Page 23 of Where She Is
“It’s a bigger conversation and not one we should have in the car.” Not that it matters. Jack’s heard every word until the moment his eyes caught mine in the rear-view mirror.
“Ahh, the bloke in London.”
“Yes. He hurt me beyond anything I could imagine… I don’t want to talk about him, although I will tell you when the time is right. For now, know I’m not here just for thrills. That’s the other reason I ran off last week. Most of my nightmare relationships start with rushed sex.”
“Are we talking about the London bloke again?”
“We’re talking about us. If there is an ‘us.’ I’m sorry if it’s too much too soon, but I need to know.”
He takes in a lengthy breath. “I can’t tell you what you want to hear. I don’t know what this thing between us is yet, but I wouldn’t sit here and say I want to spend the rest of my life with you because we’ve only just met.”
Heat blooms on my neck and cheeks. I must be his vision of the worst nightmare and who did I think I was to make such demands so early on?
“If you’re asking if I can see us going some distance, the answer is I’m not in this for a fling. I wouldn’t waste my time asking you to stay if that’s all I wanted.”
“Okay.” I mumble under my breath. He places his finger under my chin and lifts it upwards so our eyes meet. “I want to see those beautiful blues when I tell you this.”
Shit. His thick Australian tone sends shivers down my spine once again. If I thought that was good, what he says next wets my silky panties all the way through.
“I want to kiss you right now, but I won’t… yet.” That makes me smile towards his shining eyes.
“And yes, I wanted to sleep with you before you ran away and I hoped something would happen this weekend. I think that’s obvious. But what you’re asking for is a guarantee. I can’t make any promises. All I can tell you is that when you’re around, I can’t concentrate on anything else. The way you smile, the smell of your hair, the taste of your lips, it all drives me crazy and I can’t stop thinking about you. Last week, at dinner, every man in the room had his eyes on you. I don’t have a problem with that because you chose me above anyone else.” He pauses, squeezing my hand. “I don’t know where this could go, but I want to find out. If you’re asking me if I want a long-term relationship or just some fun? I’d have to say I want both, and I want them both with you.”
I’m finding it hard to breathe as he leans towards me and runs his thumb along my cheek.
“I want us to be exclusive. Does this give you some reassurance?”‘Yes!’My hand slides around the nape of his neck. Our lips crash, our tongues meet and swirl together with urgency. I can’t get enough of his kiss but eventually, I have to lean back. I’m unable to hide the joy written all over my face. “I think you have my answer.”
A slow, confident smile spreads across his beautiful features, “I think I missed it. Run it by me again.” Our smiling lips lock, but this time, I make sure he fully understands what I want.
Chapter Eight
We arriveat an old mansion house, set in beautifully manicured gardens. A warm, friendly glow reflects from spotlights which illuminate the building. I’m sure the entire room hears my gasp as I enter the most beautiful, opulent space. Purple velvet chairs sit at each round table. Uniformed crisp white tablecloths, a glass oil lamp and highly polished cutlery adorn each one. The Black walls are dotted with gold Fleur de Lis print, while above us, the sparkle of crystal pear drops from the most magnificent chandeliers catch my eye. At the other end of the room, an enormous marble bar with mirrored shelves house many spirits, wines and champagnes. This place is incredible.
We enjoy smoked trout with warm potatoes and horseradish followed by twice cooked duck breast for me and Venison loin for Daniel. He chooses the most beautiful local wine to accompany our meal and we talk about everything from movies to music, hobbies and family. He is attentive and affectionate. His touch is never far away, be it my hand, my cheek or my thigh. I am chatty, slightly flirty but always polite. Most of all, I love his company. The evening is going well until his fingers tap out a rhythm over the table top. I take a sip of my coffee and Danielsits forward. Running both hands over his face, and through his hair, he groans into his palms. His body freezes for what seems like minutes while I wait for him to speak. It is, in fact, only a few seconds before his eyes slowly meet mine with total sincerity.
“Okay. Let’s get something out in the open.” I’m about to speak, but he holds up one finger in front of me, “Just… let me say this.”
I nod, “Okay” but I don’t like the concern on his face.
“You will hear things about me and that’s unavoidable.” My first thought is he knows about my conversation with Matthew, but how the hell would he? My focus clicks back to Daniel and I try to keep my expression as stoic as possible. “You’re probably aware of a few rumours about my private life from your Google search or you’ve heard gossip in the office.”
“I don’t listen to gossip, Daniel,” I blurt out. “What kind of person do you think I am?” I was more vigorous than I needed to be, but the cover story I told him is biting me on the bum.
“An assertive one, Hannah.”
This is not what I expected and I’m a rubbish liar. I’ve got no choice but to come clean, although I’m not exactly sure how to tell him. “Daniel, I don’t want you to think the worst of me, so I better make a confession… I didn’t search for you online.”
“What do you mean? You said last week you had.”
“Well, that was a white lie. Someone decided to fill me in on your past, but I didn’t want to believe it. Having said that I had no intention of asking you to confirm it either.”
“Why?”
“Because what they said… it was so... so private.” His hand reaches for mine across the table and a slow smile spreads across his features. “Thank you.”
My fingertips dance across the back of his hand. “For what?”
“For saying that. It tells me a lot about you.”
