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.
“Help yourself, except Ari of course.” Emilia continues and I swear I can feel time stop.
My eyes widen and I shake my head at her frantically, biting my lip. I mouth to her,
He doesn’t know.
She reads my mouth and purses her lips together in shock, immediately apologetic.
‘Why can’t Ari drink?’ Danny asks full of confusion, looking down at me, his eyebrows arched. He’s always been able to read me so well and I’m hoping just this one time, he won’t. He can’t find out like this.
I immediately start acting like I have my foot in my mouth. I look at Danny, with a forceful smile then at Emilia, letting out a deep breath. I’m begging for her help through my eyes.
‘I… uh—’ I stutter not knowing how to continue my sentence. I’m panicking and Harry looks at me concerned.
‘Because she’s Meredith’s designated driver!’ Emilia explains nervously, throwing her hands up in the air and I feel safe hoping Danny will buy it.
Yup, that’s believable.
‘Yeah. I’m supposed to drive her home.’ I shrug, placing my hand on my waist leaning on it and something flashes in Danny’s eyes. I can’t tell what he’s feeling but then he gives me a reassuring smile, eyebrows furrowed.
Kane’s familiar voice roars through the crowd interrupting the dreadful awkward silence between us four.
‘Rider! Get the fuck over here man, we’re about to take some shots!’ Kane shouts over to us. We both turn towards him, and Danny’s team all have shot glasses in their hands. He waves his hands over and Kane locks eyes with me for a split second before returning his gaze to Danny. Something about Kane’s gaze has me questioning his intentions. His gaze was unwelcoming. Danny gives him a nod and grins.
‘I want to introduce you to some friends of mine. I know you met Kane and Rooker but I want you to meet Lopez and Aitu.’ Danny says in my ear.
‘Congrats Mr. And Mrs. Santos but I’ll be stealing Ari for the rest of the night and for the foreseeable future. Is there any way Meredith can get a ride with another sober guest?’ He asks and Danny tightens his grip on my waist. I’m addicted to his touch. It feels like forever since I’ve seen him. Not too long ago, I had thought he was a figment of my imagination. His absence was so long it did something to me. Now, he was standing right beside me holding me. If this was a dream, I didn’t want to wake up.
‘Of course, we have tons of sober cousins that don’t drink, Meredith will be just fine.’ She lifts her drink, still looking at me with an apologetic frantic expression.
I return her expression with a smile, exchanging glances from her to Danny.
‘Nice meeting you and congratulations again. I’m going to make sure these guys don’t give the bartender too much of a hard time.’ Danny jokes and I’m waving goodbye to Harry and Emilia.
Danny’s quiet but his hold on me doesn’t sway. I’ve missed the feelings his touch would do to me. My inner thighs haven’t stopped throbbing since I saw his beautiful silhouette on the sand.
As we meet with his team, Kane’s handing a shot to Danny.
‘Men, this is Ari.’ Danny pulls me in front of him, showing me off like a diamond.
This is a big moment for Danny and me. He knows the amount of backlash he’s going to receive and it’s inevitable with the pregnancy. He didn’t know about it and yet he’s still exposing our relationship to his team.
‘Wait… aren’t you? She’s—” a tall, warrior-like man questions. He has black hair that reaches his shoulder, and the same body frame as Danny. He has grey eyes, and I can’t help but notice how mysteriously handsome he is.
‘Paul’s sister.’ Kane’s curt voice finishes, through gritted teeth. Danny ignores his tone and looks at me like I’m rare jewelry on his arm.
Rooker gives me a comforting smile and he looks better than ever. The last time I saw him, his chest had a bullet inside of it and he carried a pale reflection due to blood loss.
‘Nice to meet you, darling. I’m Zeke, also known as Aitu. I worked with your brother. We were on the same team.’ He reaches his large hand out and I shake it. At the same time, another man gives me a welcoming smile and a handshake as well. I’m assuming he’s Lopez.
‘That’s awesome. Rooker, how are you recovering?’ I asked cheerfully.
Rooker smacks his teeth and holds his hand to his chest, palming it.
