Page 12 of Grace on the Rocks

“Not tonight.”

“When?”

“Later.”

“Well just… be sure to look in on her.Onlylet me warn her first so she doesn’t drop dead from the shock.”

“Aye,” he said, sounding utterly exhausted.

“You’re welcome round for tea too, of course, thoughIimagine you’ll be wanting to do your own thing,”Caitadded toGraceandWesley. “Youcan walk to pretty well whatever you like.TheThreePuffinsis good if you want pie and karaoke.TheMustardSeedif you want something a bit more upscale.”

“Pie sounds divine,”Graceadmitted, despite her insubstantial lunch.

Wes agreed, and then they all stood around awkwardly untilCaitrionarealized they were waiting for her to leave. “Isthere anything you need beforeIgo?”

Grace shook her head.

“My number’s on the fridge if you do.”

“Thank you,”GraceandWesleychorused.

“It was nice meeting you both,”Caitrionatold them, reluctant to leave as though she thought her brother would toss them out and lock the door the moment her back was turned.

“Good night,Cait,” he said.

With a sigh she plodded out the front, and they all three continued to stand awkwardly in the hallway staring at each other.

“We’ll try to find somewhere elseASAP,”Graceassured him.

He shrugged. “Stayas long as you like,Rivera,” he said, and it shot a little thrill through her, whether he meant it or not.

“Are you sure we won’t be in the way?”

“You’ll definitely be in the way, but it’s not your fault.Iwon’t throw you out on your arse.”

The awkward silence grew asGracetried to think what else to say.Sheshould apologize for the airport. “It’sRios, actually,” she said instead. “Caitrionagot the sign wrong.RiosRivera.OrjustRios.”

His cheeks burned beneath his beard.Gracehad never really liked beards before, but the scruff suited him and his prickly demeanor.

“Want to go for a walk?”Wesasked brightly, to cut the tension,Gracesuspected.

“AllIwant is a bath.Er, shower,” she amended, glancing towards the bathroom.Therewas no tub.Whatkind ofB&Bdidn’t have a tub?She’dreally been hoping for a long, hot soak to sort out her book problems.Honestly, it was a matter of public welfare.Sometimesa bubble bath was the only thing that kept her from getting stabby.

Wesley’s shoulders sagged.

“Maybe we could walk to dinner?”Gracesuggested. “Twentyminutes?Thenwe’ll explore?”

“Deal, butI’mtiming you,” her friend said, glancing at a non-existent wristwatch.

SoWesleyunpacked her one small suitcase like someone who was staying put for four whole weeks, whileGracescrounged up a clean pair of jeans and a hoodie.Whenshe turned back around,Weswas checking the batteries on her favorite toy.

“You brought your vibrator on vacation?”Gracewhisper-shouted.

“Hell yeah,Idid.Vacationis for food and orgasms.IfIwas going to go without,Imight as well have stayed home withPierce.”Wesheld out the vibrator. “Youcan borrow him if you like.Icall himPablo, but he’ll be anyone you want him to be.”

Grace coughed on her own spit she inhaled so fast. “Thanks.I’mgood,” she exclaimed, rushing from the room and closing the door behind her, lest their landlord get embarrassed overWesley’stoy.Notthat there was anything to be embarrassed about, she wasn’t a prude.Buthe might be.

In the tiny bathroom, she spent a full five minutes staring dully at the faucet handle, trying to figure out how it worked.

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