Delicious (A Rumour Mill Novel) (26 page)

Magda, the
housekeeper, watched as priceless works of art, expensive furniture, and
massive flat-screen telly came out the front door. Mounted onto tow-trucks were
Darren’s favourite Ferrari and Lamborghini. The scene crushed a blow to
Darren’s greedy ego. The repossession of personal possessions signalled the end
of their former lifestyle and marriage.

All week William
sent a slew of text messages to Darren. All went unanswered. William was at the
end of his tether and he wanted Darren dead. William even coerced Alana to
contact Darren on the basis that Darren’s support cheque bounced. Alana left a
voicemail message pleading with him to meet with her in a seedy part of London
so Darren can give her cash. Immediately Darren knew it was a set-up. Sources
told him that Alana was shopping her story around. The highest bidder so far
was from
Rumour Mill
. There was no
need for money. Besides he checked his account and the cheque, Alana claimed
bounced, cleared. It came from Darren’s private offshore account, an account
Tamzin didn’t have access to. He didn’t trust her. Darren chose to rid his
mobile and went into hiding at a bed and breakfast.

Early in the week
Darren sought Guy’s advice. Guy finally recovered from his cold. Guy’s voice
returned when he answered Darren’s call.

“Darren you need
to sort your own life out. Stop dragging me
into it.” Guy
coughed after listening to Darren.

“What? Now you’re too big to help your
brother out?” Darren snidely remarked.

“No. It’s not that, Darren. It’s nothing to
do with us being brothers. I told you to go to the police, divorce Tamzin, seek
legal counsel, but you haven’t done a thing. Darren, grow a set of balls and be
a man about this.” Guy replied.

“You know something Guy; I think the fame,
the game, and the money and that bird are gone to your head!” Darren snapped.

Guy didn’t reply. He was tired of being
Darren’s crutch. Guy barely had any energy to argue.

“Leave Grace out of this and frankly you’re
out of line.” Guy said calmly. “I must be going. I need my rest.”

Guy didn’t wait for Darren’s reply. The call
disconnected.

Darren recounted the conversation.
Guy’s right, I need to own
up to my responsibilities. I need to sort this out.
It wasn’t what
he wanted to do, but he had to do it.

♥

Fully recovered and shaking with fear, Guy
stood in his bedroom looking at himself in the mirror. Guy was glad the zinc
tablets, vitamins and freshly squeezed orange worked like a charm. He looked
like his old self again. Guy would’ve hated to cancel the date after all of
Gary’s hard work on helping him prepare for it. Several times, Gary contacted
the Waterside Inn to ensure the cottage was prepared for dinner and the yacht
ready for dessert.

           
Gary
arranged security for the couple. Guy’s agent insisted on Guy getting security
as the paparazzi were increasing their presence outside of his flat trying to
catch images of him. There was a soft knock on the bedroom door.

           
“Come
in.” Guy called out.

           
Wendy
entered the room.

           
“The
Bentley has arrived.” Wendy announced. “Is there anything you need before I
leave for the evening?”

           
“No,
you’re done for the evening. Which tie?” Guy asked as he held up a grey tie and
a red tie to go with his dark grey pin stripe Armani suit.

           
“The
red one.” Wendy replied. “Feel free to contact me should you need any help.” she
added as she watched Guy adjust his tie in the full length mirror.

           
“Thank
you for your help Wendy. You’re a treasure.” Guy complimented as Wendy took
over in adjusting his tie.

           
Guy
kissed on her cheek as he was about to leave. He then realised he forgotten the
Graff gift box on the mahogany dresser. Wendy had it in her hand and held it
out to him.

           
“She
must be special.” Wendy quipped.

           
“She
is special.” Guy replied taking the box.

           
He
winked and smiled before leaving on his date.
Grace is beyond special.

♥

listair and Sharon twitched the window curtains
like a pair of old, nosy biddies’. Longingly they looked out the window in
anticipation of Guy’s arrival. When the sleek onyx Bentley Mulsanne parked in
front of the house, Alistair and Sharon shrieked like school girls.

           
“He’s
here Grace!” Alistair shouted out.

           
Grace
emerged from her bedroom applying an earring to her left earlobe. They turned
to Grace. They were stunned by the vision of beauty standing before them.

           
“
Phwoar!
You look totes hawt!” Sharon
said. Alistair was lost for words.

           
“Absolutely
beautiful.” Alistair finally piped.

           
Grace
was on fire. Her hair styled in a messy side-swept bun. Grace’s eyelids were
painted smoky grey, cheeks bronzed with Nars blush and lips glossed with M.A.C.
lip glass. The Lanvin dress Alistair chosen fit Grace’s curves perfectly and
the booties add emphasis to her height. The feeling of being dolled up made
Grace’s stomach churn in excitement.

           
The
front door bell rang. Sharon forced Grace back in her bedroom whilst Alistair
went to the door. Guy stood at the door with a hulking bodyguard next to him.

