Chapter Seventeen
People say if you sleep on a problem, it always looks better in the morning. That is not the case here. I wake up early, sick to my stomach by the thought of calling Rob. I have to do it before Daniel gets hold of him.
I lie on my side, taking in the perfect line of Daniel’s cheekbone and the olive shade of his skin while he sleeps like a baby. He asked me a question yesterday, and I didn’t give him an answer. He may have let me off the hook for now, but it won’t last for long.
I go to the bathroom and turn on the shower.
The scalding water somehow sooths me. As I lather my hair with my favourite shampoo, the fragrant smell of apple reminds me of home as I wash away my immediate worries.
I hear the bathroom door, and within a few seconds, he’s under the hot spray.
His fingers delicately comb through my golden lathered hair.
I need him close. I need to feel his protection.
As if he’s read my mind, his arms wrap around my waist as he draws me towards his body.
My back leans into his firm chest while his arms cross and his hands cup each hip.
I lay my hands over his and arch my arse into his arousal.
His lips softly sweep down my neck while his fingers stroke in circles over my stomach, then brush over to my arm.
His thumb and forefinger clamp around my wrist and pull my hands up to his shoulders.
My fingers lightly link around the nape of his neck.
Tiny shots of electricity spark along the crevice of my shoulder when his lips connect with my skin.
His mouth works gently in time with his hand, which kneads my breast. He squeezes and rubs my nipple with his fingers while his opposite hand circles my clit.
Our slick bodies move together with each jolt of pleasure.
I slide one hand down his chest and towards his cock; stroking the tip.
I edge him closer to my entrance from behind, but without allowing him access.
Instead, I circle the head of his cock there while his fingers move in and out of me.
I’m on a high and so close to coming. I try to turn, but Daniel has already made his mind up about how this will play out.
He holds me to his front, and I naturally arch into him.
I sense theloss of his touch when his fingers slide away, but then he grabs my hips and with one hard, powerful thrust, he fills me.
I won’t last for any length of time after this.
His rhythm increases as our bodies slap a heavy beat.
The tide in my stomach tightens before a wave of ecstasy washes over me.
Only a moment later, Daniel reaches his climax.
He cries out with thrusts that are sharp and slow.
We slump against the cold tiles. Our panting breaths are hard and fast. It takes a minute to catch them, but Daniel doesn’t want us to part.
Firmly inside me, he kisses away any doubts I have about us being committed to one another.
Drawing my body up close to his chest, Daniel kisses behind my ear, which is a sensitive spot.
I giggle when I gaze up, give him a side-eye glance and a kiss to his cheek.
“What an incredible start to the day.” He pulls out of me, turning my body to face him, but not letting me go.
“It is.” He has a cute smirk on his face.
“We could shower together every morning if you lived here.” I smile as he wraps a huge white fluffy towel around me.
“I realise you have a lot on your mind, but please give it some serious consideration? ”
I nod up at him. I’m glad he doesn’t press me on the subject too much.
Today I could do with another power boost, so I’m in my slim fitted navy-blue shift dress with heels to match.
My long blonde locks are loose, although I’ve given them a slight curl with the tongs.
Daniel’s enthusiastic wolf whistle sets my face on fire initially until I fully take him in.
My handsome man is strictly business in his charcoal grey suit, white shirt, and a grey and navy striped tie.
I love this sharp business look. A mutual appreciation passes between us as we sit at the breakfast table.
“How do you feel today?” He’s referring to the Rob situation, but I ignore it.
“Amazing, thanks to my fantastic shower this morning.” I wiggle my eyebrows, and his smile illuminates the room.
“I didn’t mean that, but it was bloody spectacular.”
I blush as I glance towards my near empty bowl of fruit and he changes the subject to save my embarrassment. “So, what’s happening in the world of Richard Harvey today? Anything exciting?”
“Not particularly,” I snigger, “Richard arrives back just in time for the board meeting today, but he has external meetings with clients this afternoon.”
“And you’ll be going with him?”
“This afternoon? Yes.”
“Dressed like that?”
“Dressed like what?”
He shakes his head. “Like the sexy English rose you are in that very tight dress.”
“It’s not tight, Daniel.”
“Really?”
