The Rhythm of My Heart

by Velvet Reed

  Her brown eyes darken, almost matching the color of the chocolate frosting. I can see the desire smoldering in their depths and I’m certain they’re a reflection of what is in mine. As minutes pass, and knowing this is our first official date, I resign myself to the fact I won’t let things go too far… Not yet, anyway.

  “So, let me guess. You’re a rom com fan?” I ask, trying to distract us from the sexual tension that stifles the room.

  “How very judgmental of you, Cole,” she chastises me. “I happen to be a big action fan actually, but I will admit I do love comedies and classics. And yes, I do like romance as well, but what girl doesn’t. I have very eclectic tastes in movies and music, so no pigeon holing me, mister.”

  “Eclectic tastes, huh? Very unlike most women I know,” I state.

  “Well then, you must know some very boring women, Dr. Tierney,” she chuckles.

  I can’t help but smirk. Grace is the exact opposite of what I’m used to in a woman, and damn, if I’m not enjoying every single thing about her.

  “Pick your genre, Cole,” she says, as she unfolds herself from the couch and moves to the entertainment cabinet.

  “You pick, Sweet Cheeks, lady’s choice.”

  “Hmmm, taking a risk there, aren’t you? Let’s see… I’m in an action kind of mood.” She takes a DVD from the huge collection she has. “Hot men in superhero outfits it is.” After setting the movie up, Grace throws the cover for The Avengers on the coffee table and returns to her place beside me.

  I toe my shoes off and sink back further into the couch. Grace grabs a blanket from the back and settles in right beside me, extends her legs out, and rests her head against my shoulder. Without a thought, I wrap my arm around her and pull her closer where she burrows into my chest getting comfortable.

  I honestly don’t remember much of the movie. I’ve seen it before, but with Grace moving so her head rests in my lap and as she drifts off to sleep, my sole focus as I run my fingers through her silky hair is on how perfect and right this feels. I breathe in her sweet, fruity, and intoxicating scent. I really need to find out what it is.

  As if sensing the movie has ended and my gaze is on her, her eyes flutter open and make contact with mine. “Sorry, I fell asleep,” she says, shyly.

  “Don’t be. I enjoyed watching you sleep.” Fuck, way to sound like a major creep Cole, good job.

  Her eyes widen at my admission. “You didn’t watch the movie?”

  I shake my head and use my fingers to trail a soft caress down her cheek. “With a gorgeous woman sleeping in my lap, why would I focus on anything else? Especially a bunch of men in tights.”

  Grace chuckles. “The Black Widow doesn’t do it for you, Dr. Tierney?”

  “Sweet Cheeks, she doesn’t even compare to you,” I assert and watch the sweet as hell flush take over her features. I take the opportunity to lean down and kiss her again. I’ll never get tired of kissing these lips. Grace shifts to sit without breaking the contact we have and then she deepens the intensity of our kiss.

  As she moves to straddle me, locking her hands behind my neck, I allow my own to wander down her back to the hem of her sweatshirt. Our tongues are embracing in a rhythmic dance and my hands travel north under her top making contact with smooth, soft skin. Cupping her right breast and kneading it gently, I take note that it’s slightly more than a handful. Perfect. Grace moans. I’m sure she’s felt the bulging hardness beneath her core because she starts rocking against me. Goddamn if I don’t feel like a horny as hell teenager about to lose myself in my pants.

  Her lips leave my mouth and travel across my face to my stubbled jaw. “Cole,” she sighs, sending her warm breath fluttering across my skin and sending shock waves of desire straight to my straining groin.

  “Sweet Jesus, Grace,” I heave.

  She feels so freaking amazing and God knows I am only a man. A man with needs, a man tweaking her pebbled nipple between my fingers through her bra, and a man so fucking turned on right now he may spontaneously combust. But, I won’t take her on our first date. As much as I want to, as much as my cock is straining and screaming at me to, Grace deserves better than that. She deserves more respect than that. God, give me strength.

  “Grace,” I pant as she tugs my ear lobe with her teeth, and then sucks it into her mouth to soothe it. “Grace,” I repeat.

