Hollywood Princess (27 page)

“I hope Danny didn’t hear them,” I told Chloe. “He’s enough of a wreck without sizing up the competition.”

“I was thinking the same thing.”

“Fingers crossed,” I said, and I held my crossed fingers aloft.

Finally Danny’s band was announced. I turned my complete attention to the stage. He was why I was here and my support was sorely needed.

Shane tapped my shoulder and I turned to him.

“Let me do this,” he suggested as he reached for my camera.

I appreciated Shane understanding my need to give Danny my full attention.

Three songs. The band only had to get through three songs.

Danny, Kirk, Ron and Duncan took to the stage. My eyes were riveted to Danny. He strapped on his bass with fluidity and grace, the jitters seemingly gone. Confidence defined him again.

I took a deep breath and released it slowly. I took another deep breath, and the tension left as I exhaled. My shoulders returned to their normal position. If Danny could be this confident, so could I.

The guys launched into their first number. As he hit his first chord, Danny made eye contact with me and grinned. I smiled back, my eyes glued to his every movement. Danny’s eyes darted through the audience, but kept coming back to mine. Whenever they did he grinned. Rock star handsome, Danny’s sapphire eyes were mesmerizing. He didn’t miss a note. One down, two to go.

The band began their second song with even more enthusiasm and confidence, playing off the audience’s energetic response.

My heart jumped as I heard unfamiliar chords rise up from their instruments. This was not the song they’d rehearsed on Wednesday. How could they perform a song they hadn’t rehearsed? The song they had planned had a few problems on Wednesday, but nothing yesterday’s rehearsal wouldn’t have solved.

Now I understood Danny’s earlier trepidation. He knew they were giving their biggest performance ever, and they were unprepared! My heart beat rapidly. My jaw clenched and my sweaty palms locked together. I dug my nails into the tops of my hands, nearly drawing blood.

Danny smiled. He appeared confident and in control. How could he be under these circumstances? Danny nodded at me. His eyes twinkled as if to say, “E, don’t worry. We know what we’re doing.” 

Okay. If he wasn’t concerned, then I supposed I shouldn’t be either. But of course, I was. Danny would be devastated if they didn’t do their best.

This song had a slower tempo than the one originally planned. It contained soulful, romantic lyrics. It also contrasted to their first song, which had been pure rock. If their aim was to play three completely different songs to showcase their versatility, they were succeeding. We’d find out later whether the judges agreed with this tactic.

For this dreamy love song, Danny’s eyes locked on mine. They didn’t move. The emotion in his rich tenor voice reached through to my heart as only Danny could do. The deep expression in his eyes touched my core. Tears filled my eyes from its beauty.  I flushed as my heart pounded rapidly. From behind me, Shane squeezed my shoulder, silent acknowledgement that he understood. 

Danny slid to his knees for the second chorus. Now just a few feet above my eye level, he leaned toward me. Holding the mic with both hands, it was obvious he was singing to me. 

“When you find your love, always remind your love,

When you find your love, never let her go.”

It was also apparent to Amelia. Her chair pushed back from the table and she walked out. She might have James doting on her every word, but it was clear the only man she wanted belonged to me. Too bad!

The emotions and love I experienced threatened to overwhelm me. Danny’s passion was incredible, like nothing I had ever felt before. I wanted him to know, so I kissed my palm and blew him a kiss. His renewed smile told me he’d caught it. 

Danny understood. I wiped a stray tear off my cheek. Danny smiled; pleased with the affect he had on me. The two hundred other people in the club didn’t exist.

For the finish, Danny was on his feet again. His eyes remained locked on mine. This was our song he was saying. After our near split, this was Danny’s way of letting everyone at Donnelly know he only had eyes for me.

The roar of applause startled me. I was shaking to find our song was over..

“Amzaing!” Chloe whispered. “I can’t believe how much Danny loves you.”

“Yeah,” I answered in a trance. It was as though I were in a dream state.

And that was most amazing of all. Danny was never shy with showing affection, but this performance was more of a public declaration. 

I had to emotionally settle. There was one final song in the set. A fun, up-tempo anthemic rock song was a complete change of pace for both the band and the audience. It was perfect for bringing me back to planet Earth.

The final chord played. I jumped to my feet, put my thumb and middle finger in my mouth, and let loose. Wolf whistle! Everyone in my vicinity turned and stared. Danny laughed. I shrugged and wildly applauded. 

Once the curtain closed, my friends gathered around me, embracing each other, thrilled for Danny.

“He was great!” Chloe exclaimed.

“I can’t believe that song,” Rachel added. “I thought Danny was going to jump off the stage and maul you. Talk about bedroom eyes.”

Shane took my hand. “You’re shaking.”

“I’m a wreck,” I laughed. “They didn’t rehearse that song.”

“Everyone’s going to be talking about it all week,” said Chloe.

“People have better things to do than talk about a song,” I laughed.

