Misunderstood: In Love with the Nerd (The Miss Series Book 2) (20 page)

“Oh, but he’s so much more than that.”  Sonya straightened away from Daniel and stared her opponent down with importance.  “He’s the most gentle, kind-hearted and virtuous man I have ever known.  Not only is he drop-dead gorgeous, but he is also the most caring, most supportive friend any woman could ask for.  Yes, he may be the most intelligent, data dribbling man I know, but he is so remarkably gifted beyond the size of his brain tissue.  He’s a rare breed.  A real diamond in the rough.  Any woman’s dream.”

Silence fell between the trio before Aimee cleared her throat and looked away awkwardly. “I’m sure.  Oh, look, I’m afraid there is someone I must go and say hello to.”

Then she bolted away with a short nod of farewell in Daniel’s direction.”

As she scurried away, Sonya set her fixed gaze upon the departing woman’s back and felt remarkably triumphant.  As if she were a lioness protecting her pride and had just defeated the enemy.

“Laying it on a little thick, weren’t you?”  Daniel leaned forward to whisper in her ear.

She spun around to stare at him.  Every word she uttered hadn’t been a lie.  To her amazement she discovered it was exactly how she thought of Daniel.  He was more to her than some intellectual paragon.  If he didn’t have any of those traits she would still admire him terribly, because he had so many other wonderful qualities.  But Daniel could not suspect she felt so much admiration for him.  She was the type of woman who would hurt him in the end.

“I considered drama if my singing didn’t take off.”

He looked into her eyes and Sonya felt a sudden unease come over her.  She had to steel her face to conceal the truth.  Then taking a deep breath, he stood up straight and glanced around the floor.  “Shall we continue?”

She didn’t think it was the safest thing to do, but the waltz was a fairly non-contact dance in relation to some of the more intimate moves out there today.  Nodding, she held up her arms, but was taken by surprise when he ignored them and cupped her waist in the palm of his hands and pulled her body close.

“I was never any good at waltzing.”

As soon as she felt the contact of his body, hers came alive.  A searing warmth shot like wildfire throughout her body and melted it against his solid form.  “I-I could teach you.”

He gave her a sudden grin and moved closer.  Her eyes grew in alarm at what his obvious intentions were.  Then only at a breath’s distance apart, he whispered as she had done at the cottage before she kissed him, “Relax.”

Chapter 11

His lips covered hers in longing, desperately wanting to fulfil the need which had taken over him from the moment he first laid eyes on her, to the few snatches of contact he had been granted.  Her lips felt of satin and rose petals and her intoxicating fragrance of incense candles and cheap perfume, drifted up to his nostrils.  As he drew her even closer, he slid his hand up her back and encountered the long mane of her dark hair.

He was glad she decided to wear it down and relished in the feel of its smooth texture as his fingers played within its depths.  Her mouth began to respond below the onslaught of his own and he thought he detected a low moan as her arms moved on their own accord up and around his neck.

All his male responses kicked into gear and he wanted nothing more than to lift her into his arms and carry her to the nearest bed.  He wanted her.  He no longer wanted to deny.  Her body left a need deep within longing to be fulfilled.  No longer would he sit back and let her dictate his emotions or his needs.  They had an urgency that ached to be released.

With reluctance, he drew back from her, not forgetting where they were.  He would reveal his feelings to her whether it destroyed them or not, however it would be later in the private and secluded quarters of his bedroom.

She didn’t open her eyes at once, instead remained lying in his arms with her face tilted up to his as if begging him to continue.  Daniel would gladly have obliged her but first they needed to get out of there as soon as possible.

Sonya’s eyes flew open when she felt herself being spun away from the dance floor.  “Where are we going?”

“Home.”

She felt a swift brush of warmth sweep down her spine before she drew herself out of her reverie.  She and Daniel did not have a home together.  They never would.

“Look, Daniel—” she began.

He interrupted her by saying, “But I want you to meet someone first.”

Her hand flew to her cheek and wondered if she was in a state to meet anyone else.  Daniel had left her flushed and looking like a woman who had just been thoroughly kissed.  A tiny smile played about her lips.  She had just been thoroughly kissed.

He stopped them in front of two men deep in conversation.  One man looked to appear in his mid-forties with thinning hair and wire-rimmed glasses and the other man was an older gentleman of whitish-grey hair.  They nodded their heads in greeting, before Daniel tugged her arm so hard she stood before the man.

“I would like you to meet the woman I was telling you about.”  She heard him say from behind her.  “This is Sonya Elliott.”

