Page 40 of Where She Is
How on earth could I refuse him? He was bending over backwards to make sure everything was good between us; I had to give him that. Plus, my sense of relief when he asked me to stay was unmeasurable. I’d felt lonely without being alone. I want to be with him, just not here. Daniel isn’t the problem, Freya is, and all we have to do is move location, somewhere away from her. “Yes, all right. I’ll stay over tonight, but I’ll go to my flat and pick my stuff up if that’s okay.”
I get the impression Jack is a man not easily embarrassed, but I really didn’t like the thought of him rummaging through my undies.
It was just after lunch by the time we reached Daniel’s modern home, set high on a hillside with views overlooking Middle Harbour. We’ve already retrieved my things from the flat, although Daniel refused to get out of the car. He chose instead to conceal his identity behind the blacked-out windows. When you’re in his sort of car, with those types of windows, he has to expect unwanted attention. The odd nosey passer-by shouldn’t have surprised him.
It took only fifteen minutes to get my things together and join him once again, but in that time, I’ve been missed. Daniel doesn’t release me from the warm cage of his body until we’re standing in the marble hallway of his home. Eager to look around, I walk ahead and directly into a pristine white kitchen leading to an open lounge. A chocolate-coloured corner sofa with turquoise cushions is positioned in the centre of the room next to the glass coffee table. Each piece of furniture is carefully placed opposite the wall-to-ceiling bi-folding doors which displays a breathtakingly beautiful view. Deep blue water stretches out asfar as the eye can see. It’s kissed by the sun and a cloudless sky. Daniel’s arm curls around my waist, pulling my back to his front. I think this is fast becoming our favourite position. We stand this way for a long time until his mouth catches my ear. “Let me show you the rest of the place.” He’s said nothing particularly sexy or suggestive, but it still caused a lightning spark through my body.
His home is upside down. The guest bedrooms are downstairs, and the living area is upstairs. All four bedrooms on the lower floor have ensuite bathrooms. The enormous garage is also on this level and houses one other car apart from the Range Rover, a black Jeep. In most rooms, the windows are immense and take full advantage of the fabulous views and ample natural light.
Upstairs and off the lounge is a study and TV room. He seems apprehensive as we open the third door and the reason is unclear until he says, “This is my room. I understand if you’d prefer to sleep in one of the guest rooms, but I think it’s clear I want you with me.”
As I’d previously decided, honesty was the best approach, I didn’t mess around. “Why on earth wouldn’t I sleep in your bed now? We’ve stayed together all weekend.”
He laughed his reply, “Just thought I’d check.”
I roll my lips together and try not to smirk when I re-affirmed the boundaries. “Although, we still have our one-week rule in place, right?”
His hand slaps to his chest as if I’ve hit him in the heart and his mouth drops open in fake shock. “As if I could forget. And just for the record, you’ve got more of a problem with it than me.” I giggle and let him have his moment.
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 alarge walk-in shower.I can see usmaking excellent use of that.Once I’ve had a good nose around, Daniellaces 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 incloser, 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 themorning 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.”