“It’s the passion they’ll talk about, not necessarily the music,” Chloe added.

Toward the end of the next set Danny eased into the chair beside me. My heart fluttered, and I smiled as he kissed my cheek. Danny’s hair brushing my face was damp from perspiration, and he smelled of sweat, Danny’s sweat.

Danny reached for my hand and kissed the top of it. I hugged our joined fingers to my cheek, then set them in his lap for him to caress. 

When the set ended, Danny said, “E, let’s get some fresh air.”

I nodded, but we didn’t get more than a step away when friends deluged him.

“Great job!” Cam said, and he clapped Danny on the back.

“Elizabeth, here’s your camera. I got great shots of you, Danny,” Shane said.

“Keep the camera, Shane. We’re going out for some air,” Danny responded.

Chloe reached up and kissed his cheek. “Beautiful song, Danny. Elizabeth’s a lucky girl,” she whispered.

“Thanks, Chlo,” Danny answered. I beamed with pride.

Then Rachel embraced him. “You were great,” she exclaimed.

“Thanks, Rach.” Danny grabbed my hand. “We’ll be back. C’mon, Eli.”

Danny led me through the packed club to the exit, ignoring the considerable crowd vying for his attention.

Once outside, Danny took a deep breath and spun me into his arms. The air was crisp and cold, a shock after the heat of the club.

“Oh my god! It’s freezing out here!” I exclaimed.

Danny tightened his hold on me and vigorously rubbed my arms. 

“Did you enjoy it?” I asked. Frost was on every breath.

“Oh, Eli. Eli, Eli, Eli.” Danny repeated my name with increased enthusiasm. “It’s over, babe. It’s over!” Danny was relieved and held me close, my face pressed against his sweaty plaid shirt. “How does Randi do it? This was awful!“

“Mom has more than one chance to be perfect,” I laughed. “She’s only live to the crew and they can do as many takes as they need. Mom has never done theater for that very reason.”

“Now you tell me. I kept thinking if Randi can do this, so can I,” Danny laughed.

“I’m sorry, honey. I thought you were wonderful.”

“I’m glad I had you there, fan club chief.”

“That second song was amazing!” I pronounced as I pulled back to examine Danny’s face. “I loved it! But you scared me. Danny, you didn’t rehearse it on Wednesday. When I heard the opening chords, I panicked.”

“You did, didn’t you?” He grinned.

I was puzzled. “Is that why Duncan was angry? Were you supposed to rehearse it today?”

Danny began laughing. That only added to my confusion.

“What’s funny, Danny? You could have screwed up.”

Danny laughed again and hugged me. “That was never a risk. Eli, I have a confession. That song was for you. We’ve been working on it since after break. I wanted it to be a surprise.”

He really does love me!

“That’s why you kept me away. I can’t believe you did that!” I exclaimed gleefully. “Chloe was right. I am a lucky girl.”

“No, I’m the one who’s lucky.”

Danny reached around my back and pulled me in with loving arms. Then he lifted my chin, his warm sapphire eyes locked on mine, and Danny tenderly pressed his lips to mine for a loving kiss.

“So, did you like your song?” Danny asked when our lips parted. His breath on my neck tickled and sent a shiver through me.

“Yes. Even more now that I know understand the trouble you went through,” I whispered. I reached my arms around his neck and kissed him. “I felt your passion. It was as though I was the only person in the room.”

“You were.” Danny kissed me and held me tightly. “I love your passion, too.”

“I can’t wait to get home. Then you’ll really see my passion.”

Danny kissed me again. I wrinkled my nose as the breeze blew the scent of Danny’s sweat toward me.

“First you’ll have to shower,” I giggled.

“You can scrub my back,” he teased.

I looked at Danny with dreamy eyes. My pulse was racing from his kisses.

“I’d like that. As long as you scrub mine,” I answered in a flirty voice.

Danny grinned and pulled me in for another kiss. I was shivering, this time from the bitter cold. Silk nestled against damp cotton was not sufficient for the weather.

We returned to our seats in time for the sixth and final band. Then it was time to wait. A panel would decide which three bands would move on in the competition. Duncan, Kirk and Ron gathered at our table. Nervous energy smothered us.

The buzz of the crowd abruptly came to a halt. The audience took their seats. Danny squeezed my shoulder.  I gave him an encouraging smile and hugged him.

Danny smiled back. “Whatever happens, I’m okay, E.”

Moments later came the announcement.  Danny’s band had come in fourth placing them out of the competition.

“Respectable,” said Danny.

CHAPTER 53 - ELIZABETH

“Skiing in Vermont! When?” I was so excited.

So this was the Valentine’s celebration Danny had hinted at when we separated. A ski weekend certainly was special. Still, Danny’s announcement had caught me by surprise.

“What about Friday’s classes?”

“We blow ‘em off.” Danny shrugged. To him that was no big deal. “I already told Professor Dennison.”