The white-haired man’s face lit up with interest and a wave of unease overcame Sonya at once.  What was this about?  She was soon to find out.

“Sonya, I would like you to meet Robert Alto.”  Daniel continued the introductions.  “He is the chairman and president of Shingle Records.”

At first his words did not register, her mind was still struggling with the memory of that burning kiss and his declaration that he was taking her home.  Possibly to make love?  Her body tingled with delight even as her mind screamed of denial.  It would destroy Daniel.

Then like a jolt, she was drawn to the present and stared dumbfounded at the white-haired man in front of her.  She must have heard Daniel wrong.  That was impossible.  Someone like Sonya just didn’t show up a party also being attended by someone as important as Robert Alto.  That only happened to other people or people with money or connections.

Her head spun around to Daniel.  He was talking to the man and smiling.  They appeared to be old acquaintances and friends.  She blinked and thought she must be dreaming.  Everything around her suddenly seemed unreal.

Daniel was staring at her in a quizzical way and it registered in her head that the other gentleman was addressing her.  She had to force her stunned face around to look at Robert Alto and listen to his words.

“Daniel tells me you are a singer?”

She nodded slowly and wondered with panic why she couldn’t find her voice.  She needed to wake up from this trance and fast.  Opportunities like this never happened.  The fact that it was, left her completely stunned.

Moving her tongue, she experimented with its movement before she ventured to say.  “Yes.”  It was small, but it was a start.

The man smiled and nodded.  “Any style in particular?”

“Um.”  She was completely lost for words.  Her mind graveled for a coherent sentence.  “Country and a bit of Pop.”

Again he nodded.  “Have you made a demo yet?”

She nodded.

“Good.”  This seemed to please him.  “Why don’t you drop a copy off at my studio?”

“Um.”  Christ, she hated herself at this precise moment.  The chance of a lifetime was standing directly in front of her and all she could do was stutter.  “All right.”

“Is it possible to catch a live performance?”

“Yes.”  She was swift to answer this time.  “I do a full show every Monday night.”

He nodded.  “I think I’ll come around and hear you sing.  Where is that?”

She gave him the address to Tristan’s bar, relieved at last to discover she have recovered her voice.  “I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule Mr. Alto.  I promise you won’t regret it.”

The record company executive revealed his perfectly straight teeth in a smile.  “Please call me Bob.  Any friend of Daniel’s is a friend of mine.”  Then glanced at Daniel. “If Daniel says you have talent, then I have every reason to believe him.  I trust his judgment completely.”

Daniel’s only response was a small token of a smile.

“I’ll see you Monday night then.”  He spoke to Sonya before turning to leave and offered his farewells to both of them.

Sonya stood transfixed to the spot.  Her entire body felt in shock.  She had just scored the biggest opportunity she could have ever imagined, and she had Daniel to thank for it.  Turning, she stared openly at him with her eyes glowing of respect and gratitude.

“You did that for me?”

He gave a careless shrug.  “I’ve been hired to install a software program in the studio’s mainframe and might have brought your name up a few times in our meetings.”  He turned to leave.  “You’re a good singer.  You deserve a chance.”

Still in a state of amazement, she trudged after him with feet seemingly incapable of working.  A smile began to form on her face.  It grew bigger and bigger mirroring how she felt inside.  It was as if a light so bright and warm glowed from within.  Sonya couldn’t remember a time she ever felt so incredibly happy.  All because of Daniel.

She glanced at the back of his head as she followed him out of the banquet hall.  An overwhelming urge had her reaching out and clutching his hand.  He stopped automatically and Sonya used the opportunity to draw herself up in front of him and look up into his face beaming.  There was an emotion spilling forth from her which she had no idea as to its identity, other than she needed to react on it.

She smiled at him before she slipped her arms around his neck and raised herself up on tiptoes.  The need to touch and be near him had taken charge of her actions.  As for any onlookers watching, she could care less.  The happiness in her heart needed to be released.

Her mouth claimed his with as much gusto as she could muster.  But even that didn’t seem enough.  She wanted more, needed more.  Her hands began to move along his body in a fervent search.  Exploring and seeking and touching as much of him as possible.

The lips below her mouth were warm and soft and she pushed closer as if trying to bury her own deeper in his warmth.  She leaned closer and reveled at the touch of his body along her own and knew in an instant what she had to do.

She drew back only to breathe into his mouth a cry of desperation.  “Daniel, I want you.”

She heard him suck in a sharp breath then felt her arm seized in a fierce grip before he spun her around and moved them quickly toward the exit.  It seemed so far away.  Particularly at a time when she desperately wanted to be out of that room and back in her apartment with Daniel in her arms and in her bed.