I blush. “Don’t be daft. ”
“Is Matthew in the office today?”
Now, why does he want to know that? I finish my fruit and go over to the dishwasher to load our empty breakfast bowls.
“Why? Do you need to see him?”
“No, but if he attempts to get into your pants—”
I cross my arms as I turn to face him. “He is not attempting anything. Pants or otherwise.”
His mouth is a tight-lipped line. “Hmm, I don’t trust the bloke.
” Why on earth would my gorgeous man think Matthew was a threat?
He really has nothing to fear there. I try the shoe on the other foot.
I want to ease his mind and make him realise it works both ways.
“And where are you going dressed like that?”
He chokes out a laugh. “Dressed like what?”
“All handsome in that suit.”
“You know I’m going to the board meeting at the farm.”
I ponder for a second. “So, you don’t have women in this meeting?” He knows what I’m up to, but he won’t bite.
“Only Jennifer and you know her.”
“Actually, I don’t. I still haven’t met Jennifer in person and she could well be a sex goddess waiting to steal you away.”
He laughs, “She’s lovely, but not my type.”
I place my index finger to my lips, “Hmm, I’m not so sure, and how come she gets to go and I don’t?”
He lets out a heavy sigh, “You know why. It’s her job, and she attends every board meeting.
We only need one PA there. If you’re that eager, maybe you should speak to your own boss and ask him if you can take a turn.
” I pout, but my smile gives the game away and he can see I’m playing.
Despite the humour, there is something else bothering me, but it’s a lot more sinister. “Will she be there?”
Daniel is still under the impressionI’m joking, “I just told you—”
“Not Jennifer. Freya. Will Freya be there?”
His smile drops, he gets up from his chair and strides towards me. “I can handle Freya. I’ve been doing it for years. Now is no different, all right?”
I don’t answer at first, not because I’m stubborn, but because my mind throws all sorts of scenarios at me. Daniel places his hands on my shoulders and gives them a reassuring squeeze.
“Hannah?”
“Yes, okay.”
“Good. You have to trust me on this.”
I smile sadly and nod my agreement. “I do.”
“Okay then, and you’ll be here tonight when I get home?”
There’s a chance he will see Freya today, which makes me anxious. “Do you want me to be?” He lets out a huff and rubs his fingers on his forehead as if in pain. “Would I have asked otherwise? God, you’re hard work this morning woman.”
I laugh at him and his fake headache. “Yes, of course I want to stay.”
“Good. Now go to the office, do what you have to do and get back to me!”
“Yes, sir.” I salute before I lean in for a long lingering kiss and leave to meet the ever-patient Jack. He is waiting by the car and appears more receptive today. I get a “You’re welcome” after my “Thank you.” It’s a hell of a step forward.
Once I’m in the office, I power up my PC and flick through some paperwork on my desk.
It looks too much like hard work right now, so I dump it all in my in-tray.
So much for a paperless office. I sift through my emails next.
Richard has left me a message about his change of schedule.
The board meeting is running over and he won’t be back this afternoon.
I have a very busy morning myself as I sort out appointments and update spreadsheets.
By the time I’ve updated a client presentation for Richard, I realise it’s nearly midday and I haven’t had a chance to stop for coffee.
I spot Maddie as I stretch myself out of my chair and she mimes taking a bite.
I respond by mouthing, “Yes” and nod my head vigorously.
I close my PC and collect my jacket, while Rob briefly enters my thoughts.
Daniel told me not to worry about his impending visit, but I can’t help it.
I have to make that phone call. Perhaps I should talk to Maddie about this.
It would be good to get a girl’s perspective.
I love the hustle and bustle of the city streets.
There’s an incredible atmosphere and coupled with a sunny afternoon, my Tuesday is going pretty well.
Maddie and I try to choose healthy food.
She knows of a good deli around the corner from our office.
Fresh sandwiches made to order, salads, dips and homemade cookies. They have it all.
We head to Hyde Park where we find an empty bench by the memorial fountain. Our talk is of office gossip and nothing of importance until finally, I update her with the Rob situation.
“You really need to call him, Hannah and set a few things straight.”
“I agree, although Daniel said he would deal with it.”
Maddie looks at me if as I’ve gone mad, “That can’t happen.”
“Tell me about it.”