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Post by SAM HOLDER on Feb 22, 2014 22:56:11 GMT -5
To say Sam was uncomfortable with the way Jonah was glaring at him was an understatement. The guy looked menacing, and though Sam could probably be a decent match for him, he knew Jonah would probably kick his ass if he really wanted to. “She’s allergic to strawberries and bees." His brow furrowed in confusion at the mans words. That wasn't what he'd expected to hear. "There’s an Epipen in her purse. If you have a drink less than two hours before you think of bringing her home, have her call me and I’ll come get her.” Despite his instructions the man looked angry, but clearly he wasn't going to try and stop them from going out. Sam gave a nod, not one to drink and drive, and kept her allergies written in his mind as things to avoid with her. “If you need anything, you call me. And text me if you’ll be out later than eleven.” For the first time Sam really got to see their relationship outside of him simply being her bodyguard. Jonah cared for her as if she were her own and he had respect for him in that regard. But Dani was an adult and he needed to let her do what she pleased, something he was clearly battling with though giving in to. Jonah gave Sam one last glare before turning to head upstairs, which was when Dani stopped him, running to him and wishing him a Merry Christmas. Sam said nothing, waiting for Dani to return to him. When she did she slipped past him to get her outerwear and purse, and then grabbed the flowers he'd brought. “Do you mind if I re-gift the flowers and give them to your stepmom? I feel like I should bring something by way of apology for crashing the party.” Sam smiled and then laughed a little bashfully. "Actually, I'd sort of bought them for her anyway. Stopping here was a bit of a last minute decision and I didn't want to come in empty handed." He admitted. Dani laughed and scooped up the flowers, slipping her arm gently into his. He held her as they left her home, she locking the door behind her, before letting him escort her down to his car. “Do you think they’ll like me?” It was such an endearing question and he had to smile down at her, giving a short nod. "I don't see how they couldn't." He offered sincerely, opening her door for her. Sam shut the door behind her and went around to the drivers side. The drive to his dad's house wasn't a long one, and they talked about Sam's family that she would be meeting that evening while Christmas carols played softly on the radio. Sam reached for her hand about halfway there, still a but awestruck that this was happening. Not an hour ago he was sure that Dani hated him, and now they were something of a couple. Were they? He said he would introduce her as his girl, something that sounded so odd. Sam wondered if his father would pick up on the last name. Maybe he just wouldn't tell them, they probably wouldn't ask anyway. When they arrived, Sam's step-mother, Maggie, opened the door. She smiled politely and then caught Dani. He could tell she was surprised he would bring someone, especially without asking, but she said nothing about it. Maggie was polite and kind to people's faces, but would complain about them later. She wasn't mean spirited, just liked order and didn't like things to be thrown on her last minute or without her knowing, and an extra guest was simply that especially since she didn't have any presents for Dani. Some of Maggie's family was there, and of course his father, Daniel, and sister, Lauren. Lauren threw a tiny fit that Sam got to bring his girlfriend when she couldn't bring her boyfriend, but her mother put an end to that quickly, and Lauren decided to sulk for the rest of the evening. She perked up when presents were exchanged among the family, but refused to play any of the games and went back to sulking once the presents were all unwrapped. Dani fit right in, and Sam's father seemed to genuinely enjoy talking to the girl. He seemed glad that Sam brought someone. It was the first time he'd introduced his father to someone, and the man seemed grateful to be included in his sons social life. He was a laid back man with a strange firmness to him when needed, but only when needed. He and Sam shared their temperament, which was very different to the Holder women who seemed a bit more catty. Even with their Cattiness, Maggie seemed to like Dani, who had offered several times to help set up and clean up. Sam kept her close, though, finding it weird and exciting to put his arm around her or hold her hand, couple type things that seemed so foreign in their previous take on their relationship, especially after their three day hiatus. They all drank wine, ate dessert, and played pictionary, something Sam wasn't very good at, and told jokes and anecdotes. By quarter to eleven everyone was wrapping up and saying farewells. Daniel insisted on having the couple over again soon for supper which Sam agreed to after Dani seemed delighted by the idea. They left by eleven. "What did you think?" He asked as they walked to the car. He opened her door for her and then placed all his gifts in the backseat before shutting her door and going to the driver's side, pleased that she seemed to enjoy herself. It was still so surreal to him that they were doing this, but he had to admit how much he enjoyed it. There was a certain sense of pride he felt at having Dani Drake on his arm. Not only was she gorgeous, but she was smart and tough and kind. He liked showing her off, even if he felt strange and shy about it. "I think they liked you. I know Maggie was impressed. She didn't give any of her classic side glances to my dad when something didn't go the way she wanted it to." He teased with a smile, starting the car. He kept it in park a moment as Dani spoke about their evening, watching the glowing in her eyes. She seemed happy. Maybe a little tipsy, but mostly happy, and Sam had to wonder if she'd ever spent a holiday like this before. Without a second thought, and very suddenly, he leaned in, cupping her jaw and drawing her close so his lips could press into hers. He kissed her with a firm gentleness, adoring her. He nuzzled his nose into hers as their kiss lingered for a moment before pulling away just enough to open his eyes to hers. "I think I like this new arrangement we have." His fingers caressed her cheek gently, amazed at how soft it was. When she agreed to his sentiments he grinned and kissed her again before pulling back. "We should get you home before Jonah panics. He said eleven, and it's almost five past. Will he be there?" It just struck him that he wasn't sure if the man lived with her or not. Daniel Royer
