Page 2 of Grounded (May Hollow Trilogy #1)

The only thing that looked out of place to her was the wilting peace lily in the corner of the room.

It had been her subtle attempt to soften the room and make it more “homey” but it continually suffered from neglect since its arrival two months before.

Stuart had seemed happy with her gift, but clearly plants weren’t his thing.

In the kitchen, Annie looked around while she filled a container with water. Not one thing was out of place. Stuart was compulsively neat and his cleaning lady came three days a week. Just once, Annie would like to find something awry, like a dirty glass or plate, even a pair of socks on the floor.

After watering the peace lily, Annie wandered into Stuart’s bedroom. A stack of sales books were on the bedside table, a Wall Street Journal was folded neatly next to them, and there was his perfectly made bed.

“Chester,” she called to the cat. “Does he ever mess up anything?” Chester came to her in the bedroom and looked as if she were telling him something important, his head tilted slightly to the side, his ears pointed forward.

There was a time when he did look a mess, she remembered: the night they met, more than six months ago.

Her best friend, Janice DeVechio, had invited Annie to a charity fundraiser for cancer research.

She had tickets given to her by an aunt who had married a wealthy Sicilian.

Janice firmly believed her new uncle had mob connections, but it never stopped her from accepting the generous offer of tickets to plays, events and shows frequently doled out by the aunt to her favorite niece.

“It’s costume, but don’t worry. I know what you can wear.”

Annie had rolled her eyes. “I’m afraid to ask.”

“Jimmy is going as Hansel, I’m Gretel, and you’ll be Little Red Riding Hood. You look great in red.”

Annie had gone to the party in red tights, a red cape found at a consignment store, and carrying a small basket. Janice and Jimmy danced to Bobby Darin and Annie stood at the hors d’oeuvres table debating how long she would need to stay.

She had decided to get some fresh air on the terrace when a man said, “Not so fast, Little Red Riding Hood.” Annie turned to face a wolfman grinning at her, rows of straight white teeth peeking from under pieces of brown fur taped to his face and intense green eyes peering between strands of a long brown wig.

She burst out laughing as a piece of fur dropped onto a plate of crackers.

“That is the worst costume I have ever seen,” she said.

“This is the worst party I’ve ever seen. I had to come for business. What’s your excuse?”

“I’m with a friend,” she said.

“That’s too bad,” he said, and looked disappointed.

“Not a date—a couple. They’re out there dancing.” Who is this man? She had been immediately intrigued.

“Aha. The story is getting better all the time,” he said, grinning.

“I don’t know why I’m here. Bad social life I guess.”

“Well, since you’re not here with another wolf, I think this means we are meant for each other,” he said, raising his eyebrows in feigned sincerity.

Annie laughed at him, but something deep within her stirred at his words.

It was as if there was a magnetic field around him and she was helpless to fight the pull.

His convincing green eyes, laughing one minute and piercing the next, reshaping her belief on the spot that love at first sight was possible.

“Let’s go to the bar. We can talk there.

” He put a hand gently on her back and guided her out of the room.

She helped him remove the silly pieces of fur from his face while they talked, telling each other their life stories, right up to how they ended up on that night in that place. The attraction had been seismic.

Annie was so lost in the memories, she didn’t hear the lock click and the apartment door open until Chester jumped off the bed to greet his master.

Stuart filled the doorway of the bedroom, one arm behind his back. He was tall, tan with dark blond hair that curled naturally. When he entered a room, it was as if he owned the entire block of buildings, so strong was his confidence.

“Wow, you look great. I missed you,” he said, his eyes taking in her whole body and opening his arms for her. Annie responded with a warm and lingering kiss, inhaling the smell of his cologne mixed with the white roses he held in his hand.

“I missed you too,” she said. She forgot her irritation at having to come to his apartment. All that was important now was being with him.

“Let me look at you again.” His green eyes moved appreciatively down her body. “You are stunning.” He handed her the flowers and kissed her again.

“Thank you! I’ll put these in water.”

He loosened his tie and followed her into the kitchen. “You are never going to believe who I went to lunch with today.”

Annie reached for the scissors and pointed them at him. “If it’s a rich, young heiress, I’m not sure I want to hear about it.”

He grinned and moved behind her, hugging her from the back. “I think it is safer back here.”

