10 comments/ 29628 views/ 2 favorites Grace Under Pressure Ch. 02 By: rachlou "I...I...err..." Grace was quite literally left speechless by Alex's unexpected proposal. Although he had hinted at his intentions a couple of times recently, she honestly thought she had put him off by saying she had no desire to marry again anytime soon. It wasn't that she was totally against the idea, period, she just wasn't ready to make that sort of commitment to anyone. She looked down at the sparkling diamond ring he held in his fingers and she felt dizzy. Unwillingly she was catapulted back in time to when Peter had proposed to her, all those years ago. They had been walking along a windswept beach, wrapped up warmly against the chilly January air. Taking her by surprise, Peter had spun her round and dropped to one knee in the wet sand. It had been the happiest moment of her life -- a culmination of everything she felt for him at the time. This moment was incomparable. Now she just felt sick. Alex began to look worried. "Sweetheart, I know this might seem sudden, but I've been thinking about it for ages. I really think we're right for each other -- and getting married would be good for both of us." He cast a quick glance around the spacious kitchen and for a moment Grace wondered rather uncharitably if it was her assets he was keen on marrying, as opposed to her. "I don't know what to say..." And she still didn't. All she did know was that not that long ago, she was thinking of how best to end their relationship. Marriage hadn't been part of that thought process. "Perhaps you need some time to consider everything," Alex said graciously. He took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it softly. "In the meantime, take this ring and see if you like it. We can always change it if you think it's not your type." Grace examined the ring slowly, a strange sense of detachment engulfing her like a dense fog. The ring was actually rather beautiful. Not too ostentatious, but still a fairly sizable chunk of stone seated on a simple white gold band. Under different circumstances, she wondered if she might have been happier. Somehow she doubted it. Alex took her continuing silence as one of capitulation. "I can see you're tired," he said. "I'm going to leave you in peace now, but I'll pop round tomorrow and we can discuss things?" He raised one eyebrow and looked at her hopefully. "Okay," she said. Right now all she wanted to do was sleep. Maybe in the morning, everything would be clearer. After he had left, she took herself up to bed and lying beneath the sheet, she listened to the rain hammering upon the window panes. The heavy oppressive heat of the last few weeks had dissipated. All that was left was a dampness that had begun to feel chilly. She shivered and pulled the sheet tightly around her body. Eventually sleep came, but it was a fitful, thin sleep, poisoned by strange dreams of Alex and Tom. * * * Monday was a very long day. Grace struggled with her tasks and even the usually dense Moira noticed after a while. The library where Grace worked was modern and full of light. Grace loved the endless collections of books, each section delineated by a neat sticker on the wooden shelf beneath. It gave her a huge sense of satisfaction to find homes for lost novels and reference books. It also gave her huge pleasure to take charge of the children's reading hour every Monday afternoon. Harassed mothers brought their toddlers and babies in to enjoy a few moments of peace while Grace read various stories and entertained the little ones. Despite the fact she and Peter had never had children, she adored them and it filled a gap in her life to spend time introducing small minds to the joys of books. She had always loved immersing herself in books. Even as a child she had spent hours lost in the imaginary world of her heroines. It was very therapeutic to forget about her problems in the pages of a good book. This was especially true after Peter had died. It helped her to forget about things and allowed her mind to heal slowly. Today, however, not even the eager faces of the children eager listening to one of their new additions to the library could completely distract Grace from the problem of Alex's proposal. Several times she found her mind wandering from the task at hand and when the hour was over, she actually felt quite relieved. "Something bothering you?" asked Moira with a perfectly plucked eyebrow delicately raised in query. "Kind of," said Grace cagily. Moira was not known for her ability to keep confidential information to herself. "Would a cup of tea help?" "Absolutely," Grace grinned. Anything to stop Moira giving her the Spanish Inquisition was useful. Once the woman had the scent of a problem, she was like a terrier at a rabbit hole -- totally single-minded in her pursuit of the prey. "Okay, I'll go and make the tea and then you can tell me ALL about it." Grace groaned inwardly. Oh great -- just what she needed. Now she was going to have to think of something, anything, to feed Moira as bait. The last thing she wanted was to inadvertently give Moira any reason to badger her for further salacious gossip. If Moira got wind of Grace's predicament with Tom and the proposal from Alex, the poor woman would probably have an aneurism with excitement. Moira sailed off like a woman on a mission and Grace buried her nose in the pile of misplaced books behind the counter. Just as Moira returned with a tray of mugs and an eager smile, a foreign gentleman walked in looking lost and Grace immediately jumped up to assist. By the time she had made sense of his request for information on local hotels, Moira had disappeared. Grace heaved a huge sigh of relief and thanked her lucky stars for a reprieve. Unfortunately this didn't last all day. It was late by the time she arrived home. The supermarket had been heaving with shoppers stocking up for the forthcoming bank holiday weekend and it had taken a while to navigate the busy aisles. Her boot was full of shopping and her head was pounding with the beginnings of a migraine. The sight of Jennifer practically running down the street towards her did nothing to quell the sense of impending doom that sent cold sweat trickling down her back. "Hi Jennifer," she said as she slammed her car door shut. "A little bird told me congratulations are in order!" beamed her neighbour. "Eh?" Grace felt confused for a brief moment. What was she on about? Then the penny dropped with a clang. "I saw Alex today." Jennifer winked conspiratorially. "He let me in on his little secret." Jennifer paused for a moment to take a breath and look smug. "Not that I was too surprised of course. I just knew you two would be so happy together. Matchmaking is a special skill of mine." Grace simply stared in disbelief. My God, how many other people knew Alex had proposed? She was beginning to think the whole episode was a fait accompli. "Thanks," she said eventually when it was clear Jennifer was waiting for some kind of validation of the news. "I'd love to stay and chat," she continued before glancing meaningfully at the bags of shopping in her open car, "but I've frozen food to put away." "Of course," Jennifer smiled cheerfully. "I'll pop over again soon and you can tell me all about the romantic moment!" Grace gritted her teeth and forced a smile. "I can't wait..." As she watched Jennifer trot away again, she couldn't help wondering what the penalty was for killing one's neighbour with a blunt implement. The way she was currently feeling, twenty years banged up at Her Majesty's Pleasure was looking increasingly attractive in the grand scheme of things. * * * When the phone rang just after seven, Grace nearly didn't answer it. She knew damned well who it would be and she wasn't sure if she could face the inevitable. "Hi," she said flatly when she eventually picked up the receiver. "Hello darling!" Alex sounded happy and Grace felt an increasing sense of being trapped in a scene from which there was no exit. "Have you had a good day?" "It was okay," she mumbled, remembering the curious stares she'd endured from Moira all afternoon. "I bumped into Jennifer when I got home..." Her voice trailed off meaningfully and she could almost hear Alex frantically thinking of something to excuse his unforgivable lack of discretion. "Oh? How is she?" Evidently he had decided to brazen it out. "Full of herself," Grace said. "Apparently a little bird told her some interesting news today." Alex coughed. "Sorry about that," he apologised eventually. "It's just that I was so happy -- I had to tell someone!" Grace felt like banging her head against the wall. She hadn't even given him an answer yet! "I know you haven't said yes yet," he continued, almost as if he had heard her thoughts. "But I thought I'd come on over and we could discuss it over a nice bottle of Chardonnay." She heard the 'yet' in his sentence and her heart fell even further. It was clear that he hadn't considered the possibility she might say 'no' at all. How on earth was she going to let him down without hurting him? It was an impossible situation and she only had herself to blame. If only she'd been honest with him weeks ago and said it wasn't working, then none of this would have happened. "Okay, come over then," she sighed. She really had no choice. Now