Delicious (A Rumour Mill Novel) (9 page)

           
Guy
took another swig from the wine bottle. Guy coaxed out the last of the wine before
putting it down to drink the wine from the glass. Once Guy finished his drink,
he walked to Grace trying to put his arms around her. Grace pulled away. She
stood her distance and remained cool.

           
“Please
Grace. Don’t do this. I want to have sex with you. I want it in better
circumstances and in your terms.” Guy pleaded.

           
“Five
bloody minutes ago, you’re keen to stick your cock in me. Now I tell you I’m a
virgin and your response is,
not under
these circumstances.
Bloody hell,
what’s it mean?!
” Grace seethed.

           
“Grace
if you’re going to lose your chastity to me, I want it properly. I want the promises
of a relationship and not weekend tryst. I want us to get to know each other
better and continue seeing each other. Is that too much to ask?” Guy replied.

           
Grace
recoiled.
He has a good point!
Now
she felt foolish.
We’re just getting to
know each other.

           
Guy
felt as the room beginning to spin. Guy’s stomach bubbling from all the
drinking
. I’m about to be sick.

           
“I’m
not feeling well.” Guy groaned before running to the loo to throw up.

♥

he next morning Guy awoke with a terrible
hangover. He was in his bed with no recollection on how he got back to his
room.
It’s all the booze from the Hummer
limo, Cherries and the cottage
. But Guy did recall his time with Grace and startling
confession.
Maybe it wasn’t the booze;
it’s the shock of my life.
Guy turned on his side, reaching for a glass of
water and paracetamol tablets sitting on his nightstand. There was a note
folded against the glass. He took it and opened it.

Guy,

I’m sorry about last night. I should’ve been
forthcoming, but I didn’t know when would be the best time to tell you. I think
you’re right in saying we are getting to know one another. Maybe it’s best we
take it slow. Truly, I do want you Guy. I can’t deny it. I can’t fathom a
better man to lose my virginity to even if it means I may never see you again.
At least I know the pleasure was worth it.

- Grace

           
A
grin broke along Guy’s lips.
She’s not
mad at me. Thank heavens for that!
Guy drank the tablets and water. He
glanced at the clock. It’s eleven. He had to meet the lads for rafting along
the river Wye.

           
Guy
rose from his bed. He took a hot shower, dressed and hurried down to meet the team
for their trip to the river. In reception Guy saw scores of deliveries brought
into the hall from florists and decorators. From their delivery trucks they
brought in floral arrangements, chairs, and boxes. Guy took the liberty of
plucking a few fresh flowers from a nearby vase. Guy needed to see Grace in the
kitchen before he left with the lads.
 
As
he turned the corner to walk down the hall to the kitchen Guy walked straight
into Gemma.

           
“Allo,
Guy. Where you’re off to in a rush? I’ve been looking all over for you. We
haven’t spent time together.” Gemma purred.

Gemma fixed Guy’s
collar. As she did this, Gemma pressed her body into his so he could feel her
desire for him.

 
“What lovely flowers you’ve got there! Are
they for me?” she mewled.

           
Gemma
snatched the flowers to inhale their floral fragrant scents of roses and lilies.
She tried being coy and seductive, but the act didn’t work for Guy.

           
“No,
they’re not for you Gemma.” Guy replied non-pulsed.

           
Before
Guy knew it, Gemma pushed him against the wall. Gemma ignored his reply and
decided to go in for the kill. She tried to pry his lips open with her own for
a kiss. Guy responded by pushing her back. It was a hard push and it wasn’t
expected.
 
Gemma screamed as she fell on
her arse, skidding across the cold marble floor.

           
“
Guy!
” Gemma shrieked. “
You bloody twat!
 
Why did you do this to me?! My dress is
ripped!
”

           
 
The fall caused Gemma’s Versace dress to rip.
Guy rushed to her aid to help her to her feet.

           
“I’m
sorry. I didn’t mean to push you. I wanted you stop kissing me.” Guy
apologised. Gemma smacked his hand away.

           
“Stop
kissing you?! You’re some sort of poof?” Gemma snapped as she stood on her
feet. Guy didn’t like the insult.

