Page 21 of Daniel
In other words, become a slightly improved, more King-appropriate version of myself.
13
DANIEL
It was delightful to see how much of a hit Prairie was at the family dinner that had suddenly turned into a full on party. She made everyone laugh with her fun stories about art school, and asked insightful, interested questions about everyone else’s work.
Even though I was holding her against me most of the time, it wasn’t enough anymore. It was becoming impossible not to kiss her.
When I noticed that she was getting quieter, I asked, “Are you getting tired, baby? Should I drive you home?”
“I guess it’s about that time. Gotta get to sleep if I want Santa to come.” That adorable smile made me want to strip her clothes off right there. Keeping my hands to myself was getting harder and harder.
We said our goodbyes to everyone, and watching my sweet Prairie hugging Mom goodbye warmed my heart completely. I was also thrilled at how well she had hit it off with Robin and Sierra. There was no doubt that we would be spending a lot of time together over the years.
As we were pulling out of my parents’ driveway, Prairie said, “I think you mentioned that you guys have another house, right?”
“Yes, we’re going past it on the way to your place.”
“Can I see it?”
“Of course.” Just seconds later, I pulled into the long driveway, and parked beside Robin’s camper.
“Can I see your room?” Prairie asked.
I ran around to help her out of the truck, leading her into the foyer where we kicked off our shoes. Holding her close, I set my chin on top of her head for a second to make her laugh. She walked around the main floor for a moment, taking a look around.
“I know it’s plain,” I said, “but we haven’t really spent much time here for the past few years.”
Prairie nodded. “It could use a bit more life.”
“Maybe one of your amazing paintings?” I pointed to an empty spot in the foyer. “That piece you showed us with the waterfall would look amazing there.”
“Oh, I sold that one.”
“Really? Congratulations.”
“Yes, there was a guy at school who really liked my work, and he bought three of my paintings. He was a poet, and studying English literature.”
A strange, uncomfortable pressure crept up my spine. “A guy? Was he someone you were dating?”
Prairie’s light laugh as she shook her head instantly made me feel better.
“Peter? No way. I mean, we went out for coffee and to the movies quite often, but just as friends. There was zero attraction, if that’s what you mean. Just before classes ended, I was trying to fix him up with a friend of mine.”
I dragged the back of my hand across my forehead in a dramatic show of relief. “Phew. Good. I don’t want to think about you pining away for old boyfriends.”
Her nose crinkled adorably. “You can’t possibly be saying that you’re jealous?”
“Yes. I am.”
Pulling her against me, I tilted her head to nibble along the side of her throat. “I am fully aware that I have no right to be jealous of anyone you dated before me, but I can’t help it. I feel very possessive of you.”
Those huge hazel eyes looked up at me. “Sometimes I honestly can’t tell if you’re teasing me.”
Taking her hand, she followed me upstairs to the end of the hall on the right. I flipped on the light and sat on my bed so that Prairie could look around the room. I loved watching her face light up at small details of the wooden furniture, since I had personally designed this set myself.
The only colorful or artistic thing in the all gray and wood space was a huge photograph of the snow-covered mountain that hung over my bed. The bright blue sky dominated the frame.
