by Tanya Kelly
“I think maybe I should let you have a rest,” he replied.
She pouted some more but sank back in the tub and let out a contented sigh.
Reilly kneeled next to the tub and kissed her. “Um, here’s an idea.” he cleared his throat. “Why don’t you forget house hunting and move in with me?” The words tumbled out of his mouth before he’d had a chance to think about it. Lacey’s eyes flew open in shock. In the back of his mind, he knew he was moving fast and taking a big risk, but he had been thinking of nothing else all day.
“I know, you’re thinking it’s too soon but I disagree. I like you, Lacey. I mean, more than like you. I’m falling in love with you.” Shit! The last part had just slipped out as well. He’d said it, the cards were all on the table now.
Reilly took her hand through the bubbles and held it. Her mouth gaped open like a fish. “I like being with you all the time and waking up to you. Don’t say anything right now. Think about it. If for some reason, you hate living with me, you can always get a place then. What have you got to lose?”
Lacey closed her mouth and then opened it again but no words came out. “I’m going to go see what I can find for supper. I know I’ve said a lot and you don’t have to say anything back. Just don’t run.” He traced his fingers over her lips. “Don’t run and hide. It’s okay if you don’t feel the same way, but don’t panic is all I’m asking.”
She nodded and he kissed the tip of her nose and left the room. Reilly leaned against the wall in the bedroom. He’d just taken a huge gamble but he was kind of relieved to have said what was on his mind. To be honest and see where the chips fell. He just hoped his gamble paid off.
Chapter Twelve
Lacey sat in the tub in a complete daze replaying his words. She wasn’t sure how much time had passed but her skin was beginning to prune and the water had grown cold. Finally she let the water drain and grabbed a thick towel. She stared at her reflection in the mirror.
Reilly was in love with her. He wanted to move in with her. Deep down, Lacey knew she was falling for him as well but she wasn’t sure she was ready to admit this to anyone, let alone herself. The thought of moving in with him filled her with both joy and anxiety at the same time. If she imagined not seeing him ever again, the thought actually caused her physical pain. Was that love? She had no idea never having been in love before.
Lacey grabbed the robe Reilly had bought for her last week and put it on. Time to face the music. She found him in the kitchen, stirring something in a pot. He turned around when he heard her approach.
“Better?” he asked.
“Much better,” she smiled. “Smells good.”
“I made some pasta. It’s almost ready.”
“Can I help?”
“No, it’s almost ready.” He took a swig of his beer. “But help yourself to beer or wine.”
Lacey stood on tiptoe and grabbed a wineglass before pouring a hefty amount. She took a sip and noticed her hands were shaking.
Putting her glass down, she went over to the stove and wrapped her arms around him. Reilly stopped stirring and squeezed her hand around his waist.
“I need some time to think about what you said…and asked.” She pressed her lips to his back. “Is that okay?”
Reilly turned around and hugged her tightly to his chest. She loved being in his arms. Lacey struggled for words to describe how she felt. Safe and loved. She still wasn’t sure why she was hesitating with this amazing man.
“Of course it’s okay. Take your time.” He rubbed her back as he held her and kissed the top of her head. “I threw a lot at you but it’s how I feel, Lace.”
She nodded and breathed in his scent, tightening her hold on him.
“Come on, let’s eat.”
Lacey reluctantly let him go and sat at the table. Afterward, they watched a movie and went to bed. Reilly pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately. God, how she wanted him—always. She reached her hand down and her fingertips brushed his cock.
Reilly groaned and wrapped a leg around hers, spreading her legs apart. His strong hands caressed her body and their tongues danced. They made love slowly and Reilly was sweet and tender, causing her heart to swell. Later, she cuddled into his side, her head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
Lacey lay awake for quite a while. She could hear his even breathing and knew he was asleep. Pulling herself up a bit, she stared at his face and ran her hand along his cheek. He was so bloody good-looking. Her heart did a little flip flop in her chest. He loved her. She started to weigh the pros and cons of moving in with him in her mind and then stopped herself.
