The Only Choice (The Choices Trilogy #3) (16 page)

I am very confused. We are standing outside my apartment, Daniel’s car is nowhere to be seen and he seems to be leading me to a mini that is double parked. Not a new model mini like the one Ethan owns. This is an original mini, fire engine red, union jack on the roof and tiny, it’s absolutely tiny. As we approach a small, wiry looking man in his late twenties, with light blonde hair and a wispy ginger beard gets out of the front seat and rushes round to open our door. He is dressed smartly in trousers, shirt and black tie, he probably ditched his jacket because of the heat or more likely because there’s no room for it in the car.

“Hello Mr Stone, my names Billy and I am your driver for this evening.” He sweeps his arm in the direction of the back seat. “Welcome, if you would like to make yourselves comfortable, we’ll get started.” His voice is bright and energetic. Daniel moves to allow me to step, fold and wedge myself into the back seat. I shuffle back, the seat is actually quite comfortable and I have enough leg room but then I’m only five foot six. I can’t help but laugh as Daniel, at just shy of six four attempts to squeeze his frame in beside me. He laughs too but shuffles and moves so his large arm is around my shoulders and his legs are more on my side, either that or they would be tucked under his chin. He holds my hand with his free hand; lifting it to his lips he kisses the fingertips. Billy gets in starts up and announces that he is going to guide us through London on an original
mini
tour. The biggest smile stretches across my face. I love London but like many that live in this city I am ashamed to say I don’t take the time to enjoy it. I have probably visited all the major sights at one time but I take most for granted and have never been on a guided tour. Not even one of the many open top bus tours and they practically pass my front door every day.

I squeak as we hit our first pot hole that feels like the Grand Canyon in this car, you forget how lovely suspension is until there is none, or very little in this case. My muscles automatically tense and I get an instant warm rush and gentle wave of pleasure that causes me to let out a surprised breath. I hear Daniel chuckle. I turn to scowl but he is looking out of the window. Billy is giving a lively commentary as we pass Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The constant ebb and flow of pleasure from every bump in the road and every stroke of Daniels soft fingers on my neck or gentle kiss on my cheek is sublime but it does mean I pay little attention to the tour. We pass Buckingham Palace and St James, weaving our way across the city via a web of tiny back streets. Who knew there where that many cobbled streets left and who knew a mini would fit down them or that this tour would drive every single one of them. We drive across the river past The Globe and finally stop near The London Eye.

Daniel thanks Billy as I regain my composure. He takes my hand and walks me toward the river, and out on to a private pier where a large speed boat is tied. I halt and he turns looking at my feet, maybe he thinks my heel is stuck in the wooden boarding. His eyes travel slowly up my body and his smile gets wider with every inch covered until he meets my eyes and sees that my head is shaking. He steps to my side and wraps his strong arm around my shoulder pulling me to him and toward the boat.

“I promise you’ll love it.” His intonation fails to hide how true he believes his words to be and he has the cheek to wink as he holds his hand to me to follow him on to the sleek polished luxury speed boat. I slip out of my shoes and take his hand and steady myself as I step on and sit straight down. I know very little about cars and even less about boats but this one is very smart. On closer inspection the glossy black exterior is actually a midnight blue with a slight metallic sparkle, the plush seats that curve around the back of the boat are cream leather with dark blue piping and every surface is either super shiny chrome or polished wood. There are two large leather swivel chairs one behind what looks like a dash board and the wheel. Daniel sits beside me and lightly places his hand on the skirt of my dress, half touching my skin, his hand is warm and firm and although I feel a tingle all over it is manageable. The desire and need is there but it’s not all consuming. It is just normal and I am so grateful because for the first time in a while my brain can function. “You look so fucking beautiful, you look like you do when you’ve just—”

“—All clear to go Sir?” The voice interrupts and I giggle. Daniel kisses my nose and turns.

“All good thank you Mark, maybe not to the barrier, just the Dome and back?” Daniel clears his throat and flashes me a quick heated look.

