‘Excellent. And nothing less than you deserve sweet cheeks.’
‘I’d better get out of this robe.’ Gracie went to walk back into the bedroom.
‘Up to you, but if you’re comfy stay like that, Grace. You don’t need to impress me, you did that the moment I set eyes on you in St Lucia.’
‘You say all the right things.’ Gracie laughed as he handed her a glass of champagne and the melodic tones of Aretha Franklin filled the room. ‘But OK, if you’re sure.’
‘Is tapas all right for dinner? I didn’t think you’d want a big meal after a massage.’
His thoughtfulness was too much.
‘Are you sure you’re not gay, Leo Grant?’
‘Ha ha. I’ve been called many things before but never that.’
They laughed and talked as they ate exquisite tapas while listening to the muted sounds of the city. The light of the moon, the soft music in the background, the warm evening and the twinkling lights of the city below made for a special ambience. Gracie felt heady with relaxation, rather than alcohol and for this she was pleased.
Leo pressed the button on the Jacuzzi.
‘Totally up to you, of course, but I think it will be lovely to finish the night in here.’
‘Yes, perfect.’
Gracie self-consciously slipped off her robe and quickly immersed her naked self under the moving foam. She couldn’t ignore the actor’s toned body as he stripped off and sat opposite her, entwining his feet with hers.
‘You’ve got great skin, Grace. A real English rose. In fact, you have a gorgeous womanly body that you should be very proud of. Those curves of yours are so darn sexy.’
Her mind and senses rushed. He had just had to touch her feet and she felt like she was on fire. She thought of Ed, where physicality was what made up their relationship. Yes, good sex was important but to feel loved and appreciated was worth that tenfold. Whatever this was – wherever it went – she would never forget this moment with this man. She felt on top of the world.
‘Leo.’ She looked across the Jacuzzi at him intently.
‘Yes, honey.’
‘Thanks for helping to boost my self-confidence. I so appreciate the two wonderful nights you have given me.’
‘What you’ve given me is so much more, Grace. You don’t expect anything from me. You’re always so sweet, gentle and appreciative. Your company is so easy, so honest. I love being with you.’
Gracie felt like she wanted everything to stand still. To stay safe and warm in this magnificent setting, never have to step outside and face the real world. A tear slipped down her cheek. She hoped he wouldn’t notice, would think it was just steam from the Jacuzzi.
Leo moved forward in the bubbles so he was looking up at her and took hold of both of her arms.
‘Let the tears go, Grace. Like I said before, let all those trapped words in your heart just flow out.’
Gracie began to sob. She sobbed for her lost babies, her lost relationship with Lewis, for the Annalize situation, even for her lost relationship with her mother. All the while Leo held her until she felt she had no more tears left to shed.
‘I’m so sorry,’ she blubbered. ‘After all you’ve done for me tonight and look at me, what a mess.’
Leo reached for a towel and gently wiped her face. He cupped her sad face in his hands and kissed her, so passionately and lovingly that she thought if she died that minute she wouldn’t care.
‘I’ve been wanting to do that since the second I saw you at my villa.’
‘Um. I think you did kiss me.’
‘No, I mean really kiss you. That was my vain ego then, trying my luck.’
‘And now?’
‘It was my vain ego, trying my luck again.’
