The Love Of Money - S01 E183

Story 3 months ago

The Love Of Money - S01 E183

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 183

"Yeah," I said. "I just don't want to get out of bed. I'm still sore. Especially after last night."

She smiled at the reference to our love-making and kissed me on the forehead. "Speaking of which," she murmured against it, "where did Erin go?"

"Not sure," I said as I ran my fingers along the curve of her ivory neck. Gooseflesh coalesced along her skin. "She's still here, I think. She just had to put together some stuff for my meeting this morning"

"Ah," she said and pulled me to her chest. I enjoyed nuzzling into her warm, smooth skin. My nose caught where the towel overlapped, and I worked it free just enough for it to slip down, exposing one of her breasts to the air. The small, pink nipple capping it immediately crinkled in the room's cool air.

"So," she said, "a party huh?" I could hear the amusement in her voice.

"Yeah. Nothing crazy. I just thought I should do something for my friends and family." I nuzzled into her bare breast, then glanced up at her and said, "You wanna come?"

She looked pleased. "If you want me there, of course!"

"Why wouldn't I want you there?" I said, kissing her chest. I felt her run her fingers through my hair, her fingernails gentle across my scalp.

"Marcus..."

I waited for her to continue, and when she didn't, my stomach began twisting into random shapes. I sat up to get a good look at her, her green eyes, flecked with bits of brown, were fixed on me and filled with nervous energy. I felt that knot in my belly tighten. "What?"

"Um..." She glanced away and muttered, "God... I didn't want to do this right now."

"What?" I repeated a little more insistently.

"What are we?"

The knot in my stomach loosened a little as fears of pregnancy evaporated like the steam from Danni's shower. Then it tightened again when I realized what this was. I was about to have my first DTR discussion.

I guess I should've seen it coming. Danielle displayed signs of Infatuation last night, and the girlfriend experience just now should have been a further clue. I'd also noticed a hint of annoyance at Erin inserting herself into our coupling. It had been fleeting, but I'd picked up on something.

I started to respond, "I..."

Then I hesitated. I needed to tread carefully. I liked Danni, I really liked Danni. Had we been doing this three weeks ago, and she asked that question, I would have said 'relationship' before the words died on her lips. She was one of the kindest souls I'd ever met. Her looks? She was easily a ten out of ten. Not even an Omaha or Little Rock ten. I'm talking about New York, Los Angeles, or Malibu. To top it off, she was absolutely filthy in the bedroom; anyone had to be to participate in a pool-party foursome or a stripper orgy. Of all the women I'd been 'seeing, she was probably the closest to girlfriend material. Erin might have given her some competition, but she'd made her feelings about commitment clear.

But... did I want to go down this road? It was the Natalie situation all over again, and I remembered Helen's words about being in a unique position. According to her, tying myself to one person was a bad idea.

I hesitated a beat too long, and Danni said, "I got asked out this weekend."

Alarm bells sounded in my mind, but she winced and continued before I could respond. "I turned him down. This isn't me trying to.... I'm not being manipulative or anything, but it just got me thinking..."

I said, "I understand-"

"And I'm not dumb," she cut me off. "There's no way I could compete with some of the women you've been around, and I couldn't expect someone in your position to just give up what you have."

Wait.. what was she suggesting?

"But after Erin told me what happened to you, and remembering the last couple of weeks..." She looked at me a little desperately. "I think I'm falling for you a little. I don't want you to think I'm crazy. It's not like I'm madly in love or anything, but I like you, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about you, which scares me a little."

She stared at me worriedly as she bit her lip. The morning light had steadily grown over the last ten to twenty minutes, and by this point, I could easily see unshed tears in those verdant pools. Sweet Danielle looked very vulnerable right now.

I clasped her hand, brought it to my lips, and pressed them to her warm digits. "I don't know what to say," I murmured. "I honestly didn't know someone as beautiful and wonderful as you could fall in love with me."

She snorted. "Don't be naive, Marcus. You're a good-looking guy. You've always treated me well, you have a nice dick, and you know how to use it." She gestured with her free hand around the room and said, "Of course, It helps that you're loaded. Of course, amazing women are going to be throwing themselves at you! I've seen how Natashya looks at you, and Erin told me about how Ashlee is determined to lock you down. I've even caught Erin eyeing you like a steak dinner."

"That's just Erin being horny," I protested.

Danni shook her head. "I've known her for a while. She'd never admit it, but that girl's crushing on you."

"Please tell me you're joking," said.

"Why?" Danni asked. "You wouldn't date Erin?"

"I don't like the idea that I'm that oblivious."

"Well, you were oblivious to this," Danni said as she gave me a half- smile. "You look like a deer caught in the headlights. Way to make a girl feel special, Mr. Upton."

"Shit. I'm sorry."

Danni shook her head. "No. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have sprung this on you right before your big meeting. You're still recovering from being kidnapped. I probably shouldn't have said anything at all."

"No. Stop." said. "Danielle, any man in the world would be lucky to have you. You surprised me. That's all."

We sat on the bed for the next minute and a half, staring at each other sheepishly as we processed what we had confessed. If i were honest, I was probably doing most of the processing. I think Danielle was just waiting for me to say something.