           
“Gemma,
you’re not the one. It’s final!”Guy retorted.

 
          
Gemma crossed her arms beneath her
bosom. The flowers Guy plucked scattered on the floor by her feet. Gemma
stomped on them with her heels.

           
“You’re
like a child throwing toys out of pram, Gemma.” Guy added.

           
“You’ll
be mine!” Gemma hissed under her breath. Gemma watched him as he walked away.

           
“You’ll
be mine.” she repeated. Gemma stalked off angrily in the opposite direction.

           
Guy
arrived at the kitchen only to be greeted by two surly security men dressed in
black suits.

“What’s going on
here?” Guy asked eying the men.

           
“No
one’s allowed in the kitchen. You must be hotel staff or Chef Hares’ staff.”
The first guard puffed. Recognising Guy, the second guard spoke.

           
“Last
night paparazzi tried to sneak in. They wanted to take a peek at the cake.” Guy
understood completely.

           
“Ok.”
Guy replied. As Guy walked away the first guard shouted out to him.

           
“Get
us into the World Cup!”

           
Guy
turned around, flashed his charming smile and made his hands into two pistols.
He pretended to shoot. Guy blew fake smoke from his fingers. The stony faced
guards laughed.
I’m not going to let
Gemma or these guards ruin my day
, Guy thought positively.

♥

Throughout
the night Grace tossed in bed. A few times Grace kicked off her duvet and
turned her pillow over to its cooler side. Visions of Guy drove her mad. He
left her body craving, aching, and screaming for more. She didn’t give a damn
whether he took her now or later. Grace wanted release from the binding chains
of her aunts’, living in Ivy and death of her parents.

           
Grace wanted Guy to do things to her
that she’s certain is forbidden in most parts of the world. As Grace laid in
her bed in darkness, she’d see flashes of Guy’s face contorted in pleasure.

At one point, she kicked her feet wildly in anger for
telling him about her virginity. Grace wish they had continued. Instead she regretted
stopping him.
No man’s ever touched me
this way.

           
Even though Guy had too much to
drink, he was coherent when he asked questions regarding her virginity. Guy was
sure of his promises. Grace felt she wasn’t being told loads of bollocks.

           
Grace just fell asleep when her body
clock woke her at its’ usual morning hour. Sleepily Grace showered, dressed and
made a hot cup of coffee which she placed into a mug. She was to drink it on
her way to the service entrance.

           
This morning’s walk felt different
to Grace. The skies were clear and a full moon out. It’s cold and brisk. It
woke Grace right up. Grace looked at the stars shining radiantly in the sky
making her feel like it’s all a good omen.

           
The encounter with Guy made Grace
feel what the point is in waiting.
We can
be together now even if it only turns out to be a dirty weekend. He’s perfect
in comparison to Ian.
Grace’s mind reasoned.

           
Suddenly Grace heard the snap of a
branch. Grace turn to see if anyone was behind her. She shone her torch down
the path.
Silly me, it’s possible it’s a
fox.
Her mind wasn’t as convincing as it was a few minutes ago. There was
another snap. It was followed by a loud crunch of leaves. An owl hooted. Her
instincts told her not to look back, but Grace needed to see who was behind
her. Grace saw a tall shadowy figure emerging from the trees onto the path.

           
“Who’s
there?” Grace called. The figure ran on the path to her. Grace let out a blood
curdling scream, one that surely wake guests. She dropped her mug, clutching her
chest. Her feet were frozen to the ground. Grace couldn’t run. Fear gripped
her.

           
“No.
No...Ma’m. I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m from
Rumour Mill
. I’m trying to get the story on Libby Blackwell and the
cake.” the man coughed in need of air and holding his knees. Grace thought her
aunts warnings heeded true.

           
“
Grace! Grace!
” shouted a familiar voice.

           
In
between the break of trees Grace saw torches flashing.
Trevor must’ve heard me scream.
Trevor knew she walked alone. The
reporter saw the flashes of light. He ran in down the path in the opposite
direction leaving Grace bewildered.