Lauren Royer
Maggie Royer |
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Post by DANI DRAKE on Feb 24, 2014 22:21:41 GMT -5
"I don't see how they couldn't." Dani grinned wide, flattered by the sincerity in Sam’s voice. He really thought so highly of her—as highly as she thought of him. As they rode to his parents’ house, Sam told her about his family. It gave her a better idea of what she was walking into and the more he talked, the more excited she became. His hand slipped into hers as they glided down the road and Dani smiled warmly, twining her fingers with his in affection. All of her excitement coiled into anxiety when they pulled into his parents’ driveway. She wanted to hold Sam’s hand just for support, but refrained from doing so, happy to cling to the flowers instead. A pretty woman answered the door with a polite smile, a smile that faded a little as her eyes opened wide in surprise at seeing Dani. This must be Sam’s stepmom, Maggie. As promised, Dani offered up the flowers as a consolation and was relieved to see Maggie smile again and thank her. And just as he promised, Sam introduced her to his family as his girl. It made Dani’s cheeks flush, returning all of the smiles and greetings she received. They were all so nice and polite, except for maybe Lauren, who gave her a cool greeting despite the warmth Dani showed. That’s just how teenagers were. Dani made it her secret mission to get Lauren to really smile by the end of the night. When the girl threw a hissy fit for not being able to have her boyfriend over when Sam could have his girlfriend, Dani realized what a challenge her goal would be. It was only during the gift exchange that Dani was able to make a comment on one of Lauren’s gifts that made the girl give a genuine smile. That was her only triumph with the girl for the evening, but it was enough. She strove to get on Maggie’s good side too, a task she was sure she completed successfully with all the help she offered setting up and cleaning up after eating and playing games. But Sam’s father was no challenge at all. Daniel was a kind man, very much like his son. She found talking to him almost as easy as it was to talk to Sam and a couple times throughout the night she found herself completely engrossed in conversation with Daniel. It didn’t escape her that Sam’s father’s name was the male equivalent of her own, but she would save the comment for later when she was alone with Sam. She liked being affectionate with Sam in front of others, though. It was strange and new and exciting to hold his hand or snuggle under his arm in front of others. She got a rush from showing others what a cute couple they made. What a great feeling it was to be a couple with Sam!
The night was wonderful, full of wine, games and laughter. She and Sam weren’t very good at Pictionary, but they still had tons of fun. They told stories around the table and Dani held Sam’s hand as they joined in the laughter. It was well into the night when everyone began to wrap up. Daniel insisted on having Sam and Dani over again soon for dinner and Dani jumped at the chance. She couldn’t wait to have dinner with his family again! She’d never had so much fun in any family setting before. Finally they were making their way to the car, Dani a little tipsy from the wine, but just enough to feel loose and perfectly content. "What did you think?" “They were wonderful!” she gushed as Sam packed his gifts into the car. “I had so much fun! You have such a nice family.” She was next to pack in, sliding into the passenger’s seat and smiling as Sam closed her door behind her. When he climbed in, he was smiling. "I think they liked you. I know Maggie was impressed. She didn't give any of her classic side glances to my dad when something didn't go the way she wanted it to." Sam laughed and so did Dani, a rush going through her at knowing she’d impressed his parents. They liked her! Even though she had crashed their Christmas so unexpectedly! It was such a relief and a joy. “Thank goodness! I was so scared they wouldn’t like me. But I really like them! Especially your dad. He’s so interesting! I felt so at home.” She smiled warmly at Sam, realizing that this was the most at home she had felt in such a long time. Even in her own home she didn’t feel completely at ease; it was too full of dark memories. She was so happy to finally find this warm, cozy feeling once more.
Without warning, Sam leaned in, cupping Dani’s jaw and pulling her into a sweet, passionate kiss. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as she reached out to touch his jaw in return, leaning into his kiss. As his nose nuzzled against hers, Dani nuzzled back and pressed her lips tenderly into his. She adored him and could feel just how much he adored her in return. It filled her with happiness to the point of bursting. "I think I like this new arrangement we have." Dani’s eyes fluttered open, seeing the amused smile on his mouth and the way it reflected in his hazel eyes. She grinned in return, leaning a little closer once more. “I think I agree.” It was a playful response and she continued to smile as Sam kissed her again. A soft sigh escaped her nose—she was completely captivated by him. Alas, Sam pulled away and shifted so he was facing forward once more, making it obvious they were heading out.
“We should get you home before Jonah panics. He said eleven, and it's almost five past. Will he be there?" Dani looked at the clock in the car, her eyes wide with surprise. He was right! They were late! Dani dug in her purse for her cell phone as they backed out. “Yeah, he should be. He sleeps in a room on the opposite end of the house. It gives me privacy, but he’s close by if I need him. I’ll text him so he knows we’re on our way.” She quickly typed a message to Jonah, explaining they had lost track of time and were on their way. He replied with a simple word of thanks and she knew he would be waiting up when she got home. Not that it would stop her from inviting Sam inside. She didn’t know what would happen, but she knew she didn’t want to say goodnight yet. The night was too perfect, too good to let slip away just yet. She continued to gush about his family as they drove back to her house, their hands clasping along the way. Already she couldn’t wait until they had dinner with his family again! Sam seemed thoroughly pleased with how excited she was about everything and that made Dani so much happier. It was good to see him enjoying this new aspect of their relationship.
