Author's note: I had to write their first date in more parts than one because it was getting too long to be only one part. Thanks to everybody for all lovely reviews, they keep me wanting to write more so, please, keep them coming!
‐—--
As Lucas climbed into a driver's seat Grace realized what he was doing.
"Lucas? Your shoulder… Should you be driving?", she asked, concern getting the better of her "And where is your sling?"
She barely finished when he leaned toward her with a playful smile and gave her a short, sweet kiss on her rosy lips.
"I went to see a doctor today and he said that I don't have to wear it anymore. Just have to take it easy", he replied with a smile.
His words didn't calm Grace at all.
"Yeah, he says that you have to take it easy and first thing you do is sit behind the wheel! How is that taking it easy?", she fidgeted in her seat "Lets just walk, I really…", but she wasn't able to finish as his index finger on her lips shushed her.
Grace's heart skipped a beat as he leaned toward her once again.
"We will walk later on", he whispered "This is just a short drive until we reach the restaurant…", his smile grew bigger as he added "And some other places".
She couldn't stay immune to the deadly combination of his sparkling eyes and handsome grin. Smiling behind his index finger, she whispered:
"Other places?"
His eyes darkened and he nodded, still not moving away from her.
Grace smiled happily.
"What are you up to, Lucas Bouchard?"
His index finger traced her rosy lips gently and slowly and she took a chance, diving in with her palm on his neck and pulling him up for a kiss.
Lucas gasped silently in delight, as he always did when she took an initiative in their budding relationship.
She never ceased to amaze him.
He pulled her waist closer to him with both hands, reveling in the feeling of her in his arms.
Grace gasped for air as she felt his palms gently squeezing her sides.
"Plesse, be careful", she mumbled "I hate to see you in pain".
His face softened as he placed several short and heartwarming kisses on the soft petals of her lips.
She was intoxicating. So beautiful and thoughtful.
"It was killing me that I couldn't hug you and touch you properly", his whispering voice shook her senses up to a fever point and she let out a sigh as he tightened his hold on her "And to be able to hold you in my arms like this is absolutely divine".
Grace smiled, her entire body tingling from his gentle touch and loving words.
"If you continue like this, I won't be able to stand, let alone walk so you'll have to carry me", she whispered flirtatiously, but her voice was trembling from the sensations he woke inside her "And I don't think you've healed enough for that task".
Lucas' smile turned almost wolfish at her flirtation and his eyes sparkled like stars mirrored in a mountain river.
"Some day", he whispered huskily "I am a patient man", and with those words he pulled away and turned the engine on, his smile weakening her knees and leaving her completely breathless.
Grace inhaled deeply, a mixture of fresh winter air and Lucas' cologne making her feel warm inside.
Who would have thought that I would be so lucky to find a love like this?
She glanced at him as he drove down the streets of Capitol City. His silent wisdom and strength combined with his handsome features and good heart took her breath away.
He was perfect.
And just knowing that a man like that loves her made Grace feel like she is the luckiest woman alive.
Lucas noticed her looking at him and he moved his hand from the commands to take her palm and bring it to his lips for a gentle kiss.
Grace smiled at the gesture, her heart singing.
Oh, how I love this amazing man!
They enjoyed their silence too, reveling in the moment that they were finally all alone since the day he kissed her for the first time.
Lucas turned around the corner and steered his car toward the parking lot.
As he shut the engine down he looked at her.
"It's about five minutes walk from here, are you alright with that?", he asked.
Grace nodded.
"Sure", she smiled at him and went to open the doors, but Lucas stopped her with one word.
"Wait", he left the car and quickly walked to her side, causing her smile to widen and her heart to warm up.
He opened the car doors and helped her out.
The moment she left the car, he pulled her in his arms and whispered:
"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?", he whispered.
Grace's heart felt like it would jump out of her chest.
She leaned forward with a smile.
