Falling Into Grace (29 page)

“So do I have you all to myself tomorrow night, or are you going home after the gala?” Grant asks.

“No, I’m staying in the city; we have a room booked already,” I answer.

“You can stay with me instead.” He links his fingers into mine, and our souls are touching. When he kisses me, I enjoy the feeling of love again. He pulls away when we hear the kids running down the stairs.

“Mommy, someone is here.”

We head to the front door, where Hunter is standing.

“No, honey, that’s Grant’s driver waiting to take him home.”

Hunter looks at Grant. “Are you rich?” Grant laughs at him.

“Something like that buddy.” He puts his hand out and Hunter slaps it. Grant makes the sound again, and it makes Hunter laugh.

“I have to go back to work. I will see you guys tomorrow.” Hunter jumps up and down.

“Are you going to the ball with Mommy tomorrow?”

“Yes, I am. My family is throwing the ball.”

“Mommy, is he a prince?” Ella asks. I smile at her and think,
yes, he is
.

“Say good night to Grant, everyone.”

They say good night in unison, then run into the living room. I walk out the front door with Grant.

“You are my Prince Charming, you know that?” I whisper to him. He looks down at me as a huge grin forms on his lips.

“I like the sound of that.” I reach into his pocket and take his phone out. I dial my number and press Send so I have his number too. Then I realize after I pressed Send, my name came up. I look at him, surprised.

“What?”

“You had my number already.”

“Yes, because I needed it last weekend for my mother. I didn’t want to abuse it. I was waiting for you to give it to me.” He thinks he is so suave. “Good night, Hannah.” He gives me a quick kiss, and I watch him get into the back of the SUV. I stand on the porch until I see the taillights fade into the night.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

W
hen I walk back into the house, I see Becca and Kevin at the top of the stairs. They quickly head down. I know they were spying on us, because from where they were standing, they could see us out of the window above the front door. I shake my head at them and settle on the couch between Ella and Hunter. I snuggle with them and feel a few new pieces of my heart find their way back into my chest.

“Mommy, is Grant’s mommy a good queen or a bad queen?” Ella asks. I look down at her.

“Honey, she isn’t a queen, but if she were to be one, she would be a good queen.” Ella smiles at my answer and looks back at the TV.

“Mommy?” Hunter asks, “Is Grant rich?”

“Why would you ask that?”

“Because he said his family is having a ball. Only kings and queens have balls, Mommy, and they live in castles.”

Kevin butts in. “Hunter, he has lots of money. Don’t let Mommy fool you; he can buy anything and everything he wants.”

“Stop,” I say, as I shoot Kevin a narrowed look in warning.

“His ball is to raise money for people who need help. The people who are going to the ball are paying to go.” Hunter doesn’t like the answer or is bored by it, so he looks back at the TV. I let them
finish the show before the three of us tuck them into bed. After I close Hunter’s door, Becca drags me into the kitchen.

“I have been waiting all night to find out how and why Grant Grace drove you home. Kevin said you had a meeting with them today?” I look at her as she asks the questions.

“Kevin needed me to sign for Chase and it spiraled from there.” I take a sip of my wine and look at Kevin. “I’m still pissed at you for hiding this from me.”

“I’m sorry. I thought I could fix it without you knowing.” Kevin looks upset.

“What am I missing?” Becca butts in.

“Kevin was selling the building Chase died in to Grace Industries. I had no idea till we were at the table with Shane Grace and he said the address.”

“So did you sell it?” She is very interested.

“Yes, I had no choice. Grant made me aware of the fact that the company was going under, and I had to sell the building or we would be done.” Becca places her hand on my arm.

“I’m sorry, Hannah. It must have been hard for you today. Did you get a good price at least?”

“Did we,” Kevin laughs. “I asked for three million for it initially. Hannah stood in front of them and said five million, and Grant paid ten million for it.” He takes the wire transfer out of his wallet and waves it around. I shoot him a look and slide my bag over to me. I open it up and take out a copy of the deed.

“Yeah, well, we got ten million, and I got to keep the building in the end.” They both look at the deed.

“What?” Becca shouts.

