He drove back to Bear Creek, with Grace sitting close to him and the radio playing low. He felt hopeful and happy. Two things he hadn’t felt in a while. “I hope this isn’t our only date, Grace. I really enjoyed being with you today and I am reluctant to take you home. I would kidnap you but the town folk would be at my door with torches and pitchforks to save you.”
Grace smiled happily and giggled, reaching out to squeeze his hand. “I doubt that. I am a newcomer to this town. But I had a great time and I like being with you, too, Jackson. Can we go on the duck boat next time? It looked like so much fun.”
Jackson smiled at her excitement and agreed. The boat-shaped truck gave you a tour through the city streets then drove into the water and floated like a boat.
When they got to Grace’s apartment he walked her to her stairs, glad she had left the porch light on so he could see her face. “I would go inside but I am afraid you would have to physically throw me out. One more small kiss for the road,” he said, kissing her softly and quickly on the lips since he didn’t have a lot of self-control left. “I don’t want to leave. Will you dream of me?”
“I’ll give it a try, cowboy,” she said, sassily winking at him. She climbed the stairs, knowing he was waiting for her to saf
ely go in, she turned to look at him one last time and waved before she went inside and locked her door. She sighed happily as she got ready for bed. Dreaming of Jackson Hawthorne wouldn’t be hard.
Chapter 9
Grace went to work feeling really refreshed after a long night’s sleep. She had dreamt of a tall, muscular cowboy with blond hair and blue eyes and the hottest kisses ever. Feeling happy again was scary because she now knew how quickly that could change. Life was so unpredictable but she wasn’t letting fear stop her. She had to live one day at a time and right now Jackson made her feel happy again. And she was going to appreciate every good moment life brought her way.
“Table four is mine, Grace, so quit trying to take it from me,” Kelly whined, breaking Grace’s joyful mood.
Grace rolled her eyes, wiping off her table. Obviously ignoring Kelly wasn’t working. “All I did was refill his coffee as I walked by, Kelly, so grow up. I don’t know what your problem is with me but I am tired of your hateful attitude.”
Grace walked away from Kelly, muttering under her breath. Flo was behind the counter and had overheard Kelly. She patted Grace’s shoulder in sympathy. Kelly was becoming more of a problem each day. “Ignore her, Grace. She is on her way out the door anyway.”
“Not because of me though? I can ignore her, Flo,” Grace assured her, not wanting Kelly to lose her job over her.
Flo shook her head in denial. “She is just too much to tolerate. Yesterday she made Jane cry in front of customers because she accused Jane of flirting with Eddie when he came to pick Kelly up. I saw it all. Eddie was trying to pick up Jane and she said no, smart girl.”
“I’m tired of her grouchy attitude,” Flo went on to say. “Bill agrees. I am putting an ad in the paper later today.”
* * * *
Later that night Grace was watching TV and relaxing on the couch in her pajamas when the phone rang. “Hello?” she answered, expecting it to be Bill or Flo.
“Did you dream of me?” said a deep sexy voice instead.
Grace smiled at hearing Jackson’s voice and turned the TV off. “Maybe? Depends on who this is.”
Jackson laughed. “Forgotten already? Maybe I need to kiss my girl and remind you who I am.”
Grace giggled, feeling lighthearted. James had always been the serious type, never playing around or trying to make her laugh. “Maybe you do.”
“Open your door then,” he said, knocking softly on her door.
“What!” she squealed and ran to the door and opened it to see a grinning Jackson standing there with a single red rose in his hand. Grace laughed and threw the phone down. He hugged her and twirled her around. “I missed you like crazy all day long. Poor Louis thinks I’ve finally lost my mind, smiling for no reason.”
“You’re a silly man, Jackson.” She laughed, taking the rose from him as he held it out.
“Crazy for you,” he said, kissing her lightly on the lips. “I couldn’t get here earlier. I’ve been swamped with work all day.”
He came in and they sat on the couch and they talked about their day. She didn’t mention her problems with Kelly, not wanting to ruin the happy mood between them or bring up a sore subject for him. How could Kelly not see the wonderful man Jackson was?
“Will you come over for dinner tomorrow?” Jackson asked, holding her hand and caressing it gently. “I promise to behave myself this time if you do.”
“Okay,” Grace agreed, snuggling into his embrace, a feeling of contentment surrounding her. “You could have just called and asked. I love seeing you in person but I know how hard you work, too.”
“It’s worth it because I get to do this.” He kissed her passionately, wrapping his arms around her body and pulling her close so their bodies touched and he could feel little tingles travel through his body.
Grace closed her eyes and put her hands through his hair that was still a little damp from his recent shower. She could feel the heat traveling through her body and moaned, letting him know how much she was enjoying his kiss. He nipped her earlobe, making her shiver and made his way to her neck and shoulder where her baggy T-shirt was falling off her shoulder. He reached under the shirt and cupped her breast playing with her nipple.
She tensed for a second then let her breath out and relaxed against him. Jackson would never hurt her. He put his fingertip over her erect nipple and she let out a groan of pleasure, kissing his neck and nipping him with her teeth. Before she could think to protest he lifted the shirt completely off of her. She had not bothered putting a bra on after her shower. She waited for his reaction. He leaned down and softly kissed the long scar going down the middle between her large, firm breasts. “I’m sorry you were hurt, Grace, but I look at your scar and feel so thankful you lived and fate led you my way,” he said simply, bringing tears to her eyes. “You have nothing to be ashamed about. You are beautiful and sexy. Will you trust me to make love to you, Grace?” She felt his seductive words as if he was caressing her skin. She could only nod in agreement. He was irresistible, and besides, she didn’t want to resist this man in front of her. She wanted to experience his lovemaking more than anything.