47 Destinies: Finding Grace (13 page)

“Cora, tell me about the wedding plans.  How are they coming along?”

Cora was more than happy to discuss the wedding.  The light returned to her eyes as she described the remaining tasks.  The conversation also appeared to put Grace at ease.  Everyone was happy to hear the announcement that it was time for Group A to board the train.  They walked up the bridge to board the train.  Hundreds of padlocks covered the bridge. 

“What are these locks for?”  Grace asked. 

“The locks are part of an old tradition, placed there by lovers long ago,” Cora read to the group. 

Grace whispered in Todd’s ear, “Do you happen to have a lock in your pocket?”  Grace asked, looking down at Todd’s pants.

Todd patted his pockets and softly responded, “I could go to the store and get one.”

“Good try at escaping, but we are in this together!”  Grace replied, pulling him in closer.

Cora looked over her shoulder at Grace and Todd.  They were whispering and laughing together.  Grace beamed.  Cora had never seen her so happy.  She hoped that Brent would relax and give Todd a fair chance.  Without Brent’s approval, Grace and Todd’s relationship would never get off the ground.

The foursome boarded the train at the Dome car.  They walked up to the second level of the car.  The expansive windows provided guests with unparalleled views.  The plush red velvet seats were throwbacks to the Victorian style of elegance.  White tablecloths added to the sophistication.  Cora and Grace were fascinated by the history of the train and listened closely to the guide as they waited to be seated.

“The car in front of us is a fully restored Pullman Dining Car constructed from 1915-1917.  It was purchased in Colorado from a member of the Italian mafia.  The car you will be riding in is known as the Vista Dome car, constructed in 1952.  There were only ten cars originally made.  This is one of the only four remaining cars,” the guide continued on to the interested guests.

Cora nudged Brent.  “Isn’t the history of this train fascinating?”

Brent did not respond.  He was busy staring at Grace and Todd with a frown plastered on his face.

Cora tried again.  “Baby, what’s wrong?”

Brent turned his focus onto Cora.  “You know I don’t like unwelcome surprises.  What were you hoping to accomplish today, Cora?”

“Accomplish?” Cora repeated back.

The waitress came up to Cora.  “Last name, please.”

“The reservation is under Locke.  Brent Locke,” Cora eagerly responded.  It was a slight reprieve from Brent’s inquisition.

“Your table for four is right this way.  Please follow me,” the waitress responded.

“Four?” Brent questioned as he turned his head to the side.  “Corina?”

Cora recognized Brent’s tone.  It was not good.  “I thought you wouldn’t mind,” Cora stated casually over her shoulder.

“It looks like you still have a few things to learn about me,” Brent replied.

When Todd saw that they would be seated with Cora and Brent, he was also not pleased.

“This just gets better and better,” Todd muttered under his breath.

“I heard that,” Grace commented softly.

“Your hearing is incredible.  Are you part bat?”  Todd asked, tickling Grace.  He stopped when he received a disapproving look from Brent.  Todd felt like Grace’s father had chastised him.  After meeting Brent, he figured that Grace’s father would be easier to win over than Brent Locke.  It was going to be like climbing up Mt. Everest in a blizzard with no guide.  Then again, as he peered over at Cora, perhaps he did have a guide.

Todd pulled out the seat by the window and motioned for Grace to sit down.  Brent’s stare did not let up.  He still had not spoken to Todd.  Todd made another ‘attempt up the mountain’.

“Cora, will you have time for a honeymoon?”  Todd asked kindly.

“Yes, we are going to Spain, Greece and Switzerland.  Brent’s father, Robert, is going to fill in for Brent in his old job of CEO of Locke Incorporated while we are away for five weeks,” Cora stated, happy to have someone to talk to besides her cranky fiancé.

“Robert is such a great man.  We had the best time at the couples’ shower.  He is quite the football fan.  I’m trying to remember what position he played in college,” Todd said, knowing full well that Robert had been the quarterback.

“Quarterback!” Grace and Cora shouted out together.

“I can see you ladies have heard a few of his football stories,” Todd laughed.

“More than I can count,” Cora said.  “Each one gets better and better.  The man is adorable.”

