This one is a little short. I am making one long chapter into two because one would have been really unwieldy. And, true to form, the bunnies are not going to let me stop here!
Oh! Can I just say how much I am loving all the GRIGSBY stories showing up on this site? Join the fun!
DISCLAIMER: A really cool new Red bag I got on Canal Street yesterday, yes. Them, sadly no.
Choices - 10
This time when she awoke, Grace knew exactly where she was sleeping. Wayne's arms were wrapped around her. This time, she was not running away. This time, she was going to roll over and snuggle back into his warm embrace. This time she hoped would be the beginning of so many times like this. She didn't think she could ever stop or ever have enough of him. For a woman who had spent years thinking she would be independent and alone, it should have been an earth shattering revelation.
Instead it made her a little giddy His arms and warmth were addictive, she decided. She suddenly understood why people did drugs. This was a feeling she never wanted to lose. "Hello, my name is Grace, and I am addicted to Wayne Rigsby" The silliness of the thought, made her giggle a little.
Wayne could feel her stirring. He held his breath, still terrified that she would run again. Instead, he could feel her body shaking ever so slightly. Was she crying? Was she hurt? Had he pushed her? Oh, God, he was an idiot. He should have stayed on the sofa. Damnit! Better face this, he thought.
"Grace?"
Oh good, he was awake. Time to get her fix. Grace rolled over into his arms and smiled. Oh no, that worried look was back on his face. It never ceased to amaze her how truly shy and sweet this gladiator of a man was at his core. She reached up and smoothed that worry line between his eyes.
"This is a very good morning I think" Then she did the only thing any woman who was lucky enough to wake to that sight would do. She kissed him. She wrapped her arms and the rest of her body around him and kissed him. Oh yeah, that was better. It was even better when his arms tightened around her and kissed her back. It was another hour or so before she came down from the high of being rolled onto her back and loved thoroughly first thing in the morning. Yeah, mainlining Wayne. That was the ultimate high.
After he finally was able to breathe again, Wayne finally relaxed. She started that. She wanted him. And frankly, she wanted him last night. Yeah, it was all good. He still couldn't believe she was in his bed. Look at her. Her skin was still flushed and glowing and she had the loveliest half smile on her face. He could easily get addicted to that sight. Grace stretched and looked over at him.
"I can't believe I am the one saying this, but are you hungry? I'm starved."
"What would you like for breakfast? I know I have eggs, maybe some bacon, no sausage and only English muffins. What's your pleasure?"
"I didn't mean you had to cook for me. I have to go home anyway and get cleaned up and…."
"Nope"
"What? Not this again? I am not sleepy and can certainly drive"
"We still have so much to talk about and I am kind of afraid to let you leave before we work all this out"
"I know that, but I really need to clean up and change…"
"Your bag in the car?"
She knew he referred to the overnight bag they all kept in their cars in case they caught a case that would take them away from the area. California was a big state. They could be sent anywhere. Her bag contained 2 work outfits, something to sleep in and a comfortable outfit.
"Yeah, of course"
"Ok then. I will go down to your car and get it for you. You can shower and change here. Meanwhile I will get some bagels or those chocolate chip crumb muffins you like and we will have breakfast"
Those chocolate chip muffins were an indulgence she only allowed herself on rare occasions. They were about 600 calories each, but really wonderful. She couldn't even remember bringing one to the office. She only mentioned them once on a stakeout. Only a man in love would remember a tiny detail like that. Grace kissed him again.
"You really are too sweet, you know that?"
"Sweet? Ok, but I don't think anyone would describe me as sweet"
"Are you kidding? Well, that's ok, I think I like being the only one to know how truly sweet you are"
Wayne's heart swelled with the lovely smile that accompanied that declaration. It sounded like she wanted to keep him to herself. That was just fine with him. It was exactly the type of arrangement he had in mind.
She had to kiss him again just because he was so sweet. Just as things were starting to get interesting, both their bodies told them something different. Their stomachs rumbled. Laughing, they broke it up and got moving.
When Grace came out of the shower, there was coffee, water boiled and several kinds of Decaf tea waiting and, oh heavens, a muffin! He jumped in the shower and grinned out as he came into the kitchen, his hair all wet and spiky. Grace was wearing yoga pants and one of his CBI t-shirts.
"I'm sorry, but my t-shirts were packed a few months ago. They are getting kind of tight, so I borrowed one yours. Is that ok?"
"You can have whatever you want."
"Stop, you will spoil me"
"I plan to! Now, how are you going to handle work? Once Lisbon finds out, you will be on desk and computer duty for the duration. I know that will be really hard for you to give up going out in the field for a while. At least I will be able to keep you posted"
"What? Oh, Wayne. You are taking that job with the task force. I will be fine."
"Nope"
"Oh no, Wayne. This could be a really good career move for you. A chance like this doesn't come along ever day. I won't let you give this up."
"I like working at the CBI. Lisbon's a good boss and Cho, well Cho and I work well together." Grace, the only reason I was leaving was because trying to not love you wasn't working. I had to try getting away. I couldn't see you every day and not want to be with you. It was killing me"
"Aren't we a fine pair? I was only leaving because I couldn't be with you. But I still don't know what we will do. We're still both agents in the same unit. I'll change to the Intel unit if I have to, but there will still be an unofficial mark against you. I don't want that. Maybe I should just leave CBI."
"Nope"
"Be real here. I don't want you feeling like you have to change your life."
"My life will be changed. It was forever changed when I met you"
It was the quiet calm simplicity of the statement that just tugged on Grace's heart. This brave man, who had been terrified to make a move, was opening his heart to her. He deserved no less in return.
"Wayne, I love you too, but…"
It was as far as she got. His arm shot out and grabbed hers. "Really? You really do? Please don't say it if you really don't mean it?"
The hopeful uncertainty in his eyes was almost too much to watch. It suddenly occurred to her that in all that they shared and he overheard, she had never actually said it to him. Time to correct that right away! Cupping his strong jaw in her hands she looked him directly in the eyes.
"Wayne Rigsby, make no mistake here. I love you. I tried not to. I didn't want to fall in love at work, but how could I not? Besides being incredibly gorgeous, you are kind, sweet and brave. You have the best heart I have ever known. I love your incredible appetite, your strength, your loyalty to those your care about. I love how I feel in your arms and when you kiss me. I love that you would throw over a chance at a good career path because you love so well. I love you. Please never doubt it. Wayne, I love you."
"Really?"
"Really. Why do you doubt this? I love you too much to let you toss away a chance like this task force. Let my love free you from this over active sense of obligation."
He leaned across the table and kissed her again, just because he could.
"Come inside and sit. I need to tell you some things about me. You have shared your past. You have a right to know mine."
I promise I am working on the next chapter. Maybe only one or two more after that.
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