By 11:00, the party was in full swing. The children were in bed, so the parents were able to drink. Alex did as he said and showed Danielle off. He had her on his arm most of the night, as he introduced her to family, friends and his parents’ business acquaintances. It was the first time he spent New Year’s with someone he knew well. Usually, he secretly hooked up with someone his parents invited.
Danielle hid her anxiety well. She had learned to fake it. The smile she forced had actually helped her mood change. She greeted new people happily. Only the huggers made her nervous. She clung to Alex’s arm with one hand and the shawl with the other, while she followed him around the house.
Some time later, they stood outside with a few of Alex’s childhood friends. She tugged the shawl around her body to hide her cleavage and the scar she hated the most. “Um, do you guys get to hang out much?”
With a shrug of his shoulder, Alex replied, “Not much anymore since I been up in Gainesville.” He was surprised they showed since they had moved all over the state.
“I seen you play last month.” Scott slapped Alex’s back. “You run like a bat outta hell.”
Danielle wanted to agree, but she was too nervous.
“She’s not like your usual.” Damien smirked. “Didn’t know you were into virgins these days.” He lowered his voice and leaned toward Alex. “Gonna pop her cherry, and then grab one of the hot ones inside? I seen a blonde with her eyes on you—”
Alex shoved him and scowled. “You asshat. This is my girlfriend, Danielle.”
“Your what?” Scott’s mouth dropped. “Did you just use the ‘G’ word? What the hell happened? You in an accident or something?”
While Alex rolled his eyes, he huffed. “I just found the right girl.” He put an arm around her shoulders. “She’s pregnant.”
“Whose kid is it?” Damien was quite confused. “You like ’em knocked up now? Oh… no condoms, huh?”
It wasn’t easy for Alex to hold back his anger. He growled, “She’s having my kid, dickhead.”
“Wha—at?” Trey choked on his beer. “She’s having what?”
Alex glared at him. “Baby. My baby. What’s wrong with me being a father?”
“Never imagined it in a million years.” Scott stared at the couple. “You settling down is like trying to stop a tidal wave.” His face fell. “No.”
Quickly, Alex yanked Scott a few feet away. “Don’t you ruin this for me.”
“Tell me you’re not stringing her along and fucking other chicks.” Scott knew Alex, and he was sure being faithful was impossible for Alex.
Alex sighed. “It’s just me and her. She makes it easy. I love her.”
“Damn.” Scott grinned. “Alex in love? Hell really did freeze over.”
Danielle hugged herself nervously. Alex’s friends eyed her. She half-expected one of them to grope her. When Damien took a step toward her, she slowly backed away. Then Trey moved closer. She glanced around, unsure where to run to.
“Leave her alone,” Alex called out when he saw her terror. He rushed to her and took her in his arms. “They won’t hurt you.” He cradled her head and whispered softly, “I swear no one’s gonna hurt you here.”
“She OK?” Scott asked, worried.
Alex stared at the top of Danielle’s head. “Can’t explain. She needs a few.”
Slowly, Danielle calmed. She hated that she feared so much. Normal people wouldn’t be terrified next to their boyfriend’s buddies. However, she had not known many people who didn’t hurt her. Only Alex’s family had proven their trustworthiness, other than their friends at school. That week had been quite amazing.
“Are you upset about what they said?” Alex asked quietly. He knew it was more than fear that made her cling to him for so long.
She shook her head. “They don’t know me.” Although she wished that he had told them about her. “It’s OK.”
He exhaled loudly and blew some of her hair. “I was different when they knew me.” He didn’t want to explain. She didn’t need to know how much of a whore he was. “I’ve changed. I swear.”
“I know.” She wasn’t sure she believed it all the time, though. Sometimes she worried he missed other women.
Sure she hadn’t told him everything, he stepped back and lifted her chin. “Do you really? Do you understand that I couldn’t have sex with anyone but you… unless that’s what you wanted?” He cringed. He hadn’t meant to say the last part aloud. “I know you don’t. I’m good with just you and me. I promise.”
