Page 54 of The Corner of Heartbreak and Forever
Chapter Seventeen
REED FOUND WHAT he was looking for in the attic Sunday morning and took a moment to gaze out the window at Grace’s car in the driveway. Their lives had fallen seamlessly into sync. They’d played Frisbee at the park last night, and then they’d walked into town, where they’d run into Sable and Amber, who were on their way into the pizzeria, and they’d joined them for dinner. Grace had laughed so much with her sisters, she seemed like a different person from the woman he’d seen standing with them at the party that first night. After coming home, they’d thrown a blanket down in the backyard and stargazed, kissing and talking until they were both too tired to think, and then they’d finally gone upstairs to bed. His house had felt like something was missing for all these months, and now he knew exactly what it was.Grace.They’d loved this house all those years ago, and just like he’d never forgotten her, he’d only buried those memories. They were as much a part of him as the blood that ran through his veins.
He went to the window on the opposite side of the room and looked out at the creek, thinking about the walk they’d taken earlier that morning, reminiscing about the past and dreaming about the future. They’d come home and showered together, and then they’d gone out to the veranda, where he’d worked on his plans for the theater and Grace had taken notes on scripts. He went there now and stood in the doorway, watching her. She looked relaxed in her cutoffs and T-shirt, writing in a notebook. It was the perfect start to a beautiful, sunny day, and Reed wanted more. More sexy nights and loving mornings, more of Grace relaxing and coming into her own. More days to hold her hand and more nights to fall even more madly, passionately in love.
Hiding his surprise behind his back, he joined her on the couch and tucked her beneath his arm. She tipped her face up with a sweet smile and set her notebook in her lap.
“Ilovewriting here.” She dug her hand into a bag of M&M’s and popped a few into her mouth.
“Did you find a good script?”
“No. I stopped looking a while ago. When we were at the park playing Frisbee last night, I had an idea for a story. I thought I’d take some notes so I didn’t forget it, and look how much I’ve written.” She turned her notebook toward him and began flipping pages.
“That’s one benefit of playing Frisbee over going jogging.”
“I had more fun last night than I’ve had in a long time. It’s inspirational. This story has already taken on a life of its own, which proves that I really do need to get outside more often. Clearly, sunshine andReedequals inspiration.” She sat up and snuggled closer.
“We spent so much time outdoors when we were younger, I can’t imagine you living your life any other way. I think that’s why the gym comment seemed strange to me. And I’ve got just the thing to help you get inspired to go outside when you’re in the city. Give me your shirt.”
She laughed. “You think sex will help me remember to go outside more?”
He shook his head as he lifted the hem of her shirt. “Close your eyes, and keep them closed.”
He took off her shirt, slipped his high school football jersey over her head, and guided her hands into the sleeves. “Okay, babe. Open your eyes.”
She glanced down and squealed. “Your jersey!” She threw her arms around him. “I’m wearing this today, and I don’t care what we do or where we go. In fact, this might just have to be my Sunday outfit from now on. Can I keep it?”
“Of course, babe. It’s yours.”
“I can’t believe it’smineafter all these years.”
“Just like me.” His lips descended slowly upon hers, and he felt her smiling into the kiss.
“I have a great idea!”
“You’re going to put on your cheerleading outfit and let me go for a touchdown?”
She laughed and straddled his lap. “That wasn’t my idea, but…I bet my mom has that outfit in a box somewhere.”
“Have I told you lately how great your mother is?” He kissed her smiling lips.
“If we’re going to do the long-distance relationship thing, then let’s agree not to work on Sundays like my parents do. They’ve never worked on Sundays. I mean, they take care of the animals, but they don’t do any real work. It’s always been a family day for us.”
“I love that idea, but I thought you had to work some weekends with your productions.”
“I do, but that’s usually just at the beginning. Once the production is underway, I’m on to the next for selection and prep, but Sundays aren’t mandatory. That’s just been how my life has evolved, I guess.” She ran her finger along his jaw and said, “I’ve never had a reason not to work on Sundays, but now I do, and I don’t want to miss out on days like this.”
“That sounds perfect to me. There’s not a property in the world that I’d rather work on than spend time with you.”
“Speaking of properties, do you think we can see the inside of the theater before I go back? I can’t stop thinking about it.”
“Sure. I want to show it to you. I’ll make arrangements with Meggie Tipster, my real estate agent.”
“You’re working with Megaphone Meggie?” Her smile got even brighter. “I cheered with her. She could cheer louder than anyone on the team. I haven’t seen her in so long. Is she still as tiny as a waif?”
He shook his head. “I wouldn’t call her tiny. I mean, she’s got a nice figure, but she’s not waiflike, and she’s still as loud as a megaphone. She’s been great, really on top of things.”
The sound of car doors caught their attention.
