by April King
Tanner sipped his coffee, staring at her over the rim.
“There are instances that you have acted like hunter, going after whatever you want with passion and precision. This includes the house you live in, the truth you want to know and the woman you love,” Lorilee said, trying to read her brother’s thoughts.
He remained silent.
“Heaven help the person, or thing, which stands between you and what you want. Then, the warrior in you surfaces. Mountains are scaled and oceans are scoured. Adversity is a minor like a mosquito bite in your mind,” she said.
Tanner shrugged nonchalantly.
“This time, let what who want come to you.”
His hands formed a steeple in front of his face. Genuine interest reflected in his eyes. He lifted a brow. “What do you think I want?”
Lorilee looked at him with an unflinching gaze. “Grace.”
Although it was none of her business, she was on his subject. Just the name alone ignited flames of desire in him. Grace’s flavor still saturated his tongue. The warmth from her perfect body was imbedded in his memory. The priceless look in her eyes when she climaxed was framed in his mind. Ecstasy personified was her image. His petite goddess was worth any amount of adversity he had to endure to make her his wife. And he didn’t care who knew it.
Lorilee snapped her finger. “Did you hear me?”
“Loud and clear,” Tanner responded.
“Grace is like me: she knows what she wants. She doesn’t enjoy being pressured into doing something. She acts on her own time and terms,” she said.
“I know. She’s a self-reliant woman,” Tanner said.
“Exactly,” Lorilee said. “But she’s also a woman who has been hurt, which makes her afraid to jump into a relationship with a man.”
“With strong conviction, Tanner said, “I would never hurt Grace.” The thought of anyone causing her pain was enough to make him see red. It was hurt that stood between their love. The warrior inside him was bound and determined to eradicate the unwanted intruder.
Lorilee’s expression softened. “I know you would never hurt her and you know it. But her heart is still too sensitive for her to realize this.”
“Well, I’ll show her.”
“No, what you’ll do is let her heal. When she is strong enough to accept your love, you will welcome her with open arms.”
Wait.
What kind of lame advice was she trying to dish out? He was used to making plans and executing them. And he definitely planned to make Grace his wife. Then, bed her in a thousand different ways. They had love and a family to make.
Wait.
Tanner rolled the idea around in his head once more, looking for a silver lining. Nope. Still nothing. He wasn’t convinced. It’s not that Grace wasn’t worth waiting for. She was worth waiting any length of time. But what would he do in the meantime?
Wait.
Then again, it’s not like he couldn’t see her. He just had to be careful not to push her into a serious relationship, until she was ready.
What if she didn’t come around?
She would.
What if she didn’t?
She had to come around because their love was written in the stars. And branded on his heart.
Okay. He would wait.
“You have always done the right thing,” Lorilee said. Obviously, reading his thoughts. “I think you’re in the wrong profession. Why don’t you become a matchmaker or something along those lines?”
Lorilee laughed. “Fashion is my thing. In fact, I have the perfect idea for your wedding.”
The door flies open. Bud storms into Tanner’s office like a tornado, looking like a hot mess. His shirt is wrinkled and his pants are covered with dirt. His boots are caked with mud. Irritation rang in his voice, “Let’s get this over with.”
*
Afternoon.
The Pigeonhole buzzed with the hustle and bustle of workers hired by Lorilee to transform Grace’s lounge into a glitzy affair for the fashion show. Colorful lights were hung. Additional tables and chairs were set up and draped with gold-colored linen. Grace didn’t know the theme of the event. Based on the presentation so far, it certainly wasn’t simple.
She and Ava stood in the center of the floor, observing the activities. Neither provided any input. Since Lorilee was at the helm, everything seemed to run like clockwork.
Grace’s thoughts drifted to the incredible night she had shared with Tanner. An alligator smile covered her face. She twirled her hair around her fingers absent-mindedly. Tingling sensations skittered under her skin as she recalled how she and Tanner had pawed each other like two horny teenagers. Every inch of her body had cried out for his touch. The sinful way his mouth had feasted on her luscious womanly center had been just plain…sinful. He brought out the tawdry side of her. And, well, she liked it. A little too much. Never before had a man given her such immense pleasure and release. Who knew she could fell so much passion.