there was no way of avoiding the carnage. Grace replaced the phone in its cradle and was just about to head upstairs to change into another top, when the phone rang again. "Hello?" she snapped irritably. "Grace!" Jennifer's strident voice blasted in Grace's ear and she winced. "I won't keep you a sec -- I'm just calling to invite you and Alex to a little party I'm having next Saturday night." "Errr...I'm not sure—" "Now that you and Alex are engaged, I think we should celebrate! Gotta go, darling, will fill you in on the details tomorrow, bye!" The line went abruptly dead and Grace was left with a buzzing sound in her ear and a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. * * * The rest of the week passed in a blur. Grace found herself propelled along on a rollercoaster of unwanted engagement frenzy and for the life of her she still couldn't work out how it had happened. Despite her best intentions, Alex had stubbornly refused to accept the fact she wasn't exactly thrilled about the whole idea. He had arrived not long after Jennifer's unwelcome party invitation, a bottle of wine in one hand and a massive bouquet of roses in the other. Even through the grey cloud of her misery Grace could see how excited he was. The longer she said nothing as he chattered on about their future together, the harder it became to break the awful news that she didn't want to get married again; least of all to him. At the point where he was reviewing possible wedding venues, Grace stood up abruptly. "Is everything okay, Darling?" Alec asked with surprise. "No, I don't feel well again. I have a headache," she replied weakly. He frowned. "These headaches are a little too frequent for my liking," he said with concern. "I really think you should go and visit the doctor for a check-up." "I guess so," Grace agreed. For a second her thoughts drifted unwillingly back to Tom. She knew damn well what would instantly cure her headache, but unfortunately it was no longer an option. She couldn't possibly see him now. He had to have heard about her 'engagement' -- she hadn't seen him since the night Alex proposed. God, what must he be thinking? "...I could come with you if you like?" Alex was saying as Grace tuned back in to their conversation. Did he think she was incapable of speaking for herself? Irritation flooded her system with heat. "I think I can manage to take myself to the doctors," she snapped sharply. Immediately Alex jumped up and grasped her hand firmly. "I know you can," he said, a brief look of hurt flashing across his face. "I just want to be there for you -- you know how much you mean to me." Once again he had managed to make her feel guilty and she hated him for it. "I know that," she sighed. "But I think you're worrying about nothing - it's just the weather causing them; too much humidity or something." More like too much stress, she added silently. He left her alone with the sweet scent of roses taunting her from their vase on the kitchen table. The longer she stared at their dewy pink petals, the more it made her feel sick. Why hadn't she just told him? She didn't know. All she did know was that she was loath to hurt him and telling him that she had no intention of marrying him would undoubtedly hurt him. It would end their relationship. Which was really what she wanted, wasn't it? God she was stupid sometimes. Angrily she slammed her hand down on the table and felt the sting reverberate up her arm. All her life she had tried to avoid confrontation. But as she sat there, thinking on how best she could extricate herself from this awful predicament, she realised that the window of opportunity for telling Alex was rapidly closing. Every morning the ring he had given her twinkled in the sunshine. The idea was that she wore it, but she couldn't bring herself to do that. When Alex had asked her if it fitted okay, she had told him it was too loose and she didn't want to risk losing it. It had been on the tip of her tongue to say that she never wanted to wear it at all, but as soon as the words formed in her mind, he changed the subject and began to tell her about the course he was going on. He was away until late Friday night, but he promised he would be around on the Saturday for Jennifer's party. Jennifer had been over a couple of times, ostensibly to chat about the party, but they both knew she was fishing for gossip on the engagement. "He is such a nice man," she cooed sweetly as she tucked into one of Grace's chocolate digestive biscuits. "Hmm," agreed Grace, turning away to stare out into her garden. The lawn needs cutting again, she thought silently, not really listening as Jennifer continued to list all the reasons why marrying Alex was the best thing that ever happened to Grace. It was only when Jennifer mentioned Tom's name that Grace abruptly tuned back into the conversation. "He's bringing a girl he met overseas," she was saying happily. "What?" Grace said slightly rudely. "Tom's bringing a girl to the party," Jennifer repeated patiently. "He said her name was Lauren." She smiled to herself. "I think it's more serious than he's letting on actually. Apparently they met on a white water rafting trip..." Jennifer helped herself to another biscuit while Grace conjured up an image of the mysterious Lauren. No doubt she would be blonde, beautiful and...young. Now, as she sat at her dressing table applying make-up for the party, Grace wondered how in the hell she was going to react seeing Tom with another woman. Oh what a mess it all was, she thought miserably. * * * Grace entered Jennifer's house with a sense of extreme trepidation. Alex held her arm slightly proprietarily and she struggled not to snatch it back. Before they'd left her house she had tried to broach the subject of their engagement, but Alex had refused to listen. "I know you're nervous about tonight," he'd said dismissively. "Don't worry, I'll be there too." "It's not the party we need to talk about." Grace tried again but Alex was no longer paying attention. He was far too busy flicking through the pages of a gardening magazine she had on her kitchen table. "We could build a pond out there," he commented, holding up a large colour photograph of a Koi Carp lake and glancing outside. Sometimes Grace felt that her house was the only thing he was really interested in. It was only a few weeks previously he had mentioned selling his own modest house and moving in with her. At the time she had panicked and changed the subject hurriedly. That was the last thing she wanted. "I don't like ponds," she said crossly. "If I feel the need to stare at fish, I go next door." "Oh yes, Jennifer and Malcolm have one -- I must ask them about it later." Alex appeared oblivious to her icy demeanour and Grace left the room in disgust, ostensibly to search for her shoes, but in reality to calm down before they went next door. Now, as they both walked through into the new conservatory, Grace scanned the faces searching for Tom. But there was no sign of him as yet. Part of her hoped he wouldn't be there as she had no desire to meet the lovely Lauren and nor did she want him to see her with Alex. But that was a forlorn hope and she knew it. Jennifer was all smiles as soon as she clapped eyes on them both. "Hello!" she gushed, striding across the Italian tiled floor wearing a caftan of generous proportions. The loud floral fabric did little to hide the generous bulk of her body and Grace hid a smile; Jennifer still enjoyed her own cakes just a little too much. "Hi Jennifer," she said politely. "Nice conservatory." "Ooh, do you like it?" Jennifer smiled proudly. "The floor tiles cost an absolute fortune, but I really couldn't have anything less in here, you know." She leant forward conspiratorially and whispered, "Malcolm is going to have a fit when he sees the final invoice, but quality costs, so he'll just have to lump it." Poor Malcolm, thought Grace. He was never going to be able to afford to retire at this rate. "It's beautiful," she said sincerely. The floor tiles were indeed lovely. They were subtle shades of pale grey and cream, perfect for the large octagonal room and nicely offset by some beige leather sofas - all very tastefully done as usual. Jennifer had no taste in clothes, but she definitely had an eye for interior design. "Thank you," replied Jennifer. "Help yourselves to nibbles on the table and Malcolm is in the kitchen serving cocktails or wine, whichever you prefer. I've done a buffet this evening, so we can eat in a short while when the last of the guests arrive." She frowned and added, "Tom and Lauren have yet to appear -- he better not be late." Grace wondered if her face betrayed any reaction to Tom's name as she struggled to maintain a neutral expression. It was only when Jennifer wandered off in search of more nibbles that she realised how tense her body was. She forced herself to relax and listen to Alex. "Wouldn't this look nice on the back of our -- sorry, your house?" "A drink would be nice?" she said rather pointedly and he had the wit to look slightly bashful. "Sorry, Darling, of course you would. What do you fancy?" Something lethal enough to anaesthetise the pain, she thought grimly. "Oh a glass of wine would be lovely," she said brightly. "Coming right up," Alex smiled. Grace watched as he wove his way through the other