Page 32 of Where She Is
“I don’t get it. They scare the bejesus out of me!”
“Yeah, I saw that.”
“Well, at least, we won’t forget how we first met.” I realise what I’ve said, but can’t presume this is long-term. We’ve agreed to take it slow and so I gloss over my comment with, “What else?”
“Don’t think I’m mad, but I love to get up early and run. It sets me up for the day. What about you?”
“I am not into fitness, but I love hiking and discovering new places. That keeps me pretty fit.”
The buzz from Daniel’s mobile interruptsour conversation. He picks it up with a playful shake of the head. “Hi, Mum. Yes, we’re both here. Okay, all right.” He says with a slow sigh. “See you soon.”
He leans over my legs and holds them slightly while placing his phone on the table.
“We’ve been summoned. Apparently, I’m not allowed to hold you here any longer, mum wants us to go over for coffee.”
Diana is such a lovely lady and obviously adores her son.
“I don’t mind. I like your mum. She makes me feel… comfortable.”
“Good,” he smoulders, “I want you to be as comfortable as possible.” His palm cups my jaw and he brings me closer for a soft, slow, lingering kiss.
Daniel has thought of everything. My bags were ready and waiting at his cottage when we returned last night. He’d evidently decided that I wouldn’t stay in the spare room before I arrived, despite claiming the opposite. Now who’s moving it too fast?
A lonely figure catches my eye as we stroll hand in hand towards the house. Freya heads towards us with a sad smile focused firmly on Daniel. She’s a tad overdressed for the farm,but I have to admit, she looks stunning in her high heels and a cream fitted dress which clings to her curvaceous body.
“Where did you take her last night? Where were you?” She appears almost distraught. What a switch from the confident woman I met yesterday. Daniel’s body straightens, but his strides increase. “None of your bloody business,” he spits almost knocking her off her feet when he barges past, and I find his apologetic glance at my open mouth and bulging eyes confusing.How can he speak to her like that?I hear his deep sigh before he stops and looks back towards her. With a guilty, but agitated tone, he adds, “Dinner. We went to dinner. I told you last night, remember?”
“I must have forgotten.” She directs her frail voice only at Daniel, as if I’m not here at all.
“Yeah right,” he mumbles, “get over it, Freya, for Christ’s sake.” The atmosphere is so uncomfortable, as we continue towards the house. I don’t have a chance to check back on Freya and have no idea if she’s still there, but I can’t help feeling sorry for her.
Once we reach the entrance, he comes to a halt, tugging me back. “I’m sorry about that.”
“You were pretty rude.” The atmosphere between us has shifted to awkward.
“Maybe I was sharp, but—” he sighs heavily, “I don’t even know where to begin. There’s too much to explain right now, but please, Han, trust me, okay?”
Now I sigh, “Okay.”
He brings his hands to my shoulders and shakes them slightly. Our eyes lock together. “Hey, come on. This isn’t spoiling our weekend, is it?”
I’m unable to resist his beautiful husky voice and the apology within it. “No.”
“Come on. Mum and dad will be chomping at the bit by now. When we get some time, I’ll explain, okay?”
I nod, “Okay.”
Holding my face in his hands, he runs his thumbs along my cheek, then kisses me gently. When his eyes slowly open to meet mine, his smile rises all the way to them. “Come on,” he whispers.
We enter the large lounge, and Diana looks up from her book as Peter folds his newspaper. They both stand and hold out their arms to greet us with huge smiles in place. Peter takes me by surprise when he kisses me on both cheeks. “How are you, Hannah? It’s so good to see you again.”
“It’s lovely to see you too.”
He embraces his son and slaps him on the back several times, while Diana kisses me as Peter did, on both cheeks. “We’re so pleased you’re here, Hannah,” She then looks at Daniel, “and my boy, come here and give your mother a hug.”
He seems resigned to the fact Diana will make a fuss and with rolling eyes; he gives in to her embrace. While we sit and Diana serves our coffee, she says, “I’m sorry we weren’t here last night, but I’m sure Daniel took good care of you.”
“We went out for dinner, Mum, to The Victors,” he tells her.