She nodded, still not able to meet his eyes.
“Look at me.” He waited until she did. “My past is... uh… well, colorful. You are my future. I don’t want to live that way anymore. I’m happy.”
Danielle saw it in his eyes. He was happy. “Good. Me too.”
He leaned down and kissed her lips. “Good.”
“Sorry if I caused that,” Damien said from a few feet away. “It was just a shock. I’m really sorry, man.” He could see Alex had changed. “Maybe we should head inside.”
Alex glanced at the glass doors. It looked like they were about to hand out the champagne. “Yeah. I guess so.” He smiled as each of his friends pat him on the back. Them being present for what he planned was perfect. When Danielle resisted going inside, he looked down. “We OK? Or are you still upset?”
“I’m not.” She bit her bottom lip. “Were you really with a different girl every day?” She had heard his friends tease him.
He sighed and closed his eyes. Then he leaned his head on hers. “Something like that. I’m sorry. I didn’t trust women before you.” He hadn’t planned to admit that. “Casual sex was easier than trusting anyone.”
“Someone hurt you, too?” she asked sheepishly.
Slowly, he shook his head. “Not like what you went through.” It seemed like nothing compared to what she endured, but it had affected him nonetheless. “Let’s just say a girl broke my heart and humiliated me. Nathan helped me through it.” He kissed her forehead. “And you healed my heart. I love you.”
Danielle carefully looked up and cupped his cheek. “You healed mine. I love you, too. More than I thought was possible.”
“Good.” He nuzzled her nose with his. “Let’s go ring in the new year together.” Then he turned when Damien approached them. “What’s up?”
Damien looked around nervously. “Need to ask you something… uh… private.”
“Gimme just a few.” Alex smiled at Danielle, and then followed Damien a few feet away. “Something wrong?”
Unsure how to say it. Damien pursed his lips for a few seconds. “Is she the girl Brian… uh, hurt?” He didn’t want anyone to overhear what he knew. “Is that why you were so adamant about watching him?”
Alex sighed. “Yes, but don’t let on you know.” He hadn’t expected Damien to ever meet Danielle. “She’d be humiliated. Thanks for all the info, though. That guy is a first class asshole.”
“That he is.” Damien had seen many altercations. Brian was cocky and tough for someone of is size. He wasn’t in a block with hardened criminals, though. “Be glad when he’s convicted.”
“Me too.” Alex glanced at Danielle. “She needs this to be over.”
Chapter 33
Midnight was almost upon them. Alex led Danielle into the crowded living room and made sure to stick close. He was nervous as hell. His eyes met Nathan’s across the room. Time had started to speed up. His hands shook. He grabbed two glasses of champagne and wished he could drink a bottle of the stuff to relax.
“This one’s for Danielle.” Mary handed her a glass of non-alcoholic champagne. “Hey.”
Alex downed the extra drink. “What?”
“You know what.” His mother glared at him. “We’re all supposed to drink together.”
With a smirk, Alex shrugged a shoulder. “I still got this one.” He held up his second glass.
Mary rolled her eyes and headed to Corey. He was still a brat, although he finally grew up some.
<
br /> Sara rushed over to the young couple. “I found a pin for you.” She grabbed the shawl and used the safety pin to hold it closed. “This way you don’t have to clutch it anymore.” She kissed both their cheeks and walked back to her husband.
“Better?” Alex smiled down at Danielle.
She nodded. Then she followed Alex around the room. Several people greeted her by name, although she couldn’t remember theirs. It made her feel like she belonged even more. The large television in the family room had New York City’s Times Square ball dropping showing on it. The excitement in the room rose with each passing minute. She clutched Alex’s hand, glad to share the moment with him.
In the last thirty seconds, most of the crowd came closer to the family room and watched the countdown on the TV. When midnight came, People sang, drank, kissed and made promises of change for the year. Fireworks could be heard outside also. Alex kissed Danielle for a long time. He hoped that year would be the best of their lives. Just as he pulled back, their eyes met.
