Grand Adventure

Chapter 3

 Eddie slowly opened his eyes, blinking against the glare of the sun that was piercing through the van. It took him a minute as he wondered why he was sleeping in his van but then he remembered. Glancing down, he saw a head full of dark curls splayed over his chest and smiled, tightening his arms around Dani and pulling her closer.

They'd done it. He had actually gotten his diploma, in spite of all the people who'd expected him to fail, all the people who thought he was going nowhere, he'd actually graduated. And now, here they were, on the road trip they had always talked about but never expected to happen and a lot of it was thanks to the beautiful girl in his arms.

Dani. She was his everything. She had been from the moment he'd seen that scared girl in that oversized Joan Jett shirt desperate to escape through those doors because she didn't want to perform in front of people. She had always believed in him, always seen the best in him even when he couldn't. She'd pushed him and encouraged him and because of her, he'd finally walked that stage.

A small moan escaped her lips as she curled into him, her head moving so he could see her face. He could stare at that face forever. It was his very favorite face. Eddie had always looked at her. He'd always seen her, always known she was beautiful, but now he was allowed to look at her the way he'd always dreamed. He didn't have to worry about masking the expression on his face or trying to hide the love and adoration he felt for her. He didn't have to pretend to just be the best friend anymore.

He knew she doubted herself. He knew she didn't see what he saw when he looked at her. Jesus, if he could hold up a mirror so she could see herself the way he did, she would realize how absolutely gorgeous she was. Still, even after all this time, sometimes she would turn to him and the sight of her would just take his breath away. Eddie still couldn't believe that she was truly his now, in all the ways he'd only ever hoped she would be, but damn if he wasn't thankful for it.

Dani began to stir, soft noises emitting from her that instantly made him hard because Dani's waking up noises were very similar to Dani's pleasure noises. Her eyes slowly blinked open and when she caught sight of him, she smiled, her hand coming up to cover her eyes against the glare of the sun.

"Are you just watching me sleep, you freak?" she asked with a yawn, stretching her body deliciously long. Eddie's eyes raked over every inch of her. "You know, that's kind of creepy, like something a stalker would do."

"Or something a guy who is constantly awed by how beautiful you are would do," he responded.

"Eddie, stop," Dani groaned, covering her face with her hands, and he could see that familiar flush that crept over her neck and up to her cheeks every single time he complimented her.

"Nope. I already told you, it's never gonna happen so you better get used to it." She moved to roll away from him but he pulled her back. "No, I'm not ready. Let's just lay here for a bit longer. We have nowhere we have to be right now."

"We have the arch and the floating McDonald's," Dani reminded him. "I also wouldn't mind seeing Union Station if you're up for it."

"I am up for you any time, sweetheart, in every single way," Eddie breathed softly, his hand slipping under the Motley Crue shirt that she'd worn to bed. God damn, her skin was so soft. He didn't know anybody could be as soft as she was. His fingers traced along her back and he felt her shiver in his arms. "I love how ticklish you are. It brings me joy."

"Yeah, well, not me," she huffed, squirming but he held on tight. "Eddie, don't you start. After almost getting me killed by Casper last night, you owe me."

"Oh, now who's being dramatic? Nobody died," he chuckled, kissing her forehead. "Come on. You have to admit that was fun."

"If by fun, you mean terrifying and dangerous, then yes, absolutely," she muttered, but he could hear the smile in her voice. "I just want a nice, normal, tourist kind of day today that doesn't end in screaming and running."