“Very good Sir.” Mark turns and starts the very loud engine, the rumble sends a storm of vibrations through the boat and through me and I find I grip Daniels knee and the seat in anticipation of I know what’s coming. Because that would be me. This city is most incredible when the sun begins to set. I adore the riverbank vista and I love the varied skyline with its endless sea of sparkling lights. I love that Daniel wanted to show me this and I love that this is a proper date. We didn’t really date first time round. We just were and then my sister put an end to that and then we were again and now Angel has put an end to that. Maybe this time, dating is a better way to start, less drama more fun. The boat is fast and we speed and bump and jump our way up the Thames. Daniel holds my thigh as my body lifts and plummets with each wave and drop. The speed is exhilarating, the wind whips my hair loose and instead of fighting to keep it contained I loosen my tie and shake it out completely. I must look like medusa but I don’t care, it feels amazing, I feel free and I can’t fight how happy I am right now. I start to laugh with the next sudden drop and Daniel swings his arm pulling me close as I am tossed about unable to contain the fits of giggles. It is hard over the noise of the engine but I think he’s laughing too, he is certainly smiling. He is right, this is fun but like with most things too much and it very quickly stops being fun. I am just about there as one more wave of pleasure gently erupts and rolls away as we pull alongside the pier once more. I can feel my thighs tremble and I am exhausted and slightly queasy. Daniel takes one look at me, concern etched on his face.

“Are you all right, you look a little pale do you need me to. . . . Um help?” He shifts and my eyes flick to the distinctive bulge in his jeans. “Not that.” He adds quickly and I stifle a laugh because I can’t take any more tensing of my internal muscles.

“I think maybe I have had enough pleasure for one night.” I smile and see his shoulders relax. “And I would kill for some chips.” I smile, a little shy and he laughs loudly.

“No need to resort to murder, but chips? Are you sure? I was planning on taking you to The Berkerley.” He pulls me up to stand and I wobble but he steadies me with his hands firmly on my hips.

“I’m craving chips.” My mouth snaps at my slip but I quickly add. “I wouldn’t want you thinking I’m after your money. I don’t mind being a cheap date and I really fancy chips, something simple and soon.” I prompt.

“You’ve never been about the money baby. I’m truly sorry I ever said that.” He adds absently, “ but not really an issue anymore when you have your own—”

I step back with a frown. “What are you talking about? I don’t have my own. Well, I have a bit thanks to Tom but he really wanted—” I am getting flustered, fuck, but just as I start to get all agitated at the turn this light banter has taken Daniel pulls me to his chest and kisses my hair.

“Baby, stop sweating the small stuff. By the time you turn twenty-one you won’t give it a seconds thought.” I know I am confused but he doesn’t elaborate. “Now, I believe you are wanting to return some item of mine?” He wiggles his brow and I look around at our low but exposed position given that we are less than twenty five meters from the London Eye and all its entire occupants. He takes my hand and leads me to a hatch near the driver’s seat that I hadn’t noticed. I climb down following him, his hands rest on my calves and slide up my legs as I descend, lifting my dress as I go. A few short moments, an intimate adjustment and a passionate kiss later and I am climbing the few vertical steps back up to the deck. I can hear his groan and he mumbles something about ‘fuck being a gentleman.’ I laugh when he reaches the deck and holds my hand once more.

“If you were a gentleman you wouldn’t be blatantly staring at my arse as I climbed that ladder.” I grin with mock outrage.

“It is because I’m a gentleman that I was only
staring
at your arse.” He leads me back to dry land and we make our way the along bustling riverbank path. With County Hall, The London Eye, The Globe and Tate Modern all within easy walking distance this area is rightly, heavily packed with tourists. I nod to a patch of grass near the County Hall next to the hotel entrance and Daniel lays his jacket for me to sit while he hunts and gathers. I take my shoes off because although I haven’t walked far, they are really not made for anything much more than standing still or better yet, in a display case with a spotlight. I lie back and relax, taking in the sounds and smells, no distinct conversations and no distinct smells until I feel movement next to me and sit up to Daniel sitting down. “Sorry no chips but I know you love these and it is simple so I_” He has handed me a large bacon bap and the rancid smell assaults my nose like a grenade causing a violent instant heave of my stomach. I push his hand, turn and scramble away. Thankful I no longer have my shoes as I run flat out into the foyer of the hotel and quickly spot the ladies. Just in time I dry heave into the toilet. So so grateful I made it and although it hurts I am glad I had an empty stomach because I don’t think I would have made it this far.

