Shadow Of Pleasure Part 8 - Jack/Grace Fanfiction
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Jack/Grace with implied Jack/Samantha
Summary: Pre-series. While attending the National Forensics Conference, Grace runs into her friend Jack, a successful thriller author who unknown to her derives his ingenious plots from his exploits as serial killer Jack-Of-All-Trades. Upset over her husband's infidelity, Grace decides to even the score and soon she takes the first step into Jack's world...
Author's Notes: Shadow of Pleasure is the first story in a series called, Gods and Shadows which will be Jack/Grace in parts and ultimately Jack/Samantha. This first tale which focuses on Jack/Grace is for my lovely friend, velvetwhip. This is part seven of Shadow of Pleasure. Previous parts can be found: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 , Part 5, Part 6, & Part 7. The story is cross-posted at profiler_fans. Due to length this is divided into several installments, there are still several more parts to come.
Grace slept until almost ten before getting up and dressed. Although her heart wasn't in it, she supposed she should attend a couple lectures so she would have some of the handouts from them on the off chance that Atlanta PD wanted her to produce proof she'd attended the seminars. And in case Jack would ask about any of them when he got back, she didn't want to have to tell him she'd spent the whole day in his suite. For several hours she dutifully attended lectures and even managed to pay some attention to them. She didn't allow herself to think about Jack until mid afternoon when she left the hotel and took a cab to a nearby mall.
Credit card in hand, Grace went into Victoria's Secret and looked through the wide array of lingerie. Everything was either too frilly, too pastel or the wrong size. Leaving feeling discouraged, she was about to take a cab back to the hotel when she noticed a small lingerie boutique. Inside the boutique she was delighted to find a plain black bra and panty set of pure silk and another in ivory. Although they weren't elaborate, they were well cut and the expensive fabric felt soft between her fingers. They were feminine without being frilly and would be sexy without looking like she was trying too hard.
Before leaving the mall, Grace went to several stores and came away with a black dress that had long sleeves and was a simple cut that revealed a little cleavage. It was modest enough to wear during the day but it was more alluring than the clothing she'd brought with her. The dress flattered her figure and she hoped it would give her the confidence to talk to Jack. As it drew closer to Jack returning and time to speak to him about taking their relationship to a physical level, the more nervous, she felt. The dress combined with the silk underwear would bolster her courage and gave her the added confidence she needed, Grace decided.
Returning to the hotel with her purchases, Grace returned to Jack's suite. The room appeared to have been cleaned while she was gone and an extravagant bouquet sat on top of the bar. Strange but pretty purple flowers filled a crystal vase. Grace looked in vain for a card, but knew instinctively they were from Jack. Although she'd never given much thought to flowers before, she wished she knew more about them. There was probably some hidden meaning to the offering and she would have to wait and ask him about it. A part of her wished Jack had sent her roses like Mack sent Alexandra, but another part of her was glad for the strange flowers he selected especially for her. Maybe he would call later in the evening and she could ask him about the flowers.
Grace decided to try out the jetted tube before ordering room service. After filling the tub and turning on the jets, she slid into the water. As the water massaged her body, she closed her eyes and imagined lying against Jack in the water. The fantasies she'd kept under control throughout the day, rose to the front of her mind once more and she shifted in the tub to allow one of the jets to bring relief to the heated flesh between her legs. Pleasure mounted quickly as she imagined Jack pushing her onto her hands and knees and taking her from behind in the tub. Collapsing limply, Grace caught her breath and laid back in the water for several minutes. A little while later, she got out and changed into her pajamas once more.
Sitting in the living room, Grace turned on the television and was about to order room service when the phone rang. She grabbed the phone anxiously and was thrilled to hear Jack's voice on the other end.
"So did we skip lectures again today?"
"No, we did not," Grace laughed.
"Good girl. Did you get my flowers?"
"Yes," Grace replied and hesitated. Although she did wish to know the meaning she didn't want to sound like an over anxious school girl.
"And you have no idea what they are let alone what they mean," Jack teased.
Reluctantly Grace admitted, "Not exactly. But I thought they were lovely."
"They're monkshood, also know as wolfsbane."
"Sounds sinister for such pretty flowers," she told him.
