Authors: Brenda Jernigan
"You know him!" Dani turned to Adrian. "How did you meet?"
"We’re at Macys," Adrian said, rushing her across Broadway avoiding the dangerous topic she wanted to discuss. "No more business talk, I've some serious Christmas shopping to do."
"This place looks like Santa's workshop," Dani said upon entering the door. The big window displays were full of sugarplums and fairies, and would be any child’s dream come true.
They went through the glass revolving doors and were greeted by security who gave them a curt nod before they entered the store. Inside there were festive holiday swags everywhere.
"Try Mr. Macy's workshop," Adrian whispered. "First on the list is Mom. I've been thinking of getting her a piece of jewelry. I could use a woman's opinion." He guided Dani over to one of many glass counters.
"What does your mother want for Christmas?"
Adrian chuckled. "She said something about a grandchild, but she'll have to settle on jewelry for now."
Dani flinched, but Adrian didn’t notice. The woman could receive her wish, a little late, maybe, but Dani didn’t want Adrian feeling sorry for her. That wouldn't be any way to start a marriage. Besides, who was to say he’d marry her, anyway? He’d already made his opinion of marriage perfectly clear.
No. The baby was her responsibility, Dani reminded herself. At least, the child would be good looking if he looked anything like his dad. Dani couldn't help wondering what kind of a Father Adrian would be.
"Dani. Are you all right?"
"Huh. Oh--yes, just daydreaming." Dani tried to give him a reassuring smile. "What are you going to get her?"
"Don't have a clue. She's not into rings, and it can't be anything fancy."
A clerk approached them. "May I help you?"
Adrian explained what he was looking for.
"May I suggest a pin or a necklace. Maybe a locket? Over this way," the woman said, waving her hand.
But Dani turned another way looking at all the lovely pens. "Look at this," Dani called Adrian over to her side of the counter. She pointed to a beautiful hummingbird pin done with red and green stones. "Would she like something like this?"
"Perfect. Have you met my mother?" Adrian asked softly. "Mom loves birds. She has feeders everywhere, especially outside her kitchen window." He squeezed Dani around the waist. "I knew it was a good idea to bring you. I'll take it."
"Shouldn't you ask how much?" Dani whispered, hoping those were not real emeralds and rubies. She watched him pull out his wallet.
"Not when it’s Mom." He handed the clerk his Visa card.
At least he had some income, Dani thought a moment before she realized the Visa was platinum. Something about Adrian didn't add up, but she was determined not to spoil the day by asking him a lot of questions. He'd probably refuse to answer any of them, anyway. Besides, it really wasn't any of her business. Since she wasn't marrying the guy.
They bought gifts for brothers and sisters and by the time they walked out, Dani found herself truly in the Christmas spirit, something she hadn’t had before. Her problems seemed a million miles away, and that was a good feeling for now.
"Look it's snowing," Dani said with delight as she peeked around a stack of boxes looking for the limo. “I don’t see much of this back home."
Adrian opened the limo door, and after placing his packages on the seat he took hers and ushered her in. "I know a perfect way to enjoy the snow. Henry, take us to Rockefeller Center."
Dani could
n’t help noticing that he snapped instructions to the driver very freely. After all, Adrian was just riding along. Henry was
her
driver for the day. Maybe she should point that fact out to him, she thought, smiling.
Snow had begun to cling to the lamp poles as they made their way to Rockefeller Center. She was surprised that it wasn't just a rink as she’d assumed. Businesses lined a small mall, The Associated Press, McGraw Hill, Simon & Schuster and each one had been decorated for the season. The massive Christmas tree at the end of the rink looked beautiful, bringing the spirit of the season into focus.
They found a bench next to the rink, and Adrian suggested that he get them some skates. "I don't think I should do this," Dani said. "I don't know how to ice skate. It doesn’t get cold enough to skate in Texas."
"Where is my spunky girl who dares to take a chance?"
"I'm not
your
girl. And before I didn't have a crowd watching me make a fool out of myself."
"You'll be fine. Trust me."
"I've heard that line before. And look at the trouble it got me into the last time I listened to you."
"It's Christmas, Dani. Be nice," Adrian teased. "What size shoe do you where."
"Six and a half."
"Be right back."
Dani watched the charming scoundrel walk away from her. It would be so easy to give in and forgive him for not calling her . . . to make excuses for him just like she had with Steven. But she'd been that route before, and she was finished with being a Wendy. She was never going to make excuses for a man again.
Adrian returned with two pairs of ice skates and sat down beside her on the bench. After he had his skates laced, he brushed her hands out of the way and tied hers for her.
"I'm not helpless, you know." Dani realized she never had anyone treat her like Adrian did, and it puzzled her.
"I know you’re not helpless, but these skates have to be good and tight so that you don't twist your ankle." He finished lacing them an
d stood, holding out his hand. "O.K. Let's go."
"You've forgetting on thing.” Dani reminded him again. “I don't know how to skate." She stood and he
r ankles immediately gave way. "See."
He pulled her onto the ice. "You'll be fine."
Before she could say another word of protest, he grasped her around the waist and began gliding her around the rink, backwards. She felt like she was waltzing. It was wonderful, glorious. She started to look down, but Adrian stopped her.
"Don't. Just gaze into my eyes and relax. I won't let you fall."
Dani obeyed and before long she'd completely forgotten about her feet. She forgot about the huge snowflakes that caught in her hair and the frigid temperature that had kissed her cheeks. And she forgot they were in the middle of New York City.
