47 Destinies: Finding Grace (18 page)

“It’s your special day; I am sure they will pull out a win,” Robert replied as he drew Bella close to his side.

Parker and Mattias came in the house and sat on the couch.  “Cool, baseball,” Parker said.

“Have you been to a Giants game, Parker?” Robert asked.

“No, my foster parents don’t get money for stuff like that,” Parker said as he bent his head down.

“I didn’t know that you haven’t been to a baseball game, Parker.  How about you and I go together sometime?  Maybe Mattias would like to join us too?”  Todd offered.

“I want in on this deal,” Robert chimed in.

“Me too, Grandpa,” Bella screamed out.

“Great.  I will give you a call and we can arrange a date, Todd,” Robert said, patting Todd on the back.

Mattias and Parker went into the kitchen for something to eat.

“How do you know Parker?” Robert asked.

“In my free time, I volunteer for the Big Brother and Sisters organization.  I’ve been Parker’s Big Brother for over four years now.  He is a really good kid.  He’s been bounced around quite a bit in the foster care system, but his latest placement has been pretty stable.”

“He’s lucky to have you in his life.”

“No, I am the lucky one,” Todd answered sincerely.

Brent listened closely as Todd shared with Robert the impact Parker had on his life.  It was becoming increasingly difficult for Brent to dislike the man.  He had been watching how Todd interacted sweetly with Bella and her friends.  He saw how Todd handled his mother’s barrage of inappropriate questions.  Hearing about Parker just added to the list of Todd’s positive qualities.  Brent was still leery, but he could see some of what Grace had been telling him earlier about Todd.  As if on cue, Grace came over to join the conversation.  Her makeup was refreshed and she had a bright smile on her face.  The woman never ceased to amaze Brent.  She was an expert at covering her feelings.

“Grace, Todd and I were just making a date for a Giants game.  Are you interested?”  Robert inquired.

“I would love to go with you all,” Grace said, hugging Robert.

“Don’t leave me out.  You know I love a good baseball game.  I am sure Cora will want to come since Grace will be going,” Brent joined in.  Todd almost fell out of his seat.  It was the first thing Brent said all day.  “Hey, Todd, do you golf?  My dad and I like to hit the ball around sometimes.  Neither of us are professionals, but maybe you could come out with us sometime.  It gives the ladies an excuse to go shopping.  Right, Cora?” Brent asked as he winked at Cora from across the room.  Cora smiled back.  She appreciated that Brent was making an effort to get to know Todd.

“I play a little now and then.  I would enjoy a day on the green,” Todd replied to Brent.

“Ok, then.  I’ll set something up soon.”

Todd was unsure what to say next.  Grace sat down on the couch next to him and smiled brightly.  It warmed Todd’s heart to see her joyful.  He knew that Brent’s opinion meant everything to her.  She must have said something to Brent to warrant this noticeable change of heart.  Whatever she said was working and he was very grateful.  He took Grace’s hand in his and squeezed it tightly.

“Did you tell everyone about your work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, Sweetheart?” Todd prodded Grace.

“I’ve heard about that organization. When did you become an advocate, Grace?  How exciting!  Have you been assigned a case?” Cora asked.

“Todd told me about CASA and helped connect me with the volunteer coordinator.  I cannot tell you how much I enjoy being an advocate for children.  The training has taught me a lot about how to help children who could potentially get lost in our court and social systems.  I have been assigned a case of a teenage girl.  Her father is in prison and her mother is in recovery from drug abuse.  Her mother is working on cleaning up her life so she can regain her parental rights.  I’ve only been to three court appearances, but I also work with the young girl outside of court.  I feel like I can make a difference in her life.  And in doing so, she is already making a difference in mine,” Grace said with pride in her voice.

“Grace is a real asset to the organization.  I am so glad she is helping out,” Todd said and kissed Grace lightly on the cheek.  Grace looked adoringly up at Todd and nuzzled her head under his chin. 

Brent witnessed the entire interaction between Todd and Grace.  He had to admit, he was beginning to like the man.  He especially enjoyed seeing the light Todd put in Grace’s eyes.