"Yes, you did. Thank you. And have I told you how dashingly handsome you look tonight?", she silently asked, her lips only an inch away from his lips.
He smiled, whispering:
"Merci, mon amour" ("Thank you, my love"), his voice was soft and low, causing her heart palpitations. Grace unconsciously moistened her lips with a tip of her tongue, causing Lucas' eyes to turn midnight black and he leaned down, kissing her longingly.
Grace whimpered in delight, both of her palms resting on his strong shoulders. As Lucas pulled away, a small sound between whimper and moan escaped her and he pulled her closer to him, crushing his lips against hers.
She sighed, opening up to him and he dived in, deepening the kiss causing a moan to escape her mouth. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she pulled him closer to her.
Gasping for breath, Lucas closed his eyes and leaned his forehead on hers.
"What are you doing to me, Grace", he managed to whisper through heavy breaths.
Grace felt warmth washing over her at the sight of him so exposed and vulnerable. She caressed his neck and gave him a soft, gentle kiss on the lips.
"You better get used to it, my Lucas", she whispered gently, her knuckles brushing over his neck before her arms wrapped around his neck once again "Because I love you. So much", she finished and felt him tremble in her embrace.
He smiled at her words and opening his eyes, he kissed her warm, rosy cheek.
"I love you too, my angel", he whispered.
Grace smiled warmly and leaned forward to give his lips one more gentle kiss.
After she pulled away, he offered her his arm and they walked in the restaurant.
The waiter took them to their table and gave them the Menus.
"What would you like to drink?", Lucas looked at Grace.
She looked at the Wine Card and creased her eyebrows.
"Well, I would really like a glass of red wine but there are so many", she bit her lower lip in concentration, her face turning so serious as she perused through the Wine Card.
Lucas smiled at his love's concentration.
She was adorable.
"Would you like me to order?", he offered.
Grace peeked at him above the Wine Card, her relief so obvious it made him chuckle.
"Yes, please", she breathed out and put the Wine Card down with a smile.
Lucas smiled and looked at the waiter.
"May we have a bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild?", he asked, giving their Wine Cards back to the waiter who nodded.
Grace studied her Menu almost the same way she studied the Wine Card and Lucas enjoyed every second of her careful perusal.
She was so concentrated on reading the Menu that she didn't even notice him looking at her instead at his own Menu.
But, he couldn't even imagine the reason for her concentration.
He couldn't even imagine the surprise that she would sprung upon him.
Grace put the top of her fingers on her lips and tapped them lightly.
"You know, I am trying to remember the meal I had some time ago in Paris. They seem to have quite an offer on French meals, but I can't remember the name…", she trailed off as she turned the page.
A few second later, Grace huffed, frustrated with herself.
"I don't know why I never bother to write such things down? I mean, you can't expect to remember that you had paella in Girona, or souvlaki in Thessaloniki, or …ah, geez, what was the name of that meal in Paris?! I would love to eat it again!"
It was only then that Grace realized that Lucas didn't say a word. She looked up, a confused smile on her face.
"What?", she asked.
"I didn't know that you've been there", he said, completely amazed.
Grace nodded.
"Yeah. Sometimes, the people who adopt the kids can't come here so they make arrangements for us to bring the kids. Well, mostly me. Lillian is not much for traveling", she explained.
Lucas was completely mesmerized by her.
Just when I thought you can't surprise me anymore. Just when I thought that I couldn't possibly love you more.
"And you like to travel?"
Grace smiled.
"Yeah. You really learn a lot. You meet new people, learn about new cultures, religions, traditions… Lillian teases me that I like to wander way too much, both on Earth and in my head", she winked, grinning "I'd say that I am a bit of a tumbleweed", she looked up as the waiter came and poured them a glass of wine "Thank you", she said politely.
Lucas was utterly speechless.
And utterly enchanted.
Grace looked up at him, aware that he hadn't said a word.
"Lucas?", she called cautiously.