Nothing could compete with waking up and seeing his handsome face in the morning or listening to his heart beat as her head rested on his chest. She vividly remembered his chiseled abs rising and falling beneath her fingers. His toned legs coiled around hers. Priceless. It was enough to make a girl lose her mind.
Or her heart.
Grace couldn’t shake the niggling feeling that she and Tanner shared more than a cheap tumble in the sack. They connected on a higher level, which ran deeper than mere physical communion. An incomprehensible bond had developed between them, linking their spirits and much, much more. Although Grace tried to fight it, she couldn’t ignore the fact. The truth shined as bright as sunshine. Her heart swelled with strong emotions for Tanner.
Impossible.
She absolutely and positively couldn’t fall head over heels for the first man who made her feel like a woman—wanted, sexy, whole. She wouldn’t allow it. Then again, he was so gentle, compassionate…
“You’re mighty quiet,” Ava said. “That table must be amusing because you have been staring at it with a silly grin on your face for a while.”
Grace immediately removed her fingers from her hair and ran them over the tablecloth, attempting to smooth away nonexistent wrinkles.
Ava moved closer to her friend and scanned her face with suspicious eyes. “Wow. You’re glowing. And don’t tell me it’s because of the gold linen on that table.”
Busted. Grace fanned her face with her hand. “Actually, it’s hot in here.”
“No, it’s not,” Ava retorted, crossing her arms over her chest.
Grace searched for words. “Um…well…”
Ava held up a hand. “Save it, sister. There’s a twinkle in your eyes and I can guess who put it there.”
Grace swallowed the lump in her throat.
“The jig is up,” Ava said. “You’ve been making nice with that handsome doctor. You must be seriously attracted to him. I’ve never seen you look so…unfettered.”
Grace released a heavy sigh. She was more than attracted. Tanner. Desire for man fluttered through her. He crept into her dreams at night. His kisses left her dizzy. His touch drove her over the edge. She was possessed. Maybe she needed an exorcist.
She squared her shoulders. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Cut the crap, Grace,” Ava said. “We’re girls. We tell each other everything. There are no secrets between us. So why can’t you admit how you feel about Tanner?”
“Because I’m falling in love with him and I don’t want to,” Grace said, stunned she had uttered her true emotions.
Quickly, Ava wrapped her arms around her friend.
Tears formed in Grace’s eyes. Her bottom lip quivered. She said, “This wasn’t supposed to happen. I only wanted a little affection. I’m such a fool.”
Ava huffed. “Girl, you’re a damn lucky fool. Here you are, crying on my shoulder about possibly being in love with a handsome, sexy and successful doctor who is completely smitten with you. I wish I were
in your shoes. High and low I have searched for my soul mate. Nothing. Hell, I should be crying, instead of you.”
“Yeah, well, at least you won’t get hurt.”
Ava pushed away from Grace and stared her square in the eyes. “Neither will you. Tanner isn’t Kevin. He didn’t crawl from under a rock and fill your heart and head with lies. Tanner is special. His kind only comes around once in a lifetime. So you better grab hold of him and never let go. He’s one of the good guys. Don’t let him finish last.”
Grace lifted a brow. “Haven’t you heard: All that glitters isn’t gold?”
Ava rolled her eyes. “Sure. But I’ve also heard: That’s crap.”
“Hey, whose side are you on?”
“I’m on the side that says you and Tanner are soul mates.”
Tired of debating, Grace’s surrendered. Her shoulders slumped and she exhaled. “How do you know?”
“I’m just plain observant,” Ava smiled. “Dry your eyes, count your blessings and tell Tanner about your feelings for him.”
I can’t, Grace thought helplessly.
