaced the micro mini and while still showing a generous amount of cleavage, she’d ditched the ridiculous hooker-boots. “You look great, too. That’s much better.”
All Grace needed to take care of was her hair and makeup in the forty-five minutes before Drew arrived. She settled on a loose braid that fell to one side and light makeup with eye shadow that made her eyes pop.
There was a knock at the door as she applied a light layer of finishing powder and a quick spray of her favorite perfume. She turned to see Drew standing at the door to her room.
“What do you think?” she asked, doing a slow turn so he could take in the low back of her dress.
“I think we’re not going anywhere tonight.”
“What?”
“In that dress? I can barely keep from shagging you right here. There’s no bleeding way I’ll make it all night with you looking like that.”
She fought to control her breath as a delicious heat pooled between her legs. She moved to gather her purse and coat from her bed. He walked slowly behind her and slid his hand up her back with a feather-light touch. She shivered and her skin broke out in goosebumps.
The tinny beep of the cab’s horn interrupted their intimate moment.
“Come on guys! Let’s go,” Valerie yelled from the entryway.
The ride into London was torture for Grace. During the entire journey, Drew ran his fingers up and down her exposed skin, while Valerie, sitting opposite them, remained engrossed with an app on her phone. Grace’s skin was heated. With each pass of his hand, he delved farther into the back of her dress, eventually brushing the outline of her breast. She said a silent prayer of thanks when the cab arrived at their destination.
The club was filled with patrons, even though it was still early in the evening. Valerie led them to a corner booth she’d reserved. As soon as they sat down, Valerie saw someone she knew and ran off to join the undulating crowd. The music was good and Grace was already itching to dance.
Drew smiled at her and leaned in close. “You do realize I’m planning on getting you right pissed? What’s your pleasure?”
“Are you planning on taking advantage of me, Tensley?”
“Quite right and snog you senseless.”
A thrill ran through her. “Hmm, in that case, I guess I’ll have a nice big vodka-tonic.”
Drew returned with a shot and a drink for each of them. “God bless the English transportation system,” he said as he downed his shot.
She laughed and gingerly drank hers as well. “Ugh, tequila.” She made a face and shook her head, raising the cocktail to her lips to wash away the dry taste.
She leaned forward and pressed her palm on Drew’s inner thigh. “You know, I’d much rather a shag than a snog.”
Drew choked on his drink.
The music changed and she visibly tensed as she recognized the song.
“Go on. I’ll catch up. I just need a little more liquid courage,” Drew said, obviously adjusting himself.
Excitement ran through her as she hopped up and moved toward Valerie in the center of the dance floor. She let her hips sway back and forth as she became more confident. The song was high-energy and she and Valerie were smiling as they jumped up and down during the chorus. Soon the song ended and morphed into a more sensual rhythm.
She felt Drew’s hands move around her hips and pull her into his chest. His fingers spread wide as he ground into her rear.
“Oi, mate! I’ll thank you to keep your hands off.” Drew’s angry voice shocked her and she turned to see that it was a stranger holding her close.
“She doesn’t seem to mind,” the man said.
“Yes, I do mind,” Grace added as she squirmed away from his grip.
“She minds.” Drew pushed at the man. “Shove off.”
“Bloody hell. I’m leaving, all right?” The man backed away, hands in the air.
Drew looked down into her eyes, his face stony.
“I’m sorry, I thought it was you.”
“I thought I’d murder him, Grace. And you, rubbing against him like that, it almost killed me.” He pulled her to him. “I can’t think of you with anyone else. I need to know you’re mine.”
His hand trailed down her back and he dropped his lips to her shoulder, nipping at it with his teeth.
“I don’t want anyone, but you.” Her voice caught as he pulled her against his apparent arousal.
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“I told you this dress was going to be a problem for me.”
His breath on her skin made her knees tremble as they danced. She didn’t need any more alcohol to make her head swim; Drew’s hands and mouth were doing a fine job on their own. The music changed and Drew took her hand. He led her back to the booth and her waiting drink.
