The Rhythm of My Heart (23 page)

“Oh, so it’s
fine
for you to dance with your ex-girlfriend, but it’s
not okay
for me to dance with someone else? That’s the way this relationship works, is it? Good to know, Cole!” Gracie snaps at me, and then she turns and stiffly walks out of the ballroom.

April is straight in my face. “You’re an ass, Cole! Not only did you just embarrass Gracie, but you also didn’t tell her about Miranda either! Good move, brother!” Then she quickly follows Gracie’s path out of the room.

Before I chase after Gracie and apologize, I need to make myself perfectly clear, so I turn back to Hamish and poke my finger into his chest. “You touch her or even go near her again, and I’ll rip your fucking arms off! You got me?”

The asshole just smirks and nods his head. “Yeah, I got ya,” he replies.

When I walk out the door into the hall, I immediately see Gracie and April sitting on a couch. I can see she’s upset and definitely angry, but at least, she isn’t crying. My feet eat up the space between us and when I get to her my fingers itch to touch her, but I don’t just yet. I know how I spoke to her was uncalled for, and a dick move on my part, but I need her to understand she wasn’t the one I was pissed at. I could tell as soon as she spoke to me inside that she wasn’t comfortable or happy about Hamish’s actions, but I took my anger out on her.

“Gracie,” I say.

When she looks up at me, her eyes narrow. “What, Cole?” she snaps.

“Baby, I’m so sorry for the way I spoke to you in there. Seeing you dancing with him, and then his hand on your ass, it just made me… kind of crazy. He shouldn’t have been touching you like that,” I tell her as I kneel down at her feet.

“I’ll give you guys some privacy,” April says, and heads back to the ballroom.

“I know that, Cole. Do you honestly think I would allow him to do that? I was already trying to move away because he was saying inappropriate things. But I was handling it, and then you charge in like a bull and embarrass the hell out of me.”

I take both her hands in mine. “I know, Gracie—” I start to say but she cuts me off.

“And that shit about no one should be dancing with me. What the hell was that? You were dancing with Miranda, who I just happened to find out is your ex. How convenient that you failed to mention that to me, Cole.”

“I know, Gracie. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Miranda and I’m sorry for what I said. It was hypocritical of me.”

Gracie shakes her head. “You know what… I don’t even care about what happened with Hamish because I can assure you he’s not someone I want anything to do with again. What pisses me off the most is that Miranda has been around at least three times and treated me like crap, but you didn’t find it necessary to tell me about her, other than she was a family friend. She’s your ex, Cole. That’s a lot more than a friend.”

I know I need to explain this to her, but it’s not something I’m proud of or talk about any more. I take a deep breath because I know Grace needs answers and I have to give them to her. “Yes, we dated for a couple of years, but Miranda changed after we finished med school. When an older neurosurgeon showed her some attention, she saw an easy way to get ahead in her career and move up in society. Although she broke up with me, I got over it pretty fast because I realized exactly what kind of person she was. I guess the neurosurgeon figured it out faster than I did because they weren’t together more than a few months. I’m sorry I wasn’t completely honest with you about her Gracie, but being with someone like her isn’t something I’m proud of, believe me.”

Her features soften and a small grim smile appears. When she looks into my eyes, I can see the determination and seriousness in them. “Thank you for telling me, even though you should have done it before now. But Cole, don’t keep things from me; don’t lie to me. I can deal with just about anything as long as you’re honest and open. At least now I can sort of understand why she’s so vicious toward me and be prepared in the future.”

“I promise, Gracie. You don’t have to worry about anything where Miranda is concerned. I’m all yours,” I vow.

“Good, because I’ve always been open and honest with you.” She smiles and it’s a real smile, a Gracie smile.

Leaning forward, I move my hands to the sides of her face and rub my thumbs across her cheeks; I stare at her a moment, and then touch my lips to hers. I lick her lower lip and nip at it a few times before running my tongue across it again to soothe the small bites. Gracie opens and allows me entrance. Our tongues mate in their own erotic dance. Her taste is addictive, and the sweetest sensation I’ve ever experienced.

