Read Online Saving Grace by Kimberly McKay - Free Book Online Page A

breath until he withdrew his lips from her skin.
    As the taxi pulled to a stop at the airport, Grace practically jumped from his embrace and quickly scooted out her door. 
    The moment she stepped from the taxi, she shuddered, wanting to shake off every trace of his imprint from her body.  Grace walked to the back of the taxi, grabbed her overnight bag, and did what she could to keep up the charade while Zach paid the taxi driver.
    As Zach was giving their bags to the skycap, her mind was racing of possible outcomes if she tried to run.  Although she knew she was safe in a public place, she didn’t know how she could stand to be near him much longer.
    Once indoors, Grace refrained from taking off her sunglasses.  She already expected people to stare … they always did, but she didn’t need anyone questioning why her eye was swollen and bruised.
    “I can’t wait to get you home,” he whispered into her ear, before pulling her back into his embrace as they settled into their seats by their gate.  “Do you think I could crash at your place when we get there?”  He leaned in and nudged her neck with his nose.
    The feel of his breathe on her neck was nauseating.  Grace fought the urge to vomit and withdrew from his touch, but quickly regretted her decision as she saw the flash of anger that crossed his face.
    “I’m sorry.”  Grace uttered.  She flashed a nervous smile and leaned back into his arm, saying, “See?  I’m good.  I’m just tired.  It’s been a long day.”
     
    Lelani watched the couple, with curiosity, from her counter by the gate.  She knew all too well the reasons why someone wouldn’t take off sunglasses indoors. 
    Either that person had a headache, a hangover, or was hiding something.  She speculated which of the three it might be, when she saw the beautiful woman recoil from her boyfriend’s touch and immediately knew.  She didn’t have to be a genius to do the math.
    “Hey, Stephen.”  Lelani leaned over and whispered to her friend, a TSA agent working the gate. “I have someone I need you to do a regular bag check on, before they board.” 
    She nodded toward Grace, but as Stephen took a step forward, Lelani quickly caught him by the wrist.
    “Change your mind?” He asked, confused.
    “No, but wait till her boyfriend scans his boarding pass with James.”  Lelani pointed to her other flight attendant, who was getting ready to call for boarding. 
    “Um, okay?”  His brow furrowed.  “I’m confused.”
    “I think she’s in trouble.  And if her boyfriend scans his ticket first and passes through, he has to board.  He needs to get in line first.  Can you arrange that?” 
    Lelani sweetly smiled up at Stephen, who flashed a charming grin in return.
    “Sure thing,” he said, moving forward. 
    As James called for first class members, Lelani watched her couple, in question, stand.  As the young man grabbed the woman’s wrist to pull her up for boarding, it wasn’t lost on her how the elegant lady, wearing glasses, flinched at his touch.  Lelani knew she was right.  This lady was in trouble.
    Stephen saw it too.  “I’ll take care of it.” 
    He walked to the handful of passengers, who were forming a line for first class.  “Right this way folks.”  He smiled at Zach and held his hand out for his ticket.
    Zach handed the large man his ticket, and watched as more passengers streamed through the gate.  He and Grace were now last in line for first class. 
    Stephen handed the ticket to James, who immediately scanned in Zach’s boarding pass. 
    “Thank you sir.”  James smiled at Zach, as he passed through the entryway. 
    Zach turned to wait for Grace to scan her ticket and follow, as Stephen gently put his hand on her shoulder.
    “Would you come this way, ma’am?  We need to do a bag check.”  He smiled sweetly down to Grace, whose mouth had dropped.
    Was this her chance to break free?  Grace’s stomach flipped in anticipation, not knowing