When they reached her house, Sam helped her out of the car and she continued to hold his hand all the way to her front door. She turned to him with a bright smile as they stood on her front door step. Her cheeks were a little flushed, her free hand finding his. “This was the best Christmas of my life, Sam. I’m so happy you thought to bring me.” His response made her grin and she released one of his hands to reach up and touch his cheek, pulling him down into a sweet kiss. Neither one of them wanted to pull away, however, and Dani soon found herself wrapped in Sam’s arms, her own wound around his shoulders. Her heart raced faster the longer their kiss lasted, falling under the spell of his lips. When they finally separated, she was panting softly, leaning in to brush her nose along his. “You know, I still have a present for you under my Christmas tree. I was supposed to give it to you at the Christmas party.” There was a bashful but hopeful smile on her lips as she looked into his eyes, keeping him close. “Do you want to come inside?” She hoped he would say yes.
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Post by NICHOLAS BELLEFONTAINE on Feb 26, 2014 14:16:44 GMT -5
“Yeah, he should be. He sleeps in a room on the opposite end of the house. It gives me privacy, but he’s close by if I need him. I’ll text him so he knows we’re on our way.” Sam nodded but he was definitely a little uncomfortable with the thought of her living with Jonah. Sure, it was for her safety and there was really nothing wrong with the guy, but it would make dating Dani difficult, especially if he wanted to come in. It was like living with a very over protective parent, which was something Sam wasn't all that interested in dealing with. Of course he had no choice, and he would never hassle Dani for this, but he silently decided he probably wouldn't come over as much as he would like if Jonah was lurking around keeping an eye on him, no matter how much he cared for Dani.
Dani continued gushing about his family and deep down he was truly glad they had all gotten along so well. He'd been nervous about bringing a girl home, not that he thought they wouldn't like Dani, but it was a big step for him. He didn't grow up with his father and their relationship, though it was good, wasn't the father/son relationship he wanted it to be. His father was more like a friend, not someone Sam entirely looked up to, but saw more as an equal. To introduce a girl wasn't something he'd ever done, so he was glad that it worked, and glad that the girl he brought home was one that they seemed to approve of though he didn't need anyone's approval. He imagined it was nice for Dani to be a part of it as well. Sam knew a little of what her life was like, but he didn't know as much as he'd like. Of course he would likely learn more in the upcoming months, but he was under the impression that she hadn't spent a holiday like this in a very long time, if ever. Even if he knew nothing of her life he would be able to pick that up by the way she spoke so exuberantly about the night. To him it was nothing special, but to Dani it was almost blissful.
Sam slid the car to a stop in front of Dani's home and cut the engine, getting out and coming to her door to escort her up to her front step. They held hands and he braced himself to say goodnight, trying not to think of Jonah standing just on the other side waiting to interrogate Dani about the way he'd acted that evening. At the top of her steps she stopped and turned to him with one of the brightest smiles he'd ever seen and he couldn't stop his own from forming on his lips. It felt so foreign and natural all at the same time to be doing this with her, almost like a dream. “This was the best Christmas of my life, Sam. I’m so happy you thought to bring me.” He felt sad by her words despite the look on her face. How had an uneventful Christmas with his dad have been the best of her life? "Then you're a lot easier to please than I thought you would be." He teased. "I'm glad you had fun, though. I have to admit it was really nice having you there." Her gloved fingers touched his cheek and pulled him down into a kiss, one he accepted and returned. It was easy to get lost in her soft lips and soon Sam found his left hand cupping her cheek, the other slipping around her waist, drawing her closer as their kiss deepened. His stomach twisted and his heart fluttered with the excitement of it, thoughts of Jonah dissipating as his entire world centered on the beautiful woman whose body was pressed into his.
Dani finally pulled away, but just barely. Sam sighed, knowing the moment was coming to an end. “You know, I still have a present for you under my Christmas tree. I was supposed to give it to you at the Christmas party.” His cheeks pinked just a little as he thought of the Christmas party, and suddenly he was reminded of her guardian probably only feet away from them. “Do you want to come inside?” Sam swallowed, looking into her hopeful eyes. He was torn, wanting to come in as much as she wanted him to. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad.. "It's getting late.." He knew it was a stupid excuse, but the office was open tomorrow and he was expected to be there. Of course his boss would okay it if he couldn't come in since she was the reason he was out late. The look on her face made his heart fall, and his shoulder slumped. She didn't want it to end, and honestly, neither did he. "But a few more minutes won't hurt." He smiled at the reaction she gave, receiving another sweet kissed before she fished her keys from her purse. She opened the front door and let him in.
Jonah was nowhere to be seen, but that didn't mean he wasn't lurking near by. Sam looked around as Dani took off her coat, hanging it up. He took his own off and followed her lead, copying her motions. "You know I was here once when I was a boy. With my grandfather." He told her, looking around again as he followed her through the house. "I don't really remember it very well. I was really young. Might have met your brother.. but I could be wrong. It would have been before you were born." That seemed so strange to him, to have met her brother. Had he? Or maybe he was mixing up memories. "Is, uh.. Jonah waiting for you to meet him?" He asked trying not to sound nervous about it.
