Hollywood Princess (40 page)

CHAPTER 90 - DANIEL

The suite seemed eerily empty when I returned. A succinct note from Cam was affixed to the door. “She slept. We went to the deli. She ate. She went back to sleep. See you tomorrow.” I was relieved that Elizabeth had eaten something. At lunch she had played