With a smirk, Daniel said, “He'll take good care of this little car of yours.”
I perked a brow. “Little? And yours is huge, I take it?”
“You could say that,” he said with a wink.
I grinned as I handed over my keys, still with my hand in Daniel’s as he wouldn’t let go. After the exchange, Daniel led me to the elevator. “It’s nice of you to meet me here.” I tucked back a finger full of my curls as I lowered my head bashfully. “I would never know where to go when I place this big.” Out of the corner of my eye Daniel started to smile, then he tipped forward on his toes ever so slightly before looking my way.
“Of course, Parvati. I’ll never leave you to wander around on your own.”
The doors to the elevator opened as I pondered over his comment. I wasn’t sure if it meant that he’d always have my back and take care of me, or that he’d always be watching for me making sure that I was safe and not alone. Before I could make much of it, I spotted the twins in the oversized room.
Dax was the first one to come over to me and give me a big hug. It was sweet and friendly just like he was, and as he stepped back we both greeted each other with smiles and happiness. I was grateful things weren’t awkward like I had imagined. Then I caught sight of Damien out the corner of my eye, standing over at the snack food with that sly grin on his face. He sauntered over to me as those dimples got deeper, finally pulling me into his arms for an intimate hug. Even in modest circumstances he still found a way to move his hands around my body like no other man ever could.
“Here, let’s toast to each other.” Daniel had extended a glass of champagne in my direction and the first thing I thought of was the morning I found out I was pregnant. I almost wanted to gag just at the smell of the champagne, and I immediately waved him off.
“Oh, no thank you.” I tried not to draw attention, but it seemed like my refusal was completely unexpected. Daniel just stood there looking over me with a furrowed brow, and Dax was staring with a mouth full of crackers and cheese. “I’m just worried I’ll overindulge, and I’m driving.” I shrugged with a half-smile hoping that would suffice, but Damien just had to pop that bubble.
“Parvati,” he laughed to himself, “you do realize that we can get you a ride home, don’t you?”
My smile went flat. “I mean, of course, but I want to drive myself home.”
“Oh, but one glass isn’t a big deal.”
“No, no, Dax. She’s able to make her own decisions.” Daniel, always the one in control, pulled back the glass in his hand and took a couple steps to his side to set it down on a table. The whole time his eyes did not leave mine. I felt like he was reading my mind, or better, burrowing deep into my thoughts to try and convince me to spill what I was thinking. I blinked him off and turned to the arena.
“Well, this place is huge.”
“Not as big as mine,” Damien made clear.
Dax shoved another cracker and slice of cheese in his mouth before saying, “This again.”
Everything was making me feel overwhelmed. The sounds, the lights, the smells of the food. I wanted to just run and hide from everything until I felt a gentle, warm touch on my shoulder. I lifted my eyes to find Daniel there, thankfully peering down with a much softer and kinder gaze than moments before.
“Is everything okay?” he asked me quietly as the other two bickered. I gave him a rapid nod as I felt tears began to swell in my eyes. As much as I wanted to avoid telling them everything, it seemed as though it was beyond my control. My nods turned into slow shakes as I dropped a tear. I quickly wiped it away, but the twins stopped talking as I lowered my head, so I knew that I had drawn their attention yet again. Daniel got down to his knees and looked up at me as he wiped my cheek and brushed my hair out of my eyes. “I want to help you; I hope you know that.”
“I do,” I whispered.
“Then tell me what’s bothering you.”
It was now or never, but as I opened my mouth to explain everything, in came my mom and Danforth.
“Oh, I’m so sorry we’re late,” my mom bolstered as she basically barged in the room.
“Hey there, boys, Parvati.”
The twins greeted their father at the same time, but Daniel stayed on his knee looking up into my eyes.