Page 86 of See You Soon
“This morning. I wanted to surprise you.” Danny reaches into his pocket. "I think this belongs to you."
My pink cross necklace shines in the moonlight as he pulls it out, slowly. I watch it glimmer and sway in the wind and I'm stunned. He ripped it off of my neck the first time we gave in to each other.
"I kept you close even though you were half a world apart from me."
He kept it this entire time…He fixed it somehow.
"Turn around."
I stare back out at the ocean as he hooks my necklace over my collarbones. I'm fighting so hard against the tears that are desperately trying to crack me open.He kept my necklace.
“Let’s go inside. I have friends that I’d like you to formally meet.” I chirp.
He sighs rubbing his hand through his beard, looking down at the sand.
“Come on, don’t be shy.” I pull him towards the tent, teasing him.
“Okay. I’ll play nice guy for a while and then,” Danny lowers his mouth to my ear. His cool breath sent shivers down my spine. “When we get to my place, you’ll be screaming my name all fucking night from all the ways I’ll break into you again.”
Chapter37
ari
Danny's eyes never leave my body. He's undressing me with his eyes and I can feel it. His presence alone has me intimidated. I'm eager for him to whisk me away to his house and drown in each other's lust. But I also want to formally introduce him to Emilia and Harry with the exception of Meredith. I thought it was best to avoid her for the rest of the night.
Holding Danny's hand, I plunge through the dancing crowd to get toward the bride and groom.
"You cut your hair." Danny's words send my heart sinking. The dreadful reminder of my long hair cut by a maniac while I was sleeping sends me into a pool of sadness. I wouldn't tell him anything just yet. I purse my lips, thinking.
I saw what he did to Shane when he grabbed me at the bar.Who knows how Danny would react to this?I just wanted one night without anything tainting our reunion. Just one night of no worries and to start where we left off.
One night.And then I would explain everything to him.
"Yeah, I did. I wanted to try something different." I lie. The words sting as they leave my tongue. I pride myself on my honesty and it hurts to hide the truth from Danny. It's a small lie. But still, a lie.
"I love it.” He replies and it sends me into a ball of nerves. "Ari, some of my teammates are here. Kane, Lopez, Rooker, and Aitu. I hope that's okay with your friend."
"Oh wow really? I'm sure it's alright. There's an open bar area, I'm not too sure if they’ll get to eat anything…"
"They'll be just fine with the open bar. I'm sure they're already there getting hammered."
We get to Emilia and Harry. They're engaged in a conversation with Harry's cousins. Emilia spots me getting closer, her expression shocked. Her mouth gapes open as she stares at Danny beside me. She taps on Harry's shoulder signaling for him to join her gaze. He stops mid-conversation with his cousin and they're all laughing at something Harry said.
He turns to me and sizes up Danny with his eyes.
"Danny, meet the bride and groom. This is Emilia my best friend and this is Harry, her husband."
"Thank you for your service," Harry turns towards Danny, lifting his glass of champagne.
"Nice to meet you guys. Congratulations on tying the knot." Danny reaches his hand out for Harry and Emilia to take. Harry shakes his hand first then Emilia. Emilia looks star-struck, her mouth still open, with a huge smile, and takes Danny's hand into hers slowly.
She's blushing and I can't help but laugh.
"It's nice to see you somewhere other than a bar. I've heard a lot about you two." She jokes and we all smile.
"I wouldn't be so sure. I hear there's an open bar somewhere around here." Danny says unashamed, he winks at me and pulls me into his body. Danny can pull off any look. I've seen him in his uniform, naked, sweats, and now an all-black tuxedo that has me questioning if he's even real or not.
"I see your friends have already made themselves at home." She points to the open bar that's outside by a bonfire on the beach. The tent is spread open and we spot all of Danny's friends right away. They're standing by an open tiki stand. It's hard to miss four tall massive special operators. They don't blend in too well. They each have drinks in their hands, dressed in tuxedos berating each other about something, lost in conversation.
