Page 11 of Timeless Valentine

"We can even set a timer," I say as we get up to leave. "Zip there, twenty minutes of fresh air by the water, then straight to your place."

"Thank you so much for understanding," she says.

I'm finally able to open the car door for her properly, taking her hand to help her inside.

We drive to the beach, which isn't very busy since it's getting chilly. As we stroll by a restaurant at the edge of the sand called Endless Waves, I say, "We'll come back here sometime for raspberry daiquiris."

"Sure." Her slender hand feels so good in mine. I buy her a small cloud of pink cotton candy, and we wander along the beach feeding each other tiny bites while chatting about our favorite childhood meals and treats.

Grace isn't very forthcoming about her family. She mentions that her mother used to take Grace and her brother Ian to the beach when they were kids, but doesn't bring up any more recent memories.

Finally my curiosity overpowers my manners. "When's the last time you saw your mother?" I ask.

Grace's eyes close for a second as she takes a deep breath. "I try to see her a few times a year. But it's expensive to get there, and I have to take a day off work…"

I remain silent, hoping that she'll continue.

"Plus," Grace whispers, "she doesn't really know if I'm there or not."

"I'm so sorry, baby. " I hold her snugly against my chest. "Alzheimer's?"

"Yes. She was a bit older when she had us, but it still hit her really early."

"Well, I have a car. I'm happy to drive you there anytime you like, if you want."

"I can't?—"

I place a finger over her lips. "Think about it. That's all I ask."

She nods. "Okay. Thank you."

We both turn toward the moon as it rises over the water, simply breathing together. Holding each other. The feeling of her hands against me feels so right.

I already know that we're meant to be together. It's a feeling in my bones, a certainty as sure as gravity. I'm already obsessed with Grace. Yet my sweet girl is going to need some time to absorb a few lifestyle tweaks, and let me help her.

Tipping her chin up to mine, I murmur, "You know, I've never kissed a gorgeous girl in the moonlight. Will you be my first, Grace?"

Her eyes glow dreamily as she nods, as I lean down to capture her soft mouth against mine.

An indescribable hum buzzes through me as our bodies press together. The longing I feel for her is all-consuming. Grace has no idea how sexy she is.

Her mouth opens wider, her fingers digging into the back of my neck as she clutches me.

Even though we're fully clothed in a public place, it's the most intimate moment of my life. We simply fuse together, her hips shifting against mine, my arms holding her tighter to me.

A soft, fluttering moan escapes her throat, making me instantly hard as rock. The things I need to do with this beautiful girl. I need to taste her. Make her forget all of her stress and her endless work, just relax totally into the moment andfeel.

More importantly, I need her to know how much I want her.

My hand slips up her waist to her ribs, then I pause for her to shift away an inch, allowing my hand to cup her soft breast. Feeling her body melt against mine gives me a rush of raw pleasure. My fingers explore softly, but it's too chilly to reach inside her shirt and bra. Instead, I caress the back of her neck, tilting her back as our kiss deepens hungrily.

Her tongue dances with mine, until the shrieks of a group of teenagers running by make us jump.

"I guess I should drive you home."

"I guess so. Thanks."

Grace flips through dozens of satellite radio stations before settling on one dedicated to fifties rockabilly. "This is what Claudia should have been playing in the diner," she laughs.

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