Lucas placed his palms on the wall, his forehead still leaning on Grace's.
Her eyes watched him as she tried to calm her breathing down.
Her entire body trembled from his loving touches, caresses and kisses. Lucas Bouchard was deeply anchored in her heart, she was sure of that.
"I'm sorry, I got carried away", he whispered, old fear of rejection, frowns and belittlement showing its ugly head again.
Grace's facial expression turned determined.
"I'm not sorry", she breathed out, placing a gentle, long kiss on his lips, trying to calm him down "And neither should you be. I told you twice already not to apologize for feeling deeply", she cupped his left cheek, making him look up at her "You think this was a mistake? That I have behaved poorly and unladylike by kissing your heart out?"
Lucas held her gaze.
"No, of course not", he said desperately.
This wasn't about what she'd done. This was about what I've done.
She was perfect.
Grace kept watching his dark eyes, her thumb gently caressing his bearded cheek.
"Good. Because I love you. I would never belittle your affections", she stepped on her toes and gently kissed both of his eyelids, her fingers moving into his hair as she continued "I am not Elizabeth, Lucas. I know how much she hurt you, how much she broke you. But, please, my love, believe me when I say that I am not like her. Just like I know you are nothing like Patrick. You would never hurt me like he did. You would never try to demand my love. You make me feel loved, protected and cherished. You showed me the true meaning of love", she slowly kissed his lips, causing him to close his eyes, a sigh escaping him "Let me do the same for you, my Lucas. Let me show you how much you mean to me", she gently kissed his lips for a moment longer "Let go, my Lucas. Don't be afraid", as he opened his eyes, she gently and slowly dragged her index finger across his lips "Never be afraid around me. Because it takes two to tango and I really wanna dance it with you".
Her words and her gentleness broke down his barricade and Lucas let out a breath, wrapping Grace in her arms, hiding his face somewhere between her hair and shoulder.
Grace hugged him tightly, caressing his hair and neck, her face a storm of emotions.
Some day, Elizabeth Thornton, you're going to face me. And may God help you if you try to utter even one bad word against this amazing man.
Lucas pulled back to look at her.
"I love you, mon coeur ("my heart"). More than I can ever tell you or show you", at her happy smile, Lucas felt his heart melting "But, I'm certainly going to try", he kissed her lovingly and gently, causing her to snuggle closer to him and let out a sigh of pleasure. He smiled against her lips "And that brings us to a surprise I have planned for you".
His eyes sparkled as his right hand went inside his suit pocket.
"I know how much you enjoy telling stories to the children. Well… I think it's about time you enjoy somebody telling you one as well".
Grace watched curiously as he pulled out two tickets and flashed them in front of her, a mixture of anticipation and anxiousness on his face as he waited for her reaction.
Grace looked at his hand and gasped.
"Nutcracker! Lucas!", she squealed as she jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly. A second later she jumped back to look at the tickets again, then let out a small yelp of joy before hugging him again, kissing him hard on lips then pulled back, grinning "How did you know?"
Lucas' heart soared at her reaction, her bubbling energy and happiness chasing his old fears away forever.
"I had help", he winked at her. As she watched him, puzzled, he smiled lovingly, caressing her cheek that always grew warm under his gentle touch "Lillian told me that you never went to the theater but loved putting up the plays for the children".
"Oh, Lucas, thank you!", her smile brightened the night that fell around them "Wait, what time is it?", without waiting for him to reply, she pulled out his pocket watch, causing him to laugh warmly at her excitement. She opened his pocket watch and gasped "Oh! We should hurry!"
Lucas took his pocket watch from her fingers and gave her lips a soft, warm kiss.
"You are adorable", he kissed her again "And beautiful", playfully kissing the tip of her cute nose, he smiled and took her hand "Lets go!"
Grace rushed beside him, her joy and excitement about to reach a bursting point. Holding her hand, Lucas watched her with a smile on his face.
Oh, how I love you, Grace Bennett!
Her happiness and bubbling energy were contagious and he felt his heart holding onto hers, pulling him into her world where there was no pretending and where he could breathe again.
They arrived in front of the theater in about ten minutes. Grace was smiling widely as she took all in: the lights, the crowd, the grand staircase that led to the theater hall.