guests, pausing to chat to a couple of them. She wondered half-heartedly if he'd notice if she slipped out into the garden and jumped over the hedge. Probably not, she decided, but Jennifer would almost certainly send out a search and rescue team. Needing some fresh air anyway, she stepped outside and stood alone on the patio enjoying the faint breeze that wafted the honeysuckle scent from the hedgerow. Faint stars twinkled in the inky sky far above and from somewhere in the darkness, a dog howled mournfully. "I hear congratulations are in order," spoke a familiar voice from behind her. She jumped and spun round sharply. "Tom," she breathed shakily. "I—" "It's okay. I never expected anything from you," he said with a shrug. "I'm just pleased that you're happy and all." His eyes betrayed the hurt and her heart melted. "Tom, it's not what—" "Tom! Where are you? I can't see a fucking thing out here!" They both turned to see a tall, leggy brunette in killer heels, teetering round the edge of the house, carrying a motorcycle helmet. Despite the apparent mode of transport she had arrived on, she wore a short skirt and skimpy top that barely hid her ample breasts. Grace knew instantly that this centrefold girl had to be the infamous Lauren. Immediately she hated her. Grace Under Pressure Ch. 02 "Grace, meet Lauren," said Tom tightly as the girl approached them with a curious expression on her immaculately made-up face. "Hi there," said Lauren with a wary smile that didn't quite reach her baby blue eyes. "Tom's told me about you." There was a moment of silence and Grace felt deeply uncomfortable. Then, when she heard Alex calling her name from the house she actually felt relieved. "Err I better go - nice to meet you," she said politely to Lauren. The girl stepped closer to Tom and her skinny arm snaked round his waist before she smiled again. "Yeah, we'll have to chat some time," she said sweetly. Grace left them and headed back through the conservatory. It was only when she found herself in the kitchen doorway that she realised she was shaking. Tom's reaction had deeply upset her even though she knew she couldn't blame him. It was all her fault. If only she had been honest about her feelings with Alex, none of this would have happened. Now she felt like crying. Instead she took the glass of wine Alex thrust towards her and drank it in one go. She may as well get horribly drunk -- perhaps if she behaved really badly Alex would dump her anyway? It was hardly a great plan, but it was the only option that currently sprang to mind. * * * "You look tired, Darling, shall we head home?" Alex whispered in her ear as they listened to Malcolm and another man arguing about politics. Jennifer was holding forth in the kitchen with some of her friends and Tom and Lauren were nowhere to be seen. Grace briefly closed her eyes. There was nothing she'd like more than to go home and sleep. This evening had been unbelievably stressful and it felt like every time she turned round, there was Tom staring at her with a dark expression on his face. Alex seemed to have picked up on her distance for he had been far more attentive than he normally was. Even now he had his arm round her waist as they sat on a soft sofa in the living room. Somehow she suspected his behaviour had more to do with being territorial than loving, but tonight she was too depressed to care. "Okay, but I just need to go to the bathroom first." She stood up and grabbed her purse, before weaving her way through the remaining guests. The downstairs toilet was occupied, so she decided to head upstairs and use the guest bathroom. As she stood washing her hands in the sink, she stared at her pale reflection in the mirror and wondered what she was going to do next. Time was running away from her rapidly, like sand trickling through an egg timer. With a sudden jolt, she recalled the time she had been in this room with Tom, on the night of another party. The memory sent a spark of electricity through her veins and her cheeks flushed with immediate heat. "Damn you," she muttered crossly. Wiping her hands on the soft, fluffy towel that hung from a gold ring, she banished the memory from her mind. The last thing she needed was to be reminded of Tom. With the man himself appearing at every opportunity, she had all the reminders she needed, thank you very much. No, she needed to deal with Alex first. Only then could she have any hope of peace. Grace left the bathroom and walked slowly back down the stairs. When she reached the living room, she saw that Alex was no longer sitting on the sofa and she paused. Where was he? Guessing he had gone to the kitchen for another drink, she walked down the hallway and followed the sound of music. As she passed the partially open study door, a hand grabbed her arm and she was yanked inside the dark room. "We need to talk," growled a male voice and her heart began to pound irrationally. "You're killing me," Tom said harshly. "Have you any idea how hard it is to watch you with that man?" Grace swallowed hard. There was no mistaking the pain in Tom's voice and she felt wretched. Then she remembered Lauren. "Where's your girlfriend?" She really couldn't help the bitchy tone that crept into her polite question. A faint smile briefly crossed Tom's face in the pale light slipping through the slatted window blind, and Grace cursed her weakness. "Why?" he taunted. "Are you jealous? I took her home half an hour ago as it happens -- she'd had too much wine." He rolled his eyes and Grace hid a smile. Then she looked away sadly. "I have no right to be jealous," she said, trying in vain to focus on a photograph that sat on the mahogany desk. When she saw it was one of Tom, she wished she hadn't bothered. Tom laughed mirthlessly. "Nor do I -- but it makes no difference. Every time he touches you I want to smash his fucking face in." His anger made her shiver with fear...and something else. "It's not Alex's fault. He asked me to marry him and...well it caught me by surprise." She hung her head weakly, thankful for the darkness that hid her burning cheeks. "I don't want to be with him anymore, but I can't seem to find a way of telling him." She knew it sounded pathetic, but it was the truth. All she could do was hope that Tom believed her and didn't think she'd been stringing him along in any way. "So this is all some massive misunderstanding?" Tom asked incredulously. "I guess you could say that," she admitted with some embarrassment. He began to laugh again and she snapped her head up in surprise. "It's not funny!" she said crossly. How dare he make fun of her! "No it's not," agreed Tom. "In fact it's really not funny at all." Without warning he grabbed her round the waist and kissed her forcefully. For an instant she froze, taken by surprise at his action. But it took no time at all for her body to respond to his touch and within seconds she was on fire. Her hands crept up and threaded through his long hair as his mouth explored hers thoroughly. She was almost panting with need when he pulled back, his eyes glittering in the darkness. "I bet he doesn't kiss you like that," he growled as he slid a rough hand up her body. When he reached the curve of her breast, she moaned softly. Her nipple was painfully hard and when his palm rubbed the taut bud through the silk of her dress, she couldn't help but push back against him. It felt so good. "Don't stop," she implored feverishly; consumed by the hungry heat blazing a trail across her skin. Alex and Lauren didn't exist in that moment. Nobody else did. Tom pulled her against his hard erection and she gasped. "Trust me, I really don't want to stop," he groaned. The sound of voices outside in the hallway seeped through the fog of arousal and Grace suddenly realised what a risk she was taking. "Tom," she whispered, "we shouldn't be doing this -- it's wrong!" "Says who?" he replied. His lips teased the soft skin at her throat and she struggled to hold on to her reason in the face of such agonising torment. "Grace?" Alex's voice rang out clearly from the other side of the door and Grace jumped back. "I can't let him see us together!" she hissed, a sense of horror at the thought of being caught eclipsing the pleasure of being with Tom. "He'd never forgive me." Alex didn't deserve such a kick in the teeth. "Shall I jump out of the window?" Tom replied sarcastically. "Or perhaps hide under the desk?" Grace glared at him and spun round. How could he be so flippant -- she wasn't the only one with something to hide. It was unlikely Lauren would be too pleased if they were found in the dark together. She quickly brushed the fabric of her dress down and shot out of the room, leaving Tom alone in the dark. "What on earth were you doing?" asked Alex in surprise when she appeared. "Nothing," she said, hoping her flushed cheeks didn't give anything away. "I was just being nosy." Alex looked at her searchingly, but didn't pursue it. "Come on, let's get back. I've had enough for one evening." "So have I," muttered Grace wearily. * * * Alex didn't suggest staying over as he had an early start on the Sunday morning. He was going on a fishing trip with one of his friends and Grace knew she wouldn't see him until the Monday evening at the earliest. It was a relief not to have to make excuses again as she was certain he was