“It’s about time.”

His curt remark had her smooth forehead crease in puzzlement but she was far too distracted to care.  As soon as they stepped outdoors and the cool evening air hit her face, he drew her back into his arms.  Sonya went willingly and happily.

His kiss was hard and urgent and she knew he wanted her as desperately as she wanted him.  Large arms came around and seized her tiny waist and crushed her body against his.  Through the soft material of her dress she felt his male response and a shudder of excitement rippled throughout her body.

Her hands yearned to touch him in his most private area but settled for the feel of his chest as she delved below the hem of his black tuxedo and yanked out the crisp white shirt in order to sneak her hands beneath.  His skin was soft and warm yet firm and on blazing fire.  She heard him muffle a groan into her mouth as her hands explored his body for the first time.

As their lips were inseparable, her hands were left to explore blindly.  A subconscious thought crossed her mind as she felt the taut muscles of his pecs.  How in the world did this gorgeous body go unnoticed by her for so long?  She wasn’t given much time to think for it was at that exact moment his own hands began their own exploring.

She let loose a long delighted sigh when his hand found the round swelling of her breast and her heart palpitated to an alarming rate.  So shocked by her reaction, she took a deep steady breath and stepped back.  The unbelievable truth was that it was Daniel who was making her feel this way.

“What are we doing?”

Disoriented, he stared down at her and blinked.  It seemed that they were both taken aback by the sudden desire coursing through their bodies.  Stimulated by the sole touch of the other.  His breathing was heavy and he appeared to be trying to get it under control.  A tiny flicker of worry found its way into the corner of his eye.

Sonya reacted quickly.  Throwing herself back in his arms she pressed her mouth hard against his.  One of her legs came up and hooked itself around his hip and drew him even closer.  Their desire was undeniable.  She wouldn’t let some silly apprehension come between them. 

Between kisses, she uttered, “Daniel, let’s go to my apartment.”

He captured her face between his hands and forced her lips wide with his probing tongue.  It lashed out and explored the warm texture of her mouth.  She couldn’t prevent the animal hunger taking over her and knew if they didn’t find privacy soon, she would be unaccountable for her actions.

“Daniel, please.”  Her hands roamed in fever, needing to touch him and draw him closer.

“I know, I know.”  Large hands seized her head and pressed it against his chest as if to quail the wild emotions within.  “Lord, you are so beautiful.”

A flutter of delight danced across her heart.  “Do you really think I’m beautiful, Daniel?”

He drew back and captured her face between his hands.  “There isn’t a more exquisite creature on earth.  You’re beauty has taken my breath away from the moment I first laid eyes on you.  But you probably already knew that.”

“No, not really.”  She smiled with pure happiness up into his face.

He smiled in return then dropped his hands to seize one of hers.  “I think we better get going before we put on quite a show right here in front of the banquet hall.”

She nodded and eagerly followed him to his car.  The need to be alone with Daniel had taken her by complete surprise.  It was an urge that hungered and burned deep within that could only be extinguished by him.  She now recognized it for what it was, he had ignited a longing within some time ago but she had been too blind and stubborn to acknowledge it.  Then out of utter gratitude her walls came tumbling down and her feelings were granted permission at last.  It was such a powerful emotion, that it was almost scary.

He drove with care once more but this time with a bit more speed and Sonya tried to keep her hands to herself to help ensure a safe drive.  However, at times she couldn’t prevent them sneaking over and run along the sinewy tissue of his arms.  To his acclaim, he did wonderful in ignoring her touch, only occasionally reaching out to capture a hand and press it against the warmth of his lips.

Sonya’s toes tingled with desire and she was forever grateful when their apartment loomed in the skyline and Daniel drove the vehicle into his marked parking spot.  After turning off the ignition he took no time in drawing her back into his arms and kissing her with such passion Sonya’s insides began to curl.

All at once, she knew she wanted this time with Daniel to be special.  She didn’t want their uncontrollable lust fulfilled in the back seat of a car.  She wanted it perfect and memorable so Daniel would never be able to forget.

Pulling out of his arms, she ignored the tiny voice that warned her that she too might find the experience one of her most unforgettable.  “Not here.  Let’s go upstairs.”

He nodded eagerly, his eyes burning of desire, then moved swiftly out of the vehicle.  Sonya followed suit.  Together they walked side by side into the building and boarded the elevator with remarkable calm and without touching.  However, as soon as they were left alone in the private quarters of the small contraption they turned to each other in hunger.