Out of the Shadows ✔️ [Completed] [Book One]

Chapter 13

The following morning and despite checking my phone for the hundredth time, I still haven't heard from Daniel since my message the other day. My heart sinks. I try to keep myself busy and even call my mom and dad to hear all about their latest travels.

A message must have come through while I was on the phone because I definitely didn't hear it beep. But there it is - a message from Daniel. My heart pounds in my chest and I find that I'm too nervous to read what he has put. I stare at my phone for a while before I read the message, worried that it might be telling me something that I don't want to know.

Hi beautiful. Hope you've had a good few days & haven't been too busy with work. I've just filmed an interview which is going out in the UK tonight. Hope you are able to watch it. Just so you know, my code – New People – means you. D x

His message confuses me, but I can't help but smile. I feel elated that he has got in touch, he can't have forgotten about me. I find the interview, but it's not on for another few hours. I decide to go for a run to pass the time until I can watch him on the TV later. I quickly text back before I head out the door.

Hi. Hope you're having an amazing time. I will definitely watch it later. Intrigued by your code! L xxx

Finally it's time and I sit down to watch him with a glass of wine. I've made sure that I have prepared for my meeting in the morning, so my full attention can be on Daniel. But let's be honest, my attention would be on Daniel regardless.

Out he walks to huge applause and screams from the audience. He looks ridiculously good. His stubble is the way I like it, just in the transition from stubble to full on beard and his hair is in a neat side parting. Daniel is wearing a light grey three piece suit, white shirt and no tie. The top button of his shirt is undone, which makes the whole outfit look incredibly sexy. He shyly waves at the audience, shakes the hosts hand and takes his seat.

The interview is mainly about Daniel's new drama and his plans to film the sequel of Detective Pearson. He's very animated and comical throughout. I'm in awe of him and how easily he handles the questions, always taking the time to think about the answer. It's strange watching him now I know him, rather than another fan wishing she did. Towards the end of the interview the host asks him about his personal life and how he seems to have dropped off the radar. Daniel takes a breath before he continues and I can see the strain on his face. I wonder if everyone else watching him can read his emotions in the same way or whether it's just me.

"Well I have been through the most challenging period of my life over the last eighteen months and I'm aware that unfortunately the whole world has an opinion on what happened, which has obviously been difficult. But I feel as though I've come out the other side now a much happier person. I've met some new people recently who have completely changed my outlook on life and I'm finally ready to put the past behind me and move on." Daniel looks heartfelt as he speaks and smiles shyly once he has finished.

The audience applaud him. My heart is pounding so loud in my chest; it is beating in my ears. I put my hand to my mouth when I think about his code, meant just for me and I realise in that second that he is really is serious about seeing where this could go. Although it terrifies me down to my very soul, I finally feel like I want to step off the precipice and see if he will be there to catch me.

Before I have chance to process what I should do next, my phone beeps several times.

Helen: Just saw Daniel on TV. He looks fantastic. I still believe what I told you – love at first sight!

She has also attached the picture of us in the rain and I zoom in on his face for the hundredth time wondering if someone like Daniel could really fall for someone like me. There are also messages from the girls on our group.