He looked up, a bit startled. He saw confusion and question in her eyes at his silence.
He let out a breath mixed with a surprised chuckle.
"Oh, Grace", he shook his head, still amazed "My wonderful Grace", he smiled, his heart full.
Grace creased her eyebrows, looking at him totally puzzled.
"Care to let me in your secret?", she quipped.
Lucas grinned.
"Lets order first, then I'll tell you", he took a breath in, his smile never wavering "Now, why don't you describe that meal to me. What were the ingredients? Maybe I can remember".
If possible, Grace's facial expression turned more confused but, in Lucas' opinion, definitely more cute as she raised her eyebrows in surprise, her mouth forming "O".
"Wait, I don't understand", she shook her head "How would you know about that?"
Lucas leaned in his chair, took a glass of wine and took a sip before saying with a small, slightly smug smile:
"Try me".
Grace watched him speechless, not knowing what to make of it.
"Oh, alright", she huffed, closing one eye as her mind traveled down the memory lane "Well, it was a chicken…no, wait. It was a duck with some soya sauce and honey…", Grace sighed "Oh, it was delicious!"
Lucas nodded appreciatively.
"Excellent choice. Magret de canard", he said nonchalantly.
Grace laughed.
"Wait, you know about it?", she smiled widely.
Lucas signaled to the waiter.
"Oh, my Aunt Jacqueline, Gustave's Mother, can eat it every day. She used to prepare it for us when we would visit them in Paris", he explained, still smiling.
At that moment a waiter came.
"Have you decided?", he politely asked.
Lucas nodded.
"Yes, thank you. Magret de canard and Steak au poivre. Thank you", he handed the Menus back to the waiter with a polite smile.
Grace watched him, her eyes squeezed a bit.
"What?", asked Lucas.
"Are you sure that is the meal I was talking about?", asked Grace, suspiciously.
Lucas nodded.
"One hundred percent sure", he winked at her "And if it's not, we'll just order until we guess".
Grace laughed.
"No way. Lets hope you are not wrong", she smiled.
Lucas took his glass of wine.
"You of little faith", he quipped, making her laugh. In order to keep that sweet laughter for a little longer, he suggested "Shall we make a wager?"
Grace chuckled as she watched him with smiling eyes for a moment before she nodded.
"Alright. I accept that challenge", she grinned "Wager in what?"
Lucas pretended to be deep in thought, his fingers slightly rubbing his beard.
"If you lose you will teach me how to make those delicious cookies of yours", he smiled playfully.
Grace smiled back.
"Alright. And if I win, you'll teach me how to play poker", she winked.
Lucas' smile widened.
"You're on", he offered his hand and she shook it with a grin.
He shook his head looking at her with love and a pinch of disbelief.
She took a sip of her wine before asking through smile:
"What?"
Lucas took a breath in, deciding it is time to tell her a bit more about himself.
He delves into a story about his childhood and traveling with his parents all around the world. She is speechless, her mind trying to wrap itself around the fact how much alike they are. She loved to travel, loved to see new places and learn about different kinds of people and their traditions. It stirred her curiosity and imagination. She always tried to bring things she learned abroad to her life in Capitol City. That's how the kids at the orphanage knew about Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, learned to eat with Chinese sticks as well as with silverware and she definitely tried to make some delicious meals she tried abroad.
And now to hear Lucas doing the exact same thing made her heart palpitate. She was delighted when he told her about Christmas fair he organized in Hope Valley and how they released the Chinese lanterns in the sky. She laughed as he told her how Bill didn't want to eat Bratwurst with sauerkraut.
"But, you can't eat it without sauerkraut!", Grace laughed.
"Thank you!", Lucas said dramatically "That's what I told him!"
"Did you have germknödel? Oh, that was such a treat in Munich!", Grace sighed.
Lucas gasped silently.
"I liked the Christmas market in Munich the most!", he said, his smile bringing out his dimples in full glory.