"They're from the buttercup family, so not too sinister," Jack informed her airily.
"So, Mr. Language-of-the-Flowers, is there a hidden meaning to them?"
Jack laughed and replied, "Naturally. They mean chivalry, a symbol of my promise to behave in a more gentlemanly manner when I return."
"Oh good," Grace drawled wryly. Jack being more gentlemanly was the last thing she wanted. In a playful tone she inquired, "So do they have any wicked alternate meanings?"
"It can mean danger is near, but unless you're planning to spend a night in bed with Mack, you should be quite safe."
"Oh, I slept with Mack just last night," she shot back jokingly.
Jack sighed dramatically, "I swear he gets to have all the fun. I leave you alone for a night and you're in bed with another man already."
"I suppose I could toss Mack out of bed if you wanted to take his place," Grace said in a deceptively light tone.
"Think I'd better let Mack have my place. It wouldn't do much for my being gentlemanly to proposition you like that."
Disappointed but still glad to talk to him, Grace asked, "When do you think you'll be getting back tomorrow?"
"My flight gets in around eight, so I'll hopefully be there by nine in plenty of time for Valerie's Forensic Psychiatry lecture at ten. And catch you later in the day unless you're signed up for that one."
Although she hadn't signed up for the lecture, Grace decided she would be there and lied, "I'm not sure if it's on my list or not. The department did want me to attend some things outside of my area of expertise so I'd be well rounded. But I'm sure I'll find you sometime tomorrow."
"I'll see you tomorrow then. Night."
After hanging up with Jack, Grace dialed room service and then dialed Morgan. Her heart wasn't in it, but it wasn't fair to make Morgan worry either.
"Gracie!"
"I just wanted to say a quick hello before I turn in for the night," she told him.
"I tried calling you last night, but it must have been after you went to bed, you weren't answering."
Since she didn't want to discuss Jack lending her his suite, she informed him, "I turned the ringer off. I was exhausted."
"Poor Grace! I guess they gave you a really full schedule this year, huh?"
"Yeah," she replied, feeling slightly guilty.
"I miss you, babe. The dogs do too. Look I know I messed up, but-"
Sighing, Grace cut him off, "I know Morgan. We'll talk when I get back. I just need to grab some sleep and get through the rest of the week, okay?"
Morgan agreed and Grace got him to hang up before room service arrived. Although she felt badly about deceiving Morgan, her resolve about Jack was firm and nothing her husband had to say would change her mind. When she returned, she would be able to accept his apology at last and they could move on. But first she wanted Jack and to know what true passion was. Perhaps she would be able to teach Morgan and perhaps not, however the need Jack had awoken in her needed to be fulfilled and she knew that only Jack could satisfy that need.
********************
Grace went to bed after she ate dinner. Although she didn't normally turn in so early, she wanted to have her things removed from Jack's suite before he arrived and to have plenty of time to get ready in the morning. She planned to wear her new dress and hopefully get Jack's attention. As she slept, Grace dreamed of Jack being dazzled by her new dress and kissing her passionately and asking her to come up to his suite. In her dream, Jack undressed her and took her to bed, making love to her, until the alarm clock intruded and woke her up. Sitting up, she blushed at some of the racy directions her dream took before getting out of bed.
As she dressed, Grace felt nervous and excited, as if she were in high school and about to go on her first date. Looking at herself in the mirror, she was satisfied with the way the dress accentuated her figure and hoped Jack would notice. It was still odd seeing herself as a blonde, but she was slowly getting used to it and it was evident that Jack liked it as well. Going through the suite, she collected her things along with the flowers Jack had sent her and carried them to her room. Jack's plane would arrive any minute and while it would be an hour before he would arrive, she wanted to gather her thoughts and think of what to say.
Turning on the television, Grace tried to steady her nerves but with little success. All she could think about was what she would say to Jack. She knew he wouldn't really kiss her on sight as he had in her dreams, but she hoped he would notice and wished she could throw herself into his arms when she saw him. Grace giggled as she imagined the shocked look on Jack's face if she ran up to him and wrapped her arms around him. It would be wonderful to be able to touch him so freely, but it didn't fit Jack's persona at all. Time seemed to drag on forever and when it finally was half an hour after eight, Grace made her way down to the lobby.
