Chapter 65
SIXTY-FIVE
To avoid any unnecessary rumpus at the hotel reception, Sam went ahead and sorted out the check-in. He spoke to the concierge in private and ushered both Gracie and Leo up a back staircase to their room.
‘The Presidential Suite! Leo, this is just too amazing!’ Gracie couldn’t believe the decadence of the whole place. ‘I have to jump on the bed.’
Leo laughed. ‘Do exactly what you want. We are here for one night only, let’s enjoy it. There are two bedrooms so you can choose which one you like best.’ She loved the fact that he didn’t expect anything from her.
The Gran Hotel La Florida was magnificent: set high on Tibidabo, twenty minutes above the city of Barcelona. It was the epitome of luxury. Gracie was in awe of the huge bedrooms and marble baths. But best of all was the vast terrace that overlooked the city and the Mediterranean, complete with hammocks and Jacuzzi. It was the sort of place she had only dreamt of staying at. And now not only was it her home for the night, but she was staying here with a beautiful and charming Hollywood actor. If somebody had told her six months ago that this would be happening to her, she would have thought they were mad.
‘So, Grace, my proposal is that Sam gives us a whistlestop tour of the city. I’ve booked you a massage in the spa and then we’ll have dinner up here overlooking the city. Is that OK?’
‘That sounds just perfect. Thank you so much, Leo.’
‘I hope you understand why I want to stay here and have dinner. I just love not being in the public eye when I don’t have to be. It’s not for one minute that I wouldn’t be proud to have you on my arm.’
It had crossed Gracie’s mind that the press might go crazy following a sighting of Leo with someone like her; she was certainly not the usual sort of girl he was seen with in the glossy magazines.
‘This is the most beautiful hotel that I have ever set foot in. I’m more than happy to take in the amazing view… and not have to share you, to be honest.’
‘Really? That’s nice.’
Gracie couldn’t believe he even questioned her. The more she got to know Leo Grant, the more she thought she’d be happy eating fish and chips with him in a one-bedroom flat in Cleethorpes.
By the time they had got back from their tour of the city and she’d had her massage it was nine o’clock. When she returned, glowing and relaxed, Leo was lying outside in a hammock leafing through a new script that had been couriered to the hotel. Darkness had fallen and a magnificent full moon filled the sky.
Leo looked up and beamed at her.
‘That was so what I needed. The oils they use smell so good, too. I can’t thank you enough.’
‘Excellent. And nothing less than you deserve sweet cheeks.’
‘I’d better get out of this robe.’ Gracie went to walk back into the bedroom.
‘Up to you, but if you’re comfy stay like that, Grace. You don’t need to impress me, you did that the moment I set eyes on you in St Lucia.’
‘You say all the right things.’ Gracie laughed as he handed her a glass of champagne and the melodic tones of Aretha Franklin filled the room. ‘But OK, if you’re sure.’
‘Is tapas all right for dinner? I didn’t think you’d want a big meal after a massage.’
His thoughtfulness was too much.
‘Are you sure you’re not gay, Leo Grant?’
‘Ha ha. I’ve been called many things before but never that.’
They laughed and talked as they ate exquisite tapas while listening to the muted sounds of the city. The light of the moon, the soft music in the background, the warm evening and the twinkling lights of the city below made for a special ambience. Gracie felt heady with relaxation, rather than alcohol and for this she was pleased.
Leo pressed the button on the Jacuzzi.
‘Totally up to you, of course, but I think it will be lovely to finish the night in here.’
‘Yes, perfect.’
Gracie self-consciously slipped off her robe and quickly immersed her naked self under the moving foam. She couldn’t ignore the actor’s toned body as he stripped off and sat opposite her, entwining his feet with hers.
‘You’ve got great skin, Grace. A real English rose. In fact, you have a gorgeous womanly body that you should be very proud of. Those curves of yours are so darn sexy.’
Her mind and senses rushed. He had just had to touch her feet and she felt like she was on fire. She thought of Ed, where physicality was what made up their relationship. Yes, good sex was important but to feel loved and appreciated was worth that tenfold. Whatever this was – wherever it went – she would never forget this moment with this man. She felt on top of the world.
‘Leo.’ She looked across the Jacuzzi at him intently.
‘Yes, honey.’
‘Thanks for helping to boost my self-confidence. I so appreciate the two wonderful nights you have given me.’
‘What you’ve given me is so much more, Grace. You don’t expect anything from me. You’re always so sweet, gentle and appreciative. Your company is so easy, so honest. I love being with you.’
