"We'll grab some plates," Bruce continued, snapping her out of her thoughts."You didn't bring drinks, did you?"
"Of course!"Shelley grinned, setting her backpack on the table and pulling out two cans of soda."Are you a Pepsi or Coke guy?"
"Pepsi all the way."
"Good choice!"she said, handing him a can.She motioned casually to the room."What is this place?"
"This?"Bruce gestured around proudly."This is the trainer's office, lab, and general hangout spot.Over here's the wall of fame.You might recognize some faces from your acting career."
Shelley turned to the wall lined with photos.There were hundreds, many of them staff posing with celebrities.Her breath hitched when she spotted one in particular.
"Is that who I think it is?"she leaned in closer, her mouth falling open.She felt genuine shock seeing one of the Bond actors up on the wall smiling away, arms around the same staff members she'd been eavesdropping on.
Bruce chuckled."Yep, that's him.Ever work with him?"
"Oh, now, I can't give away all my secrets," she teased, offering a sly wink.Then, with a quick glance around, she asked, "So, where are the plates?"
"In the kitchen next door," Bruce said, already moving toward the door."Napkins are in the cabinet by the TV.I'll be right back."
As soon as he was out of sight, Shelley sprang into action.Her fingers worked quickly, replacing the six recorded tapes with identical blank ones she'd brought, and it took only seconds to complete the swap.She was thanking her lucky stars that Gray had only labelled the outer boxes and not the actual tapes.
By the time Bruce returned with the plates, Shelley was back at the table, holding the napkins and smiling as though nothing had happened.
"Let's eat!"she said cheerfully.
Bruce carried the food out to the deck, and they sat down to enjoy the meal.For the first time in weeks, Shelley felt like everything was falling into place.In a few hours, she would put the full plan in motion.The prize she'd been chasing would finally be within reach.She couldn't wait to surprise Gray.
Chapter 45
Top down
"Ican'tbelieveCamgaveus another day off together!But, I'm so glad he did!"Gray was beaming at Riley.They'd woken up together, wrapped in each other's arms, when Cam was suddenly knocking at her door.After some desperate scrambling and yelling, "Be right there!"Riley had answered the door as nonchalantly as possible.
"Morning Riley!So, I'm here to gift you an extra day off.Marta got a chance for a 2-day getaway next month, so she's working for you today, and you'll cover her next month.Sound good?"
Riley could barely contain her glee for another day off with Gray, but not wanting Cam to know Gray was currently hiding in her bed under Bear, she smiled sweetly and accepted the extra day off graciously.
"Thanks for coming to let me know; I'll make the most of it!"and as she went to close the door Cam called inside-
"You've got the day off too Gray, I know you're hiding under Bear.I can see your leg sticking out!"At this he laughed and shook his head as he went back to his vehicle.Riley was beet red from head to toe, and Gray just groaned at being found out.
"Well, that went well.We definitely fooled him!"Riley giggled as she flopped back into bed, snuggling Bear, who was more than happy to be sandwiched between her and Gray after being banished to his dog bed all night.He'd been indignant when Riley had told him to stay there and closed her bedroom door.
"I'm just going to pretend he doesn't know; it will make it easier to look him in the eye tomorrow!Now, what shall we do on this unexpected day off?"Gray reached over Bear to walk his fingers up her arm.Riley saw a glint in his eye, and she realized he preferred to stay in bed, a sentiment she shared, at least for the day.
"You know, I love these outings," Gray stretched in the passenger seat, "but why are we always parked on some deserted road?"
Riley grinned as she unbuckled her seatbelt."Because I enjoy dragging you to secret spots.It keeps you on your toes."
"I don't need to be dragged to any of your secret spots."
Gray reached for his water bottle as Riley leaned forward to grab hers.Their hands collided, and in the next second, Gray's fingers brushed against her chest.
"Shit!Sorry, I didn't mean to grab your--" He froze, his face burning.
Riley arched an eyebrow, barely containing her laughter."My what, exactly?"
"Uh...breast?"