Positioning herself on a chair with a view of the front door, she watched eagerly for Jack. Each time the doors opened, her heart leapt and then sank as men in dark suits from other hotels came to attend the various lectures and there was no sign of Jack. Every minute seemed to last an eternity as she checked her watch over and over again. Had Jack changed his mind about returning? He'd sounded very definite the night before and had a flight booked, so he should be coming, Grace thought worriedly. Maybe his plane was late? Or worse still, what if it crashed? Nausea washed over her as she imagined Jack suffering the same fate his manuscript had. Planes crashed all the time. Didn't they?
Grace wanted to call the airport, but she had no idea what flight Jack was on or even where he was flying in from. Although he had her address, she only had his cell phone number and his e-mail address. Jack was enigmatic about certain parts of his life. She knew his mother had homes in Annapolis and in Savannah but she didn't think he lived with his mother. There had been no hint of where Jack lived when she looked up information on him. Caught up in her panic, she hadn't realized how time had marched on. Casting a glance at her watch she saw it was a quarter of ten. Maybe Jack had come in a back entrance and she'd missed him. Concerned, Grace went to the room where the Forensic Psychiatry Lecture was being held and watched anxiously as man after man filed into the room.
Valerie walked up to her and asked if she was taking the lecture. Grace nodded and explained she was waiting for a friend. The blonde woman went inside as Grace waited uneasily for any sign of Jack. Two minutes before the lecture was about to start, Grace went in reluctantly and sat down. Scanning the crowd, she looked for any sign of Jack in case she'd missed him. She scolded herself for panicking and tried to convince herself that Jack was okay without success. Strange, she never had been so worried any time Morgan was late, Grace thought.
The doors to the lecture room were closed and Valerie moved into position and started to introduce herself. Grace decided to try and pay attention to the lecture in case Jack came later. Valerie paused and stared strangely at the back, making Grace turn in curiosity. Leaning against the door was Jack, dressed in skintight jeans, a pack of cigarettes tucked into his rolled up white t-shirt sleeve and a black leather jacket slung casually over his shoulder. Breathing a sigh of relief, Grace smiled at him and he winked at her. In the front Valerie nodded and Jack came in and took a seat next to Grace.
As Jack sat down he offered no explanation and Grace realized she'd never seen Jack so casually attired before. Studying him, she decided he was every bit as commanding in jeans as he was in a suit. Casting a glance at the sinfully tight jeans, she thought it was a good thing Jack didn't dress so casually very often as the denim fabric left virtually nothing to her imagination. His attention was focused on the front and Grace briefly felt a stab of jealousy until she realized his expression was the same look of concentration it had been during all the other lectures. His expression was one of inquisitiveness not lust. It was disappointing she hadn't gotten to make a bit impression on him with her dress but maybe he would notice later.
In the front, Valerie picked up a hand out and moved along the aisle passing it out for each row to pass down. When she got the their row, the blonde looked at Jack with undisguised hunger and Grace felt an urge to tear the woman's hair out by the roots. Jack murmured a quick apology about business and his flight getting in late but didn't return the flirtatious smile. As Valerie moved on and Jack passed the handouts to Grace to pass down the row, he didn't look at her but whispered softly, "You look lovely."
Blushing with pleasure, Grace missed most of the lecture as she looked at Jack surreptitiously. Even though he was late and she thought he had barely looked at her, Jack had noticed her, she thought and smiled. It was a good sign. Now all she had to do was find the words and ask him to sleep with her. When the lecture ended, Jack wanted to linger and ask Valerie questions. Watching her beaming at Jack and flirting was frustrating but Jack hardly seemed to notice, plunging from one question into the next without pause. Valerie suggested Jack meet her for dinner when he was taking his leave but he declined, saying he had her card and would be in touch if he had more questions. As they walked away, Jack told Grace he wanted to grab a cigarette and she accompanied him eagerly.
Sitting next to Jack on a bench, Grace watched as he lit up and asked, "Where were you?"
"Flight was delayed by almost two hours. Engine trouble. If I'd known I would have to got straight from the plane to the lecture I would have worn a suit. I thought I'd have time to change, but obviously I didn't," Jack laughed and cast a disparaging look at his clothing. "Think after this I'd better head to my room and change."