“Grant gave it to me.” I look at them in just as much shock.

“Why did he do that?” Kevin asks.

“He said he knew how much it meant to me.” I run my finger along the edge of the table, feeling their eyes on me.

“He likes you, Hannah.” Becca smiles at me with an eyebrow raised.

I look up at her.

“When I’m ready, I will sign it over to him. I just need some more time, and he understands that.” I look over at Kevin, who seems in another world.

“He would probably buy it from you again.” I laugh at her.

“I know. He said he would.”

“He is one of the richest bachelors in the world, and he is eating out of the palm of your hand. How did that happen?” I just shrug my shoulders at her.

“Luck…fate…I have no idea, but for the first time since Chase, I want to see where this goes. I think I like him.”

“You should; he is the whole package. Rich, good-looking, powerful, and sexy as hell. He and AJ have the same eyes.”

“AJ?”

“Yes, his brother, AJ. Aiden James. I call him AJ. I think a lot of people do.” His name still makes my skin crawl.

“How did your meeting go with him?” I ask her.

“I hope it was better than the one Hannah had.” I shoot Kevin a shut-the-fuck-up look, and he freezes.

“How did you know I had a meeting with him?”

“Grant told me.” I remember the text I read. I feel bad, like I’m invading her privacy.

“The meeting went great; I signed on to their team for a merger. What was your meeting with him about?”

“Nothing, we just caught up. So does this mean you are going to be here more?”

“Yes, it does. I was thinking about getting a place in the city. What do you mean, catch up?”

“It was their mother I was taking care of last weekend.”

“You never told me that. So you really know them outside of the business world?” She is staring at me with interest.

“I guess. Why don’t you stay here? I have the room for you.” I’m trying to change the topic.

“No, I don’t want to wear out my welcome. I figured with my hours and schedule, I would stay there during the week and come here on the
weekends.” She smiles at me, and I know I will have to tell her I slept with Aiden. I just don’t want to, because Kevin doesn’t even know.

“So what do you think of Aiden?” She leans back in her chair and waits for my response.

“Why do you want to know? Do you like him and are hoping I can set you up with him?” I tease her because I need to make light of this conversation.

“No, I don’t need to be set up with him. I already have a date with him tomorrow night, and if I recall, Aiden was setting you up with Grant, because I told him I wouldn’t go without you.” She smiles, and I can tell she is thinking about him. She has that dazed look in her eyes.

“You should be careful with him, Bec,” Kevin says.

“Why? He is great; he’s the best guy I have found in a long time.” I look over at Kevin, and he shuts up again.

“Ladies, I have to get home to Vanessa before she breaks up with me again. It’s been a rough day, kid, get some rest tonight.” He hugs me and kisses my hair.

“Good night, and don’t think you are getting off so easy. We have a date with the books on Sunday. We are going to figure it all out.” I think he gets my point.

“Later, Bec.” She blows him a kiss and he catches it and places it on his cheek. I realize how lucky I am to have both of them.

Today has been a roller coaster, and I just want to sleep. I realize I have had a few glasses of wine.
Shit
. I can’t take the sleeping pills if I’ve been drinking.

“Are you OK?” Becca asks.

“No, I wanted to take my sleeping pills, but I’m afraid to because I have been drinking.”

“I wouldn’t if I were you. When did you start taking them?” I hear the concern in her voice.

“This week. I just need some sleep.”

“I will lie with you, like old times.” She takes my hand and we walk up to my room.

She fills me in on the latest gossip going on with her sister while we get changed. I listen to her talking so happily. I have to talk to her about this. I feel like I have betrayed her.

“Bec, what’s the deal with you and Aiden?” I need to tread lightly. I crawl into bed and look over at her.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, what’s the deal? How long have you known him, and what’s going on between the two of you?” Her lips curve up, and I can tell she has it bad for him. Fuck. I know Grant was understanding, but I have no idea how Becca will react.

“We met about two years ago after his girlfriend cheated on him. He was pretty beat up about it, and we started talking then. Nothing crazy, but we had a fling one night last year.” She rummages around in her suitcase. Crap, they had already slept together?

