Free Movie Lovers by Jean Joachim Page B

in his mouth as he sought out the mirror in
the dining room. “Cara was right. This is perfect. Thanks.”
    After a quick shower, Grace slipped
into a turquoise velour, scooped-neck top and matching pants. Leaving her hair
loose, she applied light makeup and her lilac cologne. She was ready for Jake,
who’d be arriving with Cara any time now. Grant paced in the living room,
checking his watch frequently. He looked up when she joined him. “It’s ten
forty-five. We need to get there before midnight.”
    “They should be here soon.”
    “Times Square will be a madhouse. I
hope it doesn’t stop traffic on Fifty-Third Street.”
    Before Gracie could reply, the door
opened and Cara breezed in with Jake right behind her. “I’m so sorry, darling.
Traffic was abominable. Bobby’s waiting for us downstairs. I’ve got to change.
Only be a minute.” She stopped to kiss him before she disappeared into the
bedroom. Grant joined her.
    Jake handed Gracie a bag with a
bottle of cold champagne in it, pink roses, a generous box of Fleur de Lis chocolates, the most expensive French confections in
all of Manhattan—plus a copy of the romantic movie, New Year’s Eve. He brushed her lips with his.
    “Happy New Year, Gracie,” he said,
while taking off his down jacket and hanging it on the coat tree. She took the
bag into the kitchen and brought out the platters she had prepared, placing
them on the coffee table.
    “What’s all this?” he asked.
    “Just some nibbles while we watch
the movie.” His eyes lit up as he sampled the shrimp then the stuffed
mushrooms.
    “Did you make these?”
    She nodded. “I bet they taste as
good as they look,” she said, her eyes twinkling.
    Jake sputtered and coughed, choking
on a morsel of food. Grace pounded him on the back while she laughed. His face
turned red and finally his throat cleared.
    “That wasn’t funny,” he wheezed.
    “I thought it was. Should have timed
it after you’d finished.”
    “ Ya think?” A smile crossed his lips.
    “Can’t forget a great line like
that.”
    “I wish you would.”
    “I bet you do.” Her eyes teased him.
    “You’re an amazing woman.” Jake said
as he followed her into the kitchen. They brought out the chocolates and
champagne. Jake popped the cork and poured, while she set up the movie.
    Before long, Cara came out dressed
to kill in a low-cut, floor-length black velvet dress with long sleeves. She
wore the diamonds Grant had given her for Christmas. The two couples bid each
other Happy New Year, and then Grace and Jake were alone. They settled comfortably
on the sofa with a hand-crocheted red, orange, gold and black afghan spread
over their knees.
    Gracie burrowed into his shoulder as
he draped his arm around her. Jake’s attention wandered during the movie. He
focused on Grace, instead. Playing with her hair, planting kisses on her hand, then
moving higher until he’d captured her full attention. She paused the movie when
his lips sought hers, giving her mouth up to his. Jake appeared to be in no
hurry, slowly exploring her with his tongue.
    As the kissing got intense, he eased
her back down until he was on top of her. Grace wound her arms around his neck
then slid her hands into his hair. When he released her mouth, he began his
gentle assault on her neck. Tiny kisses from her earlobe to her shoulder made
her shiver. Her breath became ragged. He slipped his hand under her top and up
her ribcage.
    “You’re not gonna slug me, are you?” He whispered in her ear as he closed his fingers around her
breast.
    “Uh uh ,”
she mumbled as his touch sent fire sizzling through her. He wasn’t grabby like
he had been the night of the premiere, but gentle and loving instead. He
massaged her, taking his time seeking her peak through her bra. Gracie relaxed,
allowing the sensations he was creating in her body to take over, shutting down
her mind. He kissed her more aggressively.
    As he lay atop her, his arousal
evident, she arched up into