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Post by DANI DRAKE on Mar 1, 2014 22:10:58 GMT -5
“It’s getting late…” Dani’s face fell at Sam’s words, her smile fading a little. So he was still leery of Jonah…not that Dani could really blame him. Jonah was a great bodyguard because he was able to intimidate people. In a way, he was only doing what she paid him to do in his interaction with Sam. Her eyes dropped from Sam’s, looking down at his shirt with disappointment. It would probably take some time before Sam was comfortable with all of this. “But a few more minutes won’t hurt.” Immediately Dani’s eyes widened once more, snapping up to his. When she saw the slight smile on his mouth, her own smile spread across her face. “Really?” He grinned wider and she pulled him in for another happy kiss, though it was briefer than the last. Dani then released him to fish her keys from her purse and let them into her warm house. The familiar smell of cinnamon greeted them as they walked into her house—it was the way her house had smelled since she was a child and she liked to keep it that way. Once inside, she closed the door behind them and locked it, as was her habit. She went to the coat rack by the door and slid her coat off her shoulders, inviting Sam to do the same. “You know I was here once when I was a boy. With my grandfather.” Her eyes looked up to his face in surprise. He had been in her house before? “I don’t really remember it very well. I was young. Might have met your brother…but I could be wrong. It would have been before you were born.” She smiled wistfully, amazed that he’d been in her home before she was born. He’d met her family, even if he didn’t remember them. And now she had met his. In a strange way, it felt like they were meant to meet each other all these years later. She felt closer to him in that moment.
“Is, uh…Jonah waiting for you to meet him?” Dani could tell Sam was trying not to sound nervous, but he was failing miserably. It made her bite back a smile as she shook her head. “No. He probably heard the door open and close. His room is right above the vestibule so he can hear and see when people are coming into the house. And he’s probably banking on you coming in because he knows I still have your present. He wouldn’t want to bother us again.” She looked up at Sam as she led the way towards her living room, offering a smile and a shrug. “Jonah and I have known each other a very long time. I know how the man thinks.” Her arm slipped into Sam’s and she guided him into the living room, the tree lit and music still playing softly. “Don’t worry about him. It’s just you and me right now.” She smiled warmly, wanting to reassure him and make him stop thinking about her housemate. The fire was dwindling and the fading smell of cigar smoke told her Jonah had been in there maybe an hour or so before they came home. She moved to the old stone fireplace and placed another log on the fire, wishing she could coax it higher but not daring to show Sam that side of her yet. When she stood straight again, she smiled at Sam who was looking around the room with curiosity. “Make yourself at home.” She giggled at the almost bashful look he gave her, obviously nervous about all of this still but trying not to be. At least he wasn’t as overwhelmed with the sheer vastness of her house and the expensive surroundings as other people were. He was used to it being the heir to the Holder family fortune and that was a huge relief to Dani.
While he settled in, she turned to the beautiful white-lighted Christmas tree with all of its shiny and glittering ornaments and picked up the only two gifts left beneath the boughs. One had her name on it and the other had Sam’s. She brought them to the couch and sat down beside Sam, curling her legs up under her and nestling close to him. “I haven’t opened the one you gave me either. But you go first.” Handing him his gift, Sam began to object, insisting she open her gift first. “No, you go first.” But he only insisted again, which made her laugh. “Fine! We’ll do rock, paper, scissors to see who goes first. If I win, you go. If you win, I go. Ready?” She set her gift in her lap and rested her fist on the flat palm of her other hand. Sam did the same and she grinned, a challenge sparkling in her eyes. “Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!” Sam’s fist remained balled, indicating rock, while her hand stretched out in the sign for paper. With a triumphant laugh, she covered his hand while giggling. “You first!” She watched with happy anticipation as Sam carefully unwrapped all three of the books she gifted to him. His smile told her that he liked them and she smiled in return. “You like them?” she asked softly, eager to please. Giving gifts people liked was one of her favorite things to do.
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Post by SAM HOLDER on Mar 1, 2014 23:39:39 GMT -5
“No. He probably heard the door open and close. His room is right above the vestibule so he can hear and see when people are coming into the house. And he’s probably banking on you coming in because he knows I still have your present. He wouldn’t want to bother us again.” That was a relief about him not wanting to bother them again, though he was a little disturbed that he might be able to see them kissing out front. Did she have cameras? It wasn't his place to ask, so he didn't. Instead he simply followed her into the living room, the house smelling warm and inviting. “Jonah and I have known each other a very long time. I know how the man thinks.” He pushed a smile on his face though it wasn't exactly genuine. It felt odd to him how close they were, but he understood completely why. A young girl like that alone in the world truly did need protection, especially with how much she was worth. He slipped his hand into hers and moved through the house, catching a glimpse of the beautiful tree. Her home reminded him a bit of his grandfathers in its decorating style. Sam knew for sure she had likely kept things the way her parents did, which he found endearing. “Don’t worry about him. It’s just you and me right now.” She smiled warmly at him and he had to do the same. It was what he wanted; a picturesque evening opening gifts by the tree. It was nice to pretend they were something more than they were, like a newly wed couple enjoying their first holiday together in their new home. It was a nice thought, one he could picture actually happening with Dani. Only time would tell if they were meant for that though, and he was certainly in no hurry to rush into that with anyone, even Dani.
