Chapter Thirteen
I have the full complement of butterflies in my stomach today.
They are the right kind. Our no sex rule ends on Saturday, thank God.
This past week has been a bloody nightmare.
There isn’t a single part of his body I haven’t touched and I’m damn sure he knows every dimple and freckle on mine.
However, there comes a crucial point where you just want to fuck each other’s brains out, but instead, you cool down.
It’s ridiculous really. I kick myself again for my stupid suggestion, but I am grateful to Daniel.
He wasn’t the kind of man to put up with nonsense, which my six-week ban was.
Thank God it's just a week otherwise I’d be a frustrated mess.
What surprised me most, is how often I told him to forget it, but he stuck to the rules because, in his words, ‘This is my way of showing how much I respect you, Han’.
I can’t argue with that and I admit, because of it, I’ve explored every fabulous inch of him.
I’m also loving my job right now. Richard has been in the best mood. His family is home and although he’s crazy busy, he can’t wait to get back to them each night, which means I can leave on time and get to Daniel.
Peter popped by my desk this week to check I was all right after the Freya episode. He is the sweetest, and I saw glimpses of Daniel in his eyes when he apologised. He was so embarrassed by Freya’s behaviour, but I’ve pushed it out of my mind.
I also had another visit from Matthew. I don’t trust him, which is a shame because there was a point when I saw us building a friendship. Now I see him for what he is; an arrogant, smarmy trouble maker. I’m pleasant to him because I have to work in the same company. That’s as far as it goes.
When I’m not working, I’m held up in my Daniel love nest. He is gentle, sweet and oh so thoughtful.
Every time I look at him, my skin is alive with electricity.
He has the most incredible hazel eyes and the best morning stubble on his chiselled features.
I love the safety of his warm hard chest and magnificent muscular arms around me. He is all man, and he’s all mine.
I leave work as soon as I can. I’m relieved to see Jack waiting for me as I exit the Grant Building. He still hasn’t said a word to me, but at least I get a smile every now and again.
I sprint over to the Range Rover and jump into the back while Jack takes my pre-packed weekend bag to the boot. I sink into the comfy leather seat and close my eyes. I could not be happier.
The next thing I’m aware of is a deep voice addressing me formally.
“Miss May, we have arrived.” Do my ears deceive me?
Has Jack finally found his voice? I jolt awake, not realising that I’d dropped off.
I’m greeted with Jack’s smile as he tries to raise me from my sleepy state.
As quickly as I come to, he retrieves my bags from the back of the vehicle.
I step out of the car and turn to him. “Thank you for the lift. I’m aware you have this weekend off, so why don’t you start straight away. I can take my things from here.”
I get another smile from Jack and nearly fall over.
“Thank you, Miss May. I am on call should you or Mr Grant, need me for anything.”
My God, this man has driven me to work every day for at least one week, and now he’s gone from silence to an entire sentence in the space of a few minutes. Bloody hell, I’ve finally made some progress with him.
I smile to myself, happy with my latest breakthrough as I reach the front door.
I have a key now, so I let myself in and call his name.
Within seconds, he appears with a gorgeous smile and open arms that hold me close as he walks me into the lounge.
Before I can catch my breath, I’m promptly dropped on the sofa with him on top of me.
His lips caress my neck, along my jaw and over my lips. I could get used to this greeting.
“I’ve missed you today. I couldn’t wait for you to get here.”
His words cause familiar butterflies to flutter against my insides as I beam with happiness.
“How did I get so lucky?”
“Oh no, it’s me that got lucky, sweetheart.”
I wrap my hand around the back of his neck and pull him towards me.
His lips are full and gentle while we connect.
Our need for one another becomes more urgent; his kiss is a little less tender.
What I wouldn’t do right now to rip his jeans off and have my wicked way, but we only have one more night left of our ridiculous agreement.
My ridiculous agreement. Daniel cools things and I don’t stop him.
He’s been very stubborn about this and he won’t back down at the last hurdle.
I sense he has something to prove. As his mouth travels the length of my neck, he informs me, “We’re going on a date tonight.
” My hand falls on his cheek, forcing him to look at me.