becoming rather suspicious as to why she was keeping him at arms length. "I'll come over tomorrow night," he promised before he left. "I think we need to talk." For a moment Grace wondered if he knew, but she dismissed the idea instantly. He would need to be telepathic to have figured it all out. Still, he was right; they definitely needed to talk. She couldn't let this go on any longer -- it wasn't fair on any of them. "Yes, we do," she said and kissed him gently on the cheek. "Have fun fishing." She stood in the dark living room and listened to Alex's car drive away up the street. For ages she stayed there, immobile, just thinking about him. She wondered if she would miss him when he wasn't there. In many ways she supposed she would. But he deserved someone who could love him -- and that someone wasn't her. With a sigh she walked through into the kitchen, kicking off her heels as she went. Although she was tired, she wasn't sleepy. She was too wired to go to bed yet. So she opened the fridge and took out a half bottle of white wine that was left. Pouring a large glass she sat down on the small sofa beside the french windows and put her feet up on the plump cushions. Moonlight streamed in and illuminated the room with a silvery glow. It was beautiful. Slowly the tension of the evening began to subside as the glass of wine disappeared. It wasn't until she was roused by a faint tapping on the glass that Grace realised she had inadvertently fallen asleep. She sat up and placed the empty wine glass carefully on the floor and rubbed her eyes blearily. Her neck hurt. It had to be late by now. So who was at the door? Somehow she wasn't all that surprised to see Tom standing there. After everything that had happened it felt like it was almost meant to be. "I know he's not here," he said gruffly. "How do you know that?" Grace stood aside and watched him walk into her kitchen. She half-heartedly wondered if maybe she should stop him, but she was too tired now. "I saw him leave earlier, but I waited to make sure he didn't come back." "Oh," she said. "Won't Lauren be wondering where you are?" Tom looked surprised for a moment. Then he smiled gleefully. "Ha! I knew you were jealous." "No, I'm not!" Grace stomped over to the sink with her empty glass. It annoyed her immensely to know that he was right -- of course she was jealous. She turned the tap on forcefully and cried out when the water blasted out and sprayed everywhere. Now she was soaked. "I like it that you're jealous," whispered Tom as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pinned her against the worktop with his body. She could feel the heat of him burning through her dress and immediately it reignited the pent up passion that had been simmering between them all evening. Tiredness evaporated and she drew in a shaky breath. Water dripped off the end of her nose and she could feel the damp seeping into her dress. Any moment now and steam would be rising, she thought helplessly. "I think you should go," she said, not meaning a word of it. "Yeah, so do I," Tom replied. But he didn't move an inch. Instead he slid his hands upwards until he reached her breasts. Her nipples strained against the silk and she bit her lip sharply to contain the cry that threatened to escape like a rabid animal. Slowly, teasingly, Tom brushed his fingers across the erect peaks. The sensation was exquisite and she closed her eyes, willing herself not to react like a wanton hussy. It was humiliating the way he only had to touch her and she practically exploded with lust. But she wasn't the only one; his hard erection was digging into the curve of her bottom. Unable to help it, she ground her hips in a sensuous circle and was rewarded with a sharp gasp. The smile was soon wiped from her face when he yanked the straps of her dress down and her arms were pinned against her sides. Her head fell forwards and her hair tumbled free as Tom released the clasp that had held it tightly in place all evening. "I love your hair," he said softly, running his fingers though the silky dark blonde curls. Grace couldn't reply. She was too far gone to successfully string two words together. The insistent ache between her thighs was intense and she knew that this moment was something that needed to happen. Maybe then the ever present lust would be assuaged and the addiction vanquished. It was a forlorn hope, but a desperate one. She felt his hands slip inside her bra and she groaned. Just the sensation of his calloused fingers on her delicate skin was almost enough to send her into orbit. Teasing, squeezing her rounded flesh, he lifted her breasts from the confines of her lacy cups while he kissed the damp skin on her neck. "Turn round," he ordered. Grace obeyed without question. Her chest rose up and down raggedly in the semi darkness of the kitchen as she faced Tom. The green clock on the microwave dimly reminded her that it was extremely late, but sleep was the farthest thing from her mind. Tentatively she reached out and touched Tom. Watching his reaction, she ran her hands down his chest, enjoying the feel of his muscular body. He had certainly matured a lot in the last eighteen months. When she reached the waistband of his jeans he sucked in a sharp breath and she paused. "Something wrong?" she asked, unable to prevent a faint laugh escaping. "Yes, you're teasing me!" he muttered darkly. Grasping her hand firmly he placed it unceremoniously on the bulge in the front of his jeans. "That's what teasing does to me. Now what are you going to do about it?" "What do you want me to do?" She stared at him through the strands of loose hair. It had been a long time since she had felt quite so sexual. With Alex, sex was something restrained - something that happened in bed and in the dark usually. It wasn't bad -- it was just...not all that exciting. There was none of the intense desire and passion she felt with Tom. The atmosphere crackled with chemistry. "I want you to suck my dick," he growled. The directness of his request sent a bolt of lightning through her veins and a rush of heat between her legs. Alex had never spoken to her like that and she suddenly remembered how much she liked it. It turned her on in a way she had forgotten existed. With her hands shaking slightly, she fumbled with Tom's button and zip, and eventually pulled his jeans down far enough to gain access. There was a small wet circle on the front of his shorts and she licked her lips at the thought of tasting his wonderful cock once more. He closed his eyes briefly when she stroked the hardness of him through the fabric. "That's teasing," he reminded her. "Is it?" she asked innocently. In response he reached forward and pinched her nipples gently and she sighed with pleasure as small sparks flashed down her nerve pathways. But she knew what he wanted. She grasped his thickness from within the shorts and gently released it. He was so hard. It made her feel wonderful to know that this was because of how much he wanted her. Dropping to her knees, she flicked her tongue across the swollen head of his cock, tasting the salty drops of moisture that had leaked out with excitement. His shaft swelled slightly within her mouth and she swirled her tongue around the sensitive head. More salty fluid oozed out and she lapped it up eagerly. "Oh that's so good," Tom told her. His fingers threaded lightly though her hair as she licked and sucked. Her own arousal grew as she listened to his ragged breathing. She slid questing fingers between her legs, testing how wet she was. Sodden fabric revealed the secretions of her passion and she moaned softly around Tom's cock. He shivered when the vibrations stimulated him further. "Enough!" he groaned with great feeling. Regretfully Grace released him from her mouth. He pulled her up and kissed her forcefully. An urgent tongue thrust into her mouth and his hand roughly grabbed her bottom. She burned now, eager to feel him inside her. Her body demanded release and she helplessly ground against him, seeking fulfilment. Tom broke the kiss and moved back until he reached one of the chairs. Sitting down, he pulled her between his open thighs. Watching her reaction carefully, he slowly raised her dress until her silky knickers were revealed to his avid gaze. Her thighs trembled with anticipation. "Touch me," she whispered, her cheeks flaming with shame at the intensity of her need. Tom smiled slightly. "Where?" he asked. "There..." Her fingers slipped between her thighs and she pulled the fabric of her knickers to one side, revealing the damp folds of her sex to his scrutiny. She heard his sharp intake of breath and enjoyed her small moment of power. Her fingers were joined by his, stroking and caressing the swollen bud of her femininity. Small darts of pleasure grew into a crescendo of delirium and Grace closed her eyes as Tom brought her to the edge of reason with his touch. Without warning, she was propelled over the cliff and her body exploded. He pulled her close and she felt his mouth on her pussy as her orgasm sent waves of pleasure through her body. Eventually it was too much stimulation and she pushed him away. When he kissed her tenderly, she could taste her own juices on his lips and immediately desire rekindled in rush of heat. "I need to fuck you," Tom whispered in her ear as she