“I love you,” they said as one, and then laughed.
Alex ran his knuckles down her cheek. “This is our year.”
Unsure what that meant, Danielle just smiled. She turned to Corey about to make a toast.
“May this year bring you all happiness and prosperity!” Corey raised his glass with a smile before taking a sip. “My resolution is to spend more quality time with my grandchildren. Who’s next?” He glanced around the room. “Nathan?”
Danielle tugged on Alex’s arm. “Everyone has to say something?” She didn’t know that was how New Year’s Eve parties went.
“Kinda. It’s tradition that everyone voices one change they plan to make that year.” A few who went outside obviously wanted to opt out. “My dad always goes first.”
She thought his family all gave impressive promises. It could be a challenge to keep some of them. They seemed to go around the room. When someone close to them made their resolution, she panicked. Within seconds, a hand cradled her head to Alex’s chest.
“You don’t have to say anything,” he assured her.
She nodded and mumbled, “OK.” It shocked her when Alex moved a short time later.
When it came to Alex’s turn, he took Danielle’s hands in his and hoped she could give him the strength. He sensed Nathan close by, as his parents and siblings moved toward them. Only Danielle was unaware of his intentions. After a deep breath, he glanced down at the slightly anxious girl before him. The love of his life.
“This year, everything in my life is going to change. Me and my beautiful Danielle will have a baby in less than six months. We also have to move to accommodate our new arrival. I vow that this year…” He paused for a few seconds and pulled something out of a pocket.
Danielle smiled at him. She expected him to take a piece of paper out, so he wouldn’t forget his resolution. Then he got down on one knee, and her eyes went wide. What the hell is he doing?
“…I will be a married man. If you’ll help make it come true.” He opened a small box and revealed a diamond solitaire ring. “Will you marry me, Danielle?”
Tears fell from her eyes quickly. “Are you serious?” It had to be a dream. No way in the world would Alex ask so soon. She was sure he would start to laugh and put away the very expensive ring.
Alex held the ring higher and cocked an eyebrow. “Yes. I’m dead serious. I want us to be a real family. Will you, beautiful?”
It had become obvious others had known about the stunt. Danielle was torn. The smiles around her assured her, but marriage? That was something she dreaded. Although he promised he wouldn’t own her or change, it was a huge step. Are we really ready? Is he only doing this because of the baby?
On the verge of freaking out, Alex glanced at Nathan, who shrugged. Thanks, bro. The anticipation killed him. If she said no, it would still be better than waiting forever. He squeezed her hand. “Remember, you can say no to me.”
Instantly, she smiled. Those words meant more to her than anything he had ever said. Her eyes closed. She imagined their future. It wasn’t filled with pain and fear but happiness and love. She smiled, and then glanced down at Alex again. “Yes, I will!”
Alex let out a sigh of relief. “I was sure you were gonna say no, from the look on your face.” He carefully put the ring on her finger. Then he stood up and kissed her lips. “Thank you. I’ll always love you.”
She threw her arms around him and muttered, “You know I love you, too.”
Applause broke out all around them. “Had us scared there for a while,” Nathan said as he hugged the couple. “He wouldn’t take no for an answer anyway.” He winked at Danielle. “Congrats.”
She knew he referred to sex but was glad he could joke like that with her. “Thanks.” She barely endured most at the party congratulating them with hugs, kisses or a touch on the shoulder.
“You just signed your death warrant, man.” Damien laughed while Alex shook his head.
Scott smiled as he patted Alex on the back. “My couch’s available when you needed it.” He hugged Danielle. “Let me know if he gets annoying. I’ll rough him up a bit.”
“Thanks.” She smiled. His friends were not as scary as she expected.
Minutes later, Corey put on slow music. He put a hand out to Mary and smiled widely. “They look so happy.”
“They do.” Mary walked into her husband’s arms as they watched the newly engaged couple.
Alex tugged Danielle into his arms. “I’m the happiest man in the world.” He knew it was corny, but he didn’t care. He whirled her around to the music and grinned widely. “Can we do it before the baby comes?”
