by Andrea Hurtt
He was beaming.
She was still in shock.
How did this happen? I only auditioned with one scene.
How had that been enough for Jason to make such an important decision?
"Get outta here, people! We're done for the night! Get some sleep. Some of you have a very busy day tomorrow and need all the rest you can get!"
Grace and Charles sat there a moment longer.
She couldn't move for fear if she did, the spell would break. This was a dream, a lifelong dream, being handed to her, and she was afraid it would disappear.
"Grace." Her new costar's voice broke through the fog.
She snapped her eyes to his face.
"I'm starving and would love to celebrate. Would you join me for dinner?" he asked.
Just then, like clockwork, her stomach rumbled.
"I'll take that as a yes," he teased.
She could only smile, fully embarrassed. She wanted to stand, but his hand still rested on her thigh, keeping her from going further.
"Give me just a moment. Let's wait for the theater to clear. I know the perfect place to go eat, but I don't want half the people here to follow us. You and I need some alone time."
Grace cocked her head to the side, curious about his choice of words.
"Well, think about it. We're gonna be playing love interests. Don't you think we should get to know one another a little better before we jump into such… intimate positions that these roles will put us in?"
She nodded. He was right but wished he'd chosen a better set of words for their upcoming situation. 'Intimate' was one word she needed removed quickly.
Grace had to change the subject. "So, where are you taking me to eat?"
A short time later, they were sitting in the upper level of a small restaurant, located a few blocks from the convention center.
The place was styled after a British pub, complete with Manchester United and Chelsea Football Club banners on the walls.
Grace sat in awkward silence, waiting for the waiter.
What am I supposed to talk about with him?
They'd just had a rather passionate kiss.
I know he felt the heat I had, I could see it.
* * *
"Welcome to Britt's. What can I get you two to drink? Our bottled beers are on the list there and I can tell you what's on tap."
Charles picked up the plastic frame that held the beer list and quickly chose one before handing it over.
"Do you have any hard ciders?" Grace asked.
"Oh, yeah. You should try this one." He pointed to a name on the list.
"Sounds good, thank you."
"Are you ready to order, or do you need another minute?"
She knew without looking at the menu what she wanted. Any time she went to a pub, Irish, British, or otherwise, she always ordered the fish and chips.
"Yeah, I'm ready. Are you?" he asked.
They both ordered and the waiter disappeared.
"So what made you pick this place?" Grace asked.
"Oh, I.. uh…" His cheeks brightened an adorable red.
His blush really showed his youthfulness.
"I saw it last night, after auditions. I went for a much-needed walk. I had to cool down. There were just too many actors at auditions that set off my temper. Seriously, if you're going to audition for a well-known traveling theater company, at least do your research and come prepared."
Heat flushed her face. She hadn't looked up Shockside Players. Grace hadn't cared. It was a chance to go on a little adventure without making a life-changing decision.
If she got a role, she'd still keep her home in Denver, but get the opportunity to do something different with her life. She wanted to branch out but wasn't ready to pack up her little apartment and leave the last state her parents had been alive in.
"Oh, I didn't mean you," Charles said.
"Huh?"
"You were blushing. I assumed you thought I meant you. I didn't. You at least had on the right kind of shoes and knew the production well. Probably better than Jason does."
Right then the waiter saved her by returning with their drinks.
She quickly brought the cold bubbly beverage to her lips and drank deep. The sweet, yet tart, flavor exploded on her tongue. She let out a sigh as she set the now half-empty bottle back on the table.
Charles had a huge grin on his face. "That good, huh," he teased.
"Yeah, it really is. Plus, it's the last night I'll have any alcohol until the show ends, so I really have to enjoy every drop."
"Seriously? No alcohol at all? For, what, five months?" His voice was full of concern and disbelief.
"None. Once I take on a role, I refrain from many things, liquor being just one."
"I'm afraid to ask what the other things are."
Grace smiled politely as she picked her drink back up and took another long pull.
How could she tell him something so personal?
She looked at him, really looked, taking in everything again. Not just his outward appearance, but everything about him.
Yes, he was very good-looking, and a great kisser. However, he was eight years younger. Very cocky. He acted like an only child, used to always getting his way.
She'd be spending the next four or five months with this man, this boy. They'd be placed in such intimate situations, like lovers.
They'd have to kiss every day. Not that it was a bad thing. He was a wonderful kisser. Grace could feel a primal attraction to him. Her body called out for his.
Her mind knew better.
So did her heart.
Can I really do this? Can I kiss him again and not lose my sanity?
"Grace," Charles prompted. "Where did you go just now?"
Her cheeks flushed hot again, making her want another sip of cider to give her a moment to collect herself. She was drinking it too fast and could feel it. "Oh, just thinking about what you asked. What else I give up."
"And?"
Before she could answer, the waiter brought their food out.
"Is there anything else I can get you?"
"Can I please get some malt vinegar and more lemons?" Grace asked.