For the first time in her life, she was happy—no, not just happy, but on cloud nine. Why analyze the shit out of that? She barely got through her day, waiting to see him again. They were fantastic together, and not just sexually. Lacey had never been in love before so she had nothing to compare it to but she was fairly certain she was in love with him, too. She lay back down in the crook of his arm and closed her eyes, unable to stop smiling. She would do it. She wanted to be with him, all of him, forever. Body and soul. After the grand opening, she would surprise him, tell him she loved him and she would move in. Now that she’d made the decision, excitement coursed through her like a little kid trying to sleep on Christmas Eve. Eventually, she fell asleep curled into him, a smile on her face.
* * * *
“Can you believe it’s finally here?” Kim checked her watch again.
“I know,” Lacey replied excitedly and rearranged the flowers. “My nerves are shot.”
“You and me both. Let’s do a run down on our checklist to make me feel better.”
Lacey walked over to Kim and placed her hands on her shoulders. “We’ve done it, many, many times. We’re ready, Kim. We just need to breathe.”
Kim nodded and began breathing like she was in labor. Lacey laughed. “Normal breathing is fine but whatever works.”
They both laughed and Kim checked her watch again. “Half hour.”
“You look amazing, the store looks amazing, and everything will be perfect.” Kim did look spectacular in a black skirt and red peplum top with silver stilettos. They’d both had their hair and makeup professionally done today as a treat. Lacey was wearing the black pencil skirt, white blouse and the red and black heels she’d purchased with Reilly earlier in the week.
“You look pretty fantastic yourself,” Kim replied. There was a knock at the back door and Lacey ran to grab it.
“Nikki. I’m glad to see you.”
“Wow, you look great,” Nikki replied. She came in followed by a tall, thin blonde. “This is Samantha. She’s my server for the evening.”
Kim joined them as Lacey made introductions. Nikki was the caterer they’d hired. They had done a unique mailer for their grand opening targeting the women in the town and inviting them to come to the grand opening from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and be the first to check out the boutique of lingerie and swimwear. It invited them to come shop, enjoy music, food, wine, and pampering.
They had hired string musicians to play classical music and would be serving light appetizers as well as wine during the evening. They had done up a ton of gift and goodie bags for the guests which included all sorts of neat things like lip gloss, bra extenders, candles, hand lotion and sample perfumes. They had many great prizes to give away as well. They also hired a couple ladies from the spa to give mini facials and hand massages.
The evening was geared to pampering the woman of Beechfield. They wanted them to love shopping at Lace & More and return again and again. Kim and Lacey helped Nikki and Samantha bring everything in and get set up. Next the two ladies from the salon arrived and set up their mini facial station. Reilly came in as they finished.
“Hi, love.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, and Lacey immediately relaxed. “Love your outfit,” he said with a wink.
She laughed and gave him another quick kiss before pulling away. “I’m too busy for you to d
istract me.”
“What can I help with?” he asked.
“I think we’re good. Except maybe get Kim a valium.” She shot Kim a look as she unfolded and refolded lingerie that didn’t need any folding.
Reilly laughed and went to distract her. A knock sounded on the front door and Lacey opened it up. “Hi, I’m Krista Jordan from the Beechfield Bulletin. We spoke on the phone.”
“Hi, yes, I’m Lacey. Come in.” She welcomed the reporter from the community newspaper inside. “Thank you for coming.”
“You’re welcome. We love to spotlight new businesses in the community and well, frankly, I also wanted to do some shopping.” Krista smiled, looking around the store. The reporters eyes widened on the center display of a beautiful dusty pink bra and panty set encrusted with jewels sewn into the bra.
“This is beautiful.” She walked over and lightly touched the jewels on the bra.
Lacey eyed the reporter. She had a curvaceous figure with an ample bosom and would look great in the lingerie. “You should try it on.