fought to recover her sense of time and place, and he spun her round so that she faced away from him. He yanked her knickers down her thighs and, grasping her waist, he lowered her until the tip of his cock touched the entrance to her throbbing body. Slowly he entered her, allowing her to feel every delicious inch as he slid inside. She sighed at the sweet invasion of her body and moaned with renewed desire when his hands found her exposed breasts once more. Reluctantly leaving her breasts, he grabbed her waist and began to thrust inside her aching body. Grace felt sensations shiver though her body as his cock plundered deep within. Within seconds she was lost, sucked down into a spiral of ever increasing passion. All her doubts and worries were buried by a sensuous landslide of immense proportions. When she came again, her anguished cry echoed through the room and she almost collapsed as the pleasure peaked in waves of ecstasy. She felt Tom explode within her body and the rush of heat that followed. Sweat trickled down her back and between her breasts as she leant back against his chest, utterly exhausted now that her desire had been sated. Her inner voice of reason was clamouring loudly on the edge of her consciousness, but for now she ignored it. She was too tired to think about the consequences of this coupling. Tomorrow was another day, she reasoned. "Grace, we need to talk," Tom murmured in her ear. "Yes," she agreed, but neither of them seemed inclined to say anything more. She could feel his cock slipping wetly from her body and the sensation of stickiness prompted her to move. Now that her ardour had cooled, she could feel the chill in the night air and goose bumps prickled her flesh. "Do want me to stay?" asked Tom as she stood and pulled her dress down. "I don't know," she said honestly. Her mind was a confusing mess of contradictory wants and needs right now. She felt certain that spending the night with Tom was unlikely to help her sort though the maelstrom. "I really want to wake up with you, but only if you want it too." Grace turned in surprise. The raw emotion on his face nearly knocked her for six and she felt unexpected tears prick her eyes. "Is this what you want -- I mean do you really want to be with me?" she asked hesitantly. Grace Under Pressure Ch. 02 "Yes," he said simply. "I've thought of nothing else since I left you." Grace stepped into his arms and they embraced tightly. "Then take me to bed and we'll talk tomorrow." They walked upstairs and climbed between the cool cotton sheets in silence. She lay in his arms listening to his breathing and wondering just how she was going to deal with the fall out from this all over again. It wasn't just Alex she needed to deal with -- there was also Jennifer. But all that could wait -- right now she wasn't going to think about any of it. She snuggled closer to Tom and he sighed softly. How could something so wrong feel so right? It was her final thought as sleep slowly claimed her. * * * Grace Under Pressure Ch. 03 Grace pulled up outside Alex's house and switched the engine off. For a while she simply sat there, staring into space and mentally preparing herself for the conversation ahead. She knew he was at home -- his car was sat in his driveway and he had tried calling her from his house phone less than twenty minutes ago. She hadn't answered the call. He deserved a face to face conversation at the very least. The engagement ring was still in its velvet box, safely tucked away inside her hand bag. She couldn't keep it; this much she knew. Alex seemed rather shocked when he opened his front door and saw her standing there. "Grace -- I tried ringing you -- thought you were working late." He didn't step aside and she wondered if he was actually going to invite her in, or was this conversation going to be conducted on the door step. "Sorry, I didn't hear my phone," she lied. "I was going to call round later," he said. "You seem to be avoiding me lately and I'm not sure why," he added with a reproachful look. "Alex, we need to talk," she said finally. An immense weight was lifted from her shoulders and she knew immediately that this was the right thing to do. "Suppose you better come in then," Alex replied reluctantly. As she entered his small house, Grace suddenly realised that she had never actually spent any time here during the course of their relationship. Alex had usually insisted on coming round to her house and although Grace had dropped him off a couple of times, she had never been invited in. He took her through to a small sitting room and Grace was surprised to see how little in the way of personal effects there were in the house. It was like a rented house -- very bland and impersonal. The furniture was cheap and worn; the carpets were threadbare and old. A sense of tiredness pervaded the small, characterless rooms and she began to wonder why Alex lived like this when he had an apparently well paid job at the University. They sat awkwardly on opposite ends of a brown corduroy sofa. A vague smell of cat wafted up when she moved a cushion and she wrinkled her nose in distaste. "Alex, I think you know why I'm here," she began firmly. "Actually, no, I don't," he said belligerently. "Perhaps you'd like to tell me?" "Look, this whole thing -- you and me -- it isn't working!" Now that the words were out, Grace fleetingly wondered why it had taken her so long to say it. "I can't marry you." Alex looked completely crestfallen. He sank back into the cushions like a child whose balloon had been popped. "But I don't understand," he spluttered. "You said yes when I asked you to marry me!" "No I didn't!" Grace could feel irritation beginning to rise and she fought to keep a lid on her temper. It wouldn't help matters if this whole conversation descended into an argument about who said what. "The night you came over unexpectedly," and nearly caught me with Tom, she added silently, "you took me completely by surprise. I didn't know what to say, and, if you remember, I didn't say anything at all other than I'd think about it. You then assumed that I had agreed to getting married and proceeded to tell Jennifer of all people!" "Silly me," Alex snarled sarcastically, "I assumed you actually wanted to marry me. I assumed that you liked being with me." Grace was taken aback by the bitterness in his voice. She had expected him to be hurt, devastated even, but not angry. It didn't make sense. "I did like being with you," she said trying to make amends. "I just don't feel we're right for each other and I think it's time we both moved on." "I can't believe you've done this to me, you've ruined everything," Alex muttered. "Done what exactly? Finished with you??" How dare he make her feel guilty! "I had plans for us!" "Look, Alex, I'm sorry okay -- I never meant to hurt you..." Her voice trailed off when she saw the look on his face. Hurriedly she stood, suddenly anxious to leave this odd house. Something wasn't right and she began to wonder if she had ever really known Alex at all. This man was like a virtual stranger. A pile of letters on the wooden unit beside the door caught her eye. A quick glance ascertained that they were mostly demands for money and alarm bells began to ring violently inside her head. Maybe it wasn't her Alex really wanted -- maybe it was her money. This startling revelation made her feel sick. She really hoped it wasn't true. "I'm leaving," she said unnecessarily as she headed for the front door. There was no reply from Alex. The anger she had witnessed a few moments ago had vanished. Now he sat staring at her pitifully. Suddenly she found herself noticing how his brown hair was receding. He looked old and tired. Sympathy and guilt made an unwelcome return and she silently wished she had never gotten herself into this relationship. It was all Jennifer's fault. She walked back to her car feeling relieved that the nightmare was over. Alex didn't try to follow her, for which she was inordinately grateful. She really hoped he would understand her reasons when he sat down and thought everything through. The ring he had given her had been left on the table beside the front door. Grace knew he would find it. * * * "How did he take it?" Tom asked as he swept through the open french windows the following evening. He took her in his arms and Grace melted against him, knowing she'd made the right decision. "Not very well," she sighed. "You can't hardly blame the man -- if I was him, I'd be gutted too." She said nothing. Feeling his arms around her was enough to wipe most coherent thoughts from her addled brain. He always had that effect on her; it was most disconcerting. "What about Lauren?" she asked eventually. "Have you said anything to her?" "No? Why should I?" She pulled away from Tom and glared at him furiously. "If you think I'm willing to share you, then you have another thing coming!" Much to her surprise he began to laugh. "I don't see what's so funny?" she asked in confusion. "Did I ever say Lauren was my girlfriend?" Tom said with a huge grin. "Well...no...but your mum—" "Mum has a bad habit of jumping to conclusions with great regularity. I mentioned Lauren was visiting and that I'd met her overseas. She ran away with the whole idea and I didn't have the heart to dash her hopes of marriage and grandchildren." He