  “Hmmm,” is her only reply between kisses.

  “Grace, we have to stop,” I puff.

  She immediately pulls back, a look of shock on her face, and the flush from her arousal deepens in color. She starts to move off me and I can tell she’s embarrassed.

  “Hey,” I say, but she looks away.

  “Hey,” I say again, and halt her movement. “Grace, don’t for a second think I don’t want to lay you down right here on this couch and explore every inch of your gorgeous body. It’s taking everything in me to not do it.”

  Her eyes meet mine. “It’s our first date, Sweet Cheeks, and I’m not that guy. When I make you mine, there will be no mistaking that fact. We’re starting this…” I motion between the two of us. “We’re starting this right.”

  Grace leans in and peppers my mouth with little pecks from her well-kissed lips. “I do believe I’ve found myself a gentleman, Dr. Tierney.”

  I let out a huff. “I guess you have, but believe me when I say the thoughts running through my head and the things I plan on doing with you are nowhere near that of a gentleman.”

  Grace raises her eyebrows and a wicked grin emerges. “Well, I do like the sound of that.”

  I give her a mischievous wink. “You have no idea, Sweet Cheeks, no idea at all.”

  When I check my watch, I see it’s almost six pm. “Well, I have to start work at five in the morning, so I should probably get going before I forget everything I just said.”

  Grace giggles and extricates herself from my lap. As I start to put my shoes back on, I say, “I’m on at the hospital until Thursday; so I was wondering if we could have dinner Friday night?”

  With a grimace, Grace replies, “I’m actually looking after Ruby Friday night. Charlie never goes out; and he’s going with Dad to a car show. Sorry.”

  “We can always take Ruby with us. I mean I’ve never babysat before, but what the hell, it should be fun,” I respond.

  Grace’s mouth drops open and she stands there speechless.

  “What?” I ask.

  “Are you shitting me right now?” she exclaims, and I have to laugh.

  “Why would I be shitting you?”

  “Guys don’t do that, Cole. I mean, what guy in his right mind would volunteer to babysit as a date?” she renders in disbelief.

  I stand and just smile at her. “I do, Sweet Cheeks, and honestly, it doesn’t really matter what we do as long as I get to see you. Believe me; it’s going to be a long week.”

  Grace grabs fists full of my shirt and yanks me to her. “And you think I’m amazing,” she says, as her lips attack mine. I can’t stop the smile I have against her mouth. I know she’s right about other guys not offering to do what I just did, and normally, I wouldn’t either. But as long as I get to spend time with her, I don’t care what we do.

  “Thanks for a wonderful day. I’ll call you,” I say when we end the kiss. I take her hand as we head for the door.

  “I had a great day, too,” she replies.

  I take one last taste of her lips. “See ya, Sweet Cheeks,” I say as I make a run for my Jeep through the relentlessly falling rain.

  Chapter 11

  Grace….

  When his car pulls away and is out of sight, I close the front door and lean back against it with a huge smile on my face and my head giddy with happiness and excitement. Cole is like a dream. Gorgeous, caring, down to earth, successful, and let’s not forget, an absolute gentleman. I need to pinch myself so I know he’s real.

  I can’t believe I fell asleep though. I mean, I know I was a little tired from going out last night, but how embarrassing to fall asleep
on the guy’s lap on the first date. Then I go ahead acting as if I was in heat, rubbing myself against him all wantonly and needy. I haven’t been with a guy in six months and obviously my vibrator just isn’t doing the job. But what guy stops a girl’s advances though? A freaking gentleman, that’s who. God, I want that man.

  My cell phone pings with a message, so I push off the door and rummage around in my handbag for it.

  Ashley:Grace! You were supposed to call me after your date with Cole. What the hell!

  So bloody impatient!

  I send a quick reply.

  Grace:Ashley! Considering he just left, I haven’t had a chance to call you, calm your tits!

  Ashley:A 6 hour date?!?! I’m on my way. Bringing pizza.

  Of course she is.

  I expel a heavy sigh of contentment. Not your typical first date but it was the best I’ve ever experienced. I gather our plates and coffee cups and take them to the kitchen. I can’t stop the smile I have plastered on my face.