Although she didn’t speak the words, Grace’s angst was written all over her face. Ava read the negative expression and shook her head. She had done all she could do.
Grace’s cell phone rang. She unhitched it from the case on her hip and looked at the caller ID. No number appeared. She answered anyway. To her surprise, the phone went dead on the other end.
Wrong number, she concluded.
“Who’s the young woman by the door?”
Grace pivoted on her heels. She followed the direction of Ava’s gaze. A rail-thin female with pale skin stood alone. An outdated polka-dot dress hung loosely from her frail frame. A limp and frizzy ponytail was slung haphazardly over one shoulder. Her face was clear, natural and vibrant with youth. Her green eyes reflected a little bit of awe, a lot of innocence and an inkling of fear. “I’ve never seen her before.”
“Well, she’s not one of the workers,” Ava added.
At a slow and cautious pace, Grace headed for the stranger. Ava followed. “Excuse me, we’re closed.”
The young woman stared straight ahead, locked in her own world. It was not until Ava cleared her throat that the young woman’s mind registered the fact someone was speaking to her.
A visible shudder tumbled through her body. Her eyes grew wide as saucers. Dark clouds of trepidation overshadowed the youthful glow on her face. “I’m…I’m sorry. Lorilee said I could come and take a look around.”
Before she could make an exit, Grace said, “Wait. Are you in the fashion show tonight?”
Eyes downcast and hands clasped together in front of her, the young woman nodded. “I’m having second thoughts. I’m not a model or anything. The only reason I agreed to do the show is because everyone living in the Starting Over house is expected to participate.”
Grace’s mouth formed an O. Despite her frazzled appearance, the young woman was really quite beautiful. Grace could only imagine the trials and tribulations she must have endured in her young life. Although a cheerless expression was etched on her face, a simple smile could easily make her over. Grace held out her hand. “I’m Grace Michaels, owner of this lounge. This is Ava Williams. She owns Diva House. What’s your name?”
Reluctantly, she took Grace’s hand in hers, which was cold and clammy. “Heather Hendrix.”
Heather’s last name made Grace want to think about guitars and amplifiers, instead her bowed head, droopy eyes and slouched shoulders caused Grace to hear violins and trombones. The same instruments which had haunted her after she discovered Kevin’s betrayal. Her heart had been so heavy with the blues. Sad songs had served as her companion on many lonely nights. That is, before she had met Ava and gotten uplifted by her sincere words of inspiration. Not to mention, her friendship. By looking at Heather, it was plain to see a good dose of sisterly love needed to be administered…ASAP.
“Sweetheart, you’re too cute to be walking around with a long face,” Ava said.
Heather tossed Ava a puzzled look. She swiped a hand in front of her. “There’s nothing
cute about me.”
“Let me guess. Some insecure joker with small, um, assets told you this?”
Grace nudged her. “Ava.”
Yes…no…look at me,” Heather said. Her voice cracked. To their surprise, she opened up. She told them how she had dropped out of college after her first semester because she had met some dude named Jules. He was a good-looking, smooth-talking senior. He majored in business. It was his father’s dream to have him takeover the family’s shoe business once he retired. Jules had proposed marriage to her. He had promised to take care of her emotionally, financially and physically. However, he didn’t return to their apartment one night. One night eventually turned to three months.
She explained how shock had rendered her numb at first. In a zombie-like state, she had lagged around her apartment, clutching her phone. Several calls a day to Jules’ cell phone had been her routine, until she received an automated message stating his number was no longer in service. Her situation continued in a downward spiral. She was evicted from her apartment. Relying upon Jules, she had lacked rent money. “I was too ashamed to tell my parents. So I just dropped out of school. Been flat broke and busted ever since.”
“Damn.” Ava said.
Heather held up a finger. “Hold on, I didn’t tell you the best part. While I was on campus taking care of loose ends one day, I overheard a guy talking about Jules. It seems he had eloped with a beautiful and wealthy sorority girl. He left me high and dry like it was nothing. I’m such a fool.”