Dani moved away from him and he watched her as she scooted to the fire, his gaze moving away around the room. "Make yourself at home.” She giggled and he looked back shyly, having been busted for checking the place out. When he noticed she'd place another log on the fire he grimaced. "I could have done that." He insisted softly, before taking a seat. She'd already finished and was waving the comment away, making him shake his head with a little laugh. She was used to being on her own, that was for sure. Dani grabbed two gifts from beneath the tree and he recognized one immediately. It was the box he'd gotten for her. She hadn't opened it yet and he huffed slightly. Was she really that angry with him? She came over and sidled up next to him, his arm moving to rest behind her instinctively. His fingers played gently with the soft brown hair as she looked up into his eyes, her own glittering with innocent excitement. “I haven’t opened the one you gave me either. But you go first.” She pushed the box towards him but he shook his head. "I gave you yours first, you open yours!" He insisted bordering on playful. “No, you go first.” He was shaking his head, pushing the box back. "No way, you first. You don't get to be boss tonight." She laughed and he smiled wider, fighting the urge to kiss her again. “Fine! We’ll do rock, paper, scissors to see who goes first. If I win, you go. If you win, I go. Ready?” Sam rolled his eyes, but his grin was wide. He gave in, holding his hand out. "Fine." He growled, trying to sound agitated but failing miserably. He readied his hands and narrowed his eyes intimidatingly at his opponent as she counted them off. “Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!” Sam threw his fist out, showing he had rock. Her hand opened up, covering his as a triumphant laugh echoed from her throat. He groaned and threw his head back. “You first!” "Alright, alright.." Sam accepted her present which was heavier than he expected. He carefully unwrapped the paper, exposing three different books. He pushed them aside looking each one over closely; a historical book about the history of British oppression in India, one about India’s law system and its history, and last a novel called Deep River by Shusaku Endo, a book he hadn't read but was sure was good if Dani gifted it to him. He smiled wide as he looked them over, more than pleased with her selection. She'd listened to him and his interest in India and shopped accordingly.
“You like them?” she asked softly, and he could hear the anticipation in her voice. He looked up and nodded, genuine happiness on his face. "I love them. These are wonderful." He insisted. "Thank you." Sam leaned closer, pressing his lips to hers in way of thanks, a gesture which still seemed strange but natural at the same time. "Alright, now it's your turn!" She already had the box and he watched as she opened it carefully, pulling the paper away and then lifting the heavy cardboard lid. Inside was an assortment of bottles, skincare items with the same emblem on them; Le Couvent Des Minimes. The bottles were varying in color from white to almost yellow, all stating they were the Honey and Shea line. "Maggie swears by this. It smells really nice and I usually get her some for her birthday." He didn't mention the price. Money wasn't a factor when picking gifts. "I hope you like it." He felt a little anxious, hoping she wouldn't take it the wrong way. Getting girls things like this could be risky, he knew that, but he thought she might like the simple, yet elegant lotions.
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Post by DANI DRAKE on Mar 4, 2014 21:55:36 GMT -5
“I love them. These are wonderful. Thank you.” Dani beamed at the genuine happiness on Sam’s face as he spoke those words. She was so glad he liked them! He leaned in close and Dani blushed as Sam topped off his thanks with a sweet kiss. Kissing over gifts was such a couple thing to do; it felt strange and natural at the same time and Dani relished it. When Sam pulled away, she leaned after him a bit, reluctant for the moment to end. “Alright, now it’s your turn!” She grinned and turned to her own present. Carefully she pulled away the pretty paper over her gift, revealing a plain but elegant box. She lifted the lid and peered inside at the assortment of bottles. It was a collection of skin care and toiletry products with the Le Couvent Des Minimes logo on it. Her eyes widened to match her growing smile. She looked up at Sam with absolute happiness. “Maggie swears by this. It smells really nice and I usually get her some for her birthday. I hope you like it.” Grinning wider, Dani nodded her head enthusiastically. “I love it! Holly at work has been recommending this brand for years. Now I’ll finally get to see what all the buzz is about!” She pulled out a bottle and clicked the top back, bringing it to her nose. The smell was simple and elegant—right up her alley. With a big smile, she put the bottle back in the box and closed the lid once more. “Smells heavenly. Thank you.” She leaned into him and planted a sweet, lingering kiss on his lips. When she tried to pull away, he leaned in again for another kiss, making her giggle into his mouth. Her hand came up to his jaw, her fingers tracing its shape while they got lost in each other’s kiss. She could do this for hours…
When they did reluctantly pull away, Dani opened her eyes to Sam’s with a content smile. She didn’t want the night to end just yet. “Would you like a tour?” It may have been a somewhat random question, but Sam seemed pleased with the idea. He consented and she grinned in return. “Maybe it’ll jog your memory of being here when you were little.” It wasn’t likely if he had been there before she was born, but Dani was still intrigued by the idea of a little Sam Holder walking around her house before she even set foot in it. They got to their feet and Dani led the way out of the room and back into the vestibule. She took him from room to room, showing him the various noticeable antiques that dated back to the building of the original house not long after the first settlers arrived in Scriptor Bay. Even then it had been quite the fancy house and throughout the rooms were littered old drawings and photos illustrating the history of the house. Each room had something unique about its furniture or its design. Most of the rooms were now painted as Dani had chosen, but she mostly kept to the original coloring of the house and kept all of the same molding. She liked bringing out its original beauty where she could. There were portraits of dead relatives in every room, but she didn’t dwell on most of them. The kitchen was the most modern room of the house, but even that was based mostly on a modernized French country look. Her library was her favorite room besides the living room they had started in. It had custom made bookshelves made of mahogany that went from floor to ceiling and covered most of the wall space in the room. She had a ladder to get to the top shelves and there was plenty of comfortable seating that overlooked the pristine lawn and garden at the back of the house. Every afternoon the room was flooded with light and she could spend hours never leaving the room. The library impressed Sam and Dani wondered if there would be afternoons spent with him in this room in the future.