Pushing the doors open Lucas led her to the private lodge and pulled a chair for her.
Grace smiled, gasping at the view from their own little balcony.
"Lucas, it's beautiful", she whispered, her smile shining as she took his hand "Thank you".
He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.
"You're welcome. Enjoy, my love", he whispered.
The lights went off and the curtain rose. Grace turned toward the stage and snuggled into Lucas' side as the play began.
—--
Lucas couldn't wipe a smile off his face, nor did he wanted to. Grace's focus on a play was heartwarming, her little gasps and chuckles and sighs making his heart so happy. From time to time she would reach out for his palm, then, when the scene would become intense she would lean forward, holding her breath.
She was completely in the play and Lucas took a mental note to thank Lillian once again for her input. He didn't want their date to consist only of dinner and a walk. He wanted to do something special for her.
He couldn't take his eyes of her and, if he was being honest, he spent more time watching Grace than the play.
As the curtain closed, a huge applause boomed through the theater and Grace sighed happily as she joined in.
As the people started to leave the theater, Lucas looked down at her.
"Do you want to stay a bit? It's crowded in the hallways now", he silently asked her.
Grace looked at him, gently smiling.
"I'd love to", she replied and as his arm went back around her shoulders, Grace snuggled into his side.
"Thank you", he heard her mumbling "It was more beautiful than I could ever imagine. The costumes were breathtaking and the dance so majestical", she turned to look up at him, her eyes sparkling.
Lucas reached out and put a stray curl behind her ear, causing her smile to widen.
Before he could pull his hand back she laid her fingers on his palm, her gaze on his lips. He caressed her cheek gently and leaned toward her, reading her signals perfectly. He cupped her face, his thumbs slowly caressing her cheeks as he went in and placed a warm, loving kiss on her lips.
She kissed him back, her fingers holding onto his palms. She trembled from his gentleness, her heart thumping loud and fast.
He broke the kiss and gently touched her nose with hers as he breathed her in.
Grace was sure that she would melt right then and there.
A sigh escaped her and she smiled at him as he took her hand and whispered:
"Come on. Lets go for a walk", he gently kissed her knuckles and they left the theater.
They went outside holding hands until Lucas put her palm in the crook of his arm, wishing to have her closer to him.
As though she had read his mind, Grace snuggled closer into his side, causing him to let go of her palm only to have his arm wrapped around her waist and pulling her into him as they walked side by side.
She slightly shivered from the love she felt and instantly alarmed Lucas.
"Sweetheart, are you cold?", he asked looking down at her.
Grace smiled at his concern.
"No", she looked up at him "It's impossible to be cold around you".
He kissed her hair, holding her closer to him, his arm slightly tightening its hold on her waist.
"Well, just in case, stay close so I can keep you warm", he whispered as if to explain his gentle ministrations.
She smiled lovingly, leaning her head on his shoulder as they walked.
"What do you say we go get ourselves something warm to drink?", Lucas asked.
Grace closed her eyes.
"Oh, I would kill for that delicious hot chocolate of yours!", she sighed longingly.
Hearing no reply from Lucas, she opened her eyes only to see him pulling out his pocket watch and checking the time with a devilish grin.
Her eyes widened as her lips started to curl up.
"Oh, no, we couldn't!", she gasped.
Lucas' grin grew.
"Oh, yes, we could!", putting his pocket watch back he added "He should be asleep by the time we get home!"
Home.
Both of them were aware of what he said.
And both of them smiled at each other.
Home is where you are.
Grace shook her head, still not sure about getting in Gustave's bad books again so soon.
"Lucas, he only just recently forgave me for nearly destroying his kitchen with you!", she whined a bit.
Lucas nodded, putting on an annoyed facial expression.
"Yes, and I still don't know what shape of cookies he got", he held back laughter at Grace's gasp.
"Lucas!", she playfully scolded him, lightly kicking his arm.
"Ow! A little sympathy for the injured, if you please", he huffed, rubbing his shoulder.
Grace snorted.
"You hurted another shoulder, not that one", she said, chuckling.
Lucas gasped, pretending to be hurt causing Grace to laugh again.
He wiggled his eyebrows and put her hand back in the crook of his arm.
