Chapter 1 : Renewed Desire

*Grace*

The moment I stepped out of the car, I couldn't help but be in awe of the magnificent Biltmore Estate before me. The sun was setting behind the majestic main house, casting a warm glow over the gardens and fountains. It felt like something out of a fairytale. A perfect place for a wedding. My heart raced with anticipation and a touch of nervousness as I took in the grandeur of my surroundings.

"Grace! You made it!" Sarah's excited voice pulled me from my reverie. I turned to see my best friend and bride-to-be practically bounding down the steps towards me, her chestnut hair flowing behind her like a waterfall. She smiled radiantly, her hazel eyes sparkling with excitement and joy.

"Of course I did! I wouldn't miss your big day for the world," I replied, embracing her in a tight hug. We held each other briefly, sharing a moment of happiness and relief that the wedding preparations were finally coming together.

"Come on, let me show you around," Sarah said, grabbing my hand and leading me up the grand staircase. We walked through the opulent halls of the estate, and I marveled at the intricate details and stunning artwork adorning the walls. This place was truly a testament to luxury and sophistication.

"Wow, Sarah, this place is unbelievable," I gushed, unable to hide my astonishment.

"Isn't it? Wait until you see where the ceremony will happen. It's absolutely gorgeous," she mused, grinning from ear to ear.

As we continued our tour, I couldn't help but think about what – or rather, who – awaited me here. I knew that David–Sarah's father and my secret high-school crush–would be present for the wedding festivities, of course. But it had been years since I'd seen him, and I couldn't deny the butterflies fluttering in my stomach at the thought of seeing that Greek god again.

"Grace? Are you paying attention?" Sarah asked, noticing my brief moment of distraction.

"Of course! I'm just taking it all in," I lied, forcing a smile. "This place is truly breathtaking."

"I think you'll fall even more in love with the gardens," she teased.

"Really?" I replied, my curiosity piqued.

"Definitely. They remind me of the ones we used to visit during our summers together, remember?" she reminisced, and I couldn't help but smile at the memory.

Of course I did. I remembered a lot about our childhood and high school days together. I remembered especially the days when her father would show up, making my teenager self tremble involuntarily with the idea of even locking eyes with him.

Sarah and I had been friends for as long as I could remember, although during college, our lives turned into different paths since we chose different careers to pursue. But we always managed to meet each other and update one another whenever we could.

"Those were some of the best times," I agreed, feeling a pang of nostalgia.

"Come on, let's get you settled in, and then we can catch up properly over dinner," Sarah suggested, leading me towards what would be my room for the next few days.

As we walked, my thoughts returned to her father. What would he think of me now? Had he aged as gracefully as I'd imagined? And more importantly, could I maintain my composure around him, knowing full well the effect he once had on me?

"I can't believe you're finally getting married!" I noted with a wide smile.

"Me neither." Sarah cheered, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "But there's still so much to do before the big day, I'm already dreading it!" she exclaimed with a sigh.

"That's what I'm here for. I'm sure everything will turn out perfect. Just try to relax and enjoy the process," I responded with determination, ready to tackle whatever challenges awaited me.

We got to what would be my room for the upcoming days, and Sarah excused herself so I could get settled. I glanced around the opulent room, inhaling the scent of fresh flowers that adorned the dresser. The soft rustle of silk curtains dancing in the gentle breeze calmed my racing thoughts. I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, knowing this was going to be an unforgettable week. I could feel it in my bones.

As I settled into my luxurious accommodations–something I was definitely not used to–memories of my high school days flooded my mind, and with them came the recollection of my secret crush on Sarah's father. He had been the object of my teenage sexual fantasies for quite a long time–a crush I thought had long faded away.

The anticipation of seeing David again after so many years both thrilled and terrified me. What would our first encounter be like? Why was I even concerned about what he’d think of me anyway after so long?

"Grace, can you come down for a minute?" Sarah called from downstairs a few minutes later, her voice echoing through the grand hallway.

"Of course," I replied, making my way to her.

Sarah looked intrigued, her hazel eyes focused on the table in front of her as she studied a seating chart spread out. "Dad still hasn't arrived," she said, frustration evident in her voice. "He promised he would be here earlier to help me."

"Maybe he got caught up in some last-minute business," I suggested with a shrug, trying to ease her tension.

"Or maybe there's a woman keeping him from being here for his daughter at her wedding," she muttered bitterly.

"Sarah, don't jump to conclusions," I advised, gripping her hand reassuringly. "I'm sure he'll be here soon."

"Thanks, Grace." She sighed. "I just want everything to be perfect."

I sensed the tension in her voice and demeanor, which only fueled my curiosity about David. Where was he, and why hadn't he arrived? The thought of him possibly having a woman in his life sent a twinge of jealousy through me, and I found myself wishing that wasn’t the case. I had no idea what his marital status was at the moment, but I wasn't ready to find out either.

"Let's focus on what we can control right now. I can try to help you with this instead," I offered.

"Right," she agreed, offering a weak smile. "Let's get to it then."