They made their way upstairs and Dani showed him the office she kept there and pointed to the door to Jonah’s room. Naturally, they didn’t get any closer to his door than they needed to. There was another room not far from Jonah’s that had a closed door, but Dani avoided that room too. Sam didn’t need to see the place where her brother had slept. It was very different than when Victor had occupied it, but Dani still avoided using it if she could. Until there was a reason to use that room and make it something other than what it had been, Dani would always feel like going in there was taboo. On the farthest side of the hallway from Jonah’s room was her own room and adjoining bathroom. She showed him the good-sized modernized bathroom with the separate, large shower and even larger jacuzzi bathtub. Then she led the way into her bedroom. It was neat but cozy, black, white and taupe dominating the color scheme with accents of red popping tastefully about the room. The room was spacious enough for a reading corner with red couch and a couple more bookshelves, a bay window with padded seating offering a look off towards the bay. She had a king-sized bed and an antique armoire also, but the room wasn’t cramped in the least. Black and white photos she’d taken in her travels adorned the walls along with photos of friends and family that she hung over her couch. Each photo offered a look into Dani’s life and it was quite obvious that this room was her sanctuary. She turned to Sam and smiled a little bashfully. “I think you’re the first guy I’ve had in my room since I graduate college. Unless you count Jonah coming in here for girl talk.” The last comment was obviously a joke, but she shrugged a shoulder with a conciliatory half-smile as if she was serious. “What can I say? He’s a sensitive soul.” She grinned from ear to ear, hoping to make Sam laugh. The man seemed a little tense being in her bedroom.
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Post by SAM HOLDER on Mar 5, 2014 22:42:25 GMT -5
“I love it! Holly at work has been recommending this brand for years. Now I’ll finally get to see what all the buzz is about!” He grinned, pleased she was pleased with the gift, especially since she'd heard of it before and had wanted to try it. She smelled it and he watched happily, knowing how it smelled. He liked the scent; it was simple and sweet but not obnoxious as many perfumed things could be and certainly didn't smell cheap. “Smells heavenly. Thank you.” "You're welcome." He rasped before she leaned in and planted a kiss on his lips, lingering a while before pulling back but when she did he leaned forward into her lips again, smiling as he prolonged their kiss and extracting a giggle from the beautiful young woman. He was glad he decided to come in, glad the night wasn't over and he could share this strangely normal moment with her. The kiss grew slightly more heated, her fingers curling up around his jaw while his hand slipped onto her lap gently. He was still amazed this was even happening.
As with all good things, the kiss finally came to an end. He pulled back a little, gazing into her eyes which were crinkled at the side with a little smile. He grinned back, sad that it was going to end soon but glad that he knew she wouldn't be avoiding him when he saw her tomorrow at work, which he was strangely looking forward to. “Would you like a tour?” He smiled, amused at her excited innocence. He gave a nod, chuckling a little. "That would be lovely." It was bordering on teasing and she smiled in return. “Maybe it’ll jog your memory of being here when you were little.” "Maybe." He agreed, though he knew it wasn't likely. He'd been young and his grandfather had toted him around to many of his meetings as a boy. His grooming had started young.
Dani lead the way as they made their way from room to room, nothing seeming familiar, but all was beautiful. She had preserved the history of the home which he could appreciate. One day he knew he would likely inherit his grandfathers estate and he liked to think he would keep it preserved as well. A fleeting thought ran through his mind about where they would live if they were ever to move in together. It was far too soon to think about such things with them having just become official;y dating, but he wondered. He wondered what his grandfather would think when he told him he was dating Miss Drake. The thought made his stomach twist as Dani toured the home with him. His grandfather would certainly come down on him for having relations with his boss. Sam decided that maybe grandfather didn't need to know yet. Not until Sam had moved up in the company or to another. Those were thoughts for another time, though. He paid attention as she spoke, admiring the home she grew up in and appreciating it in all its beauty.
