Reputation's Play (Book 1)

Ch.16 Temporary

Chapter 16 Temporary

"I need to text Daisy," Gia said as Daniel held her hand firmly and walked her to his car. "I was supposed to be staying with her tonight."

"Do you want to go back inside?" Daniel asked.

"No," Gia shook her head. "I just need to text Dee."

The night air was warm and humid. Gia could feel her hair falling flat as she struggled to open the clasp of her purse with her numb fingers. She could feel her insides tremble and her legs wobble. Her head began to spin and moving her body suddenly required too much effort.

"Daniel..." Gia stopped to catch her breath. She looked up as Daniel turned towards her and frowned.

"What's wrong?" He asked, taking a step closer.

"I'm overheating," Gia said, raising her hand to fan herself.

"Let's get you inside," Daniel pulled out his keys and started his car. He hooked his arm around Gia's waist and carried her weight as they walked the rest of the block to where he parked. By the time they reached Daniel's car, the air conditioner inside had cooled everything. Gia climbed into the passenger seat as quickly as she could and leaned back to let Daniel strap on the seatbelt.

"I'm going to run to the corner store and get you some water, okay?" He said, touching the edge of her face.

"No," Gia shook her head. "I want to leave."

"Just a minute," Daniel said as he gently closed the door and walked over to the corner of the block. Gia watched him as he entered the small deli and came back out with a bottle of ice cold water.

"Drink," Daniel said as he climbed into the driver's side and handed Gia the water bottle.

"Thank you," Gia whispered. She brought the bottle to her lips and took a small sip. The cold drink soothed her throat as Daniel pulled out of his parking spot and headed towards his hotel.

Gia sighed in her seat as she laid her head back and stared up at the sky. The wind carried her air as she gazed up at the night light of the city wishing there were stars for her to count. She focused on her breathing to make sure her body understood that she was safe and sound.

Daniel kept one hand on top of the steering wheel as he peered at the road straight ahead. Gia lowered her eyes and turned to look at him before bringing the bottle back up to her lips and taking another small sip.

"Are you feeling any better?" Daniel asked, turning to look at her.

"A bit," Gia nodded. "How do I look?"

Daniel's mouth curved up, "Like a vision."

"That's not what I was asking," Gia rolled her eyes,

"You look like you belong here," Daniel said. "Beside me."

"Oh?" Gia laughed. "You could have had me fooled."

"What do you mean?" Daniel asked. He watched Gia as she snuggled back in her seat and leaned her head back as the wind picked up and tossed her hair around.

"The spot beside you is taken, no?" Gia asked.

"That's the first I'm hearing of that," Daniel laughed. "Can you be more specific?"

"Reina," Gia said, feeling the burning sensation return to her chest. "Is she your girlfriend?"

"No," Daniel smiled as if he had been expecting the question.

"Is she aware of that?" Gia asked. "Or is this some kind of open relationship?"

"I don't share."

"Information?"