"And she'll have another cider. Can you also bring a shot of Fireball?" Charles said.
"Of course. I'll have those right out."
"I really shouldn't have another one," she said once the waiter was far enough away.
"If it's your last night to drink, you really gotta enjoy it."
"I am enjoying it, Charles. I don't need more."
He wouldn't take no for an answer, encouraging her to finish the bottle she had while it was still ice cold.
When the waiter returned, her costar added the Fireball shot to her cider, prompting her to stick her thumb in the top and gently give the bottle a tip over, to mix the shot in. "Give that a try."
She hesitantly took a sip and was amazed at the assault on her taste buds. It was delicious, like nothing she'd tasted before.
No longer just sweet and tangy, it was also spicy. Grace had to be careful as she could easily down the drink, which wouldn't be good.
She had no problem with bottled drinks, but hard liquor always hit her differently… harder.
She picked at her fries as Charles spoke.
"So, Gracie, you were just about to tell me what other things you give up during a show." His voice was soothing and seductive.
"I was?"
"You were."
"Did you call me 'Gracie'?" The liquor was hitting her harder than normal.
Damn, I really should've eaten more at breakfast.
"Is that okay?"
"Um, yeah. Only my best friend, Hope, calls me Gracie. But I haven't seen her in a while. So, sure. You can call me that." She tried to shake her head clear. Why had she let him talk her into that second drink with the Fireball?
If it hadn't had the extra shot, she would've been fine. Between little food she'd eaten that day, and her heightened emotional state, it was getting the bes
t of her.
She needed to stay focused.
"Quit changing the subject. What else do you give up?" Charles said, just short of a demand.
He would not let up, so she'd just give it to him straight.
"Well, no alcohol. No fried foods. Little to no soda. And… no relationships." She said each one with finality and she counted them on one hand. Grace looked up at him on the last words, staring deep into his brown eyes, making sure he was listening.
He was dangerous, to her body, her heart. That kiss she could easily make her fall for this cute costar.
She'd once sworn to never love again.
Grace could live vicariously through the roles she played, without letting someone into her life.
That was all the love she needed.
His face fell. "How can you have no relationships? Life is full of them."
"Well, I'm okay with friendship. Sometimes that's all you need in life. Someone you can call on, someone you can cry to, complain at. Intimate relationships are bad for a production. When costars have feelings for each other, it reflects in their performance. And believe me, I've seen some good shows tank because of off-stage relationships. No, thank you. I'll pass." Grace polished off the last of her cider. She wanted another, but she really should have a glass of water.
She finished the last of her fish and Charles waved the waiter over.
"Can I have our check, please?" he asked the man.
His eyes pinned her in her seat, as soon as the man was away from their table.
"I really need to get you into bed."
Grace's breath evaporated.
Chapter Eight
"What did you say?" Grace blurted, her cheeks a bright crimson.
"You're tipsy, and we have a long day tomorrow. I should get you back to the hotel safe." His choice of words almost screwed everything. Sure, he wanted to get her into bed, naked and pressed against his body.
She'd made it perfectly clear that wasn't about to happen.
Not right away.
He'd have to work her over, and not in the way he really wanted to.
"Yeah, I think I should've just had one cider. My head is a little… dizzy. And we have a long day tomorrow."
The waiter returned and before Grace could grab the bill, Charles slipped the waiter eighty dollars and told him to keep the change.
He just wanted to get Grace out of there.
Charles jumped up and slid her chair out, allowing her to stand. Once they stepped outside, he slipped his arm around her, resting on her shoulders. He was grateful when she didn't protest or move away.
She fit perfectly against his body.
He couldn't let this go.
They walked in silence, just enjoying the sounds of the night. There was no one else on the street, except for the occasional car. He had so many things he wanted to say, needed to ask, and she was inebriated so, he hoped this was the right time. He wasn't taking advantage of her. So he told himself.
But what to start with?
"So, ah, Grace. If you won't do a relationship while doing a show, does that mean you'll be breaking some poor guy's heart tomorrow?"
She smiled, her cheeks were red from the alcohol.
Or maybe the question?
"Nah. I've been single for a while. It's just me and my plants."
Good. No one to interfere.
"You at least keep in touch with friends, family, right?"
"Nope. Don't have any."
He arched an eyebrow. Surely she was saying those things because she was drunk, not because it was true. "Damn, you're a cheap date. I've never had a girl get this drunk on me before."
Grace stopped walking, slipped his arm off her shoulder, and whirled to face him, placing her warm hands on his chest. "I'm not a cheap date. I didn't have lunch! And we're not on a date!"
Rather than snapping back—which was his normal response when someone yelled at him, he flashed his million-watt smile. Putting his hands over hers, Charles could keep her close. "I meant no disrespect. I just can't see how a woman as beautiful and talented as you would choose to have no friends."
"I have friends," she barked. Grace pushed off him, breaking their contact, and started walking away. "I just don't talk to them often. I'm too busy. Theater life and all."
