Grace did as she said she would and made breakfast for Sands. Somehow the awkwardness was gone and the two fell back into their naturally banter-filled state with each other.
"Sands, how can there possibly be any 'sexual tension' when you don't have a clue as to what I look like?"
Sands smiled after swallowing a forkful of eggs. "From the size of your robe – not to mention your kinky underwear – I know you're not or a cow or anything." Grace groaned, but Sands continued. "So, that's a big plus right away. Then there's the fact that not only smell good…"
"You've been smelling me?"
"Not the point I'm trying to make…"
"Smelling me?"
He laughed her off. "Let it go, Gracie."
"That's like…"
"You smell good, deal with it. Would you rather I tell you that you reek?"
"Well…no, but…"
"O.K., on to other things then. You're so much like me that I can't help but find you to be…"
"Whoa, like you? Using one vulgar – though very fun to say – phrase, does not make me anything like you!"
"You're quick witted…"
"I have actual human emotions…"
"…you're kinky…"
"Underwear proves nothing!"
"…you certainly got a kick out of giving me a bath…"
There was a moment of silence, then Grace laughed. "O.K., you're trying to convince me that I'm like you, so I think you're citing that you must enjoy giving yourself a bath…Do you see something wrong with your persuasion?"
"Not at all – I'm an incredible specimen and I already miss myself."
A very loud growl emitted from Grace. "You're arrogant and self centered…"
"At least I admit it. I bet that you're one of those chicks that thinks she's a real gift to the men in the world, but acts like she's some little shy thing that lacks any sort of confidence and…"
"Sands, you know nothing about me! I could go into any bar in this country and I would never have to leave alone if…Oh…shit…"
Sands smiled proudly. "See, you're very much like me, Gracie. You gonna be able to live with that?"
"I highly doubt it."
"Well, you're safe for the next six days – I won't tell…Of course, in order for me to keep that little secret, you may have to keep my lips busy."
"Be honest with me, do you ever stop?"
"Nope."
"Do you ever have actual conversations that hold any meaning?"
"If the conversation includes anything about cash or information that I need in order to get cash, then yes. Otherwise, this is as good as it gets, Gracie."
"So, am I going to end this week knowing anything other than the fact that you work for the CIA and that you lost your eyes someplace in this country?"
Sands finished his eggs, taking his time before letting a single word pass his lips. He knew that Grace was still standing next to the counter – he hadn't heard her move. He rose from his seat and, without much difficulty, stood in front of her. He wrapped his arms around her, slightly surprised that she didn't back away. He put his mouth next to her ear and lowered his voice to the most seductive of whispers. "Well, I will gladly give you every opportunity necessary to let you get to know my body as intimately as you like."
Grace smiled and let her hands move to Sands' bare chest. Her fingers trailed down to the fine trail of hair just below his bellybutton before she said, "You know, that offer is very tempting…" She nuzzled her face against his, and let her teeth graze his earlobe. "…but I make it a habit not to sleep with strangers."
She'd managed to make Sands' body go slightly rigid, but he brought himself back to the moment. "I'm no stranger, Gracie."
"Really?" she asked, her hands now wandering his bare back. "All I know is that you're Agent Sheldon Jeffrey Sands, you work for the CIA, and you lost your sight. You've already told me that that's all I get to know…"
"I…I didn't say those exact words…"
"Oh, well of course not – but that's what you meant, isn't it? You see, Sands, I could go into any bar and leave with, most likely, anyone I'd choose to, but I wouldn't. Do you know why?" Unable to speak, Sands shook his head. "Unlike you, I want to know the person I share my bed with. In that instance, I'm nothing like you." She ran her fingers through his tangled hair. "Since I don't get to know you…well, I believe you understand what I'm getting at." She pulled away from him and walked toward her room. "Think about that for a while, will you, Sands? I'm going to change into a very skimpy bikini and head down to the beach."
She's not going to win. I'm not going to let her think that she's got me all…Christ, I want to pin her down and… "Care for the company of a banana?" Smooth, buddy…
"Depends…can I peel it?"
She won't admit it yet, but I'll be damned if she isn't my female equivalent. Knowing exactly what Grace's "peel" question was referring to, Sands smiled and said, "We'll see, Gracie. Maybe I'll let you know a little something…if I can have a little something."
"Fair enough."