Now and Forever (5 page)

Grace dabbed perfume behind each ear. “One date can’t hurt. It’ll be practice until I find my prince.”

Ava lifted a brow. “That’s your problem. You’ve been searching for a prince, instead of a
king
.”

Grace shrugged. “What I want doesn’t seem to matter. I’ve only gotten court jesters.”

“You’re luck may have changed.”

“I won’t hold my breath.”

Ava shook her head. “Plenty of women would run you into the ground to be with Tanner.”

Grace cringed at the thought of being trampled by a stampede of anxious women. Of course Ava’s point was valid. She acted like a date with Tanner was one step above having a root canal.

“Trust me, don’t sleep on the good doctor, or you may miss out on something special,”

Ava said.

Grace was less concerned about sleeping on Tanner than sleeping
with
him. She didn’t trust herself around the man. He gave her goose bumps. More than once, she’d fantasized about ripping off his clothes, and having her way with him. In her dreams, she often attacked him like a lust-filled lunatic.

Ava’s voice interrupted her thoughts just as she was about to get lost in another fantasy. “Don’t throw yourself at the man. Take things slow. Enjoy the process of getting to know him mentally, as well as physically. From what you’ve told me, his heart has been trampled on before. Like yours. Mend your broken hearts together. Kiss away each other’s pain until the time is right to reach another level. Build a relationship.”

The word “relationship” nettled Grace. Her last relationship had left a bad taste in her mouth.
A void in her heart.
Relationships required emotions and a ton of trust—everything she’d given to Kevin. But he’d thrown it all away like an old newspaper. His love and loyalty had been flimsy. However, Grace had bought the lies he sold. By the time she’d discovered her mistake, it was too late to get a refund. Never again, she often told herself. Why wouldn’t it be right to take a roll in the hay with Tanner and leave it at that? She had no doubt she could enjoy being Tanner’s intimate friend. He was sweet temptation. He knew how to work his magic. If only magicians made broken hearts disappear, she’d have hope for something more meaningful.

“These earrings look great with your outfit,” Ava said.

Grace agreed. She put them on. “So, what’s on your agenda tonight?”

Ava smiled. “I’m going to slip into something sexy and give these men a run for their money.” She rolled her hips seductively. She stood five inches taller than Grace and was voluptuous. Her skin glowed. Her dark brown hair fell past her shoulders. Her violet eyes radiated warmth and wisdom. However, her ample bosom kept some men from making eye contact with her.

“Listen to you.”

Ava put her hands on her hips and gave Grace a haughty look. “Don’t think you’re the only one who knows how to work a little black dress. I have to beat the men off with a big stick after they see what I’ve got to offer.” She proceeded to swat the air for emphasis.

Grace laughed hard. She had tears in her eyes. “Ava, you’re crazy.”

Ava raised her arms above her head and twirled. “That’s how I survive. I dance naked in the rain.”

*

Grace stood outside and waited for Tanner. She smiled when he pulled his black BMW behind her Land Rover. Her smile quickly faded. She displayed a disappointed frown when he stepped out of his car onto the pavement. He wore a light blue V-neck T-shirt and jeans. Although his clothes clung nicely to his muscles, Grace had expected to see him dressed in formal attire.

She had no clue which restaurant they were going to, but she was certainly overdressed. However, she smiled genuinely when he handed her a dozen long-stemmed red roses, which he’d kept hidden in one hand behind his back. She placed the roses under her nose and sniffed. The heady fragrance relieved some of her tension.

“Thanks,” she said.

Tanner relished the view. His face brightened as his eyes took in every inch of her. Finally, he released an audible breath. “You look absolutely breathtaking,” he said.

Grace blushed, but touched her hair self-consciously.
 
“I’m…I’m overdressed. I’ll go change.”

Before she could go inside, Tanner said, “Don’t change one hair.”

“But—“

He descended upon her swiftly. He silenced her with a kiss that was soft, yet dangerous.

