Valerie

Part 15

VALERIE

I roll over, squinting at the sunlight that is streaming between the gap in the curtain. I check the time on the clock on the bedside table, six-thirty, and then glance over at Daniel, his curls sprawled across his face and pillow, he's fast asleep, a small smile on his lips.

I move slowly, careful not to wake him as I climb out of bed. I slip on my robe and head into the kitchen in search of coffee.

When I've located the coffee machine and mugs, I quickly make myself a strong cup before I hop onto the top of the counter, slowly sipping on the coffee, allowing the heat of the dark liquid to soothe my soul.

I look over to the spot, just next to the sink, where I kissed Daniel last night. I feel my cheeks flush red. I wasn't planning on kissing him, but the words my mom had said earlier in the week, and the things he said last night kept playing over and over in my head, and I knew if I didn't do it then, I would never get the courage to do it again.

My thoughts are interrupted by a cheery "Good morning, gorgeous!". I turn and see Danny yawning and stretching as he sidles into the kitchen, a smile on his face.

He comes over to me and rests his hand's palms down on my exposed thighs. His touch immediately sending electricity through my veins.

"Good morning." I smile at him before lifting my cup up for another sip.

He bites his bottom lip quickly before he leans in, I feel my breath hitch in my throat but find myself leaning into him, lowering my cup away from my lips, he leans in closer, his eyes on my face, watching every reaction on it. The reaction of pure anticipation right now.

He breaks into a grin and lets out one single laugh. "You're in the way of the coffee cups, gorgeous." and then proceeds to wrap his arms around me, lifting me off of the counter before he gently places me on a barstool behind him. He kisses the top of my head before he turns to the space I had just been occupying.

"So, you ready for our hike? Scotty and Chloe should be here in like thirty minutes." he glances over his shoulder at me as he pours dark liquid into his mug.

"Yeah, just need to get dressed." I look down at myself. "Not sure pyjamas and slippers are appropriate hike attire."

He laughs. "Well, you're definitely not going to be comfortable. And like I said, I'm not carrying your ass up the mountain."

I roll my eyes, sliding off of the barstool. I walk over to him and purposefully push myself against his chest, looking up into his eyes. "You say that like you actually wouldn't, and, Danny boy, we both know that you would, no questions asked." I quickly lift myself up on my toes, place a quick peck on his lips and then turn and put my mug into the sink. I walk out of the kitchen without looking back at him.

I've just crossed the threshold of the bedroom when I hear Daniel behind me, I turn and let out a little yelp when I realize he is right behind me.

He grabs my arms and pushes me into the room, up against the wall. "You think you can just kiss me quickly like that and get away, I don't think so, honey."

"Dan-" my words are cut off by his lips crushing against me, he pushes his body against mine and I feel my own body molding against his. I feel his tongue brush against my lips and immediately grant him access, deepening the kiss. His hands drop to my waist, pulling me closer to him. My hands are on his neck, his back, in his hair, moving over him like they can't get enough of the feel of him.

Danny ends the kiss, his hands still firmly on my hips, he's breathing heavily above me, his hot breath rushes over my face.

"You are going to be the death of me, Valerie," he whispers, he lifts his hand and gently pushes the hair out of my face.