  This calls for dancing!

  Ever since I was a teenager whenever something exciting happened or even something bad, I’d pick four songs which represented the moment and dance it out. I grab my iPod, quickly select my four songs, and hit shuffle.

  “Happy” by Pharrell Williams is the first song up; the music starts, I let the beat take over my body, dancing around, clapping, and singing my ass off with wild abandon.

  Next up, I’ve gone old school with “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & the Waves. Ashley walks in as this song hits its final chorus with a huge smile and a shake of her head while heading for the kitchen with the pizza. She knows me well enough to know exactly what’s taking place in the living room right now.

  When she returns, “Good Times” by Owl City starts and there are no words required as we lapse into weird and ridiculous disco moves, then jump around as though we’ve completely lost our minds.

  We’re laughing ourselves stupid as the fourth and final song begins, “I Want That Man” by Deborah Harry. Ashley lets out a high-pitched squeal and we grab the remote controls and use them as microphones, as we sing our hearts out.

  This is such a release for me. Before my mom died, I took dance and singing lessons but stopped when I couldn’t share it with her any more. These little dance sessions are a brief opportunity to completely let loose. There’s no doubting how perfect these lyrics are either because I want Cole Tierney like I want my next breath.

  When the song ends, we both flop down on the couch giggling and out of breath. Turning to look at Ashley, we both laugh. “Judging by your song choices, I’d say you had a great date. What was the first song?”

  “‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams,” I supply.

  “‘Happy’; ‘Walking on Sunshine’; ‘Good Times,’ and ‘I Want That Man’… Enough said,” she laughs.

  “Let’s eat and I’ll fill you in,” I say, rising from the couch and extending a hand to help Ashley up.

  “Dancing followed by pizza, wine, and gossip… How can a girl refuse?” she laughs again.

  I love this girl.

  Cole was right. The week has dragged on at an incredibly slow rate; as each day has passed, I seriously have considered faking an injury just for an excuse to see him again. Pathetic!

  We’ve texted or spoken on the phone just about every day, chatting about everyday stuff, our days, and generally, getting to know each other better. I completely understand not being able to see him though, because he works twelve-hour shifts and is pretty exhausted at the end of his day. Cole has had today off and since Friday is one of my days at the garage, he’s used it to run his errands like he usually does.

  My stomach has been jumping around with excited nerves, knowing he will be here any minute. Ruby’s been busy drawing. When the doorbell announces Cole’s arrival, I have to stifle a laugh because I jump up so quickly to answer the door that I startle poor Ruby.

  Cole has suggested we take Ruby to a kid-friendly place, so we are heading to a diner. It’s nothing fancy, but I know Ruby will be happy with the food there.

  Swinging the door open, I have to force myself not to leap into his arms and kiss the shit out of him. The simplicity of dark jeans and a black sweater on Cole makes my mouth salivate. His bright blue eyes seem to sparkle when they make contact with mine.

  “Hi,” he smiles.

  “Hi. Come on in,” I reply, in what I can only describe as a breathy tone.

  As he steps inside with his hand behind his back, he places a warm kiss on my lips, but doesn’t linger too long. He then reveals a single yellow rose from behind his back. “For you,” he explains.

  Accepting the simple gift, I thank him as Rubes wanders into the foyer. Her eyes widen with fear and she hides behind my legs. “Oh God. The last time she saw you was at the hospital; I think she’s scared. I should have thought about that,” I blurt out.

  “Grace, it’s okay. I’m sure we’ll become fast friends.” Cole tries to soothe me as he bends down to get to Ruby’s level. What I witness next astounds me. Cole produces a single pink rose and a small gift bag, and puts them down in front of him. He then starts to sign, “Hello, Ruby”. I don’t know who is more shocked, Ruby or me when he continues signing his own name as well.

  Ruby’s little face lights up when Cole hands her the pink rose and gift bag.

  With a quick ‘Thank you’ sign, she runs back into the living room with her treasures.

  “What did you do?” I ask in complete shock and awe.