There is a loud crash and a lady who must have been at the sink shrieks. “This is the Ladies!”

Daniels voice is calm but forceful. “I am aware of that. My girlfriend.” He offers as way of explanation. It doesn’t explain anything but it is all she is getting because I can now feel his hand gently resting on my hunched back. My hands are still gripping the seat and I am still swallowing back all the moisture in my mouth waiting for the next heave. Oh God how am I going to explain this? I can’t say it was the boat, he’ll feel bad. I can’t tell him I don’t love bacon when he knows I do, normally I do and I can’t tell him it’s the same bug I have been using as an excuse all week because he’ll have me seeing a specialist in the morning and then I’ll be really embarrassed. “Hey baby, can I get you anything?” I heave just at the thought of what he got me last time and continue to do that for endless minutes. My tummy hurts but I think I have finished I can still feel his warm hand gently massaging my back.

“Some water, please.” My voice is raw, husky and if it wasn’t for the fact I’m probably drooling it might even be a sexy voice. I wipe my face on the crumpled mass of tissues he hands me and make my way to the sink. He nods and I expect him to leave but he just stands staring, eyes filled with worry and as crappy as I feel I need to ease his concern. “I’m fine, sorry, clearly not fine fine but I’m Ok. I think it was a combination of bumpy rides, empty stomach and seeing a greasy bun. I’ve had a bit of a tummy bug and I think I’m just a little sensitive.” I laugh lightly, deciding a combination of all my excuses is probably more believable. “I wasn’t kidding when I said simple.” I let out a breath and grab his clenched hand, smiling. “OK?” His jaw is tense and his eyes darken but he nods and threads his fingers through mine. “Wait! Where are my shoes and your jacket?” I am looking him up and down like he might have secret pockets or something. He shrugs and leads me to the bar. He sits me in a semi-circular booth in the elegant piano bar, orders my water and goes back to retrieve our things. I notice him speaking to a waiter but returns empty handed. “Um shoes? . . . Jacket?” I enquire.

“I would like to say I have had them sent to the room I have booked for us here tonight.” He sits beside me his thigh pressed against mine.

“And have you?” He strokes his long finger along my jaw, his expression infuriatingly neutral.

“I have booked a room. I have not had our things sent there.” I let out a frustrated puff I don’t know whether to be irritated at his arrogance and his presumption or furious that he’s being so obtuse.

“So my shoes have been stolen! No sorry, Sofia’s shoes have been stolen and your jacket?Great!” I sit back sharply and he just laughs louder.

“Small stuff baby. I’ll replace the shoes and the jacket wasn’t a favourite or anything special, so it too can be replaced.” I am about to challenge him on his flagrant disposable attitude when the waiter brings me a delicate basket of chips and can’t help the huge smile that invades my face.

“Thank you.” I whisper to Daniel, as the waiter carefully sets a knife, fork and condiments.

He whispers back “you are most welcome.”

“I’m not staying here tonight.” I reply just as softly back at him with a grin. I pick up a chip with my fingers a pop it in my mouth wishing I had blown on it first as I am left to huff and puff to cool it in my mouth, not very good manners. He leans over and takes one too, blowing and arching a brow, like he’s teaching me basic laws of physics. I smile lightly and take another, they are piping hot, obviously, but crisp, fluffy and delicious.

“Really, and what makes you think that?” He pops the chip in his mouth and I can’t take my eyes off the way his lips move so slowly savouring the taste or savouring my reaction.

“Because you said this was a date, and since we are not actually together.” I point out and he narrows his eyes at this but I continue. “This is our first date yes? So, I don’t put out on a first date and as a gentleman you shouldn’t have presumed I would.”

“You did put out on our first date though.” He grins.

I can feel my cheeks flush pink and the sultry tone has my hairs prickling like an electrical current has passed through them. “Pretty sure that wasn’t a date either but um yes, I did. You are kind of . . . well . . . It’s hard to say no to you.” My voice is soft and I can hear my own hesitancy.

“Good to know.” He holds the cooled chip to my lips and I open on instinct. “So how is it you don’t seem to have the same compunction now?”