Page 88 of State of Grace

“It’s ok.” She sadly shrugged. “Thank you for letting me talk about it. I don’t usually talk about them. Only Sophia knows the whole story with my family. I’d be happy to tell you more sometime, but right now, I want to enjoy our night together.”

“Me too.” Leaning toward her once more, Blake placed a soft kiss on her lips. Blake pulled back and took hold of Alexis’s hand under the table. She gave it a gentle squeeze as she took a deep breath. “But first, I need to tell you something.”

“Oh, I hate when people say that, too.” Alexis cringed as she turned slightly in her chair to face Blake. Panic flashed in her eyes, and Blake wished she could take the words back and simply let them enjoy their evening together. “What’s up, babe?”

“Well,” she took in a deep breath, “Salem stopped by earlier this week.”

“Oh.” Alexis’s voice was higher pitched than Blake ever remembered hearing. She reached out and took her wine glass, and as she brought it to her lips, Blake noticed the way her hand was shaking slightly. “Ok.”

“She brought me a script for the show.”

“That’s exciting.” Although her voice was full of forced, upbeat excitement, Blake could see the sadness that clouded her green eyes. Alexis squeezed Blake’s hand tighter as she nodded her head a couple of times. “So, the show got picked back up.”

“It did.”

“That’s…great.” Alexis swallowed hard and took another sip from her nearly empty wine glass. “That’s so great, Blake. I’m so happy for you and everyone and…”

“Lex.” She scooted her chair closer to Alexis. “This doesn’t change anything for us, you hear me? Yes, I have to go to Vancouver and film, but I promise it won’t be for long. I can’t give you specifics yet because they’re still hashing out the details, but as soon as I know them, you’re the first one I’m telling.”

“When,” Alexis cleared her throat, “when do you have to leave?”

“Friday.” Grimacing, Blake averted her eyes from Alexis for a brief moment.

“Day after tomorrow Friday?” She let out a long, slow breath of air. Alexis pulled at her ear, something Blake had seen Harper do when she was thinking. When her green eyes looked back up at Blake’s, tears were brimming her eyes. “What does this mean for us?”

“Nothing is going to change, I promise. Well, I mean, my location is going to change temporarily. The studio is planning on having the movie – they’re making a TV movie, I don’t think I mentioned that – anyway, they want it to air before Christmas so I wouldn’t be gone long and can be back by the holidays.”

“Then what?”

“Hmm?”

“What happens after the movie?” She could see the wheels turning behind Alexis’s eyes. “Do you have to go back and film another season? Or is it over after that?”

“I don’t have those answers right now. Believe me when I say I wish I did. But,” Blake’s lips curled up into a smile, “I know that we have tonight, and for now, that’s enough for me. We can work out the details later. Let’s just enjoy our time together now, ok?”

“Ok.” Alexis leaned toward her and kissed her lips. Her hands framed Blake’s face as her kiss made Blake forget the clock had begun to tick on their time together before they would need to be apart for a few months.

The rest of their dinner went by with lighter conversation, and by the time they left, the worry lines around Alexis’s eyes had slowly disappeared. They loaded back into the limo, eager to get to the inn. For the entire drive, they stayed cuddled in each other’s embrace.

The Firefly Inn was magnificent and the perfect small-town inn. It was so warm and inviting, and Blake paused in the lobby to take in the grand view. Large wooden columns extended from the floor to the four-story-high ceiling, and bulky furniture sat around the lobby in small groups for intimate conversation. In the center was a beautiful water feature with a bubbling fountain at the top and a gently flowing waterfall underneath. Vibrant plants of all shapes and sizes adorned the lobby, and Blake thought she could spend the rest of her life in the lobby, simply taking it all in.

But she had other things she wanted to do first.

Checking in at the front desk, they received their antique brass room key and headed up to the top floor. Blake had spared no expense on the night and had booked the Presidential Suite. The room opened into a small but functional kitchen that led into a sitting area before giving way to a gorgeous king-sized bed covered with rose petals. On the small table by the large glass doors that led out to the balcony were the flowers Blake had purchased from Maddie.

Alexis was like a kid in a candy shop as she walked around the suite with her mouth slightly agape. Her hands touched every piece of furniture and every different fabric, and it made Blake smile. She looked so happy, so comfortable, and Blake was glad they’d decided to spend the night here.

“Babe, this room is gorgeous.”

“There’s a balcony too.” Nodding, Blake crossed the room and opened the French door. She took Alexis’s hand and pulled her outside to take in the stunning view. Moonflower Lake was perfectly reflecting the crescent moon and stars in the clear night sky. Frogs, cicadas, and owls could be heard in the serene setting.

“I never want to leave.” She wrapped her arms around Blake as she rested her head on her chest. Holding her close, Blake enjoyed the way their bodies fit together. Which only made her think of all the other ways she wanted their bodies to fit together.

Chapter 30

Alexis knew what she wanted; she knew what she needed.

She needed Blake to touch her. She needed their bodies to be as close as they could possibly be. Alexis needed it like she needed her next breath. Taking hold of Blake’s hand, she led her back into the room and over to the bed. They fell onto the bed beside each other in bliss as their legs wrapped around each other’s.

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