Sam could tell by the way Dani spoke of the library that it was one of her favorites in the home and he could easily see why. It was spacious and full of books, decorated nicely and was comfortable. It had a beautiful view to boot and he felt instantly comfortable in the room. Sam didn't hold back in agreeing how beautiful it was, truly impressed by it. Dani seemed more than pleased and he wondered if there would be future afternoons in this room with her. The thought was a nice one, and it made him feel strangely content to think about. She continued her tour up the stairs and showed him where Jonah stayed, though they didn't come close to it. She skipped some other rooms but Sam didn't think much on it. They weren't worth mentioning, probably. On the opposite end of the hall was her room and he was pleased to see there was a good bit of space between the rooms, but Sam could imagine that Jonah listened carefully for any noises. It was his job, after all.
Her room was beautiful and well kempt, which didn't exactly surprise him, but it seemed so neat considering she didn't know she was going to have company. He liked that she was tidy, though. He was tidy, after all. Part of their upbringing he decided. The colors were inviting but cool at the same time, a very mature color scheme and he wondered if this had been her room from the start or if there was a pink room somewhere else in the home, preserving her childhood. He looked at the pictures on the wall and wondered if she herself had taken them. Some were of famous places he knew she'd visited from previous conversations and decided she was likely the photographer. “I think you’re the first guy I’ve had in my room since I graduate college. Unless you count Jonah coming in here for girl talk.” He turned and looked at her with a kind, amused smile. He knew Dani must be teasing by the way she said it. “What can I say? He’s a sensitive soul.” She grinned and Sam laughed, shaking his head. "He seems very sensitive." He agreed, though it was obvious he was joking as much as she was. Sam sucked in a deep breath and looked around again before looking back at Dani. "Did you take the pictures?" He asked, nodding to the various frames hanging on the wall. She confirmed she had and he complimented them, telling her they were beautiful, which they were. His smile grew mischievous and he raised a brow. "Where's all the pink frilly stuff hiding?" He teased, glad to see the smile on her face as she admitted it was stashed in the closet. He stepped towards it playfully, stopping only when she grabbed his arm and insisted he didn't, amusement in her tone and written all over her young face. He turned back to her with a laugh, gazing into those deep ocean eyes. How had she captivated him so? He took a step closer, still smiling and looking down into her eyes as his fingers came and tucked her hair behind her ear. He knew he could love her. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that he probably already did. He'd been devastated when he thought he'd lost her forever. "I was afraid I'd ruined this." He told her softly, the playfulness gone. He felt safe in her room, as though Jonah couldn't watch them there. "Promise you'll give me the chance to apologize properly when I've screwed things up. Don't run from me.. please.." His face lowered instinctively closer to hers. She promised softly, wondering if she would be able to keep that promise. He knew what she'd been through on some level, and he knew she didn't date a lot. How many men had she scared off with her evasiveness prior to him? He didn't know if he was the first or not, and he didn't care to know the answer.
His lips pressed softly into hers, the hand that had tucked her hair behind her ear moving to cradle her neck gently, leaning it up towards his face. He was falling too far too fast with her. After months of telling himself this was only a friendship and forcing himself to keep his attraction at bay, he finally opened the floodgate and let himself go. His adoration poured from his lips onto hers finding it hard to hold back. Dani didn't resist. If anything she egged him on, her fingers lighting him on fire while her lips coaxed him deeper. He had to stop or he'd never get out of there and they had work in the morning. With a sad sigh he pulled away, her lips resisting as her body moved with his, trying desperately to prolong it another second. "If I don't go now I might not at all." He gave a nervous sort of laugh, biting the inside of his lower lip. "I'm not sure what my boss would do if I called out sick the day after Christmas. She'd have to know I was lying, probably assume I was out with some beautiful girl all night." He smiled, the hand at her neck moving to stroke her cheek softly, using his knuckles. "I'd hate to disappoint her."
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Post by DANI DRAKE on Mar 9, 2014 21:44:54 GMT -5
"He seems very sensitive." Dani giggled at the hint of sarcasm in Sam’s voice as he agreed with her. Their eyes met and Dani continued to smile brightly at her guest. "Did you take the pictures?" She nodded proudly. “I did! I picked my favorites from my travels.” Sam told her they were beautiful and Dani flushed gently, her smile turning somewhat bashful. She thanked him softly before his smile turned mischievous. Her smile became suspicious and she gave him a curious look. "Where's all the pink frilly stuff hiding?" Dani’s lips tucked into her mouth as if she was embarrassed, but the smile fighting at the corners of her mouth gave her playfulness away. “In the closet,” she finally confessed in a low voice. He stepped towards her closet, shocking her legs into bouncing after him and grabbing his arm with a laugh. “No, don’t!” she protested between laughs, grinning as he laughed at her reaction. Their eyes met and she stared into the warm, comforting hazel of his gaze. A magnetic pull drew them towards each other once more and Dani bit her bottom lip gently as Sam’s fingers tucked her hair behind one ear. Her heart fluttered and throbbed in her chest, making her wonder if this was what love felt like. Could she have already fallen in love with Sam? "I was afraid I'd ruined this. Promise you'll give me the chance to apologize properly when I've screwed things up. Don't run from me…please…" Dani swallowed hard, the weight of such a promise reminding her of the risk she was taking in trusting Sam with her heart. If she made this promise, she couldn’t run away and hide at the first sign of danger. This was the incentive she needed to leave the scared little girl of her past behind her. With a nod, she smiled softly again, her eyes fluttering from his gaze to his slowly approaching mouth. “I promise.” The words were sweet and breathed against his lips before they finally pressed into hers.