I pull back and rest my head against hers. “I guess we just had our first fight, huh?”

Gracie lets out a small chuckle. “Well, it wasn’t a rip roaring affair but yeah, I guess we did. At least we settled it quickly.”

“That’s true but you know what that say…” I trail off.

“What do they say?” she smirks.

“The best thing about fighting is the make-up sex. So, how about we get out of here, and I make sure I well and truly make it up to you for the rest of the night.” I rise to my feet and hold my hand out to help Gracie up.

“Oh, I definitely agree with that. We don’t want to take any chances.” She winks.

I can’t help but smile at the mischievous side of Gracie because it sends wonderfully delicious and naughty images through my mind; now the need to get her home and alone as quickly as possible is overwhelming. Wrapping my arm around her waist, I guide us back to the entrance to the ballroom. “Let’s say goodbye to everyone and get you out of that dress.”

“Lead the way, Doctor Tierney. Lead the way.”

Chapter 27

Cole….

It’s Friday night and I had to work today, even though it was my usual day off. I did a shift swap with another doctor, so this weekend, Gracie and I get to spend two full days together and I can’t wait.

I pull up in front of Gracie’s little house, and Sam pulls in behind me. We both get out of our cars and head for the front door.

“You sure Gracie’s going to be okay with me coming for dinner and the game?” Sam asks as we climb the steps.

“Yeah, of course. She worked today, but she said she was making something special for dinner; since there’s a game on, I’m guessing she made her famous tacos and burritos. They’re unbelievable and she knows how much I love them,” I reply, while putting my key in the door.

“Mexican food, a few beers, my best friend, and baseball are the perfect way to end the week.” Sam chuckles as we step inside.

I hear music start to play. It’s a sexy, sensual rhythm and Sam and I share a curious glance at each other. Walking further into the house, I notice there’s no spicy aroma from the delicious Mexican feast I’ve been anticipating.

“Gracie?” I call out as we walk the few steps to the living room, where the music’s coming from. There’s no reply from her, but a female voice full of seduction and sex begins to fill the house, singing about how someone makes her feel. I instantly realize its Paul Cole’s “Feelin’ Love” and my senses are on full alert.

“Gracie?” I call out again, while heading for the kitchen.

Sam is still on my heels, “Where do you think she is?” We turn the corner that leads into the dining area and I get an instant hard-on as my eyes devour the sight before me.

Grace’s lying on her side across the dining room table displayed like the ultimate feast and last supper. Her gorgeous auburn hair spills around her face and over her bare shoulders.

She’s in red; red bra, red panties and red fuck-me heels. It’s a siren’s call. I want to take, devour, and claim. I’m like a bull seeing a matador’s cape... the need to rampage and rip those red pieces of cloth to shreds sparks an adrenaline rush through my entire body. Every appendage is alive and tingling.

I’m snapped back from my lust-induced haze when Gracie stutters, “Hi, Sam.” As her cheeks redden and she covers her gorgeous breasts with her arm.

What the hell?

“Holy fucking shit,” Sam blurts out, with a heavy gush of breath.

My head snaps to my best friend, who I’m about to beat the shit out of because he’s seeing my woman like this... my woman... yeah, that’s exactly what she is, and tonight, I won’t leave a doubt in her mind that she is, in fact, mine and will always be only mine.

I grab hold of my best friend with fists full of his shirt and push him toward the front door. “Get the hell out, NOW!” I yell at him.

Sam stumbles while trying to open it. “So, I guess I’m not staying for dinner then?” he laughs.

“Out, asshole,” I reply, as I give him one last push out the door, slam it closed, and turn the lock. I take a deep breath in, then quickly turn and make my way back to Gracie.

She has the cheekiest freaking smile on her face and she starts to giggle. “Welcome home, Doctor Tierney. Your dinner is served,” she purrs.