sighed exasperatedly and Grace felt relief wash over her. The idea that Lauren was his girlfriend had bothered her far more than she was prepared to admit to. Tom pulled her close again. Tenderly he pushed her hair back from her face and kissed her lips lingeringly. "Lauren will never be my girlfriend because she's a lesbian. I just don't do it for her despite the fact I'm so fucking sexy." Grace snorted. "Don't forget modest, too," she said sarcastically. "Are you saying I don't do it for you either?" He stared down at her in mock horror. "Well, now that you mention it..." she sighed, trying not to giggle. "Looks like I need to practise my skills, then!" Tom lifted her in his arms effortlessly and carried her upstairs. He unceremoniously dumped her on the bed and dived on top of her, kissing her into submission in a heartbeat. Grace forgot about Lauren. She forgot everything as he kissed the soft skin of her throat and moved slowly down towards her breasts. When he unbuttoned her blouse and parted the worn cotton to expose her gentle curves to his adoring eyes, she felt the all too familiar arousal beat a pulse between her trembling thighs. The touch of his moist tongue across her nipple made her shiver. The feel of his hot mouth sucking the hard bud caused her to moan helplessly. She writhed against him, mindlessly seeking relief. One hand slid beneath her skirt and pulled her knickers down her legs. She impatiently kicked them off and parted her thighs, imploring him to touch her where she needed him to. When he found the aching centre of her body she murmured her approval. "How am I doing?" Tom whispered as he continued to torture her with his lips and fingers. "Oh...God...don't stop!" She bore down on the pressure building deep inside. He rubbed harder, slick moisture spilling from her as his fingers played the chords of her pleasure in a concerto of bliss. "Come for me," he urged as he pushed her ever closer to the edge. Grace had no choice but to obey. He sucked her nipple hard as she came, her body convulsing around his fingers in paroxysm of pleasure. "Marks out of ten?" he asked devilishly as she lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling with his hand still resting on her pulsating sex. "Eleven at least..." She rolled over and kissed him, aware of his hard cock throbbing against her belly. Reaching down she grasped his length through the denim and squeezed gently. Tom hissed and pulled her astride him. "Only eleven? Then I need to practise more," he said with a gasp as she rocked her body against his erection. Grace giggled as she leaned forward and kissed him, revelling in the taste of his mouth. With one hand she reached down and unzipped his jeans. His cock was waiting for her, hard and eager to slip inside her hot body. Positioning her sex above him, she slowly sank down on his length as he watched her face. "You feel so good," he muttered as she revelled in the sensations shimmering through her body. Her skirt was still round her waist, but her braless breasts hung unconstrained from her open blouse. Beads of sweat gilded her golden skin in a shimmer of moisture as she began to move slowly. Tom pulled her forward slightly and took one rosy nipple between his lips, tugging it gently. In response she moved faster, rotating her hips in circles as she fucked him. He grabbed her hips, thrusting hard back at her, increasing the speed and heightening the pleasure they both felt. She felt her orgasm approaching like a tsunami. Everything centred on the place where they were joined; exquisite bliss radiating out in ever more powerful circles that rippled through her body. "I'm gonna cum," she vaguely heard him say harshly. But it was too late -- she toppled over the edge into a mindless place filled only with screaming sensations and euphoric joy. Tom pulled her close and kissed her hard, thrusting deeply inside her as he came too. The warm heat flooded within her body and spread outwards as she collapsed on top of his sweating body, sated and exhausted. "That was worth a twelve at least," he remarked after a while. Grace smiled against his chest and snuggled closer. More like a twenty, she grinned to herself. * * * "You look tired," commented Moira curiously as Grace made herself a cup of tea before the library opened. "Disturbed night," Grace replied breezily, hoping the truth wasn't written all over her face in ten foot high, neon letters. Sleep had become something of a luxury these days; Tom certainly didn't think they needed much and she had to admit that she was enjoying being kept awake for half of the night. "Sounds err...interesting." Moira grinned slyly and Grace had the distinct impression the other woman could read her mind. Grace blushed and turned away, feigning enormous interest in the list of new additions to the library shelves. Her relationship with Tom had - so far - surpassed all of her expectations. In fact it was beginning to scare her a little. Already she could feel an emotional attachment that was dangerous. It had never been like that with Alex. Throughout their relationship, she had remained curiously detached at all times. Jennifer had mentioned Alex the other day. Grace had bumped into her at the post office for the first time since the ill-fated party. "I heard you and Alex have split up," Jennifer said sympathetically as they both waited in a queue of people. "Yes, we have," replied Grace without elaborating on the details. She tapped her foot impatiently as she eyed the long line and wished fervently that the old lady dithering at the counter would hurry up and collect her pension before she died of old age. "He seemed such a nice man," Jennifer continued, not noticing Grace's lack of interest in their conversation. "I was shocked to hear the news from Jane Rigby." "What news?" Grace's ears pricked up immediately and she turned around. What on earth was Jennifer waffling on about? "You haven't heard? Apparently Alex has a few err...financial problems. He's been fiddling his department expense account at the university. Poor man has a gambling habit and has run up massive debts." Jennifer looked guiltily at Grace. "But I swear I didn't know any of this when I introduced him to you! Malcolm knew him from way back and told me he was a decent fellow." She sighed dramatically. "That'll be the last time I listen to him!" "Anyway, don't worry;" she continued breezily, "I'm sure I can find another nice man to introduce you to." "Thanks, Jennifer;" Grace said through gritted teeth, "but I think I'm happy as I am for now." She thought about Alex as she wandered through the empty library. There had always been something holding her back with him. It wasn't that he had done anything wrong exactly -- she really couldn't fault him on the way he had treated her. It had been a kind of sixth sense; women's instinct for lack of a better explanation. But, given Jennifer's revelations, it seemed that her instincts had been right. He obviously hadn't been everything that he seemed. Deciding to do some housekeeping while things were quiet, Grace headed into the section on History and Economics. It was in a shocking state. She sighed as she surveyed the untidy shelves and decided that while the library was deserted, she would reorganise them. Moira had disappeared for an alleged dental appointment, and, given the heavy rain outside it was unlikely that many people would walk through the entrance door in the next hour or two. That should be plenty of time to find homes for misplaced copies of Babies & Relationships and Tarot for Beginners. She didn't hear the main door open and when a hand snaked around her waist she nearly screamed. "Hey gorgeous!" Tom said as he nuzzled her neck. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her heart still pounding in her chest. "I thought you were meeting a client?" "I have done -- but it didn't take all that long so I have an hour to kill. I could have gone back to the office and tided my desk, but I thought I'd come and see you instead." He spun her round and kissed her. The edge of the shelf dug into her back, but Grace didn't care. She allowed her arms to slip round Tom's neck and curved her body into his as the familiar passion rose. "I'm meant to be working," she scolded when he stroked her bottom through her tailored skirt. "You are -- you're working on me!" "Anybody could walk in..." "Ooh kinky!" Grace pushed him away and attempted to look cross. "I could lose my job if I'm caught in a compromising position!" "I like compromising positions..." "You're incorrigible!" "That's why you like me." Tom pulled Grace back against him and kissed her into silence. A book was knocked off the shelf and it tumbled un-noticed to the floor. Grace sighed as Tom caressed her breast through her blouse. Her nipples were hard and she moaned softly when his thumb rubbed her sensitive nubs. Rain spattered loudly on the tall windows and the distant rumble of thunder sent vibrations through the building. For a moment the power flickered on and off, briefly plunging the room into semi darkness. Tom's lips kissed a slow, teasing pathway across her collar bone and heat scorched Grace's skin. She parted her thighs wantonly when he plunged his hand between them, her skirt riding high in the process. But she didn't care. Common sense was