Page 28 of Where She Is
His whole posture slumps in disbelief. “Hold on a minute, Hannah. This was your idea and I now agree it’s a good one.”
I stare at him and realise we’re stood in a packed restaurant, arguing about whether or not we should sleep together. Irritated eyes are on me as I glance around. “Let’s discuss this in the car.”
A very defiant Daniel replies, “Fine by me.”
By the time we reach the car, Daniel has already decided the challenge is on and contract negotiations are well and truly in full swing. He eyes me with caution. “Are we talking penetrative sex or penetrative sex and oral?”
“Both. But we can kiss and touch.”
“Woo-hoo!”
“And explore. Let’s get creative. By the way, sarcasm doesn’t suit you, Mr Grant.”
He drops me a sideward glance and I can’t tell if he’s frustrated by the use of his surname or the impending nookie ban.
“About the sarcasm. Noted. As for actual sex, you still haven’t told me how long we abstain.”
“Do we need a time limit? We could see what happens naturally.”
Daniel laughs out loud. “If that were the case, I’d have stripped you naked in the back of this car ten minutes ago.”
I can’t help but smile. “Then clearly we need boundaries.What about… six weeks?” I plead with a smile and wait for his answer. I don’t expect the slow shake of his head.
“You know what? I’ve changed my mind. I can’t do it.”
“It was you who insisted on it.”
“Now I’ve decided I can’t go through with it.”
“Can’t or won’t?”
“Can’t. I want to know what makes you tick in the bedroom.”
“Typical man.”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard.”
“Okay, the bet is back on!” I laugh so hard but soon realise he isn’t. As my laughter dies away, I face a very dark, sexy smirk. “One week.
“Is that all?”
“Yes, that’s all it will take. You know as well as I do this whole idea is ludicrous and you’ll suffer as much as I will. I’m certain you regretted those words the moment they left your lips.”
He’s right. Half of me can’t believe I’ve suggested it, but I have and he took it as a challenge, which he’s failed already. For me, it’s a matter of pride. It will give me some self-respect.
He releases my hand from his and rubs his temple with his fingertips. Inhaling deeply, he says, “You know it will be absolutely fucking frustrating for both of us.”
“I do, but it can only strengthen us too.”
“Or drive us bloody insane by the end of the week.”
I sink into my seat, “So this is it. One week, no sex.”
“Yes.”
“Really?”
