Now and Forever Read online

  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 goo
d 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.”

  Grace blinked. She didn’t know how to respond to his sensuous admission. Finally, she said, “I’m flattered.”

  Tanner’s lips curled into a devilish grin. “I’m not trying to flatter you. My intent is to wine and dine you, until you’re wrapped around my finger. I want you to quiver each time you think of me.”

  Grace lifted a brow. “Is that so? You’re shameless, Mr. McGregor.”

  He lowered his voice. “You have no idea.”

  Actually, she had a good idea. She’d already succumbed to his magic on previous occasions. He had her spellbound—mentally and physically. But he didn’t know that she, too, had tricks up her sleeve. There were several ways she could make him proud to be man. “Can I return the favor?”

  Tanner folded his arms over his chest. He met her eyes with a stern gaze. “I forbid you to do anything, except sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself.”

  Damn, the man made submission sound sexy. She cleared her throat. “I don’t usually go for the “you-Jane-me-Tarzan” type. But since I’ll try anything once, let’s get this show on the road,” she said, striking a sassy pose. A hint of mischief danced in her eyes.

  In response, Tanner clapped his hands and rubbed them together. “Woman, you ain’t seen nothing.”

  Grace feigned shock. Her hand flew to her heart. “Why, good doctor, who knew such common language could come from such an eloquent man?”

  He lifted a brow. A sly grin crossed his lips. “Madame, I must have acquired this habit from one of my friends in low places.”

  The true meaning of his statement didn’t escape her. Implying he had a bit of a bad boy in him, left Grace pleasantly surprised. And extremely turned on. After all, he carried himself so well. From his crisp white button down shirts to his perfectly polished shoes, Tanner exuded refinement. He often looked like he just stepped off the cover of GQ magazine. To think he had a tough-talking warrior in him, set Grace on fire. She needed to acquaint herself with his rough, unrefined side.

  He strode past her. He stooped beside the blanket and throw pillows. After he had them situated to his liking, he signaled Grace to join him by wiggling a finger. When she had complied and stood before him, he wrapped his hands around her waist. Slowly, he eased her delicate derriere onto a plush pillow. Still kneeling, he took her feet into his lap and removed her shoes one by one. Her feet looked smooth and polished. Her toes were painted candy red. He resisted the temptation to take each one in his mouth and nibble on them, until Grace’s eyes rolled in the back of her head. However, he allowed himself the pleasure of sliding his hands over the arch of one foot. Tanner’s gaze shifted from her feet to the length of her shapely legs. His hands followed. “You have beautiful feet, among things.”

  Grace flushed. She was glad she had had a pedicure earlier in the day, or the moment would have been unbearable. “Thanks, it doesn’t come naturally. I work hard to look this way.”

  “You’re humility is a refreshing, but I’m not buying it.”

  Heat rushed through her body. The thought that Tanner found her desirable and beautiful made her feel warm and gooey inside. She’d spent all day primping and prepping, hoping to be rewarded with a sparkle in his eyes when he looked at her. Now that she’d gotten what she wanted, she felt a little foolish. Why was she concerned with Tanner’s opinion of her anyway? Why had she gone through so much trouble for one dinner with a man who wasn’t hers? After all, she wasn’t trying to trap, or seduce him. Her raging hormones were to blame. The man had her feeling lovey-dovey, when lovey-dovey wasn’t even her thing. She didn’t go around reading romance novels, or the latest ten-ways-to-get-that-man self-help book. Besides, when she’d met Kevin years ago, she was wearing flip-flops and sweats. While married, they’d often dined at the local cafe, blue jeans and T-shirts had been appropriate attire for the evening.

  Grace scanned her surroundings for a second time. However, unlike before, it suddenly seemed surreal—a magical evening created by a magical man. But she’d fallen for a man’s magic before, only to have it destroyed by reality. True, Kevin’s magic hadn’t been as potent and as sublime as Tanner’s, but she viewed it through the same lens. To her, the business of love and romance resembled a fragile bubble that tended to float away, or burst when least expected. It was a lesson Kevin had taught her. After learning something the hard way once, she reasoned, it wasn’t necessary to take a refresher course. An old and familiar pain agitated her. She wanted to grab her purse and run out the door. Tanner wasn’t the problem. She didn’t trust herself with her own feelings around him. Guilt and shame caused her to cast a downward glance, instead of meeting his eyes. “Listen, I don’t mean to ruin the wonderful evening you planned. I think it’s best that I go.”

  Tanner drew a sharp breath. It was evident he struggled to tame the storm of emotions raging inside of him. He ran a hand through his mass of curls. As usual, he regained his cool demeanor before he spoke. “Darling, is it something I’ve done or said? If it’s my corny jokes, I promise not to tell another one, tonight or ever again, just to please you. I can even keep my hands to myself.”

  Grace shuddered inwardly. The thought of him not touching her was frightening. But in order to maintain her sanity, and protect her heart, she had to give up something. “It’s none of those things. The problem lies with me. I don’t know if I’m strong enough to resist your magic.”

  Tanner threw back his head and laughed. “Are you serious? Woman, you’ve done a number on me. Ever since I’ve met you, I can’t think straight, I can’t see straight, and I’ll be damned if I can shoot a ball straight anymore. So if you’re looking for sympathy, you’ve come knocking at the wrong door.”

  Anger flickered in her eyes. “I’m glad you think this is funny. I’ve had my heart broken by a man who claimed to love me. Trust me it
was no walk in the park.”

  “As I recall, it was you who had provided me with the ugly truth about Sheila.”

  Grace cringed. How could she be so selfish and insensitive? Of course she hadn’t forgotten the rotten circumstance that had caused their paths to cross in the first place. And, yes, she still remembered the pained looked caught in his eyes the moment she delivered the final nail in the coffin of his dead relationship with the woman who’d played him for a fool. But it still didn’t change the fact that her heart was ravaged. Her old wounds remained sensitive. Extra burden could cause irrevocable damage. How could she take a chance on being permanently marred?

  Tanner took her hand and cradled it between his own. “I’m not asking for forever right now. All I want is one night—this night. When I said I feel your pain, I meant it. But I have decided not to let Sheila win. She’s stolen so much from me, it’s time I reclaim what’s rightly mine like the ability to love and trust another woman. Instead of coddling your broken heart, you should follow my lead.”

  Grace sighed. “Easier said than done.”

  “Tell me about it.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. “Rushing you into a serious situation would be foolish on my part. I care about you too much to risk driving you away from me. My life hasn’t been the same since we’ve met. Every minute of every day, I desire you. Woman, you’ve got me slaving in the kitchen, hoping to impress you with my culinary skills.”

  At that moment, her stomach growled. She realized she hadn’t eaten since breakfast. She looked at Tanner. “Speaking of which, what’s on the menu. I’m starved.”

  He breathed a sigh of relief. He’d get his one night after all. You’d better make the best of it, he thought. “I cooked up a little something I found on the Internet. Let’s see, there’s asparagus salad with balsamic vinegar, saffron rice, shrimp, avocado, and wine.”