firmly eclipsed by heated desire. Several buttons on her blouse had popped open and the lace of her white bra was exposed to his eager gaze. As one questing hand probed the slick wetness between her trembling thighs, the other slipped inside the fabric of her blouse and cupped her breast, making her groan loudly. This is madness, she thought dimly, but when he pulled the cup of her bra down and his lips found her taut nipple, the thought was chased away in an instant. The gentle sucking sent shockwaves down her body, straight to her clit. She could feel the strength of his erection throbbing against her. Reaching down, she grasped his hardness through the fabric of his suit trousers and he bit her nipple sharply with his teeth. "I want to fuck you," he said with his mouth still round her nipple. "We can't, it's too dangerous," she hissed, glancing down the aisle and listening to the hammering of rain outside. Another flash of lightning lit up the dark sky outside, followed by a crescendo of thunder. Once again the lights went out, but this time they didn't come back on. "There must have been a power cut," she said as his fingers found their way inside her. "Oh shame." Tom grinned at her in the semi darkness. Before she had a chance to reply, he dropped to his knees and buried his head between her parted thighs, pulling her soaking knickers to one side roughly. His tongue lapped at her sex and she grabbed his head to maintain her balance as sensations shot through her body like electricity. The shelves of books surrounding them blurred into nothingness as he brought her closer to the edge of orgasm. Looking down she could see her open blouse with one breast obscenely exposed, her nipple wet with saliva. This, in conjunction with the awareness that she was doing something highly dangerous, was more than enough to catapult her into the abyss. "Oh Tom!" she gasped as she came hard, delicious spikes of pleasure rippling though her in waves as Tom continued to lick her pussy. Eventually she couldn't stand any more -- she was just too sensitive. "Stop," she gasped reluctantly, pushing him away. He stood, kissing her, the taste of her own arousal evident on his mouth. "I need to be inside you," he said roughly. She reached down and unzipped his trousers, releasing his cock and stroking it eagerly. He was so hard for her. Moisture coated the swollen tip and she licked her lips in anticipation of tasting him. But he didn't give her the chance. Grasping her firmly around the waist, he lifted her up and pressed her against the side of the bookcase. Her legs wrapped round him as she sank down onto his cock, gasping when he slid deep inside her wet, welcoming body. Tom's lips pressed hungrily against the soft skin of her throat as he took her weight and began to move within her. The fabric of her skirt was bunched uncomfortably around her waist, but she barely noticed. Her whole being was centred on the ache that was growing between her thighs once again. Harder he thrust, slamming into her as her breasts were crushed between their sweating bodies. Thunder continued to rumble outside as the rain bounced off the concrete pavements and water burst out of overflowing gutters. The shelf Grace was pressed against wobbled and a few books fell on to the floor. She clutched Tom's neck and bit her lip when she came again. Closing her eyes, she was utterly lost in the delirious sensations. "Oh fuck!" he gasped in her ear. She felt him freeze for a moment before heat flooded her. He pumped hard for a few final thrusts as he came too. Slowly they both relaxed and Grace allowed her legs to slip to the floor and her skirt to return to some semblance of decency. The lights flickered back on and doused the library with stark fluorescent glare. She hurriedly adjusted her bra and re-buttoned her blouse. "Will I get any special treatment if I join the library now?" Tom asked as he rearranged his own clothing before kissing her lightly. Grace Under Pressure Ch. 03 "You mean you don't have a card already? Shame on you!" "I tend not to read much -- I prefer other forms of relaxation." He winked lewdly and Grace blushed. "Hmm. Monopoly by any chance?" The sound of the outer door opening threw her into a panic. "Do I look okay?" she asked hurriedly, feeling certain that her hair was all over the place and she looked like she'd just been having wild sex. "You look beautiful," Tom assured her sincerely. "Now I'm just going to look for a book to take home to broaden my educational horizons." He swatted her bottom playfully and disappeared down the aisle to peruse the selection of literature the library offered. Grace walked briskly to the reception desk with a smile for the wet pensioner who was shaking raindrops from his umbrella all over the carpet. By the time she had explained their internet usage policy to him, Moira was back and complaining about her long wait at the dentist. "And then there was a power cut half way through my filling!" she moaned crossly. "Good job they have a back up generator or I'd still be sat there with a bloody great hole in my gob!" Privately Grace thought that it was just as well there had been a long wait. If Moira had arrived back any sooner, it could have been rather embarrassing for all of them. Both women turned when a discreet cough alerted them to a customer. "Hello!" purred Moira, zooming over to serve Tom before Grace had a chance to even draw breath. "I'd like to join your library please" he asked cheekily. "I've heard that you offer an excellent service these days." Grace had to look away. She struggled not to laugh as he glanced at her briefly before taking the form Moira handed him. "Just fill this in with all your details, and we can issue you a card." Moira was in full flirt mode, but Tom seemed oblivious much to Grace's relief. Eventually the formalities were completed and he had his own membership card. "Are there any books you'd like to take out on loan today?" Moira asked helpfully, thrusting her cleavage in Tom's direction one final time. "Yes, there is one," he replied. He reached down and placed a large hard back on the counter. Moira and Grace both looked with interest and Moira's eyebrows shot up sharply. Grace was forced to look away again when her cheeks burned with heat. "The Joy of Sex -- an interesting choice," remarked Moira as she swiped the book and stamped the return date in it efficiently. "I hope it proves to be an educational read." "Oh I'm sure I'll have fun reading it," Tom said cheerfully, managing to cast a sly glance in Grace's direction when Moira's attention was distracted by the computer. He sent her a text message as soon as he was out of the library. Looking forward to later... Grace shivered in expectation. So was she. * * * Loud chimes echoed through her dream. Grace was confused. It sounded like the school bell and she wondered why she was back at her primary school again -- surely she was too old to be there after all these years? Slowly awareness kicked in and she opened her eyes blearily. Tom was lying on his stomach, one arm thrown out to the side and his blonde hair tousled in unruly spikes. The door bell rang again. Grace propped her body up and peered at the fluorescent numbers on her clock. It was early; barely six o'clock in the morning. Who on earth could be at the door? Tom didn't stir as she hauled herself out of bed and pulled a dressing gown on. Silently jogging downstairs, she had a horrible thought. Maybe it was Alex at the door? Maybe he had heard about Tom and come round to scream abuse at her? She felt sick at the prospect of a confrontation. It was the last thing she wanted. To her surprise it was Jennifer who was stood on the doorstep. Her hair was all over the place and she looked a mess. "Is he here?" she demanded before Grace had a chance to say a word. "Who?" Grace replied dumbly. Her brain was still foggy with sleep and for a moment she failed to make the connection between Jennifer and Tom. "My son. He needs to come home...now!" There was something manic about the way Jennifer spoke and Grace began to feel frightened. "What's wrong?" she asked in concern. "Just get Tom," Jennifer said. "I know he's here, Lauren told me he was..." her voice cracked slightly, "...back with you. I rang her when I couldn't reach him on his mobile." Grace heard the hurt in her voice and instantly regretted not being honest with Jennifer about her relationship with Tom. They should have told her. She had a right to know. "But that doesn't matter at the moment," Jennifer said with a martyred expression. "Tom needs to come home -- his father has had a heart attack." Grace felt wretched; poor Malcolm. "I'll go and wake Tom up," she said hurriedly. There seemed no point in pretending Jennifer had it wrong. She obviously knew everything as per usual. "Thanks," Jennifer said with a little more warmth in her voice. "Tell him to come home immediately. We have to go to the hospital." "I will." Grace impulsively reached out and briefly touched the other woman's hand. Jennifer allowed a sad smile to brush across her mouth and then she was gone. Grace watched for a second as the other woman shuffled down the path, all of her usual vitality painfully absent. Tom was still asleep when she ran back into the bedroom. "Tom! Wake up!" she implored, shaking his shoulder