Chapter 29
S taring into Dani’s hazel eyes, I decide to tell her something very few people know. The NDA is a comforting factor, but since she knows Declan and his past—and because I want us to be real, with no secrets—I feel compelled to tell her.
“I know about Declan’s life before he was legit. I won’t lie about that to you,” I say, breaking my focus on the road. “But I’m never going to say that I helped the mafia clean more money in five years than they had in the last hundred.”
“You’re never going to say,” she mocks, picking up what I’m saying.
“Since you know about all that, I’ll speak plainly with you. Declan was the most unique right place, right time event in my life.”
Recalling it, I think about how much of an asshole he was when we first met. So young, cocky, and self-assured. He’s still an asshole, but nowhere near the one I met when he wanted to launch Cryptoball to the public.
“Well …” I continue. “Maybe the second most unique event after you breaking into the cottage.”
She swats my arm, and I feel so comfortable with her. No pretense. “Declan didn’t need investors, but he did need my world and its connections to make Cryptoball what it is today.”
“When did you two meet?”
“Early two thousand eighteen. Most people wouldn’t have touched that company because of the association with his last name, but it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. He’s made me more money than all my other investments combined.”
As we exit the highway and near my home in Lincoln Park, I need to confirm. “You haven’t spoken to Declan since two thousand seventeen?”
“Haven’t seen the guy,” she says. But I can’t shake the curiosity— why was he so insistent that we invest in Shirts?
Is it because he has a crush on her? Because he feels guilty about Sorin? Or did he think it was the next big brand? Whatever his motivation, Dani doesn’t seem to know.
Breaking the silence, I venture, “If we keep dating, you’ll see a lot of Declan.”
“Dating? I didn’t realize we were dating.”
“Our dinner was a proper date.”
She chuckles. “I think you have to go on multiple dates to be dating.”
“Good thing we’re doing that this week.”
“Good thing.” Dani’s too cute for words.
“Is it going to be okay with you? Seeing more of him? I can’t imagine what it’s like, with Sorin and everything.”
She takes a deep breath before responding. “Seeing Declan will take some getting used to, but … I’ll be fine.”
Pleased, I smile as I pull up to the gate.
“Is it an entire block by an entire block?” Dani asks, her jaw dropping a little.
“Twenty-five thousand square feet and multiple city lots.” She laughs nervously. “You must’ve seen it when you stalked me.”
“I did, but the photos online don’t translate the scale.”
“It was a labor of love and politics, but I’m happy here.” She quirks an eyebrow. “A lot of NIMBYs didn’t like the idea of this place, but fortunately, my tax dollars go a long way in getting things approved.”
As we descend into the underground garage, she surveys the collection of cars. “You can use any of them while you’re here,” I offer.
“I’m trying really hard to not make a ‘we’re not in Kansas anymore’ joke.”
I laugh heartily. My home is very different from the cottage.
“Dani. The cottage has been a vacation and a fantasy. This is real life for me. You’re in my world for the next week.
” She nods, looking lost in thought, as we linger in the quiet of the parked car.
“I hope you like my world, but I understand if you don’t.
If you ever want to go back to Wisconsin, tell me. ”
“Adam, I–”
Squeezing her hand, I reassure her. “I want to help you with your business, and I want to be someone you enjoy being with. But I also understand that we’re diving in with this extended city trip together that’s very different from our current routine.”
A soft smile grows on her face. “I want to be here with you.”
Relieved, I pop the trunk and get out of the car to take her bag.
“Elevator.” She laughs softly as I push the button. I pull her close, wrapping my arm around her shoulder. As we exit, we walk through the mudroom into the kitchen.
“Mr. Harris,” my house manager, Cecilia, greets. “You made great time.”
“This is Dani.” I gesture. “She’ll be staying with me.”
“Nice to meet you, Dani,” she says with a polite smile. “Write down anything you want me to pick up for you—snacks, shampoo, whatever you like—on this notepad.” Cecilia gestures to the corner nook.
“I’m sure I’ll like what’s here,” Dani says.
“Put popcorn on the list and have freshly ground black coffee for her each morning,” I add. It’s a small but hopefully meaningful gesture to make her feel at home.
“Let’s go up to our room and get settled,” I say, taking her hand.
As we continue the tour through my home on the way upstairs, I purposefully don’t draw attention to the art on the walls. With all the talk about money in the car, now’s not the time to mention that it’s worth millions.
I set her bag on the bench at the foot of the bed. “You like the place?”
Dani raises her brows and laughs. “I like that the whole place feels warm.” She sits on the edge of the bed, and I like that she feels comfortable enough to do that.
“You leaned into the brick palette. The leathers and woods make it feel homey. It’s insane to call this big of a place homey, but it is. ”
“You could see yourself here?” I raise my eyebrow, teasing but curious.
Her eyes flash with a sense of unease that I asked such a bold question. She doesn’t miss a beat when “Who couldn’t” escapes her lips in a giggle.
“Do you want to freshen up or change? Cecilia can make us dinner unless you’d rather go out.”
“I like the idea of staying in tonight.”
Leaning down, I place my arms on either side of her. “I can’t wait to fuck you in my bed,” I whisper in her ear.
“When does Cecilia go home?” Dani asks quietly. The flirtation and anticipation are all over her face.
“She lives here.”
“Do we have to be quiet?”
A deep laugh escapes me. She’s adorable. “She lives on the opposite corner of the house. Trust me, she won’t hear you scream.”
“You say that now,” she flirts, pulling my neck down and slamming her lips into mine.
“Dani Sommer,” I whisper. “Are you going to let me finish the tour, or have you seen enough?”
“Let me freshen up, and I’ll get back to you.”
I point to the sliding door to the adjoining bathroom, and she places a light kiss on my lips before heading in. Sitting on the bed, I’m already hard, hoping for more.
“The shower,” she yells from the bathroom. “Was this pre- or post-divorce?”
“Pre.”
“You’ve got some explaining to do,” she teases.
Curious, I walk into the bathroom to see what she’s talking about. Dani’s standing there, arms crossed, staring at the shower. “What?” I ask, confused.
“This is an orgy-swinger shower situation,” she says, twirling her finger at the various fixtures.
“You have experience with these matters?”
“No!” she sasses. “But look at it.”
“It’s never been so lucky.” I snake my arms around her waist. “Not even third base,” I whisper, kissing her neck.
“Sure,” she teases.
“We could change that.”