Leslie stood outside the sliding glass door and watched the scene unfold.  Todd had worked his way very nicely into her family.  Even Brent was coming around.  But Leslie was unrelenting.  She was no fool.  She had dealt with men far more difficult than Todd Harcourt.  Everyone had an Achilles heel.  Leslie would find and expose his before he even knew what happened to him.

W
ith the party complete and everyone leaving, Todd stayed to help clean up.  Brent and Cora volunteered to drop off Parker in the Mission District which enabled Todd to spend more time with Grace.  He appreciated their kindness and thanked them both.  If Todd didn’t know better, Brent almost appeared to tolerate him.  It was something to celebrate. 

“I think I made a little progress with Brent today, Sweetheart.  Don’t you agree?” Todd asked Grace while they washed the dishes together.

“I’ll say.  From what I saw, you handled yourself expertly. I know it wasn’t easy.  I also had to do some handling with him today behind the scenes. I decided to lay down the law with the man today. Let me tell you, he can be unyielding.  But we had a very nice conversation just between the two of us.  It really drew us closer together.  I forget sometimes how much he still misses Derek.  We just don’t talk about him anymore. I think they are afraid it will upset me.  The problem is that not talking about him makes it even worse.”

“Grace, you can always talk to me about Derek.  Do you know that?” Todd asked as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

Grace peered up at him.  “You are straight out of a fairy tale.  When are you going to start bringing out all of those skeletons from your closet?”

“I don’t want to scare you off.  I am sure your mother-in-law filled you with all kinds of questions today. I think she might me be on my trail.”

“Please do not even mention her name.  I am very upset with her right now.  She was extremely inappropriate.  I cannot even believe it,” Grace said.  Just thinking about it made her blood boil.

“Sweetheart, it’s okay.  She will calm down.  Plus remember, I am irresistible.”

“She did admit that you are handsome,” Grace playfully admitted to Todd.

“That explains it all.  She is just jealous.  If she can get you out to the way, she can have me all to herself.  Wouldn’t we be a cute couple?” Todd asked, posing like a goof.

“I have the most terrible visual in my head of you two kissing.  Sorry, but I just don’t see a future for you all.  You don’t make enough money for her to consider a second glance at you,” Grace said flippantly.  Once the words escaped out of her mouth, she wished she could recover them.  “I am really sorry.  I shouldn’t have said that.  Can you forgive me?”

Todd was quiet for a moment.  “You know we haven’t really discussed our finances.  Does my line of work bother you, Grace?”

Grace thought a moment before responding.  “I was born with means.  I haven’t known anything else.  I don’t care how much money you make.  Money does not make someone happy.  I know.  I have more money than I will ever need and I have been miserable these last two years.”

“So, you don’t mind my career choice? It doesn’t bother you?”

“Maybe a little at first.  I think that is why I didn’t tell Leslie that we were seeing each other.  I didn’t want her negative attitude to impact my decision to see you.  When Leslie downgraded you because of your work today, I got really defensive.  She would have readily accepted you if you were a famous doctor or celebrity.  But I am not Leslie.  I get to decide who I date.”

Todd was relieved.  “Money was a huge factor in my marriage with Melissa.  She was fixated on money.  It felt like all she wanted to do was talk about money and spend money.  While most people like to have nice things, I feel money can be very destructive if you aren’t careful.”

“Has money caused the rift in your family as well?” Grace asked softly.

“My family.  I have buried the pain for a very long time.  I didn’t even share it with Melissa.  I didn’t feel like she would understand the decisions I made.  Instead of talking about it, I have chosen to avoid it.  Have you ever done that, Grace?”

“Me?  Hush up! I am the queen of pretending that everything is just fine.  It is the southern way.  We don’t show weakness or defeat.  It is probably why I have been withdrawn these last two years.  See what hiding my feelings got me?  If you ever want to talk, I am here for you,” Grace said caressing his hand.

“Thank you, but I have had enough talking for one day.  Are the children in bed?  I could really use some kissing and touching right now.”

“They are in bed.  Would you like to come up to my bedroom?  It is the one room in the house you haven’t seen,” Grace questioned with a smirk on her face.  Her attempts at seduction were right on.