           
“Are
you alright?” Trevor asked. He came up behind her.

           
Trevor
saw Grace.
Her skin’s white as a ghost! Her
body shaking like leaves in wind.
Trevor pulled her into his arms. The
staff shone their torches down the path and into the trees.

           
“I’m
fine. It’s bloody paparazzi from
Rumour
Mill
.” Grace sighed. “They’re trying to get the story regarding the cake.”

           
“Which
way did he go?” asked a staff member.

           
Grace
pointed down the path. The others ran after him in hot pursuit. They left Grace
and Trevor alone on the path.

           
“You’re
safe now. Don’t fret. We’ll get it sorted. We’ve got much to do today so let’s
get back to the kitchen. I’ll make you a cuppa.” Trevor said. He cradled Grace
in his arms. It made Grace feel uneasy.

           
“Thank
you, Chef Hare.” Grace muttered. She shrugged her way out of his arms.

           
“No
worries. We’ve got to look out for one another. I know how it feels under the
spotlight. But you, you’re just starting out. You’re just a babe. I should’ve
warned you.” Trevor said concern.

           
“Thank
you. I appreciate your help.” Grace replied softly. She didn’t know how to
react to Trevor’s kindness.
In the
kitchen Trevor’s a mad man barking orders and making others cry. Here he’s like
a gentle father figure.
It’s strange
to see him in such light.

           
Staff
members return to Trevor and Grace waiting on the path. They didn’t catch the perp.
On their way back to the kitchen Trevor grabbed Graces’ hand.

           
“Grace,
think of me as a friend. For future reference you don’t have to call me Chef
Hare.” Trevor said. He smiled warmly at her.

           
Grace
didn’t know how to reply to Trevor’s gesture.
This is overwhelming. It’s like Trevor wants something from me.
Grace searched his eyes for a hint. She could tell he was keen on her.

           
“Ok.”
Grace mumbled. She tried to wiggle her fingers out of his clutch. Trevor held
tightly on as they walked back. Finally, when they reached the entrance he let
go. Trevor’s demeanour returned to Chef Hare, the man she knew from telly.

♥

Like a queen on a throne Tamzin perched on
her chair as she primped and preened for tonight’s family dinner. In the
parlour of her suite there’s a flurry of activity. Her mother overlooked every
detail on Tamzin’s three gowns provided by Vivienne Westwood, Christian LaCroix
and Vera Wang. Her bridesmaids gossiped on a nearby settee. Tamzin’s personal
assistant hovered by Tamzin as she talked on her iPhone with a reporter, trying
to maintain damage control over Libby’s tell-all interview.

           
 
William roughly knocked on the door before
entering the room with a few of his henchmen trailing behind him. Everyone
paused to watch William enter and quickly resumed to business. William pulled
up a Louis XIV chair in front of Tamzin. She was busy blowing the French
manicure polish on her nails whilst her hairdresser ran the blow dryer over her
rollers.

           
“This
morning, I read
Rumour Mill’s
front
page. How come you didn’t tell me Darren shagged the baker?” William croaked
like a frog. William took out his twenty-four carat gold cigarette case to
retrieve a fag. He tapped his Embassy cigarette on his case before putting it
in his mouth and lighting it.

           
“Daddy
I can take care of myself. It’s all sorted out. It gives me leverage I need when
I divorce him. Think of all the money I’ll collect when all of the U.K. sees me
as the betrayed and scorned wife. And even if I decide not to divorce him a
wife who stands by her man through thick and thin always comes out trumps. For
now things are fine. Darren’s promised me he’ll stop his cheating ways once
married.” Tamzin said without batting an eyelash.

           
Her
father exhaled smoke out of the corner of his mouth. William gave a hearty
laugh.

           
“You
really think so? That pig will never change. This is why I have this.” William snorted.
He pulled out a USB memory stick from the inner pocket of his bespoke Henry
Poole suit. “It’s an insurance policy, princess. This is our money.’

           
Tamzin
reached out to grab the stick. William pulled his hand back and returned the
stick to its pocket.

           
“What’s
on it?” Tamzin asked.