"I think you look nice."
"I look terrible. You on the other hand look wonderful," Jack told her as he took a drag from his cigarette.
"Thank you. Yesterday I got bored after lectures and decided to spend some of Morgan's money."
"Good girl," Jack praised her. "It's money very well spent. Although I hope you bought more than just one dress. After what he did you should max out his credit cards."
"Oh, I got some other stuff too. I found a nice little lingerie shop where I spent some of his money."
Jack exhaled smoke and drawled, "I hope you didn't buy it for him. Or have you forgiven the miserable bast- er man."
"No. I bought it for someone else," Grace replied, hoping he would pick up on her meaning.
"Did you now?" he asked in surprise. Smiling he teased, "Naughty Grace. I leave you alone for two nights and you've been up to all sorts of mischief. Well, I promise not to tell, but I have to be certain he's worthy of you. So what does he do? And what makes him even remotely good enough for you?"
Grace hesitated, then inspiration struck. Perhaps if she hinted around his identity, Jack would realize she was talking about him. After a moment of careful thought she answered, "He's a writer."
"Too unpredictable financially," Jack protested as he stabbed his cigarette into the ashtray and pulled another out of the pack.
"Well, I don't think he's interested in a long term relationship, but he's very well off."
Fighting with his lighter as the wind picked up slightly, he mused, "Ah, a bit of revenge on Morgan."
"It would be a bonus. But that's not why I want him."
"No? What do you want him for then?"
"A couple nights ago when he kissed me, I felt something I never have before."
Jack's brow furrowed slightly as he lit his cigarette and echoed, "A couple nights ago? Grace, a couple nights ago you were with-"
As he stopped suddenly, Grace watched anxiously for his reaction. His face was inscrutable for a moment and then he shook his head and laughed, "For a moment I thought you meant me. You met him the night after I behaved so badly."
"No, Jack," she told him as he brought his cigarette to his lips and inhaled. "Your first thought was right. I did mean you."
Exhaling rapidly, Jack coughed as he turned to look at her.
Pairing: Jack/Grace with implied Jack/Samantha
Summary: Pre-series. While attending the National Forensics Conference, Grace runs into her friend Jack, a successful thriller author who unknown to her derives his ingenious plots from his exploits as serial killer Jack-Of-All-Trades. Upset over her husband's infidelity, Grace decides to even the score and soon she takes the first step into Jack's world...
Author's Notes: Shadow of Pleasure is the first story in a series called, Gods and Shadows which will be Jack/Grace in parts and ultimately Jack/Samantha. This first tale which focuses on Jack/Grace is for my lovely friend, velvetwhip. This is part seven of Shadow of Pleasure. Previous parts can be found: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 , Part 5, Part 6, & Part 7. The story is cross-posted at profiler_fans. Due to length this is divided into several installments, there are still several more parts to come.
Grace slept until almost ten before getting up and dressed. Although her heart wasn't in it, she supposed she should attend a couple lectures so she would have some of the handouts from them on the off chance that Atlanta PD wanted her to produce proof she'd attended the seminars. And in case Jack would ask about any of them when he got back, she didn't want to have to tell him she'd spent the whole day in his suite. For several hours she dutifully attended lectures and even managed to pay some attention to them. She didn't allow herself to think about Jack until mid afternoon when she left the hotel and took a cab to a nearby mall.
Credit card in hand, Grace went into Victoria's Secret and looked through the wide array of lingerie. Everything was either too frilly, too pastel or the wrong size. Leaving feeling discouraged, she was about to take a cab back to the hotel when she noticed a small lingerie boutique. Inside the boutique she was delighted to find a plain black bra and panty set of pure silk and another in ivory. Although they weren't elaborate, they were well cut and the expensive fabric felt soft between her fingers. They were feminine without being frilly and would be sexy without looking like she was trying too hard.
Before leaving the mall, Grace went to several stores and came away with a black dress that had long sleeves and was a simple cut that revealed a little cleavage. It was modest enough to wear during the day but it was more alluring than the clothing she'd brought with her. The dress flattered her figure and she hoped it would give her the confidence to talk to Jack. As it drew closer to Jack returning and time to speak to him about taking their relationship to a physical level, the more nervous, she felt. The dress combined with the silk underwear would bolster her courage and gave her the added confidence she needed, Grace decided.
