Free An Uncommon Sense by Serenity Woods Page A

everyone want praise from their parents, even when they were adults? However, he didn’t like the thought that her mother’s possible lack of approval was contributing to Grace’s regret over what they’d just done.
    He kept his voice calm, though. “You should be proud of your achievements, love. It’s a rare gift, to be a storyteller.”
    Her eyes went suspiciously glassy, but she said, “I’m hardly going to win the Pulitzer Prize.”
    “Do you want to win a Pulitzer? Is that what matters to you? Or is that what you think will earn you approval from other people?”
    She looked down. “Is it so terrible to want approval?”
    “It is if it means you’re ashamed of yourself, kjæreste .” When she looked up at him, he added, “Sorry. It means ‘sweetheart’.” He sighed. “What’s so embarrassing about writing erotica, anyway? It’s not like you’ve had nude photos taken.”
    “Some people would think it was as bad as that. I’m a teacher, remember? A writer in the States recently lost her job because she wrote racy romances in her spare time.” Her eyes widened with alarm. “Ash, promise me you won’t tell anyone. I can’t afford to lose my job.”
    “Of course I won’t,” he said, frowning. “But I meant what I said. You should be proud of what you’ve achieved. You’ve had a whole shelf of books published, haven’t you? Your dad showed me. There must be at least twenty.”
    This time she went pale. “I think I should go now.”
    Shit. For God’s sake, Ash, stop putting your size twelve in it. “Grace…”
    “Jodi will be home soon. I have to go.” She walked past him to pick up her glasses, sliding them on, then collected her bag and papers. He followed her out into the hall and watched as she put on the red scarf, holding her stuff while she slipped on her jacket. “Thanks.”
    “Grace?”
    She took her bag and papers from him. Her gaze rested on his chest. “What?” she whispered.
    “Thank you.”
    Her gaze lifted and her eyes met his. They were a deep chocolate brown behind the glasses, warm and sensual, a testament to the sexy, passionate woman he’d known she would be when he prised her out of her protective shell like an oyster.
    “Don’t look at me like that,” she whispered.
    “Like what?” he murmured, lifting a hand to stroke her cheek.
    Her eyes filled with tears. “I don’t trust you. I’m confused.”  
    He let his hand fall. “I know.”
    “I shouldn’t have… I’m sorry.”
    “I’m not.”
    Her gaze lingered on his mouth. “It was nice, wasn’t it?”
    His lips curved. “It was. Very. ”
    “And I wasn’t terrible?”
    “You were so un-terrible I’m considering ripping the buttons off that sexy little blouse and dragging you back into the kitchen.”
    Her eyes went wide and she backed up hastily, meeting the wall with a bump.
    “Grace, I’m kidding.” He shrugged. “A little.”
    She opened the door. “I have to go.”
    “Will you come back next Sunday?” He studied her. “Or have I ruined Jodi’s education?”
    She turned to face him. The wind whipped hair across her face, but a small smile touched her lips. “No, I’ll be back. It’s not Jodi’s fault I’m…”
    “Mouthwatering?” he suggested.
    She bit her lip. “Weak.” She turned and walked down the steps. “Bye, Mr. Rutherford.”
    “Wait, I haven’t paid you yet…”
    “I’ll send you my account details.” She ran across the gravel to the car.
    “Bye, Miss Fox.” The wind gave him a brief flash of her garters as she climbed into the driver’s seat of her car, and then she was gone.

Chapter Seven
    “You’ve had sex,” said Mia.
    Grace flounced down on the sofa, still wearing her jacket, kicked off her shoes and put her feet on the coffee table. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    “Oh my God.” Freya stared. “It was with Ash Rutherford, wasn’t it?”
    “No.” Grace leaned her head on the back of the sofa and closed her eyes.