Sam cradled the back of Dani’s head as he drew her into his passionate kiss. It was an adoring, honest kiss, one that left Dani breathless as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. The more deeply he kissed her, the more strength seeped out of her legs. One hand slid to his jaw, her fingers caressing the smooth, freckled skin before slipping back into his auburn hair. His lips pressed harder into hers and she pushed her body tighter against his, wanting to melt with him. To her disappointment, his mouth pulled away. Instinctively she lifted her chin to follow his movements, but soon she came to her senses and her eyes slid open. "If I don't go now I might not at all." Her lip pouted gently, not wanting him to go anyway. "I'm not sure what my boss would do if I called out sick the day after Christmas. She'd have to know I was lying, probably assume I was out with some beautiful girl all night." Dani giggled, her heart swelling at the feel of Sam’s affectionate knuckles dragging across her cheek. "I'd hate to disappoint her." She buried both of her hands in his hair, biting back a smile by chewing gently on her bottom lip. “Well, I heard there’s something going around the office. Maybe you caught it too. And if you caught it, she definitely caught it. You guys do have lunch together a lot.” He gave a playful response, one hand dropping down to pull her hips closer. Dani giggled and brushed her nose against Sam’s as she pulled his face closer to hers. “Not like anybody does real work the day after Christmas anyway.” She could tell it wouldn’t take much more persuasion to get Sam to agree to stay. Her lips pressed against his once more and she knew she’d convinced him. Both of her hands slipped to the collar of his shirt, gripping it gently as Sam’s tongue sought out her own. With a sigh through her nose, Dani stepped backward towards her door, never pulling her lips from Sam’s. When she felt the wood at her back after a bit of clumsy stumbling, her hand reached behind her and gently pushed the door closed the rest of the way, her fingers slipping the lock into place. Sam pulled back enough to look into her eyes and Dani flushed with a coy smile. “Make sure we really have privacy this time…”
Their mouths connected again, this time the kiss deep and insistent from the beginning. Sam’s tongue stole her breath away, drawing a soft whimper from her. Both of her arms wrapped tightly around his shoulders while her back rose off the door she was still pressed against to push her hips into his with silent need. His reaction made her shiver, her heart pounding harder in her chest. She pulled her lips back enough to nip at his bottom lip, tugging it back until she could look into his lustful eyes. “Stay the night.” Her plea was spoken in a whisper, her lips brushing against his softly. Hopefully it was enticing enough for her to get her way.
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Post by SAM HOLDER on Mar 11, 2014 12:32:39 GMT -5
“Well, I heard there’s something going around the office. Maybe you caught it too. And if you caught it, she definitely caught it. You guys do have lunch together a lot.” He couldn't help but grin at her answer, his left hand slipping lower and pulling her in tighter. There was no liquid courage this time guiding him, just the simple flame in his belly that she was fueling. "Now that you mention it, my throat is starting to tickle, and she did have a sip of my coffee not terribly long ago. I'm sure she must have it too. It would be irresponsible of me to spread this around the office.." Her giggle made his stomach churn with need for her. He'd had a taste and he wanted more. Who wouldn't? “Not like anybody does real work the day after Christmas anyway.” It was a true statement, but Sam didn't want to admit that he would have been slacking off at the office tomorrow. Only two days until the weekend, and so close to New Years Eve.. who could think about work? Of course he would have done what was expected, but not likely a whole lot more. Dani pulled his lips to hers and his mind was made up. There was no way he could deny her, or himself, this evening though he couldn't help but wonder how awkward it would be in the morning with Jonah at breakfast. Perhaps he could rush her out the door to grab a bite out of the city where people might not recognize them together. Not that he thought anyone would particularly care that they were playing hooky, but he didn't want their relationship public yet, not until he figured out what he should be doing with his career and inevitably his grandfather.
Dani's fingers gripped the collar of his shirt gently as his tongue found hers, entwining with their growing need for one another. Dani moved backwards, pulling Sam with her. It was when he heard the door shut and the lock slide into place that he pulled away just enough to look into her eyes. She'd made her intentions very clear with that action, though Sam already knew it was coming. She offered a coy smile, her sweet cheeks turning a gentle shade of pink. “Make sure we really have privacy this time…” His heart was hammering and his mouth came to hers once again with more gusto this time. Sam's hands pulled her body tight against his, again wanting to simply envelope her with his entire being. He couldn't get close enough. He couldn't touch enough of her! Dani's arms wrapped tight around his shoulders as he pushed her against the now locked door, her hips pressing into his to send a very clear message; she wanted him. She was driving him wild, and his hand slipped lower to her ass, squeezing it gently as he pulled her harder against him.
Dani pulled her lips back again, just enough to nip at his bottom lip and tug it back until she could look into his eyes. The action sent a needy chill down his back, his pants growing unbearably tight. “Stay the night.” It was whispered, the hairs at the nape of his neck standing at attention. As if she'd given him a choice! He couldn't leave now, he didn't have it in him to stop now. His answer was wordless as he pressed his mouth to hers once more, his tongue wasting no time as it fervently twisted with hers. He slid his hands beneath her rear and hoisted the small girl up, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist as he pushed her against the door. She could no doubt feel his excitement as he held her there, pressed against the door. There was no going back now.
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