Page 36 of Where She Is
Daniel’s strong male persona gives off an air of, ‘I couldn’tgive a rat’s arse.’I don’t miss his secret grin, but I’m sure he enjoyedit. As the credits roll, he jumps from the sofa, his eyes all screwed up like peep holes.
“I can’t believe I sat through that.”
I smile up at him. “All men secretly want to be Patrick Swayze.”
“Of course we do. Didn’t you spot my seductive dance moves last weekend? We danced underneath the stars if you remember.”
“How could I forget,” I giggle as I think back to that night.
“And what’s so funny?”
“Nothing at all. Just remembering your moves and how… lovely they were.”
“Lovely? They were my best Swayze inspired moments and all I get is ‘lovely!’”
I’m still in mid-giggle when he tackles me backwards and finds my most sensitive areas. Little by little, he eases himself above me.
“Don’t you dare, Daniel Grant! Patrick would never rugby tackle a woman!” I playfully slap him and try to push him off, but my laughter has zapped all my energy. We both stop. I stare into his mesmerising hazel eyes, and he says, “This isn’t rugby, this is Australian rules. My rules.” Cupping his features with my palms, his lips meet mine as his fingers fan into my hair. Every moment intensifies our bond, and there’s a familiar tingle through my body. I want him, I really want him, and I can’t helpthinking if he takes this further, I won’t stop it from happening. I want him inside me so badly, but my lustful wishes meet an abrupt end. He steps back. “We better stop or we might do something you regret.”
“I don’t care about our stupid agreement anymore.” I’m breathless and flustered and I need him so much. “I wouldn’t regret it one bit.”
He chokes out a laugh and shakes his head. “Oh no. No way! You set the rules. If you don’t like them, tough!” My body slumps back into the sofa with a thump; arms crossed and mouth firmly pouting. It’s clear I’m not happy. Daniel’s smirk, however, tells me a different story.
“Maybe you’ll consider the consequences before you set any more boundaries.”
I realise he won’t budge an inch. I have to admire his staying power, but my pout remains anyway.
“Well, if you won’t break the rules, I’m off for a shower. I could do with cooling down.”
I flick my long hair in his direction. Hot, bothered and slightly embarrassed, I sense he’s about to pounce as he stands from his seat. I make a run for it and just make it to the bathroom before he reaches out. Excited panic fills me as I slam and lock the door with breathless giggles. He calls, “I’ll get you next time, Baby.” It’s his best Swayze impersonation and a term of endearment I want him to repeat.
Our informal dinner is at eight o’clock and although it’s family only, it’s important I make the right impression. My favourite outfit will do the trick. I’m wearing a cream A-line summer dress with black edging. As I own only one pair of decent shoes, my black Jimmy’s will make another appearance. As I enter the room, his delicious aftershave hits my senses and draws a smileon my lips. The click of my heels alerts him to my presence, so he stands to greet me while folding his newspaper and throwing it on top of the coffee table. My internal butterflies circle in a familiar figure of eight. What a sight for sore eyes he is in his dark blue jeans and navy dress shirt, which is open at the collar. I’m too busy running my eyes over his body to notice if he’s doing the same to me, but it appears he is.
“Wow. You look beautiful.”
I stop in my tracks. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.
We’re greeted with hugs and kisses from Diana and Peter. I love the way they are so together. He escorts her around the room; his hand to the small of her back, as if he doesn’t want to let her go. They are obviously still very much in love. While I watch them, a strange thought runs through my head. What if things work out with Daniel? What would I do? Could I live in Australia permanently? I’ve never thought about it as my intention was always to go home one day. I’m away with the fairies and getting ahead of myself when I’m quickly brought back to reality. Joe walks in, his inky hair short, smart, and neat, and I note the sparkle in his hazel eyes. I think he’s pretty sexy, but I’ll keep that thought between me, myself, and I. It makes me wonder why he settled for a girl he might not love when he didn’t have to.
“You look lovely tonight, Han. My little brother is a very lucky man.”
Daniel cuts in. “Hands off, mate. She’s spoken for and so are you.”
“And don’t I know it,” Joe mumbles under his breath just loud enough for us to hear before he smiles politely.
“Is Freya not with you?” I ask, not really interested because I don’t feel comfortable when she’s around.
“She’ll be here shortly. She’s still getting ready.”
Oh, that’s a bugger, I think to myself, but hope my face doesn’tgive away my obvious disappointment. Joe continues tochat with no awkwardness, so I think I’m home and dry. He’s so easy to be with and I enjoy our conversation until a tap on his shoulder interrupts us.
“Miss me?”
“You made it then. Good, I’m starving,” he replies with raised brows. From that moment, the mood shifts. Joe seems irritated by his wife’s appearance when he calls over to Diana. “We’re good to go Mum.” Diana signals for everyone to go through to dinner and Daniel appears at my side to hold my hand.
I feel Freya’s glare burning my skin when she sits opposite me. Every time I glance her way, her smile is placed to perfection. I’m self-conscious and there’s a strange feeling in the air. Her silence is welcome, yet I sense something brewing. I attempt to concentrate on conversations around the table and our delicious meal. Daniel looks between us as I try to ignore her and he whispers, “Are you all right?”
I’m uneasy as Freya’s bulging eyes note my every move and as soon as Daniel turns in her direction, she visibly relaxes. A calmer, happier Freya smiles at him, but he is not fooled. He shifts in his chair to face me and shields his mouth from her view. “Take no notice. She’s trying to mark her territory.”
