The Thread Between Danny and Me

Chapter 34: Take it real slow

"MJ?"

I was startled so badly I pulled the headphones out of my computer and revealed the background music I liked to play while I designed. Grid paper went all over the floor.

"MJ! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

I breathed heavily and tried to get my bearings.

Standing in front of me was a sweaty man. A very sweaty man whose Under Amour shirt clung to him. It left more of a hint of what lay beneath than anything else he'd worn. Sweat dripped off his hair and the sides of his face.

I blinked. "You came back."

His ocean eyes softened. "Did you doubt I would?"

"Huh?" I said nervously. "No, that would be stupid. I knew you'd come back. You took my keys after all."

He sighed. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry." I scooped up the grid paper.

"You were working?"

"Yeah," I shrugged. "I figured work was better than scrubbing everything in here within an inch of its life. I've already done that like three times this week."

Danny stared at me, and I realized what that implied.

"Anyway," I said. "Did you like your run? How far did you go?"

"About twelve miles."

I looked at the clock. "You ran that far in an hour and ten minutes?"

"Yeah. I went hard today."

Maria! I self-scolded before the thought could fully form. "I guess that's why you didn't take Rojo with you. He's spry...but he's not that spry."

He nodded.

"Are you hungry after all that running? I can make you something."

Danny closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them, they were determined. "Actually, if you're alright with it, I'd like to make you something. Would it be okay if I used your kitchen?"

"Of course not. It's—"

I stopped myself from finishing the sentence in the nick of time.

It's yours, too. "­It's totally fine."

"Okay, good. I'm gonna shower if that's okay."

It was then I noticed a bag of groceries on the counter. He must've gone to the mini market that was two blocks down after coming back from his run.

"You don't need to ask. Anything you need."

He stared at me a moment, then went to his duffle bag, rummaged through it for supplies then went to the bathroom.

I tried to refocus on work, but it was difficult, given the circumstances. Danny seemed better, so that was good.

I shouldn't get my hopes up.

Right. Better to think about what I could.

The plans I had started were promising, and they would give me a launching point for when I went back to work on Monday.

This weekend has been such a rollercoaster. And Wednesday...he'll be gone.

Fear gripped my heart.

Was I going to lose him?

That was an irrational thought. Danny said he loved me. But he also said he didn't deserve me. Would he decide the best thing for me again?