“The kids love Grandpa Locke.  I saw him teaching Mattias all about football the other night.  Mattias was glued to his grandfather.  They have a special bond,” Grace shared.

“I hope he didn’t confuse the boy.  I’ve been teaching him baseball,” Brent added to the conversation.  The group began to settle into a cordial conversation until Brent began the inquisition.

“What do you do for a living?” Brent grilled Todd.  “Doctor? Stockbroker? Lawyer?”

“I am the Director of the Boys and Girls Club in downtown San Francisco,” Todd replied back unashamedly.

“Really?  So you play with kids all day long?”  Brent commented rudely.

“Brent, Todd is very good at his job.  He does a lot more than play with kids.  The Boys and Girls Club provides kids with a safe place to learn and grow.  It is a remarkable organization,” Grace defended.  She narrowed her eyes and stared at Brent.  He was too focused on Todd to even notice Grace’s displeasure.

“Do you need a college degree for your line of work?” Brent continued the assault.

“It is not a requirement.  We are a nationwide non-profit,” Todd responded, attempting to keep his anger from showing.  If Brent wanted a battle, Todd was going to give him a battle of the wits.

“So you work for free?” Brent jabbed back.

Todd responded with a full rich laugh and then replied, “Really, Brent? Paid salaries are usually the norm for the executive positions.”

“I am trying to figure out your cover, Todd.  As you know, Grace is a member of my family.  I don’t take it lightly when new people enter into my family’s life.  Do you understand?” Brent blurted out as he rose from his seat and left the table.

Cora quickly attempted to fix the tense moment she created.  “Todd, I am really sorry about Brent’s demeanor.  I didn’t realize he would be so challenging today.”

Todd gave Cora a genuine smile. Brent’s comment regarding Mattias was enlightening for Todd.  Of course!  Since Derek’s death, Brent had filled the fatherly role for Mattias and Bella.  Not only was Todd a threat to Grace’s happiness, but Brent was also protecting the children.  Brent wanted the best for Grace and was not going to settle for anything less.  Little did Brent know that they shared a common goal.  If only Brent didn’t have to be so ruthless.  Getting Brent Locke on Todd’s side was not going to be easy.

Brent returned to the table with an announcement.  “The table toward the front of the car is available.  Maybe Grace and Todd can move over there?” Brent offered.

“What a marvelous idea.  We’ve treaded on your private time long enough.  Thank you, Brent,” Todd answered as he began to get up.  “Grace?”

“I agree.  We don’t want to interfere,” Grace said, snatching up her purse.  After her recent dating episodes, Grace knew how to make a quick escape.  Todd and Grace were seated at their table before Cora even knew what happened.

“Smooth, Brent.  You aren’t fooling anyone.  Your overprotective attitude of Grace is going to backfire on you,” Cora said, displeased with Brent’s overt distrust of Todd.

“I have to protect my family and that includes you, Corina.  Tell me more about Todd.  How did you meet?” Brent inquired, wanting to gain as much intelligence on the man as possible.  Not only was he irritated with the way Todd looked at Grace, he was more concerned with the interest Grace displayed toward Todd.  Her feelings were already strong and he knew nothing about the man.  It was very unsettling.

“There isn’t too much to tell,” Cora responded vaguely, twiddling her long fingers around her wine glass.

“Is there more, Corina?” Brent pressed, knowing his fiancés expressions when she was hiding something from him.  Her spitfire personality attracted him from the first time they met; however, it could also grate on his nerves at times.

“Samantha and I met Todd in college,” Cora stated a little too quickly.

“And?”

“We went out once or twice, but…” Cora began before Brent interrupted.

“You dated that man and are now fixing him up with Grace?” Brent seethed.  His dislike for Todd just increased dramatically.

“Brent, stop jumping to conclusions.  Todd and I were never together.  There was no chemistry there for a relationship, but we have remained good friends.  I didn’t develop any feelings for him.  That is it.  End of story,” Cora emphasized the word ‘end’.

“What did Grace have to say when you told her about your prior relationship with Todd?” Brent prodded, guessing that Cora had yet to talk to Grace.

“I haven’t said anything to Grace.  There is truly nothing to tell,” Cora replied with her arms folded.

