Chapter Eleven #2
His bedroom is beautiful. Modern art hangs above an enormous bed with a grey throw and scattered cushions to match.
More bi-folding doors lead to the central balcony.
There is also a sleek marble ensuite bathroom with dual vanity units and a large walk-in shower.
I can see us making excellent use of that.
Once I’ve had a good nose around, Daniel laces his fingers with mine, leads me back to the balcony, then to the stairs which run along the outside wall.
We reach a perfectly manicured lawn, surrounded by flower beds in a riot of colour.
I notice decking with large rattan sofas and chairs arranged in a square, alongside a kitchen area with the biggest barbeque I have ever seen.
“This is all very hi-spec, Mr Grant. I bet you show this beast off to all the girls.”
He draws me closer to his chest and I swear his tone is sexier than ever.
“Only the special ones.” I’m done for. I could kick my stupid sex rule into oblivion when he leans in for a gentle, lingering kiss.
I close my eyes and savour the moment. I could stay like this forever, but he breaks our kiss and his voice reverts to its normal rate of sexy instead of the red-hot version I just witnessed.
“What do you think of the old homestead then?”
“It’s fabulous. Thanks for asking me to stay.”
“I’m glad you’re here,” he winks.
I’m worried I’ll spoil his good mood, but I can’t relax fully until I ask him something that’s bothering me. “Daniel…, oh God, I don’t know how to ask you this.” My stomach is swirling with nerves.
“What is it?” He says, an edge of worry in his voice. I have to get this out the way.
“Those things Freya said about me being a gold digger, you don’t believe her, do you?”
He doesn’t hesitate, “Christ, no,” he takes in a breath.
“I’ve met women like that, and believe me, I know you’re not one of them.
There’s nothing false about you, Hannah May.
I can promise you, you’re unique and so different from any girl I’ve ever met.
In fact, I’m sure you were almost disappointed when you found out I wasn’t a farmhand.
” He pauses and draws me in closer, placing some loose hair away from my face, “I think you were on the hunt for a fit looking cowboy.”
“Damn, you got me there,” I giggle. “I was sure I’d bagged myself a real Australian cowboy, but I suppose you’ll just have to do.” My relief is obvious as my boy relaxes against him and he walks me backwards towards an outdoor sofa. I have no option but to drop onto the soft cushions.
“Is that right?” His voice is red hot sexy once again. “Well, I’ll do everything in my power to please you, my lady.” His eyebrows rise slightly, adding so much suggestion.
“I don’t doubt it for a second.”
We spend far too much time canoodling lazily on the garden furniture and before I know where I am, my eyelids flutter to block the harsh rays of the sun.
I partially cover them with my arm, but it’s difficult when you’re wedged against another body.
I crawl up, leaning on my elbows, and he wakes, all misty-eyed and confused.
“Oh God, what time is it?”
“I have no idea” I shrug, “It must be late.” I sit up and stretch while Daniel rubs my back. Suddenly, I realise I haven’t called home.
“Oh no, I didn’t call back mum. She’ll be frantic!
” I run up the stairs to fetch my bag and phone.
I notice the time is nearly five o’clock.
I can’t phone now, it’s some ungodly hour of the morning there.
I must set a reminder on my phone to call in a few hours.
Daniel walks in and drops his body on the sofa.
“I’ll order some food. What do you want?”
He’s read my mind again as my stomach grumbles. We haven’t eaten since this morning.
“I have an overriding desire for Chinese.”
“Done, I’ll get a menu. ”
I feel the devil inside me. “Why don’t we go out, my treat. I’d love to have a look around town.”
“Right.”
Okay, he hasn’t said no, but he looks unsure. I drop myself next to him and snuggle into his side. I look up to his delicious jaw line, using my puppy dog eyes to see if they work. “Please?” I hope he can see the funny side, but instead, he seems sad.
“Han, it’s difficult for me. Can you try to understand?”
“It’s okay, forget it.”
His pursed lips and deep sorrowful eyes pull at my heart. I feel like a bitch.
“I will show you around, and soon, I promise.”
I nod, “Great, then maybe you might attempt to come to the city with me one day?”
“I haven’t been in a while, I’ll have to see.”
I’m not exactly tactful today and feel awful for the second time.
My hands cup either side of his face and pull him towards me.
“Sorry, I shouldn’t have pushed you.” My lips crush to his, but the passion he normally gives with every kiss, is somehow missing.
I pull away when he gets up and walks towards the kitchen,
“I’ll get the menus.”
I could kick myself.
We sit, crossed-legged on the floor in the lounge and eat at the coffee table.
It’s a veritable banquet for two. Daniel has chosen some excellent wine to go with it and this early dinner would have been perfect, had I not been so pushy.
We’re talking, but it’s strained and I feel most of what I say is crap.
The gentle sound of guitars against breaking waves interrupts an awkward silence as my alarm signals.
I jump up with far too much enthusiasm. “That’s my cue to call home. Is it okay if I use the bedroom? ”
At least he’s smiling now. “You don’t have to ask, Hannah. I want you to feel at home.”
I pull up my home number as I walk. It’s early morning in the UK, but mum and dad are always up with the lark. It only takes a few rings before she answers.
“Hi Mum, it’s me.”
“Darling, how are you? Did you see I called? I got a little worried when you didn’t answer yesterday.”
My stomach is in knots. It’s so good to speak to her and I want to hug her so badly.
“I’m sorry. I had a bit of a nightmare when you called. I was in the middle of dinner with… some clients and the time difference was proving a problem. Sorry, Mum.”