           
“Hello
Mr. Rowling! It’s so nice to see you again!” Alistair greeted excitedly.

           
“Thank
you. It’s nice seeing you again as well. You can call me Guy.” Guy replied.

           
“Come
in. Grace is nearly ready.” Alistair beckoned.

           
Nervous,
Guy stepped inside. He motioned to his guard to wait outside. He didn’t want
Grace to be put off by the security presence. Guy followed behind Alistair to
Grace’s flat. He looked around the flat grinning from ear to ear.
The flat is perfectly Grace and decorated to
her taste.
Guy assumed.

           
“Would
you like some wine?” Alistair offered holding out a wine glass to Guy. Guy took
it and thanked him.

           
Guy
needed the drink. He felt his mouth going dry. A few minutes later Grace
re-emerged from her bedroom with Sharon in tow. Guy’s cock had a mind of its’
own. It twitched at the sight of Grace.

           
Guy
couldn’t believe how dazzling Grace looked. It was as though the girl Guy met
earlier emerged from her cocoon like a mature butterfly.
She was beautiful to begin with; smashing at the wedding and this
look...it’s beyond words!

           
Alistair
and Sharon saw Guy’s amazed expression. Both grinned and giggled like plotting
hyenas.

           
Grace,
too, didn’t believe her own eyes. Guy’s presence amazed her.
He’s standing in my flat!
Grace was
shocked by his look. He didn’t look the man she first met at the Savoury Plum.
Guy dressed nice before and looked great for the wedding, but this look he was
wearing was as though Guy taken fashion advice from David Beckham. Even Guy’s
fresh hair cut was something to behold. His jet black hair slick back while his
sides were trimmed short. His suit looked as it was sewn onto him. Guy’s cocoa
eyes glistened with mischief, a mischief that Grace was familiar with.

           
“Grace
you’re breathtaking.” Guy managed to say.

           
Guy
didn’t know how he’ll be able to get through dinner without throwing Grace on
the table for shag.

           
“Thank
you. You look handsome.” Grace replied shyly.

           
“Are
you ready?” Guy asked.

           
“Yes
I am.” Grace replied looking around for her clutch. Alistair hand the clutch to
her and kissed her on the cheek.

           
“Have
fun. We won’t be waiting up for you.” Alistair said as they walked out of the
flat together.

           
Grace
looked back at Alistair. She threw him a knowing look. Guy took her hand and
the drive opened the Bentley door to let her in.

♥

With an hour drive to Bray ahead of them,
it gave Grace and Guy the opportunity to talk. Guy asked questions about the
business. Grace told him she was extremely pleased with the repair results. Grace
asked if Guy knew the chap who came to do the work. Guy said yes and he was an
old family friend. Grace went on to tell Guy that his impromptu visit increased
revenue for the business. She was happy about it and for that she was grateful.

           
“I
told you I’m good for something.” Guy chuckled.

           
Grace
laughed. Impulsively Guy rested his hand on Grace’s bare knee. She felt goose
pimples erupt along her legs and arms. Grace felt her insides twisting with elated
excitement.

           
They
arrived at the Inn. Grace immediately recognised the restaurant. The Waterside
Inn is a restaurant that Grace wanted to visit as it was Michelin rated and
highly recommended. Guy and Grace were greeted by a private butler. The butler
led the way down a path to the private cottage Guy arranged for them.

           
Once
inside the cottage Grace was taken by the decor and opulence. The cottage was
decorated in rich velvets, silk drapes, and beautiful antique furniture. It
housed Lalique crystal and fine works of art.
 
In the centre of the room there was a table set for two with the best
china, candles and flowers. Once Guy and Grace were seated the butler poured
them sweet wine. It was top of the line vintage 1981 Chateau D’Yquem Sauternes.
The butler left the cottage to check on their meal.

           
“A
toast to you Grace.” Guy said lifting his glass.

           
“Why,
Guy?” Grace asked.

           
“For
giving me another chance.” he replied with a smile.

           
“Am
I giving you or us a second chance?” Grace cooed.

           
“Well
then why are you here?” Guy answered the question with a question.

           
Grace
thought for a moment.
I know exactly why
I’m here. I want to be with Guy and Alistair is right What man would go to
great lengths to try and win me back, even if it was a shag?

           
“A
toast to us, Guy! To letting go of the past and moving forward to the future
wherever it may take us!” Grace said. She lifted her glass cheerfully. Their
glasses touched and they drank smiling.

           
The
meal was superb. It was two courses consisting of the finest sea scallops and Angus
beef made available. It barely wet Guy’s appetite for his hunger was only for
Grace. He watched her eat, savouring each and every bite.

           
“Did
you like your dinner?” Grace asked noticing he barely touched his plate.

           
“Yes
I did. It’s all delicious.” Guy replied.

Grace couldn’t
believe her taste buds. The Waterside Inn chef’s outdone themselves. Grace
wondered if before their death, her parents made food this tasty.

           
“Why
are you quiet?” Guy asked.

