"This is never going to work." Grace told her reflection as she looked at the fourth outfit she'd put on for her date.
Turning back to the bed covered in all her best outfits she sighed heavily. She couldn't understand where all this anxiety was coming from. It was Boyd after all. The same man she'd discussed all the intimate details of two grisly murders and a brutal rape in the past weeks. It was ridiculous really to worry about something as trivial as her shoes and earrings matching. The lavender cocktail dress she loved and wanted to wear hadn't looked right. Every time she turned sideways in the dress she swore her belly was more pronounced. This wasn't the first time she felt herself being irrational. Once more she had to wonder if the Grace Foley staring back at her was the same woman from before the Tony Greene case.
"Get moving."
Knowing Boyd he'd be on time and she did want to have a good evening. So she would have to be ready otherwise he would complain most of the evening. Pulling the sleeveless black frock she had on off she grabbed the lavender dress. Heading into the bathroom she put on her make-up and finished with her hair. She had to admit, bump aside, she looked stunning. A tiny part of her hoped she would knock Boyd on his arse. As was becoming the norm she shoved that thought way down.
A while later she felt a small victory as she was ready ten minutes before Boyd was to pick her up. She was wondering what to do with those ten minutes when there was a knock at her door. Trust Boyd to show up early.
Boyd was quiet as his eyes worked his way down her figure. He'd never openly gawked at her before. She knew she should chastise him but it felt good to have a man find her sexy again.
Holding up a bottle of wine he said, "Well this Bordeaux was definitely worth it."
"Boyd." She took the bottle from him as they stepped into her flat.
"I'm glad you are ready. I was afraid you were going to pull that girly crap and I'd have to sit around another hour."
"I try my best." She smiled at him.
Dinner turned out to be a rather pleasant one with only minimal sparring between them. That was one thing she'd discovered about Boyd woman or not he would never defer to her if he disagreed. Grace wasn't sure how she felt about that. At least I know he's being honest she told herself as Boyd paid for their meal.
"What would you like to do know?" he asked as helped her with her coat.
She didn't know how to answer. She wasn't ready to end the evening. It really had been a lovely time. Things hadn't become strained when they talked about the past this time around. Boyd told her of his parents but mostly he talked about Joey. Grace wasn't sure what to make of that. She was still a bit shocked with that discovery. Boyd was so focused on his career she found it hard to believe he had time for the boy. Somehow he did relating all the first time stories parents have. When does he sleep?
"I don't know." She finally answered.
"Dr Foley doesn't know? I can't believe it. This is one for the records books."
Rolling her eyes at him once again, "Boyd really. I know you and sarcasm are good friends but . . . "
He ignored her once again, "Why don't we have a night cap back at my flat? It's not really that late and I know we both don't have to work tomorrow."
She hesitated. She'd never been to his place before. Yes they had been at her flat numerous times but things had changed that night in her kitchen. Tonight's dinner had been pleasant but she'd caught him staring at her many times during their meal. Whatever was between them had become different. Heated actually and she knew it was getting dangerous once more. Running her hand over her stomach she wondered if she was about to make another mistake.
"All right but you'd better have some damn good coffee."
He laughed taking her hand. They walked quietly for a few minutes when a taxi drove by and Boyd hailed it.
"I thought maybe we could walk but I don't trust the scumbags of this city." He told her as they got in.
"Charming Peter." She told him realizing she'd used his first name. He must have liked the sound of it as much as her for he leaned over giving her a quick kiss before letting the driver know his address. It was the faintest of touches and she still felt the tingle as they pulled up outside his flat fifteen minutes later.
Holding her hand again they stood together as he paid the driver. He didn't seem to want to let her out his sight. She found herself really weakening to his attentions. Again it felt good to know she was still desirable. At times Grace couldn't decide if the situation with the pregnancy or the total crushing of her self confidence by Harry hurt her worse.
"Grace you all right? Did you change your mind?"
"No, no. I just got lost for a second."
"Well I'll get you some damn good coffee to help you find your way back."
They laughed and walked towards Boyd's flat. It was an older house that had been transferred into three separate flats. At dinner he had told her two older couples occupied the other flats. They took care of the back garden and a few other things as both couples were happy to have a policeman living there. He spoke fondly of them mentioning he'd like Grace to meet them.
