Page 74 of Where She Is
“Well, then I have to take your word for it. What I can’t do now, is decide if this continual uncertainty is what I want.”
I push myself up from the bed and go towards the wardrobe. I pull my suitcase from the bottom shelf when Daniel walks over towards me, gently taking my arm.
“Please don’t go, baby.”
God, I feel sick. This time, it’s Daniel and not drink induced. My eyes fill with tears. I don’t want to leave. I am completely and desperately in love with this man, but I can’t do this anymore. “I have to, Daniel. I can’t be with someone I don’t trust.”
“You said you trusted me yet I’ve told you the truth and you refuse to believe it.”
“I want to. I really do, but that photograph says more to me than a kiss goodbye.”
He throws his arms to the sky in frustration, “Hannah—”
“And what were you doing at a club? You normally avoid them like the plague. Now you’re away with your work buddies, it’s suddenly okay?”
“It was Melbourne! I was sure I’d go unnoticed! I was wrong, I’m sorry!”
Uncontrollable tears spill down my face while Daniel takes the case from my hand and pushes it back in the wardrobe.
“Don’t go. I’ll give you some time if that’s what you need. I’ll give you whatever you bloody want.” He sighs heavily, “I can stay at the farm for a few days. Please think about what you’re doing to us. We fit together. You were made for me, the one I’ve waited my whole life for. I kept searching, and all I came up with were poor imitations. If I’d known you were half a world away, I would have stopped searching. I would have stopped picking the wrong women and waited for the right one. For you.”
He takes my hands in his and holds them tight. My heart is melting with his every word.
“It was a split second. That’s exactly what it was. They captured it on camera, there’s no getting away from that, but I did not meet up with Tabitha before they took the photograph. I’ve explained to you she was drunk and took advantage of the situation. I don’t deny she kissed me. What you have to realise is, I didn’t kiss her back. If that photographer had taken a picture just one second later, it would have told a different story. It would have shown how angry I was with her, how I took her arm and escorted her to a waiting car.”
I sob the words, “How many more chances do I have to give you?” My throat burns as I try to swallow the enormous lump wedged inside.
His thumb brushes gently across my cheek and he replies, “No more. I just need you to trust me and the rest will go away.”
Daniel packs a small bag and makes his way to the door. He hesitates, “I understand you’re hurt and I know I’m the cause. It doesn’t have to be like this. All you have to do is believe me. The photo you saw wasn’t real. I wouldn’t do that to you, Hannah because I’ve fallen in love with you and if I have to spend the rest of my life proving it, I will. We were meant to be together. End of. I love you, Hannah May. I love you more than I can put into words.”
I glance up and meet his broken eyes and a second later, he’s gone.
Chapter Twenty-Five
I didn’t sleep well.Yesterday’s events were on a constant loop in my dreams.
Daniel called me last night, although he did most of the talking. His apologies dominated the conversation, but a part of me can’t trust him yet. This causes a fight between my head and my heart.
I want to take care of him and share our lives. Can I really do it? Can I cope with the photographers and being in the public eye? Can I cope with his past? With the women and the stories attached to them? This is who he is and if I love him, I’ve no choice but to believe in him and accept every aspect.
The same thoughts roll through my mind as I get ready for work. I don’t enjoy being the sole occupant of this house. Not under these circumstances. It’s too quiet. It’s a comfort to play his music and smell his scent on our bed, but there’s also too much time to dwell on Daniel’s past. I need him here to distract me and bring this dead space to life with his warmth. It isn’t home without him.
I’m about to put my jacket on and leave for work when I hear a knock. I presume Daniel has sent Jack to pick me up,but when I open the door, an unfamiliar face smiles back at me.
“Miss May?”
“That’s right.”
“My name is Benjamin, Miss, and I’ve been sent by Mr Daniel Grant to drive you to your office.”
“What happened to Jack?”
“He had to attend some urgent business with Mr Grant so I’ll be your driver until he gets returns.”
“Oh, I see.” Daniel never said, which isn’t like him. I rub at my temple and bite my lip.
It’s obvious to Benjamin I’m thrown by this change in plan.