Krista laughed. “I bet it does. And I will. But first let’s get business out of the way.”
Lacey smiled and called Kim over to make the introductions. Krista did a quick interview and took a bunch of pictures of them both in different parts of the store. Reilly had been watching silently and caught Lacey’s eye and pointed to his watch. She glanced down at her own watch and found it was 5:55 p.m.
“It’s just about time to open the doors,” she said excitedly.
“Let’s get the ribbon,” Kim replied and ran to the back room. She returned with a red ribbon and a large bow they had planned to use for a ribbon cutting ceremony. They put on their coats and went out to the front of the store. Lacey gasped when she saw the people lined up waiting.
“Oh my God,” she whispered to Kim, who was smiling from ear to ear.
They quickly set up the ribbon. They hadn’t expected a line up and they were both pleasantly surprised at the turnout.
“Excuse me everyone,” Kim called loudly. “We would like to thank you for coming to the grand opening of our store Lace & More. On behalf of myself and Lacey, we appreciate your support. Without further ado, let’s get this ribbon cut and get these women into the warmth to be pampered.”
A cheer rose up from the crowd and Lacey used the scissors to slowly cut the ribbon Kim held while the reporter and Reilly snapped pictures. Once done, they quickly rolled up the ribbon and welcomed everyone into the store.
The next few hours passed in a crazy blur as Lacey and Kim were swamped welcoming customers and helping them with bra fittings or choosing sizes. The compliments on their store were pouring forth from every customer as they shopped and enjoyed food and beverages. The mini facials and hand massages were a huge hit and the ladies from the salon were gaining new business as well.
They were almost out of goodie bags only two hours into the evening and neither Kim nor Lacey had time for a quick break. But they weren’t complaining. They were ecstatic at the turnout. Julia had come as well as several of her friends.
Lacey was in the back, grabbing more sizes for a particular customer when Kim popped her head through the door. “Um, I thought I should warn you. Your mother is here.”
“What?” Lacey shouted.
Kim didn’t reply except to give her a sympathetic look before returning to the front. Lacey found the sizes she needed and took a couple deep breaths. Thank God, Reilly had left. He had gone to grab a bite to eat with Nick somewhere close by in case Lacey needed anything. He had been such a huge help in getting ready for today.
She took one last deep breath before heading back out. She spotted her mother right away. There was quite a bit of resemblance between mother and daughter. Nora Fulton had only been twenty-two when she’d had Lacey, so despite being almost sixty-two, she looked pretty good for her age. She waved at Lacey as their eyes met and Lacey forced a smile and gave her the one minute sign.
She put out the bras she’d been holding and brought a particular size to the lady waiting in the fitting room. “Here you go, Donna. I found your size. Let me know if you need anything else.”
Lacey made her way over to her mother. “Hi mom. I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight.” She gave her mother an awkward hug. Upon closer inspection, she noticed her mother was beginning to show her age more since she’d last seen her. Deep lines were etched around her mouth and eyes and the skin at her neck sagged. Her hair which was normally dyed a perfect blonde was brassy with gray roots showing. She’d never seen her mother look anything less than perfect when she was out in public.
“I wouldn’t miss your grand opening,” she replied.
“Oh, well, I’m glad you could make it.” Lacey had mentioned the grand opening to her mother in one of their brief conversations weeks ago, but never expected she’d actually remember or show up.
“It’s a nice store and looks like the opening is going well.”
“Thank you, Mom. Sorry, I don’t have time to chat right now.” She glanced at the cash register where a customer waited to pay and Kim was busy helping someone else. “Feel free to browse and I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Lacey went to ring the customer through and before she could return to her mother, someone else grabbed her. This went on for a bit before finally there was a lull between customers. She was about to join her mother who was talking to Nikki when Reilly walked in.