While we worked on rearranging the seats and their respective guests, our shared moment of focus was interrupted by the sound of a car pulling up by the front door. My eyes darted towards the window, and my breath caught in my throat as I recognized the figure stepping out of the sleek black vehicle. David Anderson – Sarah's father and the very man who had been the object of my teenage fantasies.

As he walked towards the house, I couldn't deny the instant magnetic pull I felt just by looking at him. My heart pounded like a jackhammer in my chest as I recalled every reason why I had been so deeply taken with him in the past. My mind ran wild, and a deep longing crept into my veins, making my entire body ache with need. He was practically searing with heat, every inch of him ignited with a smoldering intensity.

He still looked the same I remembered–more charming, if that was even possible. His salt-and-pepper hair framed his face in a way that made him look more mature and mysterious, and his smile brought a tingle to my body.

"Dad!" Sarah exclaimed, rushing forward to greet her father with an enthusiastic hug as soon as he crossed the door.

"Hey, sweetheart," he said, his voice deep and smooth like melted chocolate. His sharp blue eyes briefly met mine, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. The intensity of his gaze made me feel like that lovestruck girl again, but this time, I had more naughty fantasies about him and what he would be capable of doing with me.

David pulled away from Sarah just enough to look at me. "Grace," he acknowledged, offering a small smile that made me slick with arousal. "I almost didn’t recognize you. It's been a while. You've grown into a beautiful woman."

"Thank you, Mr. Anderson," I replied, trying to maintain my composure as his compliment made my cheeks flush. "You're looking great yourself."

"Please, call me David," he insisted, his voice low and warm like a caress. The mere idea of calling him by his first name was like a lightning bolt that sent a fiery shockwave through me. An animalistic urge to explore him and his perfect toned body surged through my veins, and I had to scold myself inwardly.

What the hell was happening to me? I was never this hungry for sex. What was this man doing to me? It'd been so long, I didn't think he'd still have this much impact on me.

"David," I repeated, the name rolling off my tongue like a secret only we shared. My heart continued to race, and I knew I'd be screwed while sharing the same space with him for the next few days.

"Why did it take you so long, Dad?" Sarah whined, catching his attention again.

David only offered her a brief smile and shrugged. "Business."

There seemed to be more to what he said than I wanted to acknowledge and I felt an immense curiosity to know what he had been up to. But Sarah seemed to believe his word and simply dismissed him with a roll of her eyes.

"Of course. Well, there's something I need to check on really quickly before I return to the seating chart. Will you be okay here for a moment?" she asked, turning to me, her eyes searching mine.

"Absolutely, go ahead," I replied, nodding reassuringly.

As soon as she was out of sight, I realized I was alone with David. He locked his gaze on me and a shiver ran through my body. An invisible force seemed to draw us together, and the intensity of our eye contact swirled around us like an electric storm. I was transfixed, unable to resist his captivating energy.

"It's so good to see you again," he said, his expression unreadable as he intently looked at me.

"Likewise," I murmured in response, my throat thick with desire. I was petrified that whatever move I made next would be a dead giveaway to the passionate thoughts and yearnings racing through my mind. His presence triggered an inferno of carnal cravings within me.

"So, how have you been? From what Sarah told me, you're quite the accomplished art curator now."

"Thank you," I said, feeling my cheeks heat up. "Yes, I studied Art History and now work at a prestigious gallery in Charlotte. It's been a dream come true."

"Really? I've always had an appreciation for art myself," he added, his interest piqued. "I've been collecting a few pieces over the years."

"Have you?" I asked, delighted by our shared passion for art. "What's your favorite period or style?"

"Impressionism, definitely," David replied, his eyes lighting up. "The way these artists captured fleeting moments with their brushstrokes, the interplay of light and color…it’s just magical. What about you?"

"Same. Love the authenticity in them. It really captivates me. Who's your favorite artist?"

"Monet," he answered bluntly.

"Oh, I love Monet," I said dreamingly.

"Good to know. I have a piece of his in my house back in the city. Maybe one day I can take you there to show you."

He smiled at me and my heart raced with the possibility of visiting his place one day. I was thankful he couldn't read my mind and see the kind of thoughts I was having just by thinking of being inside his house…

"Yes, I'd love that!" I replied, afraid he could hear the shakiness in my voice.

I wondered if he could feel the electrifying connection between us the way I did. Was our bond only in my imagination or was he as enraptured by it too? Could he sense my desire to be touched by him? Was he imagining the way I would quiver as his hands moved over my body, exploring me in ways I could only dream of?

"Grace," he mumbled softly, casting me a mesmerizing glance. "I guess I should go inside and get settled."

"Of course! Don’t let me keep you," I answered, gesturing to the stairs, only then realizing he was still holding his luggage.

"You’re not. But I’m sure we'll have plenty of time to catch up…" He shot me a roguish grin, his voice a sultry purr that made my heart flutter. His words trailed off provocatively, and I could sense the deeper connotations beneath each syllable. He seemed to be asking a question, and I found myself lost as I watched him heading toward the stairs.

'Chill, Grace. Don't overthink this,' my internal self warned me as I wondered what else could he possibly have meant by 'catch up’.