Page 51 of Where She Is
Chapter Sixteen
I callhim and do my best to sound upbeat. He’s not stupid and can hear it in my voice. I’ve put on a show all afternoon for my work colleagues, but my mask slips when I open my mouth to speak to him.
“Daniel?” Tears tumble a line over my red cheeks and I’m unsure if I miss everyone or the thought of Rob’s impending visit fills me with dread. There’s a deep hum that burns the back of my throat when I try to talk, but his voice soothes me.
“What’s wrong, baby? Where are you?”
It’s strange. Even though I feel like shit, I can’t help but smile when he calls mebaby.“I’m just leaving work. Would you mind if I didn’t come over tonight?”
“Why, what’s going on?”
He’s aware there was someone at home before I left and he also knows he was an unfaithful arsehole. I’ve never gone into any detail, but perhaps this is the time to tell him what happened and give him an explanation for my tears. If I don’t, he will worry. “I heard from my best friend in London today.”
“Is everything all right? Are your folks okay?”
“Yeah, they’re fine, although she had some upsetting news.I’m not exactly in the best mood and I’ll only make you miserable if I come over.”
“Being alone is not a good idea either.” God, he is an angel, but he’s only seen my best side. If I go to his place, he’ll meet a different me altogether and I don’t want him to see that girl.
“I should stay home, anyway. I have a pile of washing to do, so it’s probably best if I—”
“Best if you stop with the excuses and get your arse over here. Collect your laundry and do it at mine.”
I’m still faffing. “There’s hand washing too and—”
“Stop talking about the bloody laundry. Whatever’s wrong, surely, it’s better to have company. Please? I’ll make you some dinner, cheer you up.” He won’t take no for an answer, which makes me laugh through my self-pitying tears. “Thoughts of you in an apron cheer me right up. If you promise to wear one, I’ll be there.”
“If you say yes, I will.”
“Yes.”
“Good girl, Jack should be outside anyway, so go collect your stuff and get back here as quick as you can.”
“Okay.”
“Good. Oh, and Hannah?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t forget the laundry.”
I laugh, “See you soon.”
“Don’t be long, beautiful. Bye.”
How does he do it? When I feel anxious or upset, he always says the right thing. I hope he has some words of wisdom when I tell him about my ex-boyfriend, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
It’s a little after seven when I arrive at Daniel’s. He is indeed wearing an apron—and nothing else. He greets me at the door with obvious excitement. He strides across the room and secures his large, muscular arms around me. I instantly feelbetter. He is exactly what I need. I stand back and check him out.
“I love this look on you. It’s very… natural.”
“Glad you like it and obviously for your eyes only. If you tell anyone I wear an apron, you’re in trouble.”
I giggle as he releases a beautiful smile. “I love to hear you laugh. You worried me when you called.” He cups my face with his palm and his mesmerising hazel eyes connect with mine.
“I’m sorry about that. Can we talk about it when I get my head around a few things?”
“No pressure. Come on, the food will burn if we’re not careful.” I follow him and his man-made tent down the hallway.