I’ve lied to her about the weekend, but I’m not ready to share Daniel just yet. Not until I’m sure of where things are going.
“Everyone sends you their love, darling. We all miss you so much.”
“I miss you all too.” Loneliness creeps around me again and a cold shudder runs down my spine, but I do my best to sound upbeat. “But I’m having a whale of a time.”
“And work is going well?”
“Yes, it is actually. We have a lot to do here, which means not a lot of time for a social life, but I love it when we’re busy.”
“I hope that doesn’t mean Richard is working you too hard. He needs to look after you.”
“I think we’re looking after each other, Mum. We’re not bored, that’s for sure.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Listen, darling, I know you find it hard to be away from home, but it will get better, I promise. You just have to give yourself time. Once you meet new people, it will all fall into place. If it doesn’t, then you know you can come home. Just give yourself a chance, darling.”
“I will, I mean I am Mum. Promise.”
“You never know. You may meet the man of your dreams! ”
“Yes, Mum, maybe.” I laugh unconvincingly.
We chat for another twenty minutes and I know it will cost a small fortune on my mobile, but I just don’t care. I needed to hear her voice today. She filled me in on all the news before I spoke to dad briefly. He always greets me with his sing-song voice.
“Halloo my darling. How’s it going down under?”
Although I giggle when I hear my dad, the tears in my eyes are poised to drop at any moment. I have to concentrate to keep my tone steady. “Good. Excellent, in fact, Dad. It’s a beautiful place.”
“I believe it is. I wish I were twenty-four again. What I wouldn’t do for so much carefree time and energy.” He seems to have wandered into his own special world for a moment, and then he says, “Embrace every second, my darling. You’re living a wonderful dream.”
“I will, Dad, don’t worry.” My dad has the most amazing outlook on life and he relishes every experience and moment he can.
It’s one of the many amazing qualities I love about him.
More chit chat follows and at one point, I have them simultaneously shouting down the phone.
Perhaps they think I can’t hear them from all this way .
I dreamily wander out of the bedroom and straight into Daniel’s chest. I hadn’t noticed him outside the doorway and it causes my heart to skip a beat. “Oh my God, you gave me such a fright!”
He doesn’t look so happy. “Why did you tell your parents you were with clients?”
I tilt my head to one side and narrow my eyes, “I’m sorry?”
“I heard you say you couldn’t call them back because you were busy with clients. Why didn’t you tell them you were with me? ”
I was a little put-out he’d been listening to my phone call. “I’m sorry, I was under the impression I was having a private conversation.”
“You didn’t mention me at all. Are you ashamed?”
It was as if he hadn’t listened to what I’d just said.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’ve known you all of five minutes, Daniel.” I take a deep breath and calm down to avoid any chance of this becoming an argument. “Look, my parents will just worry if they know there’s someone on the scene.”
“So now I’m just someone?”
“No! Don’t be daft. It’s just, I’m unsure where this is going.
” Maybe it came out all wrong, or he misunderstood, but instead of talking to me, he skulks off towards the balcony.
The glass doors shudder with the force of being slammed and I’m left standing there all alone on the other side.
Although I’ve tried to keep calm, I can’t deny I’m wound up as tight as cotton in a bobbin. It’s probably best if we both cool off.
I head back into the bedroom with clenched fists, growling to myself.
I can’t understand why he’s so upset? Surely he understands?
Jack had already taken my overnight bag and laptop case to the bedroom so I try to stay busy.
I hang my suit ready for work and respond to a few messages concerning Richard’s diary.
I head for the shower to relax and afterwards; I check my phone in case I have to prepare anything else for work.
Once I’ve finished, I decide I can’t leave this little mood of his to stew any longer.
I hate going to bed on an argument, so I head to the balcony.
I find a melancholy Daniel looking out over the water.
Initially, I’m apprehensive while I stand next to him.
I’m unsure of the reception I’ll get, but decide to be the bigger person.
“I’m off to bed now. I thought I should let you know.”
He holds onto the rail with both hands and stares straight ahead. He doesn’t look at me when he says. “I’m sorry, Hannah. I overreacted.”
“Yes, you did. Why didn’t you let me explain properly? ”
He turns and takes my hands in his and his eyes search mine for forgiveness.
“I’m sorry. I’m a complete fuckwit.” It’s not what I’m expecting from him, but he has to understand, he can’t push me when I’m not ready.
I’m not over it, but I’m uncomfortable with the atmosphere surrounding us, so it’s time to move on.
“Look, let’s just forget it happened. I have to be up early so I think I’ll get an early night. ”
I lean on my tip-toes and give him a quick peck on the cheek. When I turn to walk away, he grabs my wrist and pulls me back.
“Hey, you’re right. I shouldn’t have listened to your conversation. I just wanted your mum and dad to know about me. Instead, you glossed over it. It was like I didn’t exist.” He drops my wrist and puts his hands in his pockets.
“I didn’t mean it to be that way, Daniel.
One day, I’ll tell you all about my tragic love life, which my poor parents have lived through with me.
It might help you understand why I don’t want to get their hopes up.
” I step into his embrace, linking my fingers around his neck and meeting his eyes.
“You need to be patient with me too. I will tell them when we’ve had more time together. Things are still new for us.”
He nods his head. “I understand,” he says with a cheeky smirk. Before I know what’s happening, he swoops in and picks me up in his arms, striding back inside the house. “Now I have to make up for my bad behaviour and I know just how to do it.”