“I know you are seducing me, Sexy Legs.  I may not be able to stop myself tonight.”

“Maybe I don’t want you to stop.  What if I want more, Mr. Harcourt?”

“You can have whatever you want, Grace.  I am all yours,” Todd put his hand in Grace’s and led her up the stairs.  He knew exactly which bedroom was hers.  He could smell her sweet perfume coming from under the door. He couldn’t wait to step inside.  He let Grace open the door.  Todd was not disappointed when she turned on the light.  The room was very feminine.  Small bottles covered her vanity.  The king sized canopy bed was made of thick mahogany wood.  Matching night stands were on the left and right side of the bed.  Elegant Tiffany lamps sat on each of the tables.  The room was gigantic and heavenly.  It was everything Todd pictured and more.  Grace shut the door and locked it.  Todd smiled.

“Do you like it?  I find comfort in this room.  I enjoy reading over here by the window.  I’ve been spending a lot of my time thinking right here,” Grace said sitting down in an oversized reclining chair.

“What has been on that pretty mind?”  Todd asked as he sat next to her.

“You.”

“Me?  Please tell me more,” Todd nudged.  He wanted to hear exactly how Grace felt about him.  Before she could respond, her bedroom light flickered.  Grace’s body tensed up.

“It’s okay, sweetheart.  I am right here.  There is no reason to be alarmed.  It’s probably just a short in your electrical wires.  Does it happen often?”

“Just enough to throw me off,” Grace replied, knowing full well why the lights were blinking.

“Where were we?” Todd asked as he slipped his hand under Grace’s shirt.  “I think mentally I was right about here.”

Todd’s warm hands felt invigorating on Grace’s smooth skin.  He unhooked her bra, which exposed her beautiful breasts.  He took advantage of their freedom and caressed them gently in his palm.  Todd pushed up her shirt to expose her breasts to the light.  He moved his mouth down upon one.  Her breast tasted sweet and silky under his tongue.  The woman was incredibly sexy. 

Grace arched her back when he took her nipple in his teeth.  He teased her back and forth as the juices between her legs began to flow.  Todd moved his hand down and pulled up her cotton dress.  Her white laced panties were tantalizing.  Todd moved them out of the way and touched her soft spot.  Grace moaned in response.  Todd moved his hand back and forth until Grace began to move in sync.  She closed her eyes and let the sensations take over.  More wetness dripped from her.  Todd continued to suck on her breast.  He couldn’t get enough of her.  He wanted even more.  He wanted to feel himself inside of her.  He wanted them to be joined as one.

Todd stood up, picked Grace up from the chair and put her on the bed.  Before undressing her, he took his time staring at her half-naked body.  He then proceeded to remove her dress, bra and panties. 

“You are a very sexy woman.”  He crushed his mouth upon hers.  She immediately responded.  Grace reached up and unzipped Todd’s pants.  He pulled them completely off along with his boxers.

“Mmmm.  Nice,” Grace said as she reached for his member.  The lights flickered again and then went out completely.

“Hey.  I wasn’t done looking at you yet.  Do you have any candles?” Todd asked.

“I sure do.  They are on my dresser.  The lighter is behind the mirror.” Grace had no desire to move from her bed.  She watched as Todd walked around the room looking for the candles.  He bumped into the dresser before he found the lighter.  Todd lit five candles. 

“Nice view, Mr. Harcourt.”  His legs were even more muscular than his pants let on.  His butt was firm and round.  Grace focused intently on his member.  She wanted desperately to taste it and feel it inside of her.

“Do you like the view?”  Todd returned to the bed. He took off his shirt so his full body was naked.

“You are…yummy,” Grace said with a thick sugar-like tone in her voice.  She grabbed his member and pulled it gently.  She stared up at him when she placed her lips over it.  Todd groaned.  He watched her head move up and down in the candlelight.  The silhouette of her body in the soft muted light accentuated his pleasure.  He laid back and enjoyed the sensual bliss.  It took everything within his power to hold back his climax.  As much as he desired the immediate gratification, he wanted to place himself deep inside of her.  Nothing was going to stop him tonight.  Grace had already given him permission to make love to her.  After she was done giving him enjoyment, he pulled her body close.