Page 42 of I Promise You
Danny puts his life on the line every day at work. He saves people and kills people.
What if I’m too broken to enjoy our growing relationship? What if I’m too fucked up to be loved now?
I’m about five minutes from my house and haven’t heard from Danny either. I wasn’t sure if he’d be stuck working late or if he had any other plans.
I pull into my house, and my stomach drops when I realize Danny’s not there.
I park my car and look at myself in the mirror. I have my usual day-to-day makeup on, and my short, straight black hair falls past my shoulders now. It’s growing back slowly.
When I make it to the door, I tilt my head to the side, confused when I realize it’s already open and soft music’s playing in the background.
My eyebrows quirk when I realize the music sounds so familiar. It’s one of Danny’s and my favorite songs by Cody Jinks.
I get anxious with excitement. I push the door forward as sweat nervously unfolds inside my clothes. As I swing open the door entirely, it slowly reveals Danny standing in all-black clothing with flowers in his hands.
I inspect the rest of my home to find a big group of familiar faces beaming happily at me. My living room is full of our family and friends. Lit candles surround my floor, along with pink balloons.
“No Words” by Cody Jinks plays and my world stops. Especially when I see the 6 foot 6 Navy SEAL holding the brightest pink tulips I’d ever seen. Those big hands, which I love so much, curl gently around the flowers.
Mr. Danny Rider looks flustered when my eyes lock on to his mesmerizing blue ones. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Danny blush until tonight.
My mother, Emilia, Harry, and Meredith stand to his left behind him, and Danny’s entire team is on the right side, behind him.
Kane looks at me with a beer in his hands, and a hardened gaze, and I turn away so fast. The last time I saw him was bittersweet. He tried to kiss me.
Rooker stands tall next to his beautiful wife, and two twin daughters hold on to him with giddy smiles.
Lopez stands next to Zeke and…Violet?!
I’m left completely speechless. My eyes get glossy and tears pour out of me as I gasp. I palm my face with my hands on both cheeks. I look over all the bright faces in the room and break into soft giggles.
He did this all for me?
“Happy Birthday!” they shout simultaneously.
“Oh my gosh…” I murmur, excited.
Danny walks over to me. He pulls me into his chest and lifts my chin. People clap behind him and I swear I can hear Lopez whistling loud.
The man that I love to hate smirks sinfully. I know this look.
He's going to kiss me for the first time in a while. I close my eyes and tiptoe to meet his height more easily, bracing myself for the anticipated clash.
When his lips meet mine, I cry even harder. He moves against me, slow, soft, and patient. Butterflies thrash inside my stomach, and fire ignites between us as his lips suck mine.
A quiet groan escapes his throat, and only I can hear it.
“Surprise.” He smiles against my lips and heat explodes inside of my chest.
“You did all this for me?” I whisper against his beard.
I reach for the flowers, but he tugs them away before I can touch them.
He shrugs at the same time his devilish smirk resurfaces on his beautiful face.
“Maybe. Or maybe we share the same birthday and these flowers are for me.”
I roll my eyes at him, pushing him away from me. He laughs as I purse my lips together, trying to control the mess of emotions that threaten to complicate my birthday celebration.