“Okay, now I’m in suspense. Who?” Annie carefully snipped the ends of each stem diagonally, as her grandmother had taught her to do.

Stuart poured a Scotch for himself and a Chardonnay for Annie.

“Jack Carney.” He waited for Annie’s reaction.

“Carney the developer? The one who did the big project over in New Jersey?”

“That’s him. We hit it off, Annie. He’s into poker, loves golf. We couldn’t be more alike. I need to work the relationship, but I think he’ll invest with me.”

“That’s great!” She placed the last rose into the vase.

He handed her the wine. “Did you miss me?” she asked.

“Bad. Chester was even worse. He unwound a whole roll of toilet paper then shredded it on the bathroom floor while I was at work.”

“You’re joking?”

“No, I’m serious. Vera was not happy about the extra work, and believe me, she let me know about it.” Annie remembered the first time she met Vera. The older woman made sure Annie knew she worked for Mr. Henderson and no one else. No girlfriend would be giving her orders.

Stuart took her hand and pulled her over to the couch. “I don’t know why I ever let that client talk me into taking that cat. But I did get a good sale out of the deal.”

“That’s why you’re so successful—anything for the customer.”

Stuart looked at his watch. “I better hop in the shower. I have a car coming at seven-thirty.” The dimple in the cleft of his chin deepened with his smile as he leaned in for a kiss. “This is a special night for us. I’ve got a surprise.”

Gino’s was known as a restaurant where lovers, both illicit and legitimate, could meet discreetly.

The wine list was first-rate, the service excellent and the lighting dim.

Like the director of a play, Gino himself attended to the details, giving cues to his staff with a raise of his dark eyebrows or a small hand gesture.

Stuart was a regular, bringing clients and friends, and Gino showed his appreciation by giving them the best corner table.

Stuart ordered an expensive bottle of wine. After the waiter poured the glasses, he lifted his to Annie’s. “Happy belated birthday!” They clinked glasses and drank.

When he leaned in, Annie thought he was going to kiss her and closed her eyes.

Instead, he whispered: “This Jack Carney connection could be huge. He is estimated to be worth half a billion. His friends could be worth even more. He asked me down to Miami this weekend to play golf.” Stuart reached for Annie’s hands.

“I know we were going to spend the weekend together, but this could be the biggest meeting of my life.”

Annie leaned back, disappointed. This was the first weekend they could spend together in two months because of her work schedule.

As a ten-year flight attendant, she was fortunate to do the overseas flights, but she generally only got the weekend flights, even though she always tried bidding for the weekday, just in case. Occasionally she got it.

“No, that’s okay. I know it’s important,” she said.

Stuart leaned across and kissed her hand. “That’s why I love you. You’re so free and understanding.” Annie didn’t feel very free or understanding. She was bummed out, even a little upset. But it was her birthday celebration and she didn’t want to spoil it.

“Anymore news from the airline?” Stuart asked as the waiter placed the entrees on the table.

“Another letter today, but nothing new. I don’t think it looks good, but I’m trying not to worry.”

“I’ll take care of you no matter what happens. Did I tell you how much I missed you while you were gone?” He reached for her hand.

She smiled back. “Yes, but you can tell me again.”

“I missed you.”

The lemon sole was delicious, but Annie only took a few bites.

After the plates were removed, Stuart reached inside his coat pocket and pulled out a small square box, pale blue with white ribbons—Tiffany’s signature packaging.

She felt as if a flock of hummingbirds fluttered between her heart and stomach.

Annie studied his face as he pushed the box gently across the table. His blond hair looked golden in the candlelight, the short curls highlighted by the aura giving him an almost angelic halo. He was one of the handsomest men she had ever seen. And to think, he loves me.

She held the gift in both hands for a moment before untying the ribbon and removing the top. Annie felt her breath catch and wondered if there might be a ring inside? Her heart banged like a gong. Could he hear it?

Lifting out the small black box, an eternity seemed to pass before Annie reached the treasure. Glitter spilled out reflecting the candlelight from two shimmering stones. Two diamonds. Two large and glistening earrings.

“Do you like them?” he asked, his words coming from a faraway place.

“They’re beautiful! I’m overwhelmed.”

He took the box and laid it aside, taking both of her hands in his. “Annie, I’ve never felt this way before, but I’m finding myself needing you with me all the time. I’ve never even considered this with another woman, but it seems right with us. Will you move in with me?”