Restoration by Kim Loraine Read Free Book Online Page B

nodded as she turned to leave.
    “Grace, love? Pop round for tea soon? Mine is the cottage two down from yours.” Anne was smiling, but Grace could tell refusal was not an option. “You can bring the biscuits.”
    When Grace left the library, the rain had picked up froma slight drizzle to fat and frequent drops. Not having the sense to bring an umbrella, she zipped her books into her coat and pulled her hood over her head.
    Dark purple clouds hung low in the sky, threatening a heavy rain. They’d rolled in during her library visit and the birds had stopped their chittering. She stepped off the stoop of the library’s entrance and briskly began her walk toward Ten’s.
    The intensity of the raindrops increased and the added combination of strong side winds blew the rain up rather than down, completely rendering her raincoat useless. By the time she made it to Ten’s, her hood had been blown off her head and her hair and face were soaked. She shrugged out of her wet coat and laid it over the grocery cart, carefully placing her library books inside.
    She roamed the aisles, picking and choosing the few essentials Valerie had neglected to order. Shaking her head as she added each item; milk, eggs, bread, and so on, her suspicions were quickly reinforced. Valerie was so transparent, it was almost laughable. Drew said he’d deliver them. Sure, Val. As she was mentally preparing her dinner and ensuring she had all the necessary components, her phone buzzed.
    Staying in London tonight. See you sometime tomorrow. -V
    With this new development in her rapidly diminishing social calendar, Grace ratcheted a bottle of good red wine to the top of her grocery list for the night. Wine and ice cream.
    As she directed her cart to the register, her heart constricted with a now all-too-familiar pang of anxiety when she spied a tall, dark-haired figure attending the register. Nervous energy bloomed until the man in question turned around and she realized he was not Drew. In fact, he looked nothing like him. His hair was too closely cropped, ears too large, and eyes too close together. She breathed a sigh of relief, while a feeling of emptiness and disappointment caught her off guard.
    As the man—whose nametag said Henry —rang up her purchases, she felt increasingly silly for being so concerned about seeing Drew. Her mind wandered, justifying the kiss they’d shared. After all, he’s just some guy who happens to look a lot like John. He actually doesn’t look that much like him anyway. She told herself she must be feeling homesick and needed something to cling to from her old life.
    “ . . . prepared for tonight?” Henry’s voice broke through her thoughts.
    Grace blushed, embarrassed at being caught with her mind wandering. “I’m sorry?”
    “Storm’s supposed to be pretty bad tonight. It’ll probably cut the power for a bit. Best make sure you’ve got loads of candles and firewood. Have you got matches?”
    The door opened with a merry jingle, announcing the arrival of another rain-soaked customer. Grace looked up to see Drew walk in, his hair wet from the heavy rain and dripping in his eyes. He pulled off his coat and hung it on the hook while she watched, unnoticed. His raincoat looked to have done about as much good to protect him from the weather as her own had.
    As he was hanging it, she watched the muscles of his back move under his wet shirt. He was strong and lean. Her gaze lingered on him until again she was interrupted by Henry’s voice.
    “Miss?”
    Drew noticed her then. He smiled slightly and she felt color rush up her cheeks for what must have been the hundredth time since this morning.
    “Yes, I’m fine. Thanks,” she said as she shoved some money at Henry and snatched up her purchases. Flustered, she rushed out of the grocery store.
    By the time she realized she’d forgotten her coat and books in the cart, she was halfway home and soaked to the bone. Her teeth were chattering as she got out her keys and