Restoration by Kim Loraine Page B

said.”
    “No, no, I did. I’m just . . . I . . .” He took a deep breath. “I want to take you on holiday. Tomorrow. I’ve been thinking about it for a few weeks now and I think we should go.” It all came out in a rush, as if she were going to run away if he stopped to breathe.
    Her eyes widened as she struggled not to laugh at his outburst. “Holiday? Where?”
    He visibly relaxed when it was obvious she wasn’t against the idea. “That’s a surprise. I thought I’d have to twist your arm to convince you to go.”
    “Tomorrow, huh?”
    “Like you said, the crew is off tomorrow. That gives us time for a long weekend, a sort of mini-break.”
    She chewed her bottom lip as she considered some real time off. The stress was building and she could really use a break. “Let’s do it!”
    Drew’s face broke out into a beaming grin. His eyes were bright with excitement. “Right, well I’d best be off. I’ve got some work to do. I’ll come round to pick you up first thing.”
    He kissed her quickly and left, leaving her alone with her thoughts. She recalled the conversation with Valerie, wondering if he really was falling in love with her. She also considered the very real possibility that she was falling for him.
    Too fast, too soon. The words ran through her mind as her heart started to race.
    “Where are you taking me?” Grace asked as she putthe finishing touches in her overnight bag.
    Drew grinned broadly and shook his head. “Not until we get on the train. Oh, bring your passport.”
    She popped up from under her bathroom sink, toiletry bag in hand. “Passport?”
    “Yes, passport. Just in case. Didn’t anyone tell you to always have your passport when you travel? Now hurry it up, we’ve got two hours until our train. The taxi is supposed to be here in fifteen minutes.”
    She finished packing her bag as the taxi pulled up and honked. After leaving a short note for Valerie, telling her what was happening, she wrapped herself in an oversized chunky-knit cardigan, pulled on her leather boots, and took Drew’s arm as he guided her out the door.
    “Just so you know, first thing really isn’t a time. I didn’t realize you were going to be here at six in the damn morning. I haven’t even taken a shower.”
    “You’re gorgeous. Now come on, in you go.”
    Adrenaline surged through her as the taxi pulled onto the road and started the journey to King’s Cross Station.
    Drew squeezed her hand and looked down at her. “Don’t worry, we’ll be back on Sunday. I’m not kidnapping you.”
    “I know. I’m not upset, I’m excited. I’ve been so busy with work that all I’ve seen is Braley and the little bit of London we were in for the first few weeks.” She leaned into him and snuggled her head against his shoulder.
    By the time they arrived, King’s Cross Station was already bustling with people rushing around, trying to catch their trains. It was overwhelming. The station, a beautiful example of new and old architecture being brought together in harmony, made her feel like a kid in a candy store. She kept lagging behind so she could stop to get a better look at the various design elements.
    “Grace, love. I’m glad to see you’re enjoying the station, but if we want to get our trip started, we’ve got to go,” Drew coaxed, gently pulling her toward the platform.
    He pulled their tickets from his jacket and handed her one.
    “Scotland?” She was hardly able to control her elation as she read the destination on her ticket.
    “You’ve never been, correct?”
    She shook her head and kissed him. “I feel just like Harry Potter,” she said, smiling like an idiot.
    “I hope that doesn’t mean I’m Hagrid,” Drew teased. “You Americans. It’s all Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes with you.”
    She smacked him playfully on the shoulder.
    “Oi, watch it. That’s abuse, you know.”
    As they boarded the train, realization hit her that somewhere along the line she’d stopped comparing