“All right, birthday girl. Drink up. I’ve got a long night ahead of me until I can get you home.”
Drew watched as Grace fiddled nervously with the hem of her dress. She was sitting on the rear-facing bench of the cab, her feet bare, free of the heels she’d been teetering in all night. Her eyes caught his gaze and she flushed.
“Stop looking at me like that,” she muttered, clearly embarrassed by the lascivious glint in his eyes.
He held his hands up in protest. “What?”
The cab swayed and screeched, swerving to avoid a cyclist who’d darted into the street and Grace fell forward into his arms. He inhaled deeply and was filled with the scent of her perfume. Something about it made him think of the warm sands of a Hawaiian beach. He couldn’t place it, but he’d come to crave it.
“God, you smell good,” he whispered against her hair.
“So do you.”
He pressed his forehead against hers and pulled her onto his lap. “I don’t think I can wait until I get you home, love.”
His fingers traced the smooth skin of her thigh, slowly creeping under the hem of her dress. He could feel the sharp intake of her breath against his lips as he closed the distance to his goal. Her mouth crushed against his to stifle the moan that poured from her. A thrill ran through him, making his scalp tingle. At that moment, he needed nothing more than her skin against his.
“Drew, we can’t.” Her words were breathy and filled with excitement.
“Why can’t we?” he whispered.
She pulled away and his desire to close the distance and reclaim her came boiling to the surface. “The driver. He’ll see us.”
“Well then, it’s a good thing I slipped him fifty quid to keep his eyes on the road.”
“You didn’t?”
“Oh, yes. Yes, I did.” He pulled her against him and pushed his hand past the lace covering her. Her skin was hot and already wet for him. “Oh, God. You are so sexy.”
As his fingers worked, she fought for control. He could feel her tense against him, over and over, biting back the noises he loved to hear her make.
“Let it go, love. Kiss me and let it go.” He increased the tempo of his stroke and she wrapped her fingers in his hair, kissing him deeply.
As she came apart, pride flowed through him. This beautiful creature was with him, needed him, and only he could make her react this way.
Her breath shuddered as she pulled away from him. “I can’t believe we just did that in a moving cab.”
“That’s nothing compared to what I plan to do when we get to a proper bed.”
He watched her cheeks redden and her tongue dart out to wet her lips. The cab rolled to a stop in front of his house.
The driver cleared his throat. “All right?”
Drew helped Grace adjust her clothing and stepped out into the cool night air, holding the door for her. His keys jingled as he handed them to her.
“Go on inside. I’ll catch up.”
While Grace ran barefoot up the walkway, he leaned into the open window of the cab and paid.
“All right, mate. Off you pop. Seems to me like you’ve got business inside.” The driver winked and took his money.
Chapter 16
“Good, God! Start a fire down there, please! I’m freezing,” Valerie pleaded from the top of the stairs.
Grace rolled her eyes from her crouched position at the fireplace. “Already on it!”
“I hate winter. Literally, hate it.”
Grace chuckled softly as Valerie stomped down the stairs. She was wrapped in her duvet, her face barely peeking out from the cocoon she’d created.
“Why are you already dressed?” Valerie asked through a yawn.
“I have to go talk with the crew today, remember?”
“Oh, right. Too many accidents, not enough progress.”
“Exactly.” Grace chewed on her lip. “I’ve been . . . distracted lately. They need to know I’m involved.”
“How is your distraction doing?”
“If you mean Drew, he’s getting better. He’s been spending time with people again, seeing friends.”
Grace wrapped herself in a thick wool scarf he’d given her.
“Where is he, anyway? I haven’t seen him much.”
“Oh, he’s visiting family in Surrey. He should be back at the end of the week.”
Valerie arched a brow. “So, that’s why you’re so cranky. I hope he gets back sooner, rather than later.”
“I do miss him.”
“You more than miss him.”
She shot Valerie a glare and grabbed her coat.
“I’ll be back.”
Valerie gave her a mock salute. “Aye-aye.”
