Page 26 of Where She Is
“Perhaps it’s time to get the bill,” Daniel circles the room for a waiter while I drink the last of my coffee. From nowhere, an idea pops up in my mind. If he agrees, it will cement my trust in him and I’ll gain the respect I’ve lacked in the past. “Daniel?”
“Yep.” With one finger in the air, he signals to someone behind me we’re ready to leave.
“Would you say overall, we’ve agreed to take things one step at a time?”
His brow furrows when he answers, “Yes?”
“You don’t sound sure.”
“I’m sure, but I’m also certain something else is going on in that head. Spit it out, Hannah.”
I can’t meet his eyes for a minute. He’s got me. Could it be possible this man knows me too well already or am I just predictable? I huff out a smile, “In that case, would you agree to something for me?”
With a sceptical look, he answers, “That depends on what it is.”
“We take it slow.”
“We’ve already agreed that.”
“That’s not it. You haven’t let me finish.”
“I’m sorry.” His mouth turns up to smirk.
“No sex.”
With wide eyes and an open mouth, he glances towards me before his head shakes in disbelief. “I’m sorry, what?”
“No sex.”
“No sex?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t want us to have sex together?”
“Correct.”
“Ever?”
“No! Just for… a little while.”
“How long is a little while?”
“I’m not sure. It’s only just occurred to me, so I haven’t thought this bit through yet.” I can see in his face he’s wondering what it will achieve, so I answer before he asks. “I’m asking you to do this for a valid reason. I want you to know me first.”
“Sex is part of getting to know someone and building a relationship.”
Shit. He isn’t happy, but I have to give this a try. “Do this for me, please? I really want you to date me.”
He smirks, “I’m sorry, what?”
“I mean it. I want to be wined, dined and danced with. Show me your interests, your passions. Let’s have endless nights like tonight and days that are just as special.”
“I see.” There’s that smirk again.
“Daniel, are you laughing at me?”
“Nope. Not at all.”