           
“I
wonder if my father and mother cooked like this, it’s an art and it’s ever so
delicious.” Grace said.

           
“We’ll
never know, Grace. But, what I do know is that they would’ve been proud of you.
You truly made a success of yourself and business.” Guy said. “How are your
aunts?” he added wiping his mouth with a napkin.

           
“They’re
fine. Cat and Corrie are happy for me. They’re happy with Delicious. I don’t
think they’ll be too happy to know I’m seeing you.” Grace replied. Grace didn’t
bother mentioning that they were angry with her regarding Guy’s visit to Delicious.
Grace didn’t want to ruin a perfect evening.

           
“Who
cares what anyone else thinks! Come. We have to go.” Guy exclaimed getting up
from his chair.

           
“Where
are we going?” Grace asked.

           
Guy
didn’t answer her. Instead Guy extended his hand for Grace to take. They
followed the butler out of the cottage, down a small path to a dock on the
river. A cruising yacht decorated in fairy lights awaited them.

           
“Are
we getting on this?” Grace asked excitedly.

           
“Yes
we are. I want you all to myself. No interruptions.” Guy replied. “This yacht
belongs to my agent who loaned it to me for tonight.”

           
Guy
helped Grace aboard the yacht. Yacht captain greeted them and directed Guy and
Grace to a seating area in the back of the boat. The sitting area was set for
dessert. A large silver dome rested on a tray next to some cordials. Grace took
a seat as Guy took two cordials for them. He handed a cordial to Grace and sat
down next to her.

           
As
the yacht cruised up the Thames towards London, they sat in silence drinking
cordials. Grace eased into Guys’ awaiting arms. A light breeze picked up. Grace
shivered. Guy hugged her tightly as she rested her head into his chest.
I can get use to this,
Grace thought as
she stretched her legs out on the seat.

           
Guy
lightly kissed Grace on her crown. Guy’s fingertips grazed her bare shoulder.
The touch aroused her. It was as if they never parted.

           
Guy
lifted Grace’s chin to bring her lips to his. Softly Guy kissed her. Guy tasted
the sweet wine they drank during dinner. Grace’s mouth relaxed as Guy’s tongue
swirled around her own. The intensity of their kiss increased. Grace pulled
herself up into his arms to get more of Guy, but Guy abruptly stopped.

           
“Grace
lift the dome.” Guy whispered in her ear.

           
Puzzled,
Grace lifted the dome. Among chocolate truffles, white chocolate covered
strawberries and profiteroles, there was a dark blue jewellery box from Graff.

           
“Guy!”
Grace cried. “I hope you’re not asking to marry me.” Grace looked at Guy as if
he was crazy. Guy laughed loudly.

           
“I
do want to marry you, but no, this isn’t a proposal. I’d be rushing things if I
proposed.” Guy said.

           
Relief
washed over Grace. As lovely as this date was and suitable for a proposal, Grace
felt it would’ve been presumptuous of Guy. In her opinion, Grace felt to get
married so soon after reuniting won’t resolve their past issues and wouldn’t
bode well for their future.

           
“Open
the box.” Guy said huskily.

           
Grace
picked up the box and opened it slowly. Inside was a stunning diamond on diamond
necklace. A necklace designed in the finest white gold with links of sparkly
diamonds. There was a hanging locket of white gold with two entwined letter G
in pave diamonds.

           
“Guy,
I can’t accept this. As beautiful as it is, it’s expensive. I don’t deserve
it!” Grace exclaimed. Grace touched the diamonds with her fingers.

           
“You
can accept it. All this time I thought of you, I dreamt of you, I craved you. I
never thought of anyone else, but you. I waited patiently for you to come to
your senses whilst I focused my game.” Guy growled. He lifted the necklace,
clasping it around her neck.

           
“Why
are you doing this, Guy?” Grace implored.

           
‘Because
ever since I saw you at the Savoury Plum, I knew I had to have you. You were
flushed from a hard day of work. Your demeanour, innocence and naivety made me
want you. I knew you’d be hard work. I want to impress you, take care of you,
and love you like no other man has loved you before. There is no woman like you
Grace.” Guy said. Grace threw her arms around Guy’s neck. She kissed him hard
against the lips.
He loves me! He really
does love me!

           
Each
kiss melded into another and another. Guy’s cock stiffened as their kisses
became carnal and erotic. Grace threw her head back as Guy released his lips
from hers. He dragged his lips down along her jaw to her neck. There, Guy
nibbled as he inhaled the sweet scent of Grace. He pulled Grace into his lap.
She obliged. Grace panted as Guy ran his fingertips on the top of her thighs.
Her clit pulsed.
I want Guy to make love
to me now!

♥

As if Guy read her mind, he lifted Grace
into his arms to carry her below deck. Initially, Guy planned for them to take
in the sight of London, but the idea veered off course. Guy brought Grace into
the bedroom. He placed her on the bed before locking the door. He came over to
the edge of the bed where Grace lay in front of him.