  Cole stands and shrugs. “A nurse at work, Allison, she was Ruby’s nurse actually. Well, her little brother is hearing impaired and she taught me a few signs. I wanted to be able to communicate with my date a little,” he chuckles.

  With that statement, I don’t hold back. I fling myself at him and show him exactly how unbelievable that gesture is. “Thank you,” I declare, and kiss him again. Just when I think he couldn’t get more amazing, he goes and does this for a little girl he’s only met once before. Not many men would even think about doing something like that.

  Ruby runs back into the foyer and taps my leg to get my attention. When I look at her, I notice she is holding the rose, and she now has bracelets on her wrists, rings on her hands, and necklaces around her neck. He bought her jewellery. I shake my head smiling.

  “What? Every little lady needs jewellery, right?” he quips.

  “Yes, they do. It’s a lovely gift, Cole. Thank you.”

  After cutting the rose down so it would fit in Ruby’s braid, we head out for dinner in my Camaro because it already has Ruby’s car seat in it. The whole evening I watch how attentive Cole is with Ruby. He helps her with her food and wipes her face, and as we leave the diner, its Cole’s hand Ruby holds tightly walking back to the car.

  Since it was an early dinner, I bathe Ruby when we get home and settle her in the bed she has here at my house. Cole is leaning against the doorframe watching me tuck her in, and again, I am rendered speechless when Ruby signs his name and extends her arms for a hug. I turn in time to see Cole cross the room and lean down to give her a quick hug. As he pulls back, he touches the tip of her button nose with his finger. “Sweet dreams, little lady,” he whispers even though she can’t hear him.

  I watch the scene before me, dumbfounded. Ruby has a hard time letting people she doesn’t know in; however, in the space of a few hours, Cole has managed to weave his way into her little heart.

  Walking back to the living room I reach out and grab Cole’s arm. “You have no idea how wonderful it was to see Ruby interact like that with you, Cole. She’s normally so reserved around new people. Thank you for being so attentive and patient with her,” I express sincerely.

  Cole moves his hand up to cup my cheek. “She’s a great little girl, Grace. I’m glad we bonded a little because she’s a major part of your life. You love her and I’m really hoping I’ll be part of your life a lot more, too.”

  I don’t know what the hell I’ve done to have this man walk into my l
ife; whatever the reason is, I’m extremely grateful. Not only has he made an impact on Ruby, but he’s made an irrevocable impact on me as well. I don’t understand how, in the space of less than two weeks, I can feel this connection we have is meant to be. Everything about him calls to me on some innate and fundamental level. Cole is important. I want and need him to be mine.

  “Are you saying you want to make this official, Dr. Tierney?” I ask, holding my breath and praying he says that he does.

  He holds my face in his hands while gazing at me with determination in his eyes. “Yes, Grace,” he whispers, and places a swift kiss on my lips. “I want to make this… Make us… official. I want us to be together. And I want us to take each day as it comes and see exactly where this undeniable connection we have is going to lead us.”

  My stomach takes flight, my heart swells with overwhelming joy, and the smile on my face is so big it’s making my jaw ache. I grab hold of his shirt and pull him to me, assaulting his lips with a bruising kiss that will leave no doubt in his mind that everything he just said is exactly what I want too.

  Cole Tierney is officially mine.

  Chapter 12

  Cole….

  After a seriously heavy make out session where we probably looked like a couple of teenage kids, I ended up leaving Grace for the night with the promise I would cook her dinner at my house tomorrow night.

  We’re officially a couple and I couldn’t be more ecstatic. Given our last few encounters and the sexual energy sparking between us, I’m fairly certain tonight I’ll be making Grace mine in every way. The desire and need to be with her is eating me alive, and this hunger needs to be sated.

  I spoke to my mom earlier to get meal ideas and you can imagine the exuberant joy she exuded over the phone. Anyone would think I didn’t date… Well actually, I haven’t in quite a while, but when your heart gets trampled on, you aren’t too willing to lay it on the line again too quickly. Mom was happy I had someone new in my life and extended an invitation for Grace to come to a family dinner. After I got off the phone, I headed out to pick up everything I needed to make tonight memorable.