Chapter 30

A short time later the stereo was turned on in the family room and people took to the floor to begin dancing.

Harm and Mac were the first ones to say their good nights, they had an early flight the next morning so they could return to London. After that the others started leaving or heading to bed until only the family remained. Adel and Francesca were both leaving the next day so hated the idea of going to bed while the others were still up. They had really enjoyed getting to know George, Brandon, Grace and Cassie. Her family would be sorry to see both of them go. They had become big hits with everyone living at Grayhouse.

Adel reminded them that they had promised to visit the ranch as soon as school was out for the summer. Grace eagerly told her she would not let her mom and AJ forget that promise. Everyone got a good laugh at that and then Francesca declared that they needed to come to Italy for a visit as well!

Grace looked from her mother to AJ to see how they were reacting to this new invatation. She was very disappointed when she saw that they were laughing. Clearly this was not the reaction she had been hoping for. "Oh come on guys really!? I do so want to go to Italy!"

"I'm sure that you do Grace but we can't just drop in on Francesca like that," Cassie told her.

"But you can," Francesca insisted.

"I think what Cassie meant was that it isn't that easy to 'visit' Italy. Grace you'd have to have a passport…"

She interupted AJ to say, "But that isn't that hard, is it mom?!"

Cassie siad, "No it isn't but this is a decission we can make another time. Right now why don't you say good night to Francesca and Adel and head to bed."

"But Mom!" Grace protested.

Before anyone else could say anything Brandon put his arm around his sister's shoulders and pulled her to her feet. "Come on kiddo, let's get you to bed before they decide that you can't go at all."

She was still protesting as Brandon guided her up the stairs as the adults in the family room laughed.

"I really would like you all to visit me Papa," Francesca stated once the laughter stopped.

"I know Darlin' and I am sure that we will. But you shouldn't put Cassie on the spot like that. Grace is very young and thinks things like this need to happen right away."

"I didn't feel put on the spot AJ, I just wanted to be sure that Fransesca knew what she was getting into before committing to a trip like that."

"Thank you for thinking of me Cassie but I am fine with a visit from you. I would love to show you around my country and would love to take Grace to a fashion show!"

"Oh she would love that! And we will take you up on your offer some time," Cassie promised.

The Tinsdales declared that it was getting late and said good night to everyone as they took their leave. Stephanie finished her clean up and left soon after them.

"And with that I think it's time to say good night for us too," Cassie held out her hand to AJ and as they headed for the stairs asked, "George will you lock up this evening?"

He agreed and started to do so as Adel and Francesca also headed for the stairs. They got up there just in time to see AJ lift Cassie into his arms and carry her across the threshold of their room. As the door closed behind them both of the ladies in the hall gave a sigh. Adel, because she had never had that in her life, and Francesca, because she hadn't had that feeling for quite some time.

Once they were alone in her room, AJ took her into his arms he nibbled on her lips until she moaned in pleasure and allowed his tongue entrance. His tongue dueled with hers as the kiss continued on and on. When he had her gasping for air, he trailed kisses to her right ear and slowly traced the outer edge of her ear with his tongue. Cassie shuddered in his arms. Her ears were very sensitive and he was deliberately, it seemed, trying to drive her mad.

To Be Continued…