Gracie felt like she wanted everything to stand still. To stay safe and warm in this magnificent setting, never have to step outside and face the real world. A tear slipped down her cheek. She hoped he wouldn’t notice, would think it was just steam from the Jacuzzi.
Leo moved forward in the bubbles so he was looking up at her and took hold of both of her arms.
‘Let the tears go, Grace. Like I said before, let all those trapped words in your heart just flow out.’
Gracie began to sob. She sobbed for her lost babies, her lost relationship with Lewis, for the Annalize situation, even for her lost relationship with her mother. All the while Leo held her until she felt she had no more tears left to shed.
‘I’m so sorry,’ she blubbered. ‘After all you’ve done for me tonight and look at me, what a mess.’
Leo reached for a towel and gently wiped her face. He cupped her sad face in his hands and kissed her, so passionately and lovingly that she thought if she died that minute she wouldn’t care.
‘I’ve been wanting to do that since the second I saw you at my villa.’
‘Um. I think you did kiss me.’
‘No, I mean really kiss you. That was my vain ego then, trying my luck.’
‘And now?’
‘It was my vain ego, trying my luck again.’
They both laughed.
‘Come on, let’s get out.’ Leo took her hand and handed her a dry robe.
Leo snuggled Gracie into him in the hammock.
‘I adore you, Grace. You’re not like anyone I’ve ever met before.’
‘I bet you say that to all the girls.’
He looked slightly hurt. ‘I’m being serious.’
‘Oh, Leo. I think you’re a beautiful person, too, but me and you? It just wouldn’t work.’
‘Why not?’
‘Look at you and look at me.’
‘Just a boy looking at girl… just wanting her to love him… OK, I know that wasn’t strictly original either but take the external out of the equation, Grace. There is nothing not to like about you. The whole you. Grace Davies, the complete package.’
Gracie sighed deeply. ‘You’d soon want to take on a younger, prettier model.’
‘I’ve been with most of them.’
‘Oh, have you now.’ Gracie laughed.
‘You know what I mean, Grace. I know for sure that isn’t what I want now. It’s bad enough having one narcissist in a relationship.’ He dramatically lifted his arm in the air.
Gracie managed a smile. ‘I can’t have children.’
‘I have one. In fact, he shares your blood, which may sound a bit creepy, but it makes me all the happier.’
‘Happier as you know you’ll get to see him more?’
‘No way! If that’s what you think, you’re wrong. I tell you, Grace, I like you for all the right reasons. Short of putting a ring on your finger, I’m not sure what to say to you.’
‘What film is that from?’
‘It was straight from the actor’s mouth, completely un-romantic and un-scripted, for once.’ Leo leant into her. ‘Come to Vegas with me tomorrow, Grace. We can go to the Little White Chapel and Elvis can marry us.’
‘Stop it now. We’ve only met each other three times.’ Gracie shook her head.
‘That’s all it took.’ He took her hand.
‘I’ve got my Miscarriage Matters session.’
‘Cancel it.’ He picked up her hand and kissed it. ‘Sorry, I know how important that is to you. ‘I’m filming for two months, Grace. Come with me.’
Gracie shook her head. ‘So you wouldn’t have time to see me anyway.’
She reached up to his lips to kiss him. Their lips fitted together perfectly. She always felt that if your kissing was compatible, then it was a sign of whether a relationship would work or not.
‘I want to make love to you. I’ve never wanted to make love to anyone more than you in my life.’ Leo kissed her forehead.
She smiled up at him. ‘This is so romantic, so amazing, that it feels too good to be true. I can’t accept that it is real. Go to Vegas. I will carry on with my normal life. When you come and see Jack again, let’s see each other again and see how we feel. I want you to be absolutely sure that you mean what you say. The thought of making love to you takes my breath away but, for once, I’m thinking ahead. I still have healing to do and I want to make sure that I’m not being swept away by the moment. Do you understand?’
‘Reluctantly, I do.’ Leo nodded. ‘But I’m coming to see you the moment I finish filming, you hear me.’
‘I hear you, Mr Film Star. Come on, let’s go to bed.’
‘Together?’
‘If you like. You can cuddle me all night if you can manage that.’
‘It will be too hard.’
‘What the cuddling, you mean?’
‘You saucy gal, now get here now.’
Leo pulled her towards him and hugged her tightly.
‘I mean it, Grace, I won’t ever let you down.’