First, thanks for the comments, I'm glad you like it so far. Here's the next chapter, I will try and add more ASAP.
Chapter 3: Gorgeous Gracie
I find Hart working out in the gym and, from the looks of things, she's working off a lot stress, probably a direct result of my request for her to go undercover at this pageant. I approach her, 'So Hart, what d'you say?' I ask. 'No freaking way!' she responds punching the dummy particularly hard and deliberately coming close to hitting me. I realise this is going to take some work, but don't realise exactly how much until a minute later when I find myself being straddled by Hart in front of a load of our fellow journalists. For a brief moment, I relax and allow myself to experience what it feels like to have her in my arms. I can't help noticing her body, it seems so rare to ever see her outside of her shapeless outfits. Then it's back to work and trying to convince her to take the job, although my concentration is clearly affected by having her so near me. I rely on her sense of duty and her devotion to the job, knowing that these things will get her to accept – not matter how much she detests the whole idea. Sure enough, she agrees but despite my happiness, I can't help wondering whether this is really a good idea. Remembering back to the picture of her in a swimsuit, I wonder if I'm ready to deal with a made-over Gracie Hart, afterall, wouldn't that be pretty close to the fulfilment of my dreams?
Still, there's no time to ponder these questions as we soon find ourselves on our way to meet with Vic Melling, a pageant consultant recommended to us by Kathy Morningside. When we get there, I escape as soon as possible, glad to get away from Melling's unwanted advances. When Grace gets back after the meeting, she doesn't seem any more enthusiastic about the assignment but there is no time for us to talk as our flight leaves soon. On the way there, Grace sits with Vic and studies old pageant footage while I go through some paperwork. I can't help noticing how odd it feels not having her near me to toss ideas at and to generally keep me awake. From the looks of things, Grace isn't overly impressed by the footage and Vic is not amused – I get the feeling this could be a very long couple of days…
Oh my God. Oh my GOD. I am just standing on the tarmac and I cannot believe my eyes! Gracie Hart is walking towards me and she is looking so gorgeous I have to almost remind myself to breathe. Suddenly, I remember where I am and that there are colleagues around me. Pulling myself together, I walk towards her, 'Hart, is that you?'
I have no idea what she says as I'm too busy quite openly checking her out, but when she trips, it's a reminder that the person inside the dress is the same Gracie Hart. As much as I want her, I know that I'll never be able to have an easy relationship with her, the way I've done with other girls like Beth. No, with Hart, it's all or nothing and if I'm not careful, I could end up losing my best friend too. Seeing Hart like this makes me realise that things are going to get a lot more complicated as I can already see the other agents eyeing her up and I know that once Hart's got used to this, I might not be HER first choice, even if she's mine. At that moment, I realise just how true that is. Gracie Hart really IS my first choice. Let's face it, she's my only choice. The only thing that's stopped me before is the thought that I could screw things up until we'd have no relationship, not even friendship left. Seeing her like this makes me wonder whether maybe it just might work out. I realise I probably seem shallow, but it's not because she looks fantastic – I've always known she had a fantastic body from all our training. No, it's just that now Gracie Hart looks more approachable as she is clearly more vulnerable like this and somehow that makes me feel braver. But maybe I'm just kidding myself – afterall, she's the same Gracie Hart and will being in a dress really make her see me any differently?
Suddenly, I wish that I hadn't chosen Hart for this op as it might just result in me losing her altogether – something I just can't bear to think about. I push these thoughts aside and get back into the car. It's time to get to work, I'll have to think about these things later.