Returning to the hotel with her purchases, Grace returned to Jack's suite. The room appeared to have been cleaned while she was gone and an extravagant bouquet sat on top of the bar. Strange but pretty purple flowers filled a crystal vase. Grace looked in vain for a card, but knew instinctively they were from Jack. Although she'd never given much thought to flowers before, she wished she knew more about them. There was probably some hidden meaning to the offering and she would have to wait and ask him about it. A part of her wished Jack had sent her roses like Mack sent Alexandra, but another part of her was glad for the strange flowers he selected especially for her. Maybe he would call later in the evening and she could ask him about the flowers.
Grace decided to try out the jetted tube before ordering room service. After filling the tub and turning on the jets, she slid into the water. As the water massaged her body, she closed her eyes and imagined lying against Jack in the water. The fantasies she'd kept under control throughout the day, rose to the front of her mind once more and she shifted in the tub to allow one of the jets to bring relief to the heated flesh between her legs. Pleasure mounted quickly as she imagined Jack pushing her onto her hands and knees and taking her from behind in the tub. Collapsing limply, Grace caught her breath and laid back in the water for several minutes. A little while later, she got out and changed into her pajamas once more.
Sitting in the living room, Grace turned on the television and was about to order room service when the phone rang. She grabbed the phone anxiously and was thrilled to hear Jack's voice on the other end.
"So did we skip lectures again today?"
"No, we did not," Grace laughed.
"Good girl. Did you get my flowers?"
"Yes," Grace replied and hesitated. Although she did wish to know the meaning she didn't want to sound like an over anxious school girl.
"And you have no idea what they are let alone what they mean," Jack teased.
Reluctantly Grace admitted, "Not exactly. But I thought they were lovely."
"They're monkshood, also know as wolfsbane."
"Sounds sinister for such pretty flowers," she told him.
"They're from the buttercup family, so not too sinister," Jack informed her airily.
"So, Mr. Language-of-the-Flowers, is there a hidden meaning to them?"
Jack laughed and replied, "Naturally. They mean chivalry, a symbol of my promise to behave in a more gentlemanly manner when I return."
"Oh good," Grace drawled wryly. Jack being more gentlemanly was the last thing she wanted. In a playful tone she inquired, "So do they have any wicked alternate meanings?"
"It can mean danger is near, but unless you're planning to spend a night in bed with Mack, you should be quite safe."
"Oh, I slept with Mack just last night," she shot back jokingly.
Jack sighed dramatically, "I swear he gets to have all the fun. I leave you alone for a night and you're in bed with another man already."
"I suppose I could toss Mack out of bed if you wanted to take his place," Grace said in a deceptively light tone.
"Think I'd better let Mack have my place. It wouldn't do much for my being gentlemanly to proposition you like that."
Disappointed but still glad to talk to him, Grace asked, "When do you think you'll be getting back tomorrow?"
"My flight gets in around eight, so I'll hopefully be there by nine in plenty of time for Valerie's Forensic Psychiatry lecture at ten. And catch you later in the day unless you're signed up for that one."
Although she hadn't signed up for the lecture, Grace decided she would be there and lied, "I'm not sure if it's on my list or not. The department did want me to attend some things outside of my area of expertise so I'd be well rounded. But I'm sure I'll find you sometime tomorrow."
"I'll see you tomorrow then. Night."
After hanging up with Jack, Grace dialed room service and then dialed Morgan. Her heart wasn't in it, but it wasn't fair to make Morgan worry either.
"Gracie!"
"I just wanted to say a quick hello before I turn in for the night," she told him.
"I tried calling you last night, but it must have been after you went to bed, you weren't answering."
Since she didn't want to discuss Jack lending her his suite, she informed him, "I turned the ringer off. I was exhausted."
"Poor Grace! I guess they gave you a really full schedule this year, huh?"
"Yeah," she replied, feeling slightly guilty.