‘You and Doctor Diaz saved my life. I’m forever grateful to you the medical team that worked on me. I’m recovering well though, I already got cleared to get back to work.’ Rooker flashes me a grateful smile and I choke up. It feels good to know I was a part of his survival. Moments like this make me feel like all the hardship that came with my career was well worth it.
‘Your brother was a good man. My condolences.’ Zeke says.
‘Yes. Yes, he was.’ I turn towards him.
‘We never thought we’d see the day when Grim finally settled down. Apparently, Ari knows how to make miracles happen, guys, starting with saving my life.’ Rooker jokes and everyone laughs except Kane. He looks extremely tense and unsure of himself as he downs more of his drink, his eyes never leaving me.
‘Alright let’s get this fucking night started the right way.’ Danny interrupts us and holds his shot of alcohol in the air. ‘You too Grandpa, let’s go,’ Danny orders Rooker. Rooker rolls his eyes, shaking his head. They all synchronize holding their shots up.
‘Hooyah!’ All the Navy men roar and they down their drinks. I’m standing by awkwardly watching. Lopez orders them all more drinks and gets Danny his favorite.
Jack Daniels.
Rooker begins telling them about his wife and how she’s going to kill him if he gets back home too drunk. Lopez starts gloating about the state of Texas and Zeke argues that Hawaii is better. They engage in a brotherly argument about the pros and cons of both states.
Everyone from inside the tent starts surrounding the bonfire. The toasts to the bride and groom were just about to begin. Family and friends fill the beach with chatter and slow music begins to play outside. I’m watching all the women hold up their dresses to avoid getting sandy.
I decided this is my window to leave Danny alone so he can let loose with his close friends.
‘Danny, I’m going to head towards the bonfire. I have to make a toast to Emilia.’ I motion towards the bonfire, breaking Danny from his circle of friends. They all look at us and then turn around to give us privacy, but Kane doesn’t. His eyes linger on me a little longer before they change to Rooker.
Kane probably realizes I’ve been seeing Danny since Iraq.
I can already smell the whiskey and I can’t help but subtly enjoy it. The scent of whiskey reminds me that he’s alive. He’s right here with me and not halfway across the world.
Danny smiles in agreement. He gives me a kiss on my lips, and I melt from the soft clash, kissing him back. His light blue eyes trail toward the bonfire behind me. I’m watching his movements like a cinema movie.
When I catch the reflection of the bonfire flames in his eyes, his body stiffens, and his gorgeous smile slowly fades.
Danny clenches his jaw and he looks lost in thought. He freezes and I can’t help but feel confused by his demeanor. It feels like minutes pass by as I watch his blue eyes reflect fire. He doesn’t blink and continues to stare.
His actions send me in a looming weary. I touch his shoulder and it breaks him out of his trance.
‘Danny? Everything okay?’ I ask, my eyebrows furrow and the need to pry is gnawing.
Danny clears his throat. Still not looking away from the fire that illuminates the beach but he finally blinks, downing the rest of his whiskey glass.
‘I’m fine.’ He’s cold and emotionless and the side of Danny I don’t like comes back to me full circle. He’s closed off and mysterious. The stone-cold facial expression is familiar and I don’t like it. I let go of his shoulder and my hand falls to my side.
Biting down, his jaw twitching, he finally looks away from the fire and turns his back towards me.
‘More whiskey. And keep them coming, please.’ He requests from the bartender like he’s forcing himself to sound normal. The bartender nods, filling up his glass.
What just happened?
‘Fuck yeah!’ Lopez pushes his shoulder, laughing, encouraging Danny but he doesn’t react. He doesn’t even flinch.
I bite my lip debating with myself as I turn around making my way to the bonfire. I thought giving him space would be the best thing. My feet sink onto the sand, and I’m swallowed with each step.
Questions swirl into my head and I grow nervous. I keep reminding myself that tomorrow would be the day of questions and answers but not tonight. Tomorrow.
Nothing will ruin tonight’s homecoming.
The toasts of the wedding were emotional. People that love both Emilia and Harry gave their good wishes to the couple along with advice for a happy long marriage. I was one of the first to speak.
