Don't Get Caught

Chapter 10 - Ariel

We left the comfort and the intimacy of the sitting room and entered the crowds in the garden. Day had turned to evening in the time we'd been away which disoriented me. Danny joined a group of people I didn't know and I went to find the host so I could make my apologies and leave. If I wasn't in the mood for this before, seeing Danny had certainly cemented my decision to make an early escape.

"Trinny, it's been great, but I have to go. Sorry to leave so early. Congratulations again."

She looked amazing in a floaty summer dress, now with a cute floral cardigan over her shoulders, her long black hair styled into waves and pinned up in various places. I envied her confidence that I had lost.

"Don't worry, babe. Is everything alright? It's not like you to miss out on a party."

What with being away for her wedding, she'd missed all the drama at work, and now was not a good time to fill her in. She'd know soon enough.

"Everything's fine. Just a headache. Can I ask you something though?" I glanced back over at Danny. "How do you and Harry know him?"

Trinny followed my eyes. "The blond guy?"

I nodded.

"I don't. I guess he must be one of Harry's. Why, you interested in him?" She gave me a playful shove with her hip, both her hands taken up with drinks.

"I've been chatting to him," I confessed. "He's quite secretive though. Just trying to get the scoop." I hoped I sounded more like a journalist than an obsessive love interest.

"Sorry babes, I don't know. I'll ask Harry."

"Don't worry," I said, kissing her cheek. "Let's catch up over coffee on Monday. Enjoy the party. Congratulations again."

I'd parked my car a five minute walk away so I wandered down the darkening country lane, the trees on either side looming over me. I was walking slower than normal; did I want Danny to come after me? I was almost certain he would, but he'd have to notice I had gone first.

I reached my little yellow car and checked behind me before getting in. I sat in the driver seat for a long time, rapping my fingers on the steering wheel. What was I doing? If I left, I could put him behind me. I'd done what I should have done a long time ago and told him something personal. I had the closure I'd been craving.

"Waiting for someone?"

My hand left the wheel and flung to my chest as I nearly jumped out of my skin. Danny appeared in the passenger seat next to me.

"Not waiting - just expecting," I admitted.

"Let's get out of here."

"Where are we going?" I didn't start the engine.

"Come to mine and I'll show you something. Something you don't know about me," he promised. "You shared a personal thing with me, I want to do the same."

I couldn't supress a smile. "Intriguing. It doesn't involve taking our clothes off, does it?"

"No. It can do, but not typically."

I looked across at him. His skin glowed in the early evening light. His eyes were serious as he waited to see if I'd agree.

I started the engine this time. "Lead the way."

What was I doing? Couldn't I just leave this alone? He knew how to lure me in - a promise of information was like catnip to an investigative journalist.

I parked on his long drive fifteen minutes later; my tiny yellow tin can a stark contrast to his large black monster of a car. Nervous excitement tickled my stomach. Was I actually about to learn something about the real Danny Skarsgard? Or was this just a ploy to get me to go back to his? I hoped for the former but expected the latter.