Either laugh or cry. Grace guessed Heather had done her share of crying. Laughter was a distant memory. The young woman’s predicament tugged at her tender side. How many times had Grace been down that road of heartbreak? Maybe her case hadn’t been as extreme, but the pain was identical. “Don’t beat yourself up. We all have a Jules in our past. Different name, same game.”
“That’s right,” Ava said.
Heather shook her head. “No. I had gotten caught up in fairytales and happy endings. I should’ve known better.”
“I can only speak for myself,” Grace said. “I’ve made colossal mistakes. Some were done in the name of love.”
“Ditto,” Ava chirped.
Disbelief resonated in Heather’s eyes, which were misted. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Grace didn’t mean to judge at such an inappropriate time, but Heather’s clear plastic pink flat shoes really looked uncomfortable. “You two are nothing like me. Both of you have your stuff together—owning businesses and all. But I have nothing. Nothing.”
Ava placed her hands on her hips. “Honey, I have been down and out. I refused to let that stop me. You need to lift your chin and look forward. Heck, I bet Jules isn’t sitting around, crying over you.”
“He’s moved on with his life,” Heather said.
“So, why waste precious time and tears on him?”
Heather tossed her hands in the air helplessly. “Because I don’t know what else to do.”
Grace grabbed her hands. “That’s about to change. I promise. Consider us your new BFFs.”
“You can also think of me as your Fairy Godmother. When we leave here, I’m going to take you to my shop and hook up your hair.” Ava said, examining her hair critically.
Heather’s eyebrows lifted. “Really. But you don’t know me.”
“Trust me, Kiddo,” Ava said. “We’re all in the same boat. Maybe rocking on a different side, but it’s still the same boat. Women must stick together. We can’t wait for a man to rescue us.”
“Heather, you’re still young. Your life isn’t over, it’s just beginning.” Grace said, firmly. “And don’t give up hope on finding true love. Just remember: One bad apple…”
Ava shot her a glare armed with daggers.
I know, I know, Grace said with her eyes. Ava was right. It was time to heed her own advice. For so long, she’d seen
the unhappy expression stamped on Heather’s face whenever she looked into the mirror. How long did she intend to grieve over Kevin and their failed marriage? Before Tanner entered the picture, forever. However, joy has been battling to burst forth through her emotions. It wanted to be front row and center in her life because Tanner had brought so much light and cheer and laughter with his presence. Is he really the real deal? Did she finally get lucky?
There’s only one way to find out.
Things are about to change. Everything would work in her favor. Sooner than later. She intended to spill her guts to Tanner. She was determined to tell him the depth of her feelings for him. He meant so much to her. To be able to hold him, kiss him and see his face each and every morning would be a great start. Ah, but she was insatiable when it came to Tanner. She absolutely couldn’t wait to connect with him in a passionate and sexual and hip-locking embrace. Good men were hard to find. And sometimes hard to recognize. However, Grace’s eyes, mind and heart had finally been opened. For once in her life, she was going out on a limb. The time had come.
Grace looked up in time to see Ava link arms with Heather, heading towards the door. “Let’s go and do something with your hair.” Over her shoulder, she said, “You don’t mind if we leave.”
“Of course not.” Grace answered. “Things are going to get better, Heather.”
Heather nodded, wordlessly.
Ava pinched Heather’s waist. “Honey, you need to eat and put some meat on those bones.”
Timidly, Heather responded, “I eat like a horse, but don’t gain a pound.”
Ava’s brows furrowed deeply. “I hate you.”
Heather smiled—wide, bright and genuine.
Yep. Just like Grace thought. A smile gave her face a total, glorious makeover.
*
“I think I got it,” Grace said, rocking back and forth.
“I’m having a hard time keeping up,” Tanner said, gripping his instrument with a hint of frustration in his voice. He tried relentlessly to stroke the thing, but his fingers were too clumsy. Click, click, click. He couldn’t get to the next level to save his life. A lack of success was making him lose interest quickly.