Restoration Read Online Free PDF Page B

in Valerie’s direction. “Hello, Valerie.”
    Valerie grinned and waved. “See you later. Have fun!”
    Drew took her to a small Indian restaurant called Nirvana. The air was warm and smelled of delicious spices and curry, the close quarters increasing the intense aroma.
    “This place is so tiny. I didn’t even know it was here.” She marveled at the setting. The space only housed five tables and was completely full.
    “There’s more upstairs. That’s where we’re going.”
    “Upstairs?” She followed him up the steep staircase to a rooftop dining area. The room was enclosed in glass, affording a view of the town around them. The tables were filled with diners, happily eating their meals and enjoying conversation.
    “I hope you like Indian. I took a chance.”
    “Never had it,” she admitted.
    “Well, I think this is one of the best.”
    Drew helped her decide what to order, insisting they get samosas. As they waited for their food to arrive, the conversation dwindled to the uncomfortable silence of an awkward first date.
    “So, how long have you lived in Braley?”
    “All my life, really.”
    “Hmm. I’m from a small town, too.”
    Drew pulled at his earlobe. “Do you like it here?”
    “Yes. It’s charming.”
    “Good, good.”
    This is bordering on ridiculous. Please let the food come soon. She shifted uncomfortably.
    “Sorry. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a date.” Five years to be exact. She fought the blush creeping up her cheeks.
    “For me, too. I’ve always been rubbish at it.”
    That made her laugh. “It’s the most awkward thing ever, right?”
    “Bloody awful!”
    Their food arrived and somewhere amidst the trial and error of experiencing new tastes, Grace forgot her unease. A weight lifted from her as she began letting loose and enjoying herself.
    “Mmm. So good,” she moaned around a bite of samosa.
    “They’re my favorite. Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, with just a touch of spice.”
    “Thanks for taking me here. I’m not a very adventurous eater.”
    “My pleasure.”
    As Drew walked her home, she felt anticipation bubble up. They approached her doorstep in silence, the awkward tension rearing its ugly head again.
    “Goodnight, Drew. Thanks for dinner.” Her eyes flitted everywhere but toward his.
    “I hope you enjoyed yourself. I’d like to take you out again soon.”
    He leaned in then, the scent of his clean skin making it hard for her to concentrate.
    Oh, God, he’s going to kiss me!
    Panic rose and she made a quick move, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. “Night,” she squeaked as she rushed to open her door. She winced as it slammed behind her. Her heart was racing and her breathing was heavy. She felt the solid wood against her back as she slid down to rest on the floor.
    “That bad?”
    Grace opened her eyes to see bright, pink painted toes in front of her. “No, he was going to kiss me.”
    Valerie crouched down. “Too weird, then?”
    “A little. I panicked.”
    Valerie grabbed Grace’s hands and pulled her up. “Come on. Let’s have some wine and you can tell me all about it.”

Chapter 5
    Saturday morning greeted Grace with a beautiful sunrise, making her glad she’d decided to go for an extra-long run. Still on edge from her date with Drew earlier in the week, she needed to think things through. She’d started before the sun had begun to crest over the rolling hills surrounding the town. She shivered a little in the chilly air, but it was bearable as her strides brought her back from an invigorating seven-mile run. Her muscles trembled slightly and she was dripping with sweat. As she approached the town square, her phone buzzed on her arm. It was a message from Valerie.
    Heading out to London for the day with Mick. See you tonight. ; )
    Grace rolled her eyes as she read the text and observed the winky-face . Valerie was becoming quite popular with the construction crew, causing Grace to take on the role of big