Grace closed her eyes. She swayed slightly. She fought to catch her breath. She struggled to calm the aching between her legs. If only her body didn’t respond to Tanner’s every look and every touch, she could think clearly around him. But the man confused her sometimes. She had no clue what he wanted, or needed, from her. However, she had a strong idea what she
needed
from him. Pride and the fear of rejection kept her from revealing her desire. When she could speak, she said, “If you say so.”

Tanner put his hand on the small of her back. He led her to his car. He opened the passenger’s side and closed the door once she was settled.

After Tanner slid behind the wheel, Grace asked, “Where are we going?”

Without looking at her, Tanner said, “It’s a surprise.”

Grace cocked her head to the side. She stared at the man beside her suspiciously. “Listen, don’t try anything funny. I know people.”

Tanner laughed. The sound was rich and regal. Gaiety and warmth glistened in his eyes. He reached his free hand across the seat. He placed it over Grace’s. He looked deeply into her eyes for a brief moment. “Trust me.”

The power of those words caused her to shiver. It’s been years since she’d allowed herself to trust any man. Kevin had stolen this ability from her with his betrayal. She wanted to believe Tanner was different. She wanted to believe she was strong enough to allow him into her life. But she didn’t know him—really know him—from Adam. The need to believe in his magic overwhelmed her. What if she’d finally struck gold this time? There was only one way to find out. She summoned up the courage from the deepest recess of her heart, and forged ahead. With brevity, she said, “OK.”

During the ride, their conversation consisted of small talk.
Nothing intense or emotional.
Easy laughter was combined with discussions of the weather and daily routines. Grace discovered Tanner had a corny side, which she found rather appealing. She also learned they shared the same taste in music. This was a definite plus in her book.
 
He was looking better to her by the minute with each revelation. Heaven help her because he was already more divine than a box of chocolates.
 
She was certain he tasted better.
 
She couldn’t handle much more.

“Damn, he’s hot,” Grace muttered, unintentionally.

Luckily, Tanner only heard part of her utterance. “Are you hot? Should I turn on the AC?”

Grace stammered, embarrassed at her slip of the tongue. “No! You’re fine…
good
. I mean, I’m good.”

Tanner raised a brow at Grace’s strange behavior. “Do I make you nervous? If you’re having second thoughts, I can take you home.”

Grace saw pain and disappointment cloud his face. To lighten the mood, she rubbed her stomach and said, “I’m just hungry.”

Tanner became more at ease. “Sit tight. I have the perfect cure for that.”

Although she smiled for his benefit, Grace secretly fought the urge to jump out of the moving car for not being able to contain herself.

The city lights faded into the distance as Tanner maneuvered the car around a winding road. Massive trees stood on each side of it, providing shade and privacy. Fields of grass spread as far as the eye could see. Moonlight illuminated acres of land divided from the road by white wooden fences. A variety of impressive houses soon appeared on either side of the road. They screamed prosperity. Grace caught a spectacular view of immaculate chandeliers through the floor to ceiling windows of a few. Her attention became focused on a large two-story house after Tanner turned onto a paved driveway. It was white and had a wraparound porch. An inviting porch swing added charm. Vibrant flowers filled the garden. The Southern elegance before Grace was a sight to behold.

“Home, sweet home,” Tanner announced.

“Amazing,” Grace said. “It’s a far cry from the posh restaurant I expected.”

“A restaurant had been my first choice,” he admitted. “But I decided to take you somewhere special. You see, my grandmother used to clean this house for the family who owned it many years ago. My grandfather was the groundskeeper. When I was young, my dad told me it had always been Granny’s dream to raise
her
family here, instead of someone else’s. So, I vowed to buy it one day. When it became available a few years ago, that’s what I did.”

Grace detected the pride he felt for his home and his family. “I can tell it means a lot to you.”

“More than you’ll ever know.”

