Inkeri

Jeremy

Warmly, her parents greet Danny and her at the kitchen door. Her parents had always loved Danny and were thrilled she had spent the weekend with him. Her parents asked how she enjoyed the weekend, she stated she had a "wonderful weekend but was not ready to return to the real world." The parents give a sly eye to Danny. Blushing, she quickly adds, Danny was such a gentleman this weekend and starts to explain how he spoiled her but did not make a move. Danny stood there stunned. Did she want him to make a move? What kind of man does she think he is? Danny closes the gap between them and whispers in her ear with a sardonic tone "well, I am a gentleman. I do not do anything without your consent or permission."

"Holy Cow" she thought as she felt her entire body flush. What brought that on and why was it so enticing? Her parents give her an inquisitive look. What could she say? Her insides clenched with his statement. She did not know she could feel this way with his voice. His entire demeanor had caused something in her to wake up, a primal need to be with him. Gracefully, she excused herself and went to get a cold wash cloth to cool down.

Astonished, her father asked Danny what he said to her. He replied with a grin, "only that I am a gentleman." Her father scowled at Danny stating she would not have had that reaction to that statement and wanting to know what else was said. Before Danny could answer, she returns and has composed herself. The atmosphere in the room had changed. What happened in the few minutes she was gone? "Honey, what did he say?" her mother asks. Confident, she simply told them he stated he is a gentleman. Satisfied with her answer, her parents relax.

"Let's have some tea," her mother breaks the silence. Her mother brews a pot of Twinings Earl Grey tea. She always had a love for Earl Grey and Danny is smiling. They adjourn from the kitchen and go to the living room. The living room was stunning; it could be straight out of a magazine with carbon gray walls, white couch with silver and blue accent pillows, and two matching accent chairs with silver trim. Brushed nickel and glass tables were placed generously around making the space comfortable for casual conversation. Danny could not help but notice all of the interior design elements she had to have done with her parents house. He had not been in her house other than the kitchen since he was nine. What a difference her love of interior design had done for the house. It was no wonder she was so successful in her business.

After a few minutes of idol chatter, her father brings up "him." Why did she have to hear this right now? Grimacing, she asks what he had done. Danny starts to excuse himself from the conversation as he knew it would make his blood boil. He already had half-a-mind to make him bleed but had to reel in his disdain of the boy who would hurt the one he loved. He did not want to cause any additional pain to her and knew his anger issues would not help the situation. She grabbed his hand, "please stay" she begged. "Darling..." he starts to warn her with his gravely weary voice. She lets go of his hand startled. He had never looked at her that way. "Danny, what's wrong?" His expression softens. "Please excuse me for a moment won't you?" he requests and asks if anyone else would like something from the kitchen. Politely, they all decline.

He is blinded by the thoughts of her crying and the bruises he cannot get out of his head. How could someone so loving and beautiful inside and out be abused by someone? Grabbing some ice water, he decides to close his eyes, take a few long, deep breaths and calm down. He opens his eyes to find her standing there staring at him with her caramel colored eyes. "What's wrong?" she asks hesitantly. Calmly, he replies he does not want to see her hurt again by anyone. He tells her she is worth so much more than they give her credit for. She stands there once again, crying. He grabs a cool damp paper towel and wipes away her tears gently. "Careful darling, we would not want to have red eyes now." She half-heartedly smiles, knowing he was ok. They walk back to the living room together determined to find a solution to the "Jeremy situation."

Unexpectedly, there is a knock at the door. Looking through the keyhole, she froze "it's him." Oh no, no, no, not now she thinks. She has only been home a few hours and here he is trying again to see her. Her father waves her away from the door. Danny quickly pulls her to the bedroom where they would not be seen. "No, you cannot come in and see her, she said she was through" shouted her father making it clear for them to hear. Then, it is deafeningly quiet. The two sit on the end of the bed silent, neither one daring to speak. The door slams. Not good, she thinks, not good at all.

The two return from the bedroom to the living room when her father gives the "all clear." Danny is straining, willing himself to stay inside and not chase the bastard and show him the same treatment this asshole has done to her these last 4 years. She brings him back from the edge when she places a soft touch on his shoulder. "Sorry you had to be here for that." Danny replies he is glad to protect her anytime from douchebags like him. Astonished, she has never heard Danny talk in that manner and gives him a quizzical look. "My apologies my lady, my tongue got the better of me." Oh, how she wished that was true. She starts to blush. He knew what he was doing and she liked it.