"I miss you, babe. The dogs do too. Look I know I messed up, but-"
Sighing, Grace cut him off, "I know Morgan. We'll talk when I get back. I just need to grab some sleep and get through the rest of the week, okay?"
Morgan agreed and Grace got him to hang up before room service arrived. Although she felt badly about deceiving Morgan, her resolve about Jack was firm and nothing her husband had to say would change her mind. When she returned, she would be able to accept his apology at last and they could move on. But first she wanted Jack and to know what true passion was. Perhaps she would be able to teach Morgan and perhaps not, however the need Jack had awoken in her needed to be fulfilled and she knew that only Jack could satisfy that need.
********************
Grace went to bed after she ate dinner. Although she didn't normally turn in so early, she wanted to have her things removed from Jack's suite before he arrived and to have plenty of time to get ready in the morning. She planned to wear her new dress and hopefully get Jack's attention. As she slept, Grace dreamed of Jack being dazzled by her new dress and kissing her passionately and asking her to come up to his suite. In her dream, Jack undressed her and took her to bed, making love to her, until the alarm clock intruded and woke her up. Sitting up, she blushed at some of the racy directions her dream took before getting out of bed.
As she dressed, Grace felt nervous and excited, as if she were in high school and about to go on her first date. Looking at herself in the mirror, she was satisfied with the way the dress accentuated her figure and hoped Jack would notice. It was still odd seeing herself as a blonde, but she was slowly getting used to it and it was evident that Jack liked it as well. Going through the suite, she collected her things along with the flowers Jack had sent her and carried them to her room. Jack's plane would arrive any minute and while it would be an hour before he would arrive, she wanted to gather her thoughts and think of what to say.
Turning on the television, Grace tried to steady her nerves but with little success. All she could think about was what she would say to Jack. She knew he wouldn't really kiss her on sight as he had in her dreams, but she hoped he would notice and wished she could throw herself into his arms when she saw him. Grace giggled as she imagined the shocked look on Jack's face if she ran up to him and wrapped her arms around him. It would be wonderful to be able to touch him so freely, but it didn't fit Jack's persona at all. Time seemed to drag on forever and when it finally was half an hour after eight, Grace made her way down to the lobby.
Positioning herself on a chair with a view of the front door, she watched eagerly for Jack. Each time the doors opened, her heart leapt and then sank as men in dark suits from other hotels came to attend the various lectures and there was no sign of Jack. Every minute seemed to last an eternity as she checked her watch over and over again. Had Jack changed his mind about returning? He'd sounded very definite the night before and had a flight booked, so he should be coming, Grace thought worriedly. Maybe his plane was late? Or worse still, what if it crashed? Nausea washed over her as she imagined Jack suffering the same fate his manuscript had. Planes crashed all the time. Didn't they?
Grace wanted to call the airport, but she had no idea what flight Jack was on or even where he was flying in from. Although he had her address, she only had his cell phone number and his e-mail address. Jack was enigmatic about certain parts of his life. She knew his mother had homes in Annapolis and in Savannah but she didn't think he lived with his mother. There had been no hint of where Jack lived when she looked up information on him. Caught up in her panic, she hadn't realized how time had marched on. Casting a glance at her watch she saw it was a quarter of ten. Maybe Jack had come in a back entrance and she'd missed him. Concerned, Grace went to the room where the Forensic Psychiatry Lecture was being held and watched anxiously as man after man filed into the room.
Valerie walked up to her and asked if she was taking the lecture. Grace nodded and explained she was waiting for a friend. The blonde woman went inside as Grace waited uneasily for any sign of Jack. Two minutes before the lecture was about to start, Grace went in reluctantly and sat down. Scanning the crowd, she looked for any sign of Jack in case she'd missed him. She scolded herself for panicking and tried to convince herself that Jack was okay without success. Strange, she never had been so worried any time Morgan was late, Grace thought.
The doors to the lecture room were closed and Valerie moved into position and started to introduce herself. Grace decided to try and pay attention to the lecture in case Jack came later. Valerie paused and stared strangely at the back, making Grace turn in curiosity. Leaning against the door was Jack, dressed in skintight jeans, a pack of cigarettes tucked into his rolled up white t-shirt sleeve and a black leather jacket slung casually over his shoulder. Breathing a sigh of relief, Grace smiled at him and he winked at her. In the front Valerie nodded and Jack came in and took a seat next to Grace.