"Oh, isn't it beautiful? I love the spirit of Christmas, I love all those little lamps! They make such a spectacle under the stars", she practically bubbled with excitement.
Lucas' heart was so full that he couldn't take a proper breath in as he watched her lovely features.
The waiter came back, bringing them their food.
Lucas watched as Grace thanked the waiter, then how her eyes widened and sparkled at the sight in front of her.
"Wait, lets be sure", she cut into her meal and tasted it only to close her eyes in the next moment, a delighted moan escaping her "Oh, my God!", she opened her eyes, smiling happily "That's it! Thank you so much! Oh, what did you say it's called? I have to write it down", she put the silverware down and as she was about to signal to the waiter to come so she can ask him for a pen and paper, Lucas reached out over the table and offered his palm to her.
Grace's attention was momentarily switched to his warm gaze. She smiled softly as she put her hand in his and she felt a delicious tremor shake her body as his thumb gently carressed her knuckles.
"I will always order it for you, whenever you want it", he whispered huskily "No need to memorize it".
The hidden meaning behind his words made her insides burn, her blood feeling like hot lava.
I will always be there.
She smiled, positively glowing.
How I love you, my Lucas.
Lucas held her gaze for a moment longer before he slightly chuckled.
"What is it?", Grace asked, a smile curling up her lips.
"You know, when I first moved to Hope Valley Bill was determined to know more about me in the first five minutes then my Father had known all my life", as Grace chuckled, Lucas continued with a smile "And so he started to fire questions like 'Who are you, Bouchard? What are you doing for living? Where did you come from?', and lets just say my replies didn't set us on a right path back then", he quipped, laughing a bit.
"What did you say to him?", she asked, eager to find out.
Lucas winked at her.
"Oh you know…this and that, here and there", here, his eyes caught hers and he whispered, watching carefully for her reaction "And that I am a bit of a tumbleweed", he grinned as she gasped.
"No way!", Grace laughed, completely enthralled by him.
Lucas joined in her laugh.
"You can ask Bill to recount the story of how obnoxious and annoying was I when he met me", he winked, his smile widening "Just don't let him convince you I was really like that. In fact, I was quite different and it pissed him off", he quipped, making Grace laugh again.
She reached out for his hand and he took it without hesitation.
"Lucas…Where have you been all my life?", she whispered, amazed by everything he told her and how much his heart was in tune with hers.
Lucas' eyes darkened as he squeezed her fingers, a love for this amazing woman growing inside him per every second.
They ate in comfortable silence and after they've finished, Lucas got up and slowly approached her.
"M'accordez-vous cette danse? ("May I have this dance?), he whispered, offering her his hand.
Grace felt her heart skipping a beat as she nodded.
"You certainly may", she replied with a smile and getting up, she glided toward him like some magic force pulled her. Her body and soul were drawn to him so hard that it make her dizzy to stand.
Lucas held her close to him as they danced, his emotions so tumbled up yet he saw everything so clear.
She was the other part of his soul.
He inhaled deeply, taking in her wonderful scent.
"I love you, my fellow tumbleweed", he whispered warmly.
She looked up at him and smiled gently.
"I love you too, my fellow adventurer", she felt love washing over her senses as she caught his smile full of joy before he gave her a twirl, making her giggle as her heart sang in tune with his own.
As he pulled her back to him, he took a strand of her hair between his fingers and gently caressing it, he continued their dance.
—--
Lucas pulled a pocket watch out and checked the time.
"We have about 45 minutes left", he looked at her with a smile "Wanna talk a short walk? It's not that far".
Grace looked questioningly at him, her lips curling up a bit.
"What's not that far?", she tried to find out once again, but Lucas saw right through her attempt and grinned.
"Patience, my lady", he got her coat and helped her put it on "You'll find out soon".
Grace pursued her lips and squeezed her eyes a bit.