“We are?” I’m a little shocked. This is what I wanted, wasn’t it?
I’ve been waiting for him to take me out and now the time has come I’m…
disappointed. I’d prefer to to stay at home instead.
I realise I’ve used the word home and maybe I’m following the same route I always do by falling too fast and too hard.
I do nothing in half measures, but what I have with Daniel is different. This is right, and I trust him.
“Where are we going? ”
He sits back on the sofa and stretches his arm towards my neck. His fingers trace a soft line around the nape as he answers, “Out for dinner. It’s somewhere I haven’t been for a while.” He looks thoughtful, but not unhappy. Then I realise we don’t have transport.
“Is it far? Remember, Jack has the weekend off.”
He smiles, “We won’t need him. I can drive, you know.”
“That wasn’t what I meant. Surely he’s taken the car.”
“He’s taken his Jeep.”
My brain catches up, “Oh, I thought it was yours. I’ve never seen him drive it, or you for that matter.”
“I only have the Range Rover, Hannah. Who do you think I am?”
“I presumed you’d have several cars. I’m surprised not to see some sporty number in the garage.”
He frowns as he shuffles along the sofa. “I don’t see the point of owning multiple vehicles or anything else. I have one of whatever I need and make sure it’s the best. Which is why I have you.”
He pulls at my neck to signal he wants me near and kisses my forehead. My stomach twists a little. I hope he means that because I’d hate my friends to be right about him. He smiles but squints his eyes in question. “You okay?”
I attempt a smile. “I’m fine. I was mulling over what you said about having one of everything. It’s a good philosophy to have going forward.” He doesn’t catch my double meaning and kisses my nose.
“I meant it. Now come on, let’s get ready so I can show you off.”
My faithful Jimmy Choo’s adorn my feet to compliment one of my favourite dresses.
It’s an old black halter-neck from Monsoon, very light and flouncy, but elegant.
I tie my hair up into a high, tight ponytail and apply some mascara and lip gloss.
When I enter the kitchen, I nearly stumble at the sight of him.
Daniel is dressed in a navy fitted suit and white open shirt.
His beautiful dark hair is slightly messier than normal, not quite parted to the side.
It’s more casual tonight and I like it. He smells delicious; I could eat him up, and not for the first time.
His face lights up as I walk towards him.
“Fuck me, you look bloody gorgeous. Should I take a rain check on dinner?”
Heat radiates my skin. There’s something amazing about being greeted with this much enthusiasm and Australian. I doubt I will ever tire of his accent. “You don’t scrub up too badly either cowboy.”
He smirks, taking my hand in his. “Let’s get going, crazy girl, before I change my mind.”
We reach the restaurant in less than ten minutes.
The head waiter stands at the door and greets Daniel like an old friend.
As we enter the vast room which houses everything from the bar to an open chef’s area, I note the lack of free tables and the volume of excited chatter and laughter.
It’s not the kind of venue I imagine Daniel visiting until we’re shown to our seats on the secluded veranda.
The black ocean expands before us, offering a spectacular view while a warm sea breeze gently ripples in the air.
Once seated, Daniel takes my hand across our table for two.
His deep breath and pursed lips worry me and cause my heart to beat a hard rhythm through my chest.
“Would you agree things are going well between us? I mean, are you happy?”
“Daniel, I couldn’t be happier, but it’s still early days.”
He huffs out a smile, “I know, yet I’ve realised I can trust you with anything. You’ve changed my life, and you deserve nothing but my honesty.” Relief washes over me. “It’s time I told you about Lou and me.”
“Okay.” I realise he is about to open up. He squeezes my hand, perhaps because I sound unsure, although I’m absolutely not.
“I suppose I should begin by saying we had an unusual marriage. We met as teenagers and were pretty immature. Everything we did was a bit of a joke. We were part of a gang of rich kids who had a privileged upbringing, although we were always getting into trouble. Nothing major, mainly drinking and late nights. We got a warning for disturbing the peace once or twice. We were well known in the area as local brats, but we thought we were cool.”
I huff out a laugh. “Don’t we all think we’re cool at that age?”