I’m crazy with lust right now and my cock is throbbing like never before. I kick my shoes off and pull off my socks as I stalk toward her. Her eyes go wide as she watches me approach; she seems a little startled by my advance.

“I don’t appreciate another man seeing you like that, Gracie,” I state as I unbuckle my belt and slide it off, dropping it to the floor.

“It was only Sam, babe,” she says softly, while lowering her eyes to the table.

“I don’t give a shit who it was, Gracie! The sight before me is for my eyes only, do you understand that?” I growl as I undo my pants and pull them off while standing in front of her. She hasn’t moved an inch. Her eyes are still pinned on me, full of anticipation and uncertainty.

I whip my shirt over my head, grab her thighs and pull her to the edge of the table. Gracie wraps her legs around my waist; her heels are crossed against my ass as she drags me closer so my hard cock is resting right where it wants to be. Her back is slightly arched, her hair splayed around her across the table and her arms resting above her head.
Breathtaking
.

I push my hips forward and she whimpers at the contact. “You’re mine, Gracie! Every piece of you, mind, body and soul is mine. I hope you’re ready because tonight, I’m going to make you fully understand that.” She sits up, wraps her arms around my neck and pushes her full luscious breasts into my chest.
Damn, I love her body.

“Well, Caveman, I did warn you that I was doing something special for dinner. It’s not my fault you brought Sam home with you.” She smirks.

I pick her up, slap her ass, and push her against the closest wall. “Tacos, Gracie! I thought you were making fucking tacos!”

She bursts out laughing and throws her head back smacking it into the wall. Her laughter stops as she winces and cries, “Ouch.”

I chuckle. “Oh, poor baby! That’s your punishment for Sam seeing you in this utterly sinful little outfit you have on. Now, let me kiss it better.”

I slam my mouth to hers and kiss her with an intensity neither of us has experienced before. It’s full of lust and raw need. Her lips part and my tongue plunges into the depths of her mouth, seeking contact with hers. She moans and kisses me back just as aggressively, her hands grabbing hold of my hair and pulling hard. My fingers dig into her ass as I pull her closer and grind my cock into her softness. She pulls her mouth away panting, so I take the opportunity to explore her throat; kissing, licking and sucking my way down to her collarbone, where I run my tongue from one side to the other.

A shiver rocks her whole body and I continue my descent to the swell of her breasts and nuzzle her perfect cleavage. “Cole,” she gasps, “more, I need more.” I lift my head and gaze into her gorgeous brown eyes. We haven’t said the words yet, but I can see the love that shines from their depths.

We’re both breathing heavily, our chests rising and falling at a rapid pace. “Bedroom. Now!” I demand. I grip her thighs and hoist her higher. She giggles as I turn and head for her bedroom, almost running to get there quicker. Our lips connect again, hungry with want, desperate with need, holding nothing back.

Making it to her bed, I let go of her thighs and she slides down my body rubbing my cock as she goes. I’ve never been this hard in my life and I’m positive that one release won’t be enough.

I reach behind her and unclasp her bra, pulling the straps down her arms. My mouth descends on her pert, pink nipple; I nibble and lick it until it beads and hardens under my tongue. I kiss my way across to her other breast and repeat my actions, not wanting to show favouritism.

My hand has slipped inside her panties. My fingers find her clit, and I begin rubbing in a circular motion. As Gracie’s moans become louder, she presses her breast further into my mouth.

The need I have becomes feral. I push her back on the bed and rip her panties down her legs. Finding her waiting for me like that has flipped something inside me and it needs to be sated. “Cole, please,” Gracie begs again. I grab her behind her knees, pull her to the edge of the bed and bury my face between her legs.

The moment my tongue makes contact with her clit; she bucks wildly, her hips rising off the bed. “Oh, God, don’t stop,” she cries out. I suck her nub, and gently bite down, then soothe it with a few quick flicks of my tongue. As I continue licking her, I plunge two fingers deep into her sweet passage. “Jesus, babe. You’re soaking wet.”