He walked straight over to Lacey and dropped a kiss on her lips. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed her mother staring at them. Great. Now she’d have to introduce them. She didn’t see how she could avoid it.
“How’s it going?”
“It’s been busy. This is the first I’ve been free.”
“That’s fantastic.” He kept his arm around her and rubbed her lower back. “You must be exhausted.”
Lacey nodded and saw her mother approaching. Okay, here goes nothing, she thought.
“Sorry, Mom, it was a bit busy there for a second,” she said to Nora as she approached. Reilly swiveled around. “Reilly, this is my mother, Nora. Mom, this is my boyfriend, Reilly.”
Lacey saw her mother’s brows arch in surprise before she quickly recovered and smiled. Reilly beamed from ear to ear, seeming excited to meet her mother.
“Hello, Nora. It’s nice to meet you,” he said and put out his hand.
Lacey’s mother shook his hand. “My daughter didn’t tell me she had a boyfriend here. Aren’t you a charming little secret?” Nora looked at Reilly and Lacey knew she was assessing him and probably finding him to her liking. Very much to her liking by her flirtatious smile.
“It’s a pretty new thing, Mom,” Lacey interjected, pulling her mother’s gaze from Reilly. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you.”
“That’s because you never call, dear,” her mother admonished.
“I know, sorry, but Kim and I have been busy with the store.” At that moment, another group of ladies walked into the store. She glanced behind her and saw Kim was ringing in a customer. “Can you both excuse me for a second?” She forced a smile, nervous to leave Reilly in her mother’s clutches.
Lacey walked over to the ladies and welcomed them to the store. She introduced herself and offered them a glass of wine and showed them around. She was conscious the entire time of her mother and Reilly in conversation. Her mother’s laughter reverberated around the store. Lacey peaked at them and noticed her mother smiling with her hand on Reilly’s forearm.
Her stomach clenched painfully at the memory of her mother flirting with her last boyfriend and how he’d dumped her after.
“I’d love to have a bra fitting to make sure I’m wearing the right size.” Lacey’s thoughts were interrupted by the one lady.
“Of course,” she replied. “Let’s pick some bras out and head to the fitting room. What size and shape do you currently wear?”
Lacey ignored the unease in the pit of her stomach and focused on the customer. It was a good half hour
later when she finished up with the ladies and said good night. At this point, it was almost closing time and Kim had joined Reilly and Nora. Kim was having a glass of wine. She looked at Lacey as the door chimed behind the ladies.
“Lace, grab a glass of wine,” she ordered.
Lacey grabbed a glass from Nikki and told her to do the same. The server Samantha had left a few minutes ago when the evening quieted. Lacey and Nikki joined the others.
“Let’s have a toast.” Kim grinned. “To Lace & More and a successful evening.”
They all clinked their glasses and drank. It had been a great evening. Lacey was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to go to Reilly’s and take a long bath and snuggle into him. Her feet were killing her from standing in the new shoes for the last few hours.
“I’m anxious to see the numbers from the sales today,” Kim continued. “It sure felt busy.”
Lacey nodded. “It was and most of my customers were buying quite a few things so the totals weren’t paltry amounts.”
The door chimed again and another customer came in. “Are you still open?” she asked shyly.
“Of course we are,” Kim responded. “Come in.”
She passed her wineglass to Lacey. “I’ll help her out if you want to start cleaning up.”
Lacey nodded and then turned to her mother. “Mom, are you spending the night?”
“I would love to if you have room. It’s a bit late to drive back now.”
“Of course,” Lacey replied. Darn, there would be no bubble bath and snuggling with Reilly and her plan to surprise him with a yes to moving in would have to wait. As well as her well-rehearsed speech about falling in love with him as well.
“I’m still staying with Kim but she has a third bedroom and plenty of room.” She took a sip of her wine. “I’m going to clean up a bit since it’s almost 10 p.m. and then we can leave if that’s okay with you.”
“No problem.” Nora looked around the store. “What can I help with?”
