Page 52 of Where She Is
Okay, so we delayed dinner slightly once I had my man in the kitchen. I couldn’t resist removing his apron so I could show him how much I appreciated his efforts. He probably thought all his Christmas’s had come at once as I dropped to my knees and took him in my mouth. I needed a distraction from my worries, but more than that, I wanted to taste him.
“Do you want anything else?” he asks. “It’s just that it's usual to have dessert before dinner, or have you had enough?” he winks.
“I might manage another mouthful.”
“Is that right? I’ll keep the apron on then.”
“You do that. I love your ‘welcome home’ outfit.”
I suddenly realise what I’ve said, but I’m not prepared for his response.
“I’m glad you feel that way because I want to talk to you about something. Why don’t you come and live here with me?”
Well, this is a bolt out of the blue. “Oh God,” falls from my mouth before his question has sunk in. It’s not his fault someone hurt me in the past. I just promised myself if I ever got intoanother serious relationship, I’d take it slow. We seemed to be moving at the speed of sound.
“Daniel, this is so unexpected—although, I’m over the moon you want me here with you permanently. Can you give me a little time? And don’t assume my answer is no. It’s just I have a lot on my plate at the moment and so much to think about.”
He silently turns towards the cooker and plates up our food while a dense atmosphere fills the surrounding air. I have to say something. “You’re not happy now, are you?”
“What do you expect?”
“Please, Daniel. You’re taking this the wrong way.”
He leans against the kitchen cabinet and crosses his arms. “Well, for Christ’s sake, I just asked you to move in with me, and you’ve brushed it off as if it means nothing. This is a big step for me, Hannah.”
“I know, I know.”
“No, you don’t. I’ve found it hard to let anyone into my life. Then you come along and turn my world into a better place. I thought we wanted the same thing. Obviously, I got it wrong.”
“Daniel, I wasn’t prepared. Please—”
“What happened today to upset you? We were fine until you got the phone call. Are you hiding something from me?” He looks so serious, annoyed even. I couldn’t have picked a worse time to have a fit of the giggles. I have my knuckle wedged in my mouth in the hope I can suppress my laughter. “And what’s so bloody funny?” he asks while his sense of humour fails him miserably. I can’t blame him. I’d be the same if the tables were turned.
“I’m sorry… it’s just… how do you expect me to take you seriously when—”
“When what?” He’s losing it.
“You’re stark bollock naked!”
“Shit.” He walks towards the bedroom and in a matter of moments, he returns with a pair of dark blue shorts and a navy T-shirt. The grin on his face confirms he isn’t so angry anymore. How can one man be so sexy without trying? He halts and opens his arms out to present his fresh look.
“This serious enough?”
“Not at all, I prefer the natural look if I’m honest, but it will do.”
The full smile that wants to escape his mouth gets the better of him. “Then there’s no pleasing you, Miss May. We need to eat. Go sit and I’ll bring it over.”
Daniel pours us both a large glass of wine and serves grilled salmon with a green salad. Very simple, but I don’t care because he’s taken the time to cook for me. I’ve never known a man who enjoys cooking so much. I’m getting used to it.
“This so good, Daniel.”
“I’d hardly call it special.”
“Well, it’s delicious.”
I can see his mind ticking over as he cleans his plate. Placing his knife and fork down, he takes an enormous gulp of wine. His brows knit together and with some uncertainty he says, “I get you don’t want to move in—yet,” his lips curve upwards, “and if you want time, you have it, but at least tell me what upset you earlier.”
I finish the mouthful I have and glance towards my empty plate. He only knows the nasty stuff about Rob, plus talking about an ex-boyfriend with your new one is never easy. Where to start...