“You should let Grace be the judge of that, Corina,” Brent said, scolding Cora like a young child.

Cora knew Brent was right.  Why did he always seem right, Cora wondered to herself?

“I will talk to Grace about it,” Cora said with some frustration.  She wasn’t sure if she was more frustrated with Brent or herself. 

“Can we please just have a nice afternoon?  I’ve been looking forward to spending time with you all week,” Cora asked, moving in closer to Brent.  It was challenging with Brent on the other side of the table.  She discreetly slid off her high heel shoe and placed her foot inbetween Brent’s legs, pushing them apart.  She moved her foot back and forth across his bulge.  Brent smiled mischievously at Cora.  She knew exactly how to get his attention.

“Feeling a little brave, Corina?” Brent inquired.  His voice was full of passion and desire for the beautiful woman sitting across from him who would soon become his wife.  He knew she had no romantic feelings for Todd, but this knowledge did not ease his concerns when it came to Grace.  Unlike Cora, Grace had developed feelings, and unbeknownst to Cora and perhaps even Grace, the feelings were already very deep.  He knew Grace well enough to understand when she was on the verge of giving away her heart.

“Actually, I was thinking of using the restroom.  Would you like to join me?”  Cora asked seductively.  “I am sure we can walk around on the train and find a less crowded car where a discreet restroom would be available,” Cora stated as she rose from the table.  Her long black hair swung around as she extended her hand to Brent.

“Have you ever had make-up sex, Corina?”  Brent now cool, calm and collected asked, taking her outstretched hand in his.  “There is a passion in it unlike anything else.  You know, we did just have an argument.”

“We did,” Cora acknowledged as the desire grew within her.  Her desire for the man did not wane; it continued to grow stronger and stronger every day.  It was unlike anything she had ever experienced before.  With Brent, it was like she was with herself, but a much better version of herself.  True love allowed Cora to accept herself fully because Brent had embraced all aspects of her: the strengths, weaknesses and imperfections. 

The love they shared enabled them to feel whole, complete, and at peace with the world around them.  Everything took on a brighter hue: songs were sweeter, colors more brilliant, food even tasted better when experienced through love. 

“Follow me,” Brent said, guiding Cora down the stairs in search of a restroom.  He went through two train cars until he found a slightly empty car.  He allowed Cora to enter the restroom and then waited to be sure nobody was around.  After double-checking, he opened the door.  Cora giggled when she saw him.  Brent locked the door behind him.  “Well, this is cozy,” he whispered.

“I want you, Brent,” Cora said, wasting no time in getting to the point.  She unzipped his pants and found exactly what she wanted.  The man was drop dead gorgeous and irresistible.  She still could not believe that he was hers to love.  She wanted to take every moment for the rest of her life to show him exactly what he meant to her.  Cora pulled his member from his pants.  Brent groaned.  He knew what Cora was about to do.  He braced himself with his hands against the wall in order to handle the pleasure.  Cora knelt down between his legs.  Before even touching him she gazed up and gave him a wicked smile.

“Corina,” Brent groaned as she had her mouth upon him.  His taste was light and sweet like a single drop of honey.  Cora twirled her tongue around his hardness in every angle in an attempt to get the taste all throughout her mouth.  Prior to meeting Brent she rarely even touched a man’s private part, let alone put it in her mouth.  The thought grossed her out.  Yet with Brent, she craved it.  At first, she had to get used to the intimacy and physical act.  She did it mainly to please him, but over time, it became purely for her.  She merged within the uniting of their souls.  She completely surrendered to the love she had for Brent as he claimed her as his own.  At times, she lost all touch with reality.  She felt sensual gratification of his smell and touch.

The sound of the rails on the tracks set the tempo which she mimicked with her mouth.  As the train picked up speed, she matched the speed of her movements.  She held his member at the shaft firmly with her right hand while her mouth moved up and down.  When Brent could take no more, he put his hand under her chin and pulled Cora back on her feet.  He slipped his hand under her dress and slid off her panties.  He turned her around and braced her arms against the wall.  He felt the wetness between her legs which was his signal to proceed.  Brent lifted up Cora’s dress to expose her smooth bronze skin.  It got him fired up every time.  He took his member and pushed it inside her.  Cora began to moan.