Page 21 of Where She Is
I shake my head and realise Daniel is waiting for a response. “Sorry?” I missed what he said. If only I could learn to concentrate. Daniel seems bemused by my vacant expression. I mean, I am right in front of him, it’s not as if I didn’t hear what he said… except I didn’t. I was wrapped in my little fantasy.
“Your journey, how was it?” He leans in and kisses my cheek, sending all sorts of messages to my girl parts.
“Oh yes, sorry. It was very relaxing. Your car is beautiful and so comfortable. What is it? I don’t recognise the name OVERFINCH.”
He laughs, “It’s a customised Range Rover, Hannah, and I’m pleased you like it.” He turns his head to the side and calls over his shoulder while his eyes stay focused on me. “Jack, could you take Hannah’s bags in for me, please?” Jack isn’t smiling, in fact, there is no expression there at all. He nods in response to Daniel, but his focus is straight ahead as he walks past to the back of the car. Daniel slides his hand along my arm and confidently laces his fingers with mine. It feels right and easy.
“You worried me when you didn’t reply to my text,” he says while we make our way into the hall. I pull back and reach into my bag. It means losing his touch, but I’ve got to check my phone, which I find, isn’t switched on. “Bugger. I turned it off when I left the office.” I wave the phone around in my hand. “I wanted to relax.”
“No worries. I got hold of Jack, eventually.”
“I’m sorry. I generally keep it on for special people.”Well, that cameout wrong.
“And do I qualify as aspecial person?” he emphasises.
“I’m here to find out.”
I momentarily catch his hazel eyes, but I’m not quick enough to gauge his response as a tall, strawberry blonde distracts my focus. They say if you’ve got it, flaunt it and this girl has it in spades. She has the longest legs and the smallest waist. Her white open neck blouse displays her obvious assets as if they are up for auction while her generous hips swing almost hypnotically. The only thing that lets her down is the ‘smacked arse’ expression she wears when her eyes meet mine. It’s a shame as she is beautiful. The woman in question confidently slides behind Daniel and takes his arm possessively. Is she trying to mark her territory? Not the nicest of welcomes and I have to say, it’s pissing me off. What I wouldn’t do right now to watch herfall arse over huge tit on those ridiculous six-inch heels.Put your claws away,Hannah.My only consolation is the annoyance written all over Daniel’sface. There’s an awkward silence before he shakes his arm free, and with a heavy sigh, he’s forced to introduce her.
“Hannah May, meet Freya Grant.” His eyes are cold as he says, “My sister-in-law.”
“It’s lovely to meet you, Hannah.” Without words, I smile and nod in response while she delivers an annoying smirk and a handshake which squeezes my palm just a touch too much. I notice Daniel’s body stiffen, but he’s already told me they don’t get on. However, there is a thick atmosphere which only breaks when another visitor enters the hall almost immediately after Freya. Daniel’s shoulders visibly relax and his face beams as he slaps the tall stranger on the back and brings him in for a hug. “Good to see you, bro.”
“You too, mate.” I realise this could only be Joe Grant. He walks towards me and offers his hand. “And you must be Hannah. I’m Joe, Dan’s brother.”
“I can tell. Pleased to meet you,” I say as I accept his vigorous and altogether friendlier handshake. Despite the slightly lighter hair and unshaven appearance, it’s obvious these two are brothers. My first impression of Joe shows he’s a good guy while his warmth puts me at ease. Meanwhile, in the background, Freya is noticeably hacked off. The boys stand with their backs to her and I’m shocked by their rudeness, but it’s not my place to mention it.
“I’m so glad you’re here, Hannah. He hasn’t shut up about you all week.” I try to hide my flushed face, while he continues, “He’s driven us all bloody mad!”
From the corner of my eye, I notice Freya’s lips clamp together and her cheeks crease as she burns a hole through my skin from the fire in her eyes. I focus my attention back to Joe and ignore her irritation. I’m actually at a loss what to say,although it’s difficult not to hide the utter joy written all over my face.
“That’s good to know,” I beam before Daniel cuts in.
“That’s enough of that, I think.” His eyes are like saucers when he signals to Joe he’s said too much already. He grabs my hand again and I have to jog to keep up with him and his enormous strides while we head down the hall. “Sorry bro, we’ve got to run.” Daniel swings his head back and calls, “We’ll catch up later. We have a table booked for dinner.” He lifts his chin and flicks two fingers in a wave before we disappear.
Joe shouts from behind, “No worries, have fun you two.” I hear only the sound of my heels on the wooden floor before Joe calls a second time, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”
He chuckles from his brother’s banter. “Ignore that comment. He thinks he’s funny.”
“I don’t have a problem with it,” I say while I shake my head and laugh. “I bet you two have a lot of fun.” He pulls my hand back until we slow to strolling pace.
“He’s one of the best, and I’m not just saying that because he’s my brother.” He turns to face me and takes both my hands in his. “I hope you don’t mind if we miss dinner with them. It’s just I want you to myself for a few hours. There won’t be any peace with Joe and Freya around and...” Daniel stops for a moment and pulls me into his embrace, “we have a lot to talk about.”
I nod and naturally lay my palm against his chest. “Whatever you want to do is fine with me,” I say while catching how his heart beats as fast as mine and realising my hand may have lingered a touch too long against his body. I snatch it away and avoid his gaze by looking over his shoulder, only to notice a lonely figure behind him. Freya startles me and creeps me out in equal measures.Why is she stillstaring?
I hear his voice first before he crouches slightly so his focus islevel with mine.
“Mum and dad are away, but they’ll be back tomorrow and I know mum will want to see you.”
My attention swings back to him. “Yes, yes,” I smile, “I’d like to see her too.” The memory of Diana’s lonely figure as she waved us off last week has played heavy on my mind. I felt terrible leaving so abruptly. It’ll be good to make things right.
“I think she might have a few plans for us too, which is why it would be good for us to have tonight together.”
I can’t quite swallow the noticeable lump that’s formed in my throat.Shit. Does he expect me to sleep with him?
“Don’t worry. I won’t jump you.”
His honesty takes me by surprise. “No, no, I didn’t think you expected—”