“Uh.” She looked up at him. Anxiety gripped her for a few seconds. “What about the trial?”
He tilted his head and kissed her lips softly. “After would be better, I think. This way there’s nothing else on your mind. How about a June wedding? Most girls want that.”
“I’m due in June, though.” Danielle didn’t want to waddle down the isle.
Alex knew what she meant. “You’ll be a beautiful bride, round belly and all.” He slid one hand to her abdomen and smiled again. “They have maternity bridal gowns.”
“OK. How about May, then?” Her eyes drifted to his chest. “Will the trial be over by then?”
He held her close again. “It should be. Mom said it might start in March. If all goes as planned.”
Danielle sighed. Her life had changed so many times in the previous four months. It all started with the first day of college. That was, of course, the day she met Alex. Nothing was ever the same again. She was finally free to make her own choices, and she chose him. For life. It was almost surreal. How did I get so lucky?
* * *
By the time the party broke up, Danielle was tired, Alex knew. They gave a blanket good night to anyone still downstairs. Then he led her up to his room. They kicked off their shoes, and she took the shawl off. The night had gone much better than he expected. That week, he had stressed over it daily. If she said no, he wasn’t sure what they would do. Or if they would still be together. None of that mattered, though. She said yes. He wanted to end the night making love.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered in her ear when they stood alone in his room. “I love you in red.” Slowly, he eased the dress’ zipper down. Then he ran his hands over her skin as he slid it off her shoulders. “Can’t wait to make you my wife.” His eyes roamed over her body. The stockings were awesome.
Danielle was filled with desire and happiness. The eagerness in his eyes fueled her need for him. The dress pooled at her feet, and she glanced down for a few seconds. When she looked up again, Alex leaned down to her. Their lips met in a soft, loving kiss. With the urge to touch him, she unbuttoned his shirt. Good thing he had taken off the cummerbund and jacket previously.
He moaned as her fingers explored beneath his shirt. His eyes closed. He was glad she was no longer afraid to take the initiative. His shirt fell to the floor, and her hands mo
ved over his back. Unable to keep his hands to himself, he raked her hair with his fingers until he held the back of her head. Then his eyes drifted down. She slowly opened his pants. He was already rock-hard, but her eagerness made him stiffen even more. When she freed his erection, it twitched. It begged for her touch.
Nervously, she wrapped her fingers around his shaft. Then she got to her knees and held onto one of his thighs. No matter how many times she gave him head, she still dreaded it just a bit, at first. With tentative licks, she tortured him. He gripped her hair but didn’t force her to hurry. His hips thrust forward slightly to urge her. She couldn’t let him suffer. Slowly, she slid the head into her mouth. His loud moan encouraged her. With gentle suction, she took more of him until he was halfway down. Then she pulled back.
Unconsciously, Alex jerked his hips. “So sorry.” He gritted his teeth. All the sexual tension between them that day made it difficult. He needed to cum badly. “I won’t do that again.”
“It’s OK.” Danielle grasped his length and looked up. “Try it again.” She closed her eyes and swallowed several inches again.
One fist in her hair and the other hand on her shoulder, Alex struggled to hold back. Her demeanor told him it was OK. Carefully, he went into her mouth. When she panicked and pushed him back, he pulled out completely.
“You can’t.” He brushed her hair away from her face. “It’s fine. Get on the bed.”
She shook her head. “I got nervous. One more time.”
He lifted her chin. “You don’t have to do this.”
“I know. I want to. You like it.”
How’d she know? There were many things she knew without a word. His hands shook. He moved forward again. Her small hand gripped his shaft. He let out a soft groan and waited. As soon as she closed her mouth over the tip, instinct took over. His hips surged forward. She squeezed his thighs, but she didn’t stop him. He withdrew some and thrust back in again. She reacted with increased suction. Unable to hold back, he started to thrust. He growled the whole time. It felt incredible.
from Pain to Pleasure (Gainesville Book 1) Page 30