It sounded like excuses. There was something underlying in there. Something he was determined to find out.
Maybe not tonight, but soon.
"Everyone needs someone to talk to. I at least have my older brother, even if we don't always get along. I know I can call him. Do you have someone?"
She stopped, her head tilted up at the tall building beside their hotel like she was contemplating something grand. It took much longer than it should have for her to answer; it made his heart beat a little faster.
Could things really be that simple for him?
That easy to slip into her life?
"I have Hope. We talk on the phone... sometimes. Maybe once a month, or every two months. I can't remember." She sighed. "I really miss my friend."
Yeah, she's drunk.
Charles slipped his arm back around her shoulders, pulling her close to him. They were right in front of their hotel, but she hadn't seemed to notice. "Gracie. We're gonna be real good friends. Would that be all right with you, if I be your friend? You can call on me if you need someone to talk to. My twin sister says I'm a very good listener."
She looked his way, but her eyes didn't really focus on his face. "You have siblings? I thought you were an only child."
He tried not to laugh. "Yeah, I have a few. My twin sister, Angel and I, are the youngest, then there's Barbara, Lisa, and the oldest is Nick."
"Wow. I'm jealous. I never had siblings. Just Mom and Dad. Until they were gone. And Hope. Sometimes I have Hope. I wish we weren't too busy all the time. I miss her."
She was cute when she was drunk. She kept repeating herself, but it didn't bother him. His heart melted when she smiled, her eyes closing slowly, then opening ever so slightly.
"I like you, Charles."
His heart slammed against his ribs; his stomach tightened.
"You can be my friend. I think you'll be a good friend."
Her hooded eyes were seducing him, whether or not she meant to. Her rosy lips were beckoning.
Grace blinked slow and sexy again, and when her eyes shut, Charles leaned down and took possession of her lips.
His lips were warm and inviting, teasing hers to dance with him.
Grace gave in, not thinking about, well… anything; just enjoying the sweet taste of him.
His arms snaked around her, taking full control of the situation, their bodies melting together, fitting perfectly.
His fingers found their way to the nape of her neck, into her hair, gripping with the right amount of pressure, giving her a thrill she'd never experienced.
Her heart raced, adrenaline pumping through her veins along with the alcohol, fueling her in a way she'd never known.
She couldn't breathe.
Grace had to break away and catch her breath.
Charles relaxed his hold on her, sliding his hand down her arm to grab her hand. Without speaking a word, he pulled her along, entering the hotel and rushing to the elevator. He pressed the second-floor button and as the doors closed; he pulled her back into his arms.
She lost not only her breath but her mind at that moment.
He knew what he was doing; his mouth was made of magic.
The elevator door opened, and they giggled like children when he dragged them down the hallway to her room.
Grace couldn't get her key out of her back pocket, her hands weren't working like they should.
"Let me help you," he whispered in her ear.
Goosebumps erupted up into her hairline. She handed him the keycard, and the door opened. She stepped in and the cold air-conditioned breeze hit her with a chilling blast, cooling not only her cheeks but her lust.
Charles stepped up behind her and moved h
er hair to rest on one shoulder so he could begin raining kisses on her neck. He pressed his body close to hers, so close she could feel his erection against her hip.
Like a bucket of ice water, reality came crashing down.
She was about to ruin everything she'd built up, worked hard for.
Grace faced Charles, anger now fueling her.
"You need to get the hell out of here!" She pushed at his chest.
"Grace?"
"No! Get out!" She reached around him to open the door, expecting him to be the gentleman and just leave. "You're trying to take advantage of me!"
Charles had encouraged all the alcohol, even when she'd voiced her reservations. He'd just wanted to get down her pants!
She wasn't that kind of girl!
Instead, he reached for her, cupping her cheek and leaning in to kiss her again. "Just one kiss," he whispered against her lips.
How had he gotten so close?
"No. Charles, leave now." Her voice hid the shaking her body was doing.
He turned and walked out, not saying a word as the door closed behind him.
Shock rolled over her.
Grace rushed to the bathroom and splashed cold water on her face, then put her wet hands on the back of her neck, trying to cool down further.
How could she have let things go that far? She'd acted like some hormone-raging teen. Nothing like her rational self.
How can he affect me like that?
She had sworn off love years ago; she'd never love another, in any shape or form. Taking on characters' love lives for a short period of was all she needed.
That and the occasional romance novel.
They were safe.
They didn't cause unnecessary pain.
Had the careless kisses she'd just shared with Charles, ruined her chance of a lifetime?
What do you think you were doing?
Her head was still fuzzy, despite the rude awakening.
Not only is he eight years younger, I can't let anyone into my heart.
Never again.
She quickly undressed, then turned on the shower, not waiting for it to get warm.
It didn't matter if it was cold or not. The water helped wash away her emotions and her fears.
Grace crawled into bed, pulling the covers up to her chin, cocooning herself in the blankets.