"Shall we?"
Grace looked up to the sky and let out a breath, then peeked at Lucas with one eye.
"Should we?", she asked, biting her lower lip.
Lucas tried his best to stay serious.
"Well, if you are saying NO to my hot chocolate and to me looking hot wearing an apron", he shrugged and stole a glance at Grace.
She shook her head, smiling.
"Oh, how can I say no to THAT?", her smile turned into a grin.
"So, is that a yes?", asked Lucas. As Grace nodded, he quipped "And no more teasing this old, injured man?"
Grace burst out laughing, holding onto the crook of his arm.
"I'll be good as gold, I promise", she quipped, smiling widely.
Lucas nodded.
"Good", he patted her palm in the crook of his arm "Then I'll let you lick the spoon", he winked at her.
She glanced at him and the moment their gazes collided they both burst to laughter.
—--
The doors of the mansion squeaked as they opened causing Lucas to freeze in his steps and Grace colliding with his back as she walked behind him.
"Ow!", she yelped silently.
"Sorry", Lucas whispered.
"Why don't you oil those old doors?", Grace hissed silently as Lucas sneaked through the hallway.
"I will. But, admit it", he grinned at her "This is more fun. Adds a splash of mystery to a…", he was trying to reply, but Grace quipped:
"...comedy?", as he looked at her, they both almost loose battle with laughter, then said "sssssshhhhh" at the same moment and rushed to the kitchen.
They quickly got the ingredients out and Lucas instructed Grace what to add while he mixed slowly.
In no time, the mouthwatering scent filled the kitchen, making Grace swoon on her feet.
Lucas turned the stove off and poured hot chocolate in two cups.
"Now we just have to wait until it cools down a bit. In the meantime", he turned around, got the spoon out of the bowl and handed it over to Grace.
She took it, her eyes twinkling.
The moment her lips and tongue connected with hot chocolate, she closed her eyes, letting out a soft moan of pure pleasure at the taste of it.
She opened her eyes and licked her lips, causing Lucas' eyes to darken at the sight and he moved into her personal space, kissing her until she didn't know what day it was or what was her name.
And the spoon fell from her hand down on the tiles.
—--
Gustave wiped a hand over his face as he dragged himself back to his bedroom from the bathroom.
And at that moment a clank was heard.
Gustave stopped dead in his tracks.
From his kitchen?
Gustave frowned, going to the late night inspection just to be sure.
"He wouldn't dare", he grumbled to himself.
The sound of Gustave's tired mumbling made Grace and Lucas freeze.
They looked at each other, eyes widening, then quickly rushed toward the table.
Just as they reached it Lucas ran back, causing Grace to widen her eyes.
"What are you doing?!", she hissed quietly.
Lucas grabbed two cups from the counter and sprinted toward the table. Grace quickly grabbed the cups, put them on the floor and started to crawl under the table.
Only to notice that Lucas ran toward counter again!
"Lucas!", she hissed in a whisper and watched as he grabbed the bowl and sprinted back, almost tripping on his own feet.
Grace was in tears from laughing silently as he finally crawled under the table beside her. She cupped his cheeks, laughing at his antics as she peppered his face with kisses.
In that moment, slow footsteps were heard, causing both Grace and Lucas to freeze the way they are - she cupping Lucas' face and he holding the bowl as their eyes followed Gustave's slippers.
"Je dois mettre un cadenas sur les portes" ("I have to put a padlock on the doors"), Gustave's tired voice was heard.
Grace's shoulders started to shake from suppressed giggles.
Gustave's slippers came dangerously close to the table, stopped, circled around each other, then stopped in front of the spoon.
Lucas grimaced and Grace bit her lip hard, her eyes wide open.
To their surprise, Gustave's slippers dragged their tired owner away, but not before he issued a promise.
"Demain, je tuerai cet idiot"("I will kill the idiot tomorrow"), grumbled Gustave, yawning.
The moment the slippers left the kitchen Grace lost her battle with laughter, sending Lucas into hysterics right along.
He discarded the bowl and wrapped his hands around Grace's waist, pulling her in for a kiss, both of them laughing.
And if the hot chocolate got cold due to their heated kisses - they didn't mind one bit.