Moments later, she stood on the pavement and imagined the spacious yard filled with joyous children who resembled Tanner, while waiting to discover what came next.

She didn’t have to wait long.

“Close your eyes,” she heard him whisper. His breath teased the hairs on the back of her neck.

Without protest, she complied. When he took her hand in his, her heart beat at an alarming rate. Sexual energy surged through her body. Excitement and arousal caused her to inwardly shudder. The anticipation to learn what Tanner had up his sleeve was pure agony. It kicked her in the gut. She struggled to steady herself as Tanner gently guided her up one step, then another. She heard the door creak open, and stepped over the threshold. The smell of cinnamon and spice scented the air. Her heels clicked on what sounded like hardwood floors. She had thought the journey through the house would never end, until she heard a door slide open, and the warm night air kissed her skin.

Tanner released her hand. She inhaled deeply.

“Open your eyes,” he said.

Slowly, she acquiesced.
Exhaling.

“Oh, my!”
She gasped, staring in disbelief.

Tanner had transformed his backyard into a romantic hideaway. Her eyes swept over the enchanting moonlight garden. An array of white flowers illuminated it with beauty and purity. The display astounded her. Exquisite sculptures of goddesses and gods of Greek mythology struck regal poses throughout the garden. She drank in the view of a cherub garden fountain. Banana palm trees were situated near urns overflowing with lush greenery. She was taken aback by the enormous oblong swimming pool. Several golden votive candles floated in the water. Totally stunned, she watched Tanner light four porch torches positioned at each corner of the pool. Poolside, he laid a blanket. After putting large throw pillows and two wineglasses on top of the blanket, he rejoined her at the back sliding door.

Grace stared at him, wide-eyed.

“I’m sorry it’s not a five-star restaurant,” he said.

“Better…much better,” Grace said, despite the lump lodged in her throat. No one had ever done anything so romantic, so sweet for her. She longed to linger in the moment. Words couldn’t describe how deeply moved she was. Thankfully, she had shame and good sense, or else she would have jumped up and down, screaming, “Hallelujah!” Surely, that would’ve ended the date. But if the night progressed into something better, she expected to exchange multiple high-fives with Ava the following day.

“This is my favorite place to relax,” Tanner said, casting a glance over his yard.

“Magnificent.”
 
Grace observed the gleam in his eyes.

“My landscaper deserves most of the credit. I just added a few pieces here and there.” He shrugged, modestly.

“You both did one
helluva
job.”
 
She said, emphatically. “Your grandparents would’ve been proud.”

He gazed at her with gratitude and longing.

Grace shivered. His eyes were liquid fire. His look emitted a heat, which melted her. Tanner’s desire was bare and powerful. It beckoned her. She longed to respond. Every inch of her body was ablaze with a fierce need to feast upon his lips, his neck,
his
thighs. And have him return the favor, especially, at the gulf between her legs. She struggled to govern the lustful beast consuming her. But it lurked within her liberally, refusing to be consumed. Such a strong emotion confounded her. She sensed that Tanner could master the rebellious, savage beast raging inside her with a stroke of his hand. A kiss from his lips would appease its appetite, restoring order and decorum.

The look in his eyes told Grace that he’d been reading her mind. From the sultry glare he planted on her, she realized it was only a matter of time before he made her body explode with extreme pleasure.

The promise of sexual healing caused some of the tension to leave her body.

Momentarily.

He stepped to her. So close.
Thigh to thigh.
Hip to hip. His scent washed over her, resurrecting the memory of their first kiss. She absorbed his masculine scent and the recollection of his strong arms embracing her. His skilled hands had tenderly caressed her skin. Masterfully, he had controlled her mouth with intoxicating kisses. Her head had reeled from the pressure his tongue exerted upon hers. The memory of their first sweet encounter was enough to leave her breathless. Tanner tucked a finger beneath her chin. Slowly, he tilted her face towards his. In a husky voice, he said, “Tonight, I only want to concentrate on you.”