Unlocking the door he picked up the mail before guiding her in. As he turned on the light Grace was a bit taken aback. He hadn't exaggerated about the place not really being lived in. Although there was furniture and some pictures of Joey the flat was filled with boxes. A lot of them were open and she saw two suits hanging on the door to the living room closet. A television was pushed into the corner with some more open boxes in front of it. The only part of the room that was remotely organized was the opposite corner that had a built in bookshelf with a very expensive stereo system housed on the shelves. There were also two shelves of record albums and some audio cassettes.
"Damn!" Boyd said from the kitchen.
She went to the door leaning against the frame, "What's the matter?"
"I'm out of coffee. I really dislike tea"
She walked to stand beside him.
"Why don't you put the kettle on for me and then fix yourself a whisky? I saw a bottle out in the living room."
"You know I've noticed you haven't really been drinking lately. All that wine I've been buying is collecting dust at your place." He stopped as Grace had to turn away. She couldn't meet his eyes. Knowing she would possibly be giving away her secrets. "But then again you're here so I won't really be drinking alone. I guess that will be all right."
He'd done it again, tried to use levity to diffuse a tense situation. Boyd was beginning to read her moods so well it was a touch frightening. She'd promised herself she wouldn't let a man past her defenses. It hadn't been two months and it was happening again. You've become so weak.
"Why don't you go sit down and I'll take care of your tea."
Silently she went back to the living room. Not ready to sit she decided to snoop a bit. One of the boxes was filled with books, mostly WWII, fiction and non-fiction. Another box was filled with pots and pans. They looked brand new. There was a picture frame sitting on the telly that grabbed her attention. Most of Boyd's other photographs all had one person in them. This one she found very interesting as there were three individuals. Joey was sitting on Boyd's lap while on his right was a fair skinned, blonde headed young woman. The woman was smiling but Grace felt almost immediately it didn't reach the woman's eyes. Joey looked very like his mother. She also couldn't deny how attractive Mary was. From what Grace had learned of Boyd she could see why he'd become so smitten with Mary. She was beautiful.
"One of our happier times." Boyd said from behind her.
She'd startled and nearly dropped the photo. He set the mug down and came to her side.
Taking the frame from her he put it back on the television. Then he grabbed her hands.
"Are you sure you're all right? You've been a little jumpy lately."
Pulling her hands from his she sat and picked up her mug.
"I'm fine Boyd. Thank you for this." She said taking a big sip of the warm liquid.
Sitting beside her he took her hand again.
"You can talk to me." Boyd told her.
"Boyd please."
"No Grace stop being evasive. Something has been bothering you. I'd bet it has to do with where you were going that day we met."
Grace knew her face blanched at his words. She wanted to share. She needed to talk to someone. The burden of her entire situation was weighing her down. She never for once thought it would hurt this much. She wasn't sleeping, she had a headache almost every waking moment and she knew the nauseas she was suffering from was more than just morning sickness.
"Peter please leave it alone." She pleaded with him.
He took the mug from her hand setting it on table.
"I can't leave it alone." He whispered as he took her face in his hands. "I care too much for you. Please believe me."
The problem was she did believe him and it scared the hell out of her. There wasn't a lot time to think on her fear as his lips touched hers and all rationality left the room. His tongue parted her lips and she moaned her longing against his lips. He pulled her against him, running his hands down her back. She moaned again as his right hand came into contact with her thigh as his left began unbuttoning her dress.
Grace found herself pushing him back against the sofa. She began unbuttoning his shirt, letting him taste her tongue. Finishing with the dress he began an attack on her neck. He was saying her name softly against her skin each time he pulled his lips away. It was driving her mad and the fact she was having trouble finishing his shirt wasn't helping matters either.
He was now running his tongue over her breasts. Grace could feel him hardening against her leg as he began working his way down her body. This time she moaned in frustration as he placed several kisses to her stomach. As she felt the tickle of his moustache against her belly button she froze.
Pushing him back she whispered, "I'm sorry Peter I can't do this. We can't do this."
Attempting to button her dress back up she held back the tears that were forming. This had to be stopped. He stilled her hands opening the dress once more to show her cream coloured bra and panties. Moving above her Boyd kissed her. She offered him little resistance despite her protests minutes ago. He moved his hand down her body, starting at her neck, over her breast to her belly.
"Grace please stay. I want to be with you." He whispered as his hand continued to rub her belly lightly, "It doesn't matter to me that you're pregnant."