They ordered, and Grace ate the best barbecue of her life. She dug into the slathered ribs as if her momma hadn’t taught her any manners. The messy sauce held just the right amount of spice and twang, and the meat had been smoked toperfection. If she could bottle up the restaurant and take it home with her, she’d be a queen in Florida. She’d used five wet wipes on her hands and mouth before they left to stroll down Main Street.
A hat store sat on one of the corners, and she headed straight for it, yanking open the door. She grabbed the first black cowboy hat she came across and stuck it on her head before turning a smile at Sam. “Do you like this one?”
“Very cute,” he said, leaning in to kiss her, only pausing to tilt the hat back on her head. He pressed his lips to hers. “Every cowgirl should have one.”
“These aren’t very convenient for kissing,” she mumbled. “I’ll need to practice so I don’t knock you out with the brim.”
“I’ll be your guinea pig,” he said pulling her body flush with his. The heat from his touch awakened her in all the right places as he lowered his lips to hers, only stopping when the bell above the door dinged again, announcing the arrival of more customers.
“You’re hired.” She teased and moved from his hold, trying on other hats until she found just the right one.
Sam picked up a hat and shoved it on his head. “I’ll have you know, I take my job very seriously.”
Grace smiled. “I would hope so.” She smacked his ass as she headed for a rack of chaps. “I think I might need some of these too.”
“I could see you in a pair of those.” Sam wiggled his brows.
She shifted the clothes around looking for a pair in her size. “So what other best man duties are you required to attend?”
“The bachelor party, the rehearsal dinner, pictures, and the wedding.”
Grace pulled out a pair of black chaps that matched the hat and glanced over her shoulder with a conspiratorial smile. “I think I’ll need a lasso and whip to round out the look.”
“I should be so lucky.”
Lucky, he’d be getting, if she had her way. A few heated kisses wouldn’t be enough to please her appetite, not after the way he’d wet it. They were in the gray zone, between friends and lovers. Hell, she’d settle for a one night stand. The pull had shifted after the first kiss. No way would she be leaving the great state of Texas without taking this cowboy for a test ride. Grace laid her purchases on the counter and bumped Sam’s hip as he stood next to her. “I think a little luck could be arranged, before our trip is over.”
Chapter Nine
Sam didn’t waitfor the hotel door to close before he slipped the bags free from Grace’s hands and let them drop to the floor. He pulled her into his arms and backed her against the wall. He took her lips in a heated kiss as his hands trailed a path from her hips to her ass. He squeezed, lifting her in his hold until he had her right where he wanted her. He ground the aching bulge behind his zipper that had been hardening since before he left the room. He hadn’t planned on seducing her tonight, or at all for that matter. Grace wasn’t a once and done type of girl, and damned if she didn’t make him want more.
Grace squirmed in his hold as if trying to get closer. Their clothes were the only barrier stopping him from taking her, hot and heavy where they stood.
A knock on the door had them both stilling. He held her heated gaze as he spoke. “Yeah.”
“I’m sorry to bother you two, but can I speak to Grace,” Eleonore called out from the hallway.
Sam rested his forehead against Grace’s. She mouthed the words. “I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, just a second,” he answered letting Grace’s soft body slide down his. He waited for Grace to straighten her clothes before he pulled the door open.
“I’m so sorry,” Eleonore exclaimed. Her cheeks were pink, her hair mussed. She looked flustered. “But I need your help. It seems the ghost didn’t leave the hotel, just changed rooms and well….you’ll just have to see for yourself.”
“Of course.” Grace smiled. “Let me just grab my things.”
“This should only take a minute.” Grace grabbed her purse and kissed Sam’s lips before walking out into the hall.
“It might be a little longer than that,” Eleonore exclaimed with a sigh.
Sam watched as the two hurried to the elevator and stepped inside. Grace turned and met his gaze. A look of regret filled hereyes. He knew that look. He felt the same way.
Grace was leddown the corridor of the top floor and almost tripped on the carpet when she saw whose room they were going to. Richard and Sarah stood outside the door with their backs pressed against the hallway wall. Each of their faces were drained of color.
“Her,” Sarah exclaimed. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Grace grinned while pausing outside their door. She gestured over her shoulder with her thumb. “I can leave and let you deal with it, just say the word. As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure Sam is in bed waiting for me.”
“Please, fix this,” Richard pleaded taking Sarah’s hand. He ignored the angered look plastered on Sarah’s face. “We can’t stay in there unless you do. All the other rooms are taken.”
