Page 22 of Where She Is
“Yes, you did. I can see it in your face. I know I came on too strong at the party and this time, I’ll hold back.”
I bite my lip to hide the bright smile that’s trying to break out. It’s even worse when I gaze up into those beautiful hazels with one eyebrow raised suggestively. He mumbles under his breath, “If that’s possible.”
I can’t hold my giggles any longer, even though I’m aware we have an audience.
“I give up. I don’t know if you’re serious or not,” I say, waving my finger in front of his face, “but you’re right. Don’t expect to jump my bones this weekend. It’s not happening.”
His hands fly up in surrender, “I wouldn’t dare. Well, not yet.” A mutual smirk appears before his arm folds around my shoulder, guiding me towards the stairs. I can’t help taking another sneaky glance-back, but now Freya is nowhere to be seen.
Daniel gives the door a forceful push out in front of me. My bags are already on the bed. It’s the same guest room as last time, so I’m familiar with its layout. I walk in front and expect him to follow, but when I turn back, his firm frame is leaning against the door. With both hands in the pocket of his jeans andthe cheekiest of grins, he says, “I’ll let you get settled and stop by in about an hour?”
“Sounds good.” I can’t suppress my smile as butterflies continue to circle my stomach and I think about the evening ahead. I’ve failed when it comes to self-control. I should calm down in case it all goes wrong again, which it might if I want answers to my questions.
I didn’t have a chance to change before Jack picked me up from the office, so the first thing I do is shower. The scorching water cleanses my body and frees the chaos in my mind.If Imeet more of his family, it means I can get to know him betterand surely that’s good… isn’t it?The spin in my stomach is now nervesrather than excitement.And Freya… I don’t like the way she stroked herpaws over Daniel. What the hell was that all about? Maybe I’m better off not knowing. I might not like what I find.
Eventually, my anxieties wash away and I’m calmer. My visit here isn’t about his family and earning their approval. It’s about the man and how I get to know him better. My constant need for commitment often buggers things up, but I’m determined not to let that happen this time. This man is worth the effort. At least, I hope he is.
I want to look good for him tonight. My white sleeveless A-line dress is simple, but pretty and should show off my newly gained, slightly golden skin. I slip on the delicate ankle straps of my silver sandals, which give me three inches of heel. My wavy blonde hair hangs loosely around my shoulders and my make-up is light and natural.
As promised, Daniel arrives to escort me to the car. When I open the door, my stomach flips, I swallow hard and my pulse races at one hundred miles an hour. Daniel is sex on legs, dressed in charcoal grey trousers and a black dress shirt which displayshis lean outline to perfection. My senses heighten as I inhale sandalwood and soap and his signature parted hair and cleanly shaven face give an innocent, boyish look, although he is one hundred percent all man. I know this is all for me, just as I’ve dressed only for him.
“Jesus, you look beautiful.” His palm cups my chin while his thumb sweeps gently along my cheek. “I’m not sure we should go anywhere. Staying home seems like a much better option.”
We silently admire one another as electricity bounces in the air between us. I close my eyes and lose myself while his touch melts me.
His fingertips slide over my arm, revealing sensitive skin and his teeth graze my earlobe as he whispers, “By the time I’ve caressed you all over, kissed every inch of you, felt every part of you, your body will beg me to relieve your ache inside. The ache reserved only for me.” Goosebumps run the length of my body. I want him to eat me up. I whisper, “I want you. I’m starving for you.”
“What did you say?”
I open my eyes to find Daniel’s mischievous grin staring back at me.Oh shit, I said that out loud.I shake myself back to reality. My eyes grow wide, and heat radiates from my skin. My head might be screwed on, but the brain inside is a bit wonky. It likes to play out the fantasies that live there. “I said… I’m starving. Are you?”
“We better get moving. I’ve booked us into one of my favourite restaurants.” His fingers confidently lock with mine once again as we head out. Amusement still plastered across his face, I wonder what he’d think if he could see inside my head!
Jack has the rear door to the Range Rover open and is standing by ready to leave. As I climb inside, I hear Daniel mention the name Katoomba to Jack and presume we’re headed there.
Once inside the car, his hand searches for mine, holding it securely.
“You know, I was worried you wouldn’t turn up this weekend.”
“I said I would be here.”
“I know, but after last weekend, I didn’t want you to think I was coming on too strong, again. You know I wanted to stop you from running, but something told me not to.”
His hazel eyes look to mine and I shift in my seat so the gap between us is smaller. “You deserve a proper explanation so I’ll be honest. For me, things moved too fast. Before last weekend, you were just a photo on a boardroom wall. Suddenly you sweep me off my feet and tell me you want me. The dinner, the dancing and that kiss. It all happened at lightning speed and would lead to somewhere I shouldn’t go. I had to stop it and get my head together.”
“And that’s the reason you ran?”
“Well, yes....” He slides his arm around me and I love the way I fit neatly into his side, but I can’t let him distract me from getting it all out there. “… and no. That’s not quite everything.” I close my mouth and breathe in deeply. The air burns the top of my nostrils before I breathe out through my ‘O’ shaped lips. “Okay,” I whisper more to myself than him. “What is it you want from me?”
“Well, I think it’s obvious, don’t you?”
“No. That’s the point. I don’t know what kind of relationship you want, if any. Is it just… a fling? Are you chasing me because you get a thrill out of it? Do you see a silly new girl from overseas who falls for the big Australian exec or a girl with her head screwed on who will take a chance on you?”
“Hey, slow down.” His hands rub the side of my arms, and I realise I’ve gone off on a tangent. “Where has this come from?”
“I suppose I don’t want to get hurt. I’m not going there again.”
“Again?”