As Grace walked the short distance to the job site, she shivered. The cold morning air sank into her bones and had her picking up the pace just to keep warm.
She thought about what Valerie said. You more than miss him. Their relationship had turned a corner and she knew she was walking a fine line. She was in love with him, head over heels, but couldn’t bring herself to tell him the truth about John. His heart had been crushed by his ex-wife and it was easy to see the effect her affair still had on him. Until she was sure about his relationship to John, she still held tight to her convictions. It wasn’t the right time to tell him.
Snow was in the forecast for the next few weeks and construction was moving slowly on the restoration. She was diligent about ensuring all safety measures were being adhered to and stood waiting at the site for all of her workers to assemble. As they slowly arrived—chattering amongst themselves and drinking tea from thermoses and paper cups—the unwelcome tingle of nerves fluttered in her belly.
She cleared her throat to gain their attention.
“Thank you all for being here. I wanted to address everyone and say what a wonderful job you’ve been doing over the last five months. Restorations are tedious and can be tiresome. Now that the weather has turned, we all need to change our habits. Working in freezing temperatures has a multitude of risks. Falls are the biggest danger, but there’s also a high risk of frostbite due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Please make sure you’re wearing appropriate clothes, gloves and hats, use the hand and foot warmers we’ve provided, and take frequent breaks. Again, thank you and continue the good work.”
Her hands shook as she walked back to her cottage. She hated public speaking and hoped desperately that Mick was able to keep the workers safe. The building was tall and required a lot of scaffolding. Mick assured her that they were following safety regulations to the letter.
Valerie had a pot of coffee waiting in the kitchen when she walked through the door. The aroma was heavenly and she headed straight to the kitchen for a dose of caffeine.
“I’m never letting you go. As far as I’m concerned, your job is secure until the end of time.” Grace inhaled the rich scent as she brought the cup to her lips.
“I’ll remember you said that.”
“So, what’s on the agenda for today?” Grace asked.
Valerie flipped through her emails. “Let’s see, Bidwell is putting out feelers to the town council about restoring the church next. Then, oh, this’ll be good.” A note of sarcasm colored her words. “There’s a severe weather advisory for tomorrow morning, ice and snow, as well as high winds.”
“That sounds like the makings of a blizzard.” She worried at her bottom lip.
“I�
��ll call Mick. He’d better give the crew time off tomorrow,” Valerie said.
Grace nodded. “Good idea. Tell them we’ll keep them posted about when it’s safe to return to work.”
“They won’t be happy about not getting the hours.”
“I’d rather they be safe and angry, than hurt and suing us.”
The storm hit earlier than expected, knocking down power lines and causing traffic accidents everywhere in the area. The workers were sent home as the wind picked up and the site became unsafe.
Grace and Valerie built up their fire, set out candles, and planned for a long night with no power and howling wind outside.
“I’m not going to get any sleep tonight,” Grace muttered.
“Nope. Me neither.”
“I’m in love with him.” Grace’s eyes focused on the flickering shadows cast on the floor by the candlelight.
“I know.”
“How do you know?” She was flabbergasted.
“You’re the same as you were with John, only . . .” she trailed off.
“Only?”
“You’re actually you.”
“What does that mean?”
“Well, when you were with John, you only did things he liked, were only friends with his friends, and didn’t have your own interests.”
Grace could tell Valerie was trying to choose her words carefully.
“Now, you and Drew are together, but separate. You both do your own things, but make time to be together. The way you guys look at each other, it’s so obvious.”
“Hmm. I guess I never really thought about that. Now that you mention it though, you’re right.”
She thought back on her years with John and realized what an all-encompassing force he’d been in her life. She’d made friends in college, but never really kept in touch with anyone. John’s friends became her friends. After John died, people paid their respects and checked in on her for the first few months, but then gradually disappeared into their own lives. She loved reading, music, art, and could tour historic sites all day. John liked amusement parks with thrill rides and found her job boring. He wanted to climb mountains, be a daredevil, and most of all, he always wanted to be the hero.