With Adrian’s arms around her, she felt so safe and secure, and it was easy to put the world away from her. His warm brown eyes held her and as he smiled those sexy dimples in his cheeks captivated her. Dani could almost feel Adrian’s lips on hers as she well remembered the way he made her feel.
"See how well you're doing. I'm a good teacher.”
"And modest, too,” Dani replied wryly. “I like that."
"Are you looking forward to Christmas?"
"Sort of," Dani hedged, dreading the fact that she was going to have to tell her parents about the baby. She could picture the disappointment in their eyes now. Unsure of exactly how she would handle the subject, Dani decided she'd think about that when the time came.
"H--Hello--you in there?"
"I think so." Dani blinked. “Sorry, I guess I have a lot on my mind today. With the presentation and all. A lot could be riding on it.”
Adrian didn’t like the sad look that crossed her face, and he wondered what she wasn't telling him. She looked very troubled. Could the amphitheater job be that important to her? Now he wondered if she was really doing all right.
"Are you in New York for the ad agency?"
"I'm in New York for
my
advertising agency." She smiled.
Of course he knew all the answers, but he had to play dumb. "I'm proud of you. You finally took a chance and branched out on your own."
I've taken a lot of chances since I've met you.
That is what she wanted to say, but instead she said, "In the last few months, I've discovered quite a bit about myself."
Her foot slipped and Adrian tightened his hold. "I'm a little tired,” Dani admitted reluctantly. “Let's go sit down."
As he glided her over to where they had left their things, Adrian asked, "What have you found out?"
"One thing, I've learned to walk on my own two feet." She glanced down and laughed at the skates. "Well, almost. Skates excluded."
"I never had any doubts," Adrian admitted.
"Is that why you never bothered to call?"
He didn't say anything for a few minutes. His eyes were dark, impassive. "To be truthful, I'm not sure why I didn't call you." He picked up her hand. "It's not that . . . I didn't want to. It's just that you scare the hell out of me."
"I don't believe that."
"I don't expect you too. But you're different, Dani. I haven't been able to dismiss you like I have the other women. Yet, I don't want to rush into anything either. I’ve made too many mistakes.”
"I wouldn't exactly call three months rushing."
Adrian laughed. "I guess you're right."
Chapter Twelve
Dani stood in front of the bathroom counter brushing her hair until it shown like golden honey. With a sweeping flick of her wrist she pulled her hair up and tucked it into a French twist, leaving small whips of hair escaping around her face. Her face glowed. In spite of her best reservations, she found herself looking forward to tonight. Wanting to look her best, she chose a short black crepe dress that was simple yet elegant.
Satisfied with her appearance, she rode the glass elevator down to the lobby to meet Adrian. When she stepped off the elevator she realized she was a little early, and she wasn't sure Adrian would even be here. Not wanting to appear too eager, she turned and walked to her right, giving the Atrium a quick once over.
Oh, he was there all right! And what she saw took her breath away. Dressed in a black tux and looking extremely debonair, he stood talking to a beautiful blonde who seemed to be flirting with him. His head was tilted toward the woman as she spoke, and Dani felt a twinge of jealousy.
Dani must say she couldn't blame the woman. Who wouldn't flirt with him! But Dani didn't like it either. She realized she'd never felt jealous over Steven. Oh, she'd been disappointed, even disgusted when Steven had flirted with other women, but she'd never felt this painful stab in the pit of her stomach. It definitely wasn't an emotion she liked.
She now knew something she'd expected over the last two months. She'd never really loved Steven at all. He had been an obsession with her and nothing more. She never wanted to be in that kind of a relationship again.
She glanced at Adrian. He was different. And so were her feelings.
She realized that she loved him, and with that knowledge, came the fact that he
could
hurt her. What a scary thought. She didn't want or need any complications like that at the moment. She really didn't know what she wanted, or what she expected, but now that she was face to face with her feelings, she had to make a decision. Her steady-as-you-go road now had several speed bumps and slowly she would learn to deal with each one on her own terms.
Walking up behind Adrian she asked, "Have you been waiting long?" She nodded to the woman.
He swung toward her. "You're right on time," he said, his eyes wide. "And absolutely beautiful."
"Thank you." Dani felt her cheeks heat with pleasure.
"Dani, I'd like you to meet Paula."
Paula smiled, but not a smile that she meant. It never reached her eyes. "My replacement, Adrian?" Paula addressed Adrian
as if Dani weren't even there. "I must run along. It was good seeing you," Paula reached up and kissed him on the cheek. "Merry Christmas, darling." Then as if an afterthought hit her, she looked at Dani. "I hope you can keep him, dear, since the rest of us haven't managed to."
"I don't want him," Dani lied.
"That's my girl." Adrian slipped his arm around Dani's waist.
"Well, Adrian. Maybe there is
one
woman you've not completely charmed off her feet. Remember, you know my phone number." And with a flounce of silk, Paula was on her way.
"Your girlfriend?"
"Ex."
"Doesn't sound like it."
"Are you jealous, sweetheart?"
"Come on, let's go," Dani urged irritably. He was laughing at her, but she'd be damned if she'd answer that question. He must know how she felt about him. She was sure that anybody that looked at her could see love written all over her face.
Except Adrian.
Why couldn't she be one of those women who could play coy so that no one ever knew how she felt?
Dani stared sightlessly out the limo's windows as it whisked them back to the hotel. The musical had been wonderful. She had never seen such elaborate set decorations and the music seemed to seep into every inch of her body. During the performance, she had been well aware of the man beside her. Somewhere during the first act he had reached over and taken her hand in his. She'd been warmed all the way to her toes for the rest of the performance. If only she could take a pill that would immunize her to Adrian.