Restoration Read Online Free PDF

might be nice. You know, a proper chat.”
    Grace pondered his words for what seemed like a millennium. “I guess that would be fine.”
    He forced himself to control the ridiculous grin spreading across his mouth. “Brilliant. Tomorrow night? I’ll come round to get you.”
    She nodded, a slight hint of bemusement on her face. “That sounds nice. Around seven?”
    “Right, yes. I’ll see you then.”
    “I’m this way so . . .” She gestured awkwardly in the opposite direction he was going. “Um, have a nice day,” she called, smiling too brightly.
    “Ta,” he responded, slightly breathless.
    He watched her leave, knowing he was done for. He wanted her. All of her. There was no possibility of him keeping his hands off her. Fingers clenched, he thought of the curves encased in those tight running pants, her breasts pressing against her shirt as she stretched, lifting the fabric slightly to show a toned belly and a tucked-in waist. He groaned as his mind and heart zeroed in on the same thing.
    “Oh, bleeding hell,” he said as he shook his head and jogged back to his house for another cold shower.
    “Dinner? You’vegot a date?” Valerie was clearly shocked. “With Drew?”
    Grace’s face flamed. “Yes. No. No, I don’t think it’s a date. He just wants to have a proper chat .”
    Valerie smirked. “It’s totally a date!”
    “Just shut up and help me find something to wear.”
    She rifled through her drawers, searching for something that didn’t scream date , but wasn’t too professional architect . She finally settled on a thin sweater in deep burgundy over a pair of black cropped pants. Her hair was not so easily managed. After struggling with the unruly waves, she gave up and piled it on top of her head in a messy bun.
    “You look hot. Keep your hair down, though. It’s so pretty.” Valerie was rummaging under Grace’s bed, searching for the right shoes.
    Frustration and an uneasy feeling took hold. “Don’t you think this is kind of weird?”
    Valerie’s blond head popped up over the edge of the bed. “What?”
    “Come on. He looks just like John.”
    She shrugged. “That’s just a bonus. What’s the harm in getting to know the guy? It’s not like you’re marrying him. Maybe it will help you move past John.”
    Grace considered the question for a moment. “I guess you’re right. I just think it’s weird.” She lowered her eyes and picked at her cuticles. “How am I supposed to move on if I fall for him all over again?”
    Valerie plopped down on the bed, leopard-print platform wedges in her hands. “Look, it’s only as weird as you make it. From what I’ve seen, he’s a very nice guy who just happens to look exactly like John. You’re not falling for John again. That’s already happened. The real question is, does it hurt too much to look at him? Yes, it’s a strange coincidence. But you need to decide if it’s too painful to be with him. Either way, you need to get out there, meet people, make friends. Stop working so much and enjoy your life.”
    Sometimes Valerie could be so insightful. Grace’s heart thudded against her chest as she thought of Val’s question. Does it hurt too much?
    A light knock on the door sent shivers of apprehension through her as she crossed the living room to answer the door. Drew looked amazing and so much like John her breath hitched. Dressed in a deep-blue corduroy blazer, a white button-down shirt, and jeans, he looked more put together than she’d ever seen him. His hair was still haphazardly tousled, but it looked like he’d put in some effort to tame it. She smiled at the memory of John trying desperately to flatten his disobedient hair in the weeks between haircuts.
    “Grace, you look lovely.” Drew’s expression melted her heart and banished all thoughts of John. His eyes were wide and filled with an innocent look of wonder.
    “Thanks. You look nice, too.”
    “Shall we, then?” He reached for her arm and sent a warm smile