I sat down next to Meredith after she apologized for her crude behavior. We both sat and listened as the toasts went on, but my concentration was elsewhere. I was worried about Danny’s drinking.
The whole time I sat at the bonfire, he didn’t stop drinking with his team. All of them were a hot mess of intoxication. They probably can’t help it after months of being in Iraq.
‘What are you going to do about Shane? I’m terrified for you and your mom. This guy’s scaring me. I can’t imagine how you’re feeling.’ Meredith says.
‘I know,’ I murmur, stressed out.
‘Does your mom know Danny’s back yet? How does she feel about being alone in the house tonight?’
‘Yes, she knows. I sent her a text. She wants to talk to Danny about the pregnancy. She’s ready to go full mama bear on him but yeah. She’s fine. We set up a security system now, so she feels more comfortable when I’m not home with her.’
Meredith nods. ‘Who’s that guy with slicked black hair? He’s yummy.’ Meredith whispers into my ear looking behind me. I turn around squinting in their direction and my eyes land on Kane. He’s in mid-conversation with Danny. Danny takes a hit of his cigarette before blowing it into the air.
‘His name is Kane. Kane Slaughter. He works with Danny.’ I reply nonchalantly, fixing the bottom of my dress.
‘Well hot damn. They’re all so tall. Is that a requirement or something?’
I shrug, giggling. “You make a fair point.”
‘I need a big boy in my life.’ She jiggles her brows and I laugh. ‘Look, I’m sorry again for being so rude. It’s my own insecurities coming through. Between Emilia’s marriage and your pregnancy, I guess I’m just low-key jealous that your love lives are exploding and mine is non-existent. It’s drier than the Sahara’s desert down here.’ Meredith sighs, crossing her arms.
I shake my head, rolling my eyes.
‘Just watch, when you least expe—’
I’m cut off by a hard grip on my shoulder, but the touch sends a sensation in between my thighs with familiarity.
‘Sorry to interrupt, but I think we should go.’ Danny’s voice is deep and husky.
I look behind me, my eyes upwards to see Danny’s hand. My vision trails from his hand to his face. His expression sends me into a whirlwind. He looks different from earlier. His eyes are glossy, and I just know he’s drunk.
The way he watches for my obedience has me thrilled. He looks emotionless but his blue eyes say otherwise. When I investigate them, they seem impatient, lustrous with need, like a beast ready to devour. It sends a fire down my body and my nipples harden through the blue dress. I swallow as he reaches for my hand. I smile and take it. He pulls my body up so easily off the sand and I’m internally trembling with excitement. We’re finally going to be alone.
We get to the parking lot, and Danny holds my hand, guiding me toward his all-black F250 truck.
‘Keys?’ I ask.
‘Let me drive us home. I’m okay.’
‘No, you are not, Danny. I saw you drink shot after shot, whiskey after whiskey.’
He stills and I know he’s upset but I don’t think it’s at me. Something changed when I caught him staring at the fire.
‘Danny… what happened to you when I left? You’re different. Something changed when…’
He doesn’t let me finish.
‘When, what?’ He argues.
‘Talk to me.‘
‘Ari.’ He groans, frustrated.
‘Danny.’
‘I can’t talk about it. You know this. This is a part of my job. I can’t say shit. I’m fine.’ He shoots me down with the iciest coldest expression, I’d ever seen. He didn’t need to say any more words, his face says it all and it’s terrifying.
In this moment, I hate his job.
The entire drive back to his house is complete silence. It took him a while for him to give in to driving us home. His stubbornness gets the best of him sometimes as I’ve come to realize. I made sure he knew this wasn’t an argument he wasn’t going to win.
The air was full of tension, and I didn’t know where it was coming from. He was so happy when he found me on the beach and now… I couldn’t recognize him. I was afraid to speak, that one word would set him off.
Cody Jinks plays softly as we travel back to his place in darkness. There are hardly any towns on the way back to his ranch home. I’m following the GPS and it says we’re less than an hour away.
The whole time I kept thinking… maybe, I don’t know Danny at all.