“When he called me a few weeks ago to join his team, I jumped at the chance. I was hoping we could start something, you know?” I nod my head and start dreading this. Maybe I shouldn’t tell her. I think Aiden would agree to keep this a secret. I am so selfish; if she ever found out, I would lose her as a friend. I can’t handle that and the kids would be devastated.

“Bec, I need to tell you something. I’m not proud to be telling you this.”

“Han, what’s wrong?”

“I just want to let you know something. I never knew that you knew Aiden.” She is perked up and paying attention.

“I slept with Aiden.” The words taste like vinegar coming out of my mouth. Becca’s jaw drops. “It happened when I was in the Cape taking care of his mom. I was stupid and he was trying to get back at Grant. He was using me to get back at him. If I knew you had feelings for him, I would have never done it, I swear, Bec. I’m so sorry.” She is just staring at me. “Say something.”

I watch her brain digest what I just told her.

“OK,” is all she can say. I wait for her to go on, but it takes her awhile.

“I get that you didn’t know our connection, and I don’t get your connection.” I realize she has no idea I know they slept together today. “How did Grant react to this?”

“I told him about it. He wants a relationship, so I laid all my cards on the table. He knew Aiden was up to something because Grant was the man Aiden’s girlfriend cheated on him with. This family war has been going on for a while. Bec, he has a dark side. I got to see it today, and it was bad. I think you should take this slow, if it’s what you really want.”

“What do you mean by dark side? He is the definition of charming and fun and…” She stops and looks at me. “What happened?”

I try to find the right words, then feel my cell vibrate and hope it’s a text from Grant. I see Aiden’s name on the screen.

A million times I’m sorry. I would have never hurt you. I talked to Grant, and I will never bother you again. I wish the best for you and your family
.

I lock the screen and look at Becca again.

“It was just the way he said something to me that creeped me out. Just be careful with him.” I believe everyone deserves a second chance, and this is my way of giving Aiden one. I open my phone again and text him back.

If you hurt a single strand of hair on Becca’s head, I will hunt you down and make you wish you were never born. I can forgive, but not forget. She is my family. Don’t fuck this one up
.

I press Send and look at Becca, who is checking e-mails. I feel it vibrate again and look down. I start smiling because it’s from Grant.

Missing you already
.

These three words fill my heart, and I can feel a few more pieces come back to me. Becca’s phone starts to ring.

“It’s Aiden.” She freezes.

“Answer it.” I wave my hand at her. She gets up and walks out of the room. I decide I will call Grant.

“Hey, you,” he answers, all sexy.

“Hey…are you still at the office?” I look at the clock, and it’s 11:39 p.m.

“Yes, I have a long night ahead of me. I have a call in an hour.” I can tell he is smiling.

“What’s so funny?” My voice cracks, and I know it’s because I’m so tired.

“How did you know I was smiling?”

“I can hear it in your voice.” I lie down and wish he were here with me.

“Nothing, I was just thinking…”

“What were you thinking?” I tease him and I know he likes it.

“Promise you won’t laugh at me.”

“I promise.”

“I was just thinking about how I can’t wait to get these calls from you in the future, you being all concerned for me that I’m still at the office.” He sounds so sexy over the phone.

“No, I will be calling you, asking when you will be coming home from the office.” These words make my mouth spread into a huge grin from ear to ear. I can tell they do the same to Grant.

“I like your train of thought better.”

“Do you?”

“Yes. I like the thought of you and home being one and the same. You sound tired, Hannah. Go to sleep. We have a busy night tomorrow.” I pout at his words. “Don’t pout, Hannah.”

“How do you know I’m pouting?” I say, trying not to sound pouty.

“Because I do. Go to sleep, Hannah, and dream of me.” His words hold so much promise.

“I will, and you do the same.”

“I have since the first day I laid my eyes on you. Good night, Hannah.”

“Good night, Grant.” I hang up first and lie on my pillow, waiting for Becca to come back in.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

I
lie in bed wondering what Aiden is saying to Becca, and before I know it, I have fallen asleep and am saying my final good-bye to Chase.

October 2012