hard. "Is the house burning down or something?" he said eventually, his blue eyes focussing on her face drowsily. "No, it's your dad. You need to go home immediately." He sat up instantly, all traces of sleep disappearing in an instant. "What's happened?" Grace wished she didn't have to give him the news, but time was of the essence. "Your mum came round -- your dad has had a heart attack." Tom jumped out of bed and grabbed his clothes from the floor, swearing profusely. "I told mum he was pushing himself too hard," he railed angrily. "But there was always something new that they just had to have!" "Try not to worry," Grace implored. Seeing him so upset tore her to pieces. "It might not be too serious." He shook his head, not looking so convinced. "I hope not." Grace hoped not too. Before he left he kissed her briefly. "I'll be in touch," he said. "You better!" she replied, holding him tightly, wishing she could make things better. "Take care, and if you need me, I'll be there." Tom disappeared down the path as a cool drizzle began to fall lightly from a leaden sky. Grace hugged her body tightly as she watched him go. Uncertainty dogged her thoughts. It felt like they were being punished for their brief taste of illicit happiness. If Tom's dad didn't pull through, he would feel awful for not being there when his mum needed him. She headed back up to bed, lost in introspection. Sleep was useless -- all she could do was lie there and wish she was with Tom. * * * It was a long day. Grace found it impossible to concentrate on anything useful. All her thoughts were with Tom and Jennifer. Was Malcolm okay? As much as she had never really warmed to the man, she didn't want anything to happen to him. Jennifer would be distraught without her beloved Malcolm -- he was her rock. When the call came late in the evening, she nearly dropped the receiver in her haste to answer the telephone. "Hello?" she said anxiously. "It's me," said Tom. He sounded very tired. "Dad's gonna be okay. He's been in for surgery and it was a success." "Thank God," she breathed with relief. "He'll be in hospital for a while, but he should make a full recovery. I'm leaving here in a minute -- can I come round and see you? I know it's late." "Of course you can!" Grace was surprised. He didn't usually ask for an invitation. "Okay, I'll be there in half an hour." * * * Grace heard a car engine outside and a few moments later, Tom was knocking on the front door. She let him in and he fell into her arms before the door had even closed. For ages he said nothing; all he seemed to want to do was to hold her. "We need to talk," he whispered eventually. A sudden dart of fear shot through her soul. After everything that had happened in the last twenty four hours, was he trying to say he had changed his mind about them? It wasn't something she had considered, but she supposed he had enough reasons to think their relationship would never work. "Okay," she replied warily. If that was what he wanted, then she had no choice but to accept it. "Let's go into the kitchen -- I need a drink after today." They walked through and Grace opened a bottle of white wine. Pouring them both a glass, she sat down at the table and waited for him to say whatever it was that was on his mind. He sipped his wine and stared contemplatively out of the window. Eventually he spoke. "Will you marry me?" Grace nearly choked on her wine in shock. "What??" she spluttered. "I want us to get married." "But...why?" "Because I love you and I don't want to waste a minute not being with you." He came and kneeled down at her feet. "My dad having this heart attack made me realise something important. I could die at any minute and so could you." "Gee thanks!" she said with a laugh. "No, I'm being serious! I know you're the woman I want to be with." He grasped her hands and stared at her intensely. "And nothing you say can change that," he added seeing the doubt in her eyes. She thought about what he was saying. He had a point really. When she had married Peter, she had honestly though they would be together forever. And then he died and left her all alone. Maybe life was about making the most of every second. Being with Tom certainly made her feel alive -- meeting him had turned her world around after Peter had died. There were no guarantees. Tom might not be around forever either. But she could certainly make the most of what they had for as long as possible, right? "Yes," she whispered as he waited patiently. He grinned at her and pulled a small box from his pocket. "I bought this in a rush so you'll probably hate it..." She opened the box carefully. Inside was an antique gold ring set with a small ruby. It was beautiful. "I love it," she said through tears. "And I love you," Tom replied. "Mum's gonna be thrilled!" he added jubilantly. "You think??" Grace said with great disbelief. She had a sneaking suspicion that Jennifer would be less than thrilled, but she didn't voice her fears. She didn't want to spoil the moment; it was too special. * * * "I can't say you are quite the daughter I had in mind," Jennifer admitted with brutal honesty as they sat drinking tea in Grace's kitchen. "But he's my son and I have to let him make his own mistakes." "Thanks," Grace replied with a trace of sarcasm. Actually she was more than a little relieved that Jennifer hadn't thrown a blue fit and called her a whore, slut and wanton jezebel. But Jennifer had changed since Malcolm's brush with death. Gone were the gaudy dresses and extravagant designs for extra conservatories. The latest plan was to sell up and move to the seaside since Malcolm had been forced to take early retirement due to ill health. Privately Grace thought the plan was ludicrous. Jennifer would hate it there -- far too many bingo halls and amusement arcades. "Anyway, if Tom's happy then so are we," Jennifer said a little more magnanimously. "I have to admit, you certainly make him happy!" She smiled at Grace. "He makes me happy too," Grace said. And he did. She had never been happier than she was at this time. Well that wasn't strictly true. She had been very happy with Peter too. But Tom was different, as she herself was now. Their relationship wasn't perfect, but for now they were right for each other. "Anyway, I suppose you're not too old to have kids. It's amazing what they can do for mature mothers these days." Grace nearly spat her tea out. Jennifer's complete lack of tact and diplomacy never ceased to amaze her. "Absolutely," she said. "Hasn't Tom told you? I'm already pregnant." Jennifer's face was a picture. Grace smiled serenely and drank the rest of her tea. The pregnancy had been a surprise to her too. The last thing she had expected was to fall pregnant at her age. But she had and now she would make the most of it. Tom had been delighted at her news and now that she had gotten used to the idea, so was she. She could already see the changes in her body. Her belly had a distinct swell to it and her breasts were swollen and tender. She was enjoying the differences and so was Tom. They lay in bed together that night, Tom's arm around her waist as he snuggled up behind her. "Will you still love me when I'm fat and bloated?" she asked only half joking. "Being pregnant is not the same as being fat!" he scolded her. "You didn't answer my question." "Sweetheart, I'll love you no matter what you look like." He stroked her belly and breasts and she sighed with contentment. Soon the gentle caresses turned into something more and she pushed back against his hard cock, eager for more than teasing touches. "Being pregnant is good for you," he commented wryly. "Shut up and love me," she muttered before rolling over and kissing him. She didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but whatever it was, she felt certain she would enjoy it. It was the beginning of a whole new chapter of her life and she knew Peter would have approved. He had told her to find happiness with another man after he'd gone. Well she had certainly done that, she thought with a grin. Tom was everything she wanted - and needed. It had taken her a long time to realise it, but he was perfect for her and she couldn't imagine being with anyone else. Some time later when she lay curled up beside Tom, listening to his rhythmic breathing, she thought about Peter, her beloved husband. She still missed him. Not a day went by when she didn't think about him at least once. But the memories were soft now, no longer tinged with pain, merely happy thoughts of a life together that had been rich and full of laughter. Follow your heart and live life for the moment had been Peter's motto. Despite her doubts, her heart had still led her into the arms of Tom, just as Peter had wanted. She knew deep down that he would have approved and this made her happiness complete. It comforted her to know that somewhere high above Peter was watching her, loving her still. And she still loved him. But she also loved Tom. He was different and she loved him in a different way. No more, no less, just...different. She was lucky really, she concluded sleepily. At least she wouldn't have to endure any more 'introductions' at Jennifer's house. Oh yes, she had a lot to thank Tom for! * * * Thanks for reading the rest of Grace's story. I hope you enjoyed as much as I enjoyed writing it.