As Jack sat down he offered no explanation and Grace realized she'd never seen Jack so casually attired before. Studying him, she decided he was every bit as commanding in jeans as he was in a suit. Casting a glance at the sinfully tight jeans, she thought it was a good thing Jack didn't dress so casually very often as the denim fabric left virtually nothing to her imagination. His attention was focused on the front and Grace briefly felt a stab of jealousy until she realized his expression was the same look of concentration it had been during all the other lectures. His expression was one of inquisitiveness not lust. It was disappointing she hadn't gotten to make a bit impression on him with her dress but maybe he would notice later.
In the front, Valerie picked up a hand out and moved along the aisle passing it out for each row to pass down. When she got the their row, the blonde looked at Jack with undisguised hunger and Grace felt an urge to tear the woman's hair out by the roots. Jack murmured a quick apology about business and his flight getting in late but didn't return the flirtatious smile. As Valerie moved on and Jack passed the handouts to Grace to pass down the row, he didn't look at her but whispered softly, "You look lovely."
Blushing with pleasure, Grace missed most of the lecture as she looked at Jack surreptitiously. Even though he was late and she thought he had barely looked at her, Jack had noticed her, she thought and smiled. It was a good sign. Now all she had to do was find the words and ask him to sleep with her. When the lecture ended, Jack wanted to linger and ask Valerie questions. Watching her beaming at Jack and flirting was frustrating but Jack hardly seemed to notice, plunging from one question into the next without pause. Valerie suggested Jack meet her for dinner when he was taking his leave but he declined, saying he had her card and would be in touch if he had more questions. As they walked away, Jack told Grace he wanted to grab a cigarette and she accompanied him eagerly.
Sitting next to Jack on a bench, Grace watched as he lit up and asked, "Where were you?"
"Flight was delayed by almost two hours. Engine trouble. If I'd known I would have to got straight from the plane to the lecture I would have worn a suit. I thought I'd have time to change, but obviously I didn't," Jack laughed and cast a disparaging look at his clothing. "Think after this I'd better head to my room and change."
"I think you look nice."
"I look terrible. You on the other hand look wonderful," Jack told her as he took a drag from his cigarette.
"Thank you. Yesterday I got bored after lectures and decided to spend some of Morgan's money."
"Good girl," Jack praised her. "It's money very well spent. Although I hope you bought more than just one dress. After what he did you should max out his credit cards."
"Oh, I got some other stuff too. I found a nice little lingerie shop where I spent some of his money."
Jack exhaled smoke and drawled, "I hope you didn't buy it for him. Or have you forgiven the miserable bast- er man."
"No. I bought it for someone else," Grace replied, hoping he would pick up on her meaning.
"Did you now?" he asked in surprise. Smiling he teased, "Naughty Grace. I leave you alone for two nights and you've been up to all sorts of mischief. Well, I promise not to tell, but I have to be certain he's worthy of you. So what does he do? And what makes him even remotely good enough for you?"
Grace hesitated, then inspiration struck. Perhaps if she hinted around his identity, Jack would realize she was talking about him. After a moment of careful thought she answered, "He's a writer."
"Too unpredictable financially," Jack protested as he stabbed his cigarette into the ashtray and pulled another out of the pack.
"Well, I don't think he's interested in a long term relationship, but he's very well off."
Fighting with his lighter as the wind picked up slightly, he mused, "Ah, a bit of revenge on Morgan."
"It would be a bonus. But that's not why I want him."
"No? What do you want him for then?"
"A couple nights ago when he kissed me, I felt something I never have before."
Jack's brow furrowed slightly as he lit his cigarette and echoed, "A couple nights ago? Grace, a couple nights ago you were with-"
As he stopped suddenly, Grace watched anxiously for his reaction. His face was inscrutable for a moment and then he shook his head and laughed, "For a moment I thought you meant me. You met him the night after I behaved so badly."
"No, Jack," she told him as he brought his cigarette to his lips and inhaled. "Your first thought was right. I did mean you."
Exhaling rapidly, Jack coughed as he turned to look at her.