“You told the professor we were missing his class to go skiing!”

Danny’s audacity amazed me, but not as much as his response.

“Owen’s cool with it.”

“Owen?”

“Now that he’s my advisor, he insists.”

I was impressed by their new closeness. I didn’t call Professor Dennison “Owen.” He’d never given me permission.

After the break, Danny had made it official, declaring Political Science and Film as his double majors. 

“You discuss us with a professor?” How disconcerting.

“Owen thinks we’re great. Anyway, he brought it up. Owen asked what I was planning, so I told him.”

Thursday afternoon could not come soon enough. I hated waiting for Danny’s last class to end before we could set out for Vermont.

Darkness greeted us when we arrived shortly after six o’clock. The hotel was at once cozy and luxurious. Danny had reserved a suite. The pine-pole Adirondack style furniture was casual yet elegant. Large picture windows in the living room overlooked the slopes lit for night skiing. Both the living room and bedroom contained wood-burning fireplaces with copper barrels stocked with logs seated on the hearth.

Shutters separated the bathroom from the bedroom. Set on a platform, allowing for a view through the bedroom window, was a whirlpool tub large enough for two.

“This is perfect!” I exclaimed after completing my tour. Would I even want to leave this suite to ski?

We found the fireplaces readied, with additional wood waiting in the copper barrels, when we returned from dinner. Danny lit a match and the living room filled with the promised warmth and glow from the orange-yellow flames.

My hopes for an evening of romance were dashed when Danny pulled out a book. “Danny!” I protested. It was only eight o’clock, but I wanted the entire weekend, selfishly every minute, to be about us. Why did Danny have to be so conscientious?

After kicking off my boots, I plopped down on the plush sofa where Danny sat. I leaned against the armrest and settled my feet in his lap. If Danny assumed I was going to quietly comply with his plans, he didn’t know me as well as he thought he did.

I wanted to play!

I tickled Danny with my feet. “Phew,” he teased. Then I tickled him again.

“Cut it out,” he said sternly and held up his book.

I stuck out my tongue. Danny ignored me. I didn’t care. I was content to either cram when we returned or deal with being unprepared on Monday. But not Danny. Anyone who thought he was nothing more than a spoiled party boy did not know Danny.

There was a very good reason why Danny aced every class. He was able to expertly compartmentalize his life. It was why he could spend Saturday night  wasted and come to class Monday brilliantly prepared. 

When I thought about it, being Danny wasn’t healthy. He tried to control every aspect of life, even spontaneous fun. I worried one-day he would crack. Nobody should be that in control. If I occasionally threw Danny a curve, it might prove therapeutic.

This had become my mission; teaching Danny that control was not an either or proposition. He needed to learn that you were not in total control at all times until you were completely out of control. There were varying degrees of control. Danny needed to live closer to the middle.

I removed my book from Danny’s backpack, but I could not concentrate. I didn’t want to read. I wanted to play.

I glared. Danny was infuriating! Desperate, I took aim and tossed my paperback, hitting Danny’s thigh, but he threw it back without missing a beat or losing his place.

Restless, I walked to the window, staring at the night skiers without any of it registering.  Speck-sized people schussing down the mountain weren’t that interesting. 

I crept up behind Danny, wrapped my arms around him, and peppered his neck and cheek with little kisses.

“Elizabeth, you’re a pest tonight,” he scolded. 

“Yes, I am,” I answered in a flirty voice. I reached for his face to kiss his lips. 

Danny took my hands and pleaded, “Can’t you give me an hour?  I want to read this. I’m actually enjoying this book.”

“I don’t want to wait,” I pouted.

“You sound like a spoiled little girl who isn’t getting her way,” Danny smirked.

I growled and gave him a dirty look. Danny laughed.

Frustrated, I announced, “I think I’ll try the tub.”

“Great idea,” Danny said. He was probably glad to be rid of me.

I went to the bathroom and turned on the water. There was a jar of bath salts. I threw a scoop of the vanilla scented powder under the rushing water. It was going to take awhile to fill the large spa tub.

After undressing, I reached for the plush robe hanging in the closet. Satin on the outside, soft, thick cotton on the inside.  It fell to my ankles.

Then I pulled my hair into a ponytail and clipped it high on my head. Checking the water level, I saw the tub was far from ready so I returned to the living room.

I sidled up to Danny and leaned over to kiss him. I let my robe loosen. Danny could not miss what waited if he gave up on that damned book already.

Danny reached around my waist and smiled. As I kissed him, the sash came undone. The robe slid open. Danny’s eyes went straight to my breasts and lingered. From there they traveled to my hips and finally to there. He grinned, no longer neutral.

The robe fell to the floor. Lust filled Danny’s eyes. I pressed against him for another kiss. The book fell from his hand and his arms enveloped my back. I quivered.

“You win, Elizabeth,” Danny laughed. “You don’t fight fair.”