Now and Forever Read Online Free PDF Page B

could’ve easily sneaked into the other room and eavesdropped, but her conscience pricked at her. Tanner’s comment about her double standards left her unsettled. He had put a bright light to her blemished side, and she was ashamed. So, she decided to give him privacy. For the moment.
    When Tanner returned, he had an almost goofy grin on his face. The glint in his eyes was undeniable. His lady must have called, Lorilee thought. She didn’t care what he said—only love could make a man look that silly. Good love could have him doing somersaults.
    “Everybody needs good love,” she aloud.
    “What?”
    “Nothing. I was just saying it’s time for me to go.” Lorilee stood, smoothing the front of her dress with her hands.
    “Good idea. I have a hot date tonight.” Tanner blushed.
    Lorilee lifted a brow. “Earlier you gave me the impression that you had a frigid date, or lukewarm at best.”
    “Temperatures change,” Tanner said, wiggling his eyebrows.
    “Obviously.” Boldly, Lorilee plucked another asparagus spear from the salad. She cradled it gingerly between her fingers. It only took her a few seconds to transfer the delicacy from her hand to her mouth. The taste was so exquisite she almost asked Tanner for a plate to go. However, she didn’t want to push it.
    “I take it you’re staying where you always stay whenever you visit?” Tanner said.
    “You got it.”
    He escorted her outside and to her car, where they hugged. He noticed the dark blanket that had finally settled over the sky. The stars illuminated the night like diamonds against black velvet. A light breeze stirred. He imagined it ruffling Grace’s skirt, revealing her creamy thighs…or something more tantalizing. He breathed deeply. The air was fresh. Noise from night creatures provided gentle music. The stage for a romantic evening had been set.
    When he was lost in thought, Lorilee had slipped behind the wheel of her car. “Don’t forget about finding a place for my fashion show.”
    “I won’t,” Tanner assured her.
    “By the way, don’t do anything tonight I wouldn’t do,” she said.
    Tanner didn’t miss the sly wink she gave him. “I’m way ahead you.”

Chapter 4
     
    “You’re going to knock his socks off,” Ava declared, turning Grace towards the mirror.
    The two women stood in the middle of her bedroom, beaming over her appearance. For hours, they had fussed over her hair, makeup, and nails. They had even taken turns pulling one dress after another from Grace’s walk-in closet before settling on a little black number hidden in a corner. Choosing a pair of shoes had been easier. She decided to wear the expensive black sling backs she saved for special occasions. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she examined herself in the mirror. “In this outfit, I should be able to knock off more than his socks.
    “Please, you’ll have his nose wide open before the night ends.” Ava walked to the dresser and began packing cosmetics into a black leather case. “Besides, Tanner strikes me as a man with good taste. He knows quality when he sees it.”
    Grace’s expression darkened. She toyed with her gold bracelet. “I know he has good taste. He’s probably had his share of drop dead gorgeous women, oozing sophistication. While we’re having dinner at a snazzy restaurant, he’s going to compare my every move with theirs. I won’t measure up.”
    Although Ava comforted her friend with a hug, she couldn’t help but smile at her absurd statement. “I think you underestimate him,” she said, releasing Grace.
    Grace looked doubtful.
    Ava remembered how fixated Tanner had been upon her friend at The Pigeonhole. His gaze had been charged with longing and passion. No matter how many attractive and willing women had approached him that night, his attention never wavered from Grace. He had been riveted and couldn’t be shaken. Ava decided to let her friend discover the depth of his feelings on her own. It was a beautiful gift