Valerie

Part 9

VALERIE

I watch my dad walk out of the door and then turn to Daniel. "What are you guys up to?"

He frowns and shrugs. "I don't know what you're talking about."

I sigh. "You want to tell me that my dad didn't just put you on the spot and basically instructed you to look after me today? I saw the panic on your face when he said it."

He laughs. "Okay, you got me. I thought you would be going to work today. But he thinks you need to rest. So let's just relax today, okay? We can do whatever you want. But I am cooking tonight and need to get my stuff."

I nod slowly. "Ok, let me shower and then we can get your stuff. I'm sure you want to change." I stand up and put my coffee cup into the sink. "By the way, thank you for staying with me last night. You really didn't have to stay the whole night."

He tilts his head, his eyes searching my face. "Did you sleep well?"

I nod.

"Then I had to stay the whole night. I couldn't leave you after you were jerking like that Valley. And if I have to do it every night to ensure you get some sleep, then I will." he pushes himself off the counter he's leaning on and comes over to me. "I sleep well knowing that you are okay," he says softly, he's so close I feel his breath on my face.

My own breath catches in my throat and I have to clear it before I speak, even then, my voice comes out in a whisper. "Thank you."

He nods and then smiles before he takes a step back. "Well come on then, go shower, we haven't got all day."

I chuckle lightly and run upstairs. "I won't be long!" I shout over my shoulder.

When I come down after my shower Daniel is sitting on the balcony, another cup of coffee in his hands. He looks up from his phone.

"Look at you, you look gorgeous." he grins, standing up and coming over to me.

I roll my eyes, looking down at the ripped jeans and cropped sweatshirt I'm wearing. "Thanks, it's nothing much."

This time he rolls his eyes before he pushes me gently on the shoulder. "Take the compliment."

"Okay, fine." I laugh. "Thank you."

"You ready to get out of here?"

I nod. "Yep. Let's get going."

"You mind if I have a quick shower? I won't be long." Daniel asks, we've just walked into his hotel room.

I nod. "Sure, no problem. You're starting to smell anyway."

He laughs loudly. "Well, that wasn't very nice." He grabs a towel. "I'll be right back. Make yourself comfy."

I nod and then turn to look around his hotel room. Choosing to sit in the armchair in the corner of the room.

I reply to a few texts and then I hear the bathroom door open. I look up and quickly divert my eyes when Daniel walks out with just a towel wrapped around the bottom half of him.

"Sorry, forgot to take clothes with me." he grins, going over to his suitcase. He pulls a pair of jeans out and then disappears back into the bathroom.

I look up and catch my reflection in the mirror, the blush on my cheeks gives me away. I roll my eyes, covering my cheeks. Get yourself together, Val.

Daniel comes back out in his jeans, no shirt on.

"Jesus, Danny, put a shirt on." I laugh.

He leans against the wall. "What? Don't like what you see?"