Page 29 of A Taste of Grace

“I am honored to be a candidate.”

Warmth spread through my chest as Grace gave me a toothy grin. In our exchange, I felt wanted at the most basic level.

“We’re going to get along just fine.”

When I smiled, Grace smiled right back. I put my hands in the pocket of my shorts so I wouldn’t grab her waist and suck her face off.

After she settled in for the night in my guest room, I went to my bedroom, got on my knees, and prayed.

“Thank you, Father, for unexpected blessings and answered prayer. You broke the mold when you created Gracelyn Toliver.”

The last thing I remembered before falling asleep was Grace’s sweet smile. That night, I got the best sleep of my life.

Truthteller

I woke up slightly disoriented.The barely there sun shone dimly through the blinds of the guest bedroom at Caleb’s house. The room was neat and smelled fresh, as if someone recently vacuumed it with a peach fragrance. I stretched and smiled as I recalled how unexpected my babysitting session was last night.

Although he gave off an undercover bad boy vibe, Caleb was nothing but a gentleman after we ended our conversation early this morning. He walked me to my bedroom door and gave me a clean set of towels along with an oversized white t-shirt.

“You can change into this unless you prefer to sleep naked.” He licked his lips and gave me his crooked little smile.

“Please don’t start.” My heart raced for the umpteenth time as Caleb’s flirty words washed over me.

Did he sleep in the nude?

“I’m kidding.” He reached for my hand and held my fingers loosely in his, rocking his body back and forth.

I opened my arms to receive Caleb’s magnificent body. He walked toward me and gently scooped his arms under mine.

When Caleb nuzzled my neck with his nose, I closed my eyes and tightened my grip on his body. I held this amazing man as close as I could, rubbing the firm muscles in his lower back. I missed warm hugs.

“You smell so good.” Caleb spoke the words into my neck.

Our bodies fit together perfectly, connecting like long lost puzzle pieces. I pressed my breasts deeper into his chest, inhaling his signature scent and getting lost in a fantasy of resting in his arms forever. Never had I craved such a connection, but this felt right, like hopes and possibilities rolled into one.

When we finally released our grasp, I brushed my hair behind my ear. Caleb reached for my hand again and kissed it.

“Good night, Grace.”

“Good night, Caleb. Sweet dreams.”

I stopped daydreaming and checked my watch. It was 6:15 a.m.

Me:

Good morning. I want to be out before the girls wake up. If you don’t get a chance to respond before I leave, I’ll lock the door behind me. *smiley face hug emoji*

Caleb:

I wake up at 5 to pray and exercise. Come out when you’re ready. I’ll fix your breakfast to go.

My heart pounded. I hummed my favorite song while I completed my hygiene routine and walked down the hallway into the kitchen with my bag on my shoulder.

“Good morning, Sunshine.” Caleb gave me his biggest smile to date as he fiddled with pots and pans in the kitchen.

“Good morning, King.”

When I said that, he stopped what he was doing and stared at me from head to toe.

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