"Alright, Mr. Mysterious, have it your way", she put on her gloves and looked up at him, her smile colouring her face in pure happiness.
Lucas smiled lovingly.
"You're gonna love it, I promise", he offered his arm to her and she accepted it with a loving smile of her own.
They left the restaurant and Lucas steered them right, among the business area of town. While it was a flurry of activities and people during the day, it was so peaceful now.
Grace snuggled into Lucas' side as they walked down the the quiet street, both of them silent.
She inhaled deeply, holding onto his arm, wrapped in his warmth.
Oh, I could get used to this.
"It's a beautiful evening", she whispered, turning her face and kissing his upper arm, only to lean her cheek on it as they continued to walk.
She felt Lucas slowing down his steps as her fingers caressed his arm.
Grace looked up at him as he suddenly stopped, her eyebrows slightly creased.
"Lucas, what is…", but before she could reply, he turned left into a small passage between two buildings. Grace quickly turned around, thinking that there was some danger lurking close, but the street was quiet, only two people walking down in the distance.
Her heart thumped faster as she looked back at him.
"Lucas, what…", but before she could finish, he pulled her in his arms, kissing her passionately.
Grace gasped in pleasure, quickly wrapping her arms around his shoulders, pulling him closer.
Closer.
His lips were fire on hers as he devoured her and she held nothing back. Her palms quickly reached his neck, caressing it until she felt his skin exploding into goosebumps under her touch. Satisfied with reaction she got, Grace let her fingers roam into his glorious hair, making him groan in pleasure and their kiss deepened.
Suddenly, Grace felt her back hitting the wall of the building behind her as Lucas kissed away every reasonable thought from her mind.
She gasped as he moved closer into her, feeling every part of his hard body pressing into her soft form.
Her gasp took him away from her lips down her neck and Grace swore she saw the stars as Lucas showered her swan-like neck with hot kisses.
The passion licked her senses to the point where she whimpered in pleasure, her fingertips pressing slowly into his head. That move brought a feeling of his tongue on her neck and Grace shuddered, letting out a breathy moan.
She needed to kiss him.
Now.
Her shivering fingers tried to unlatch him from her neck, but he drove her mad with kissing her skin with occasional tease of tongue so that all she could do was to slam her hands against the wall and try to breathe through his passionate loving of her neck.
Her breathing turned into a quick, short gasps for air as his hands roamed around her back and pulled her even closer to him.
"Lucas", she sighed, catching his attention enough to bring his lips back to hers. She kissed him hotly, passionately, her whole body burning.
He kissed her back, diving in, his tongue caressing her mouth, causing her to shiver deliciously under his touch.
He wanted her so much it hurt.
He loved her so much it burned.
And that's why he pulled away, leaning his forehead on hers, giving them both a chance to breathe.
Grace gasped for air.
"Oh, my God", he heard her whisper and looked at her eyes.
The love he saw there made him want to fly.
Her pupils were dilated, her cheeks aflame, her lips rosy and swollen from his passionate kisses and she was having a hard time to breathe properly.
And yet, the smile she gifted him with took him straight to Heaven.
He smiled back at her, just holding her close, never taking his gaze away from her eyes.
How did I live without you?
—--
So, make a wish and make it fast, I just want this thing to last
'Cause heaven knows I'm falling hard, and I'm not the only one.
Every star up in the sky has got your name on it tonight
And they don't stand a chance like I know I don't
Girl, you can't tell me that you can't see the kind of spell you put on me
You gotta know just what you do, even the stars fall for you.
I never counted on your touch, making me want you so much
I never dreamed that your sweet lips could make me feel like this.
Every star up in the sky, has got your name on it tonight
And they don't stand a chance like I know I don't
Girl, you can't tell me that you can't see the kind of spell you put on me
You gotta know just what you do, even the stars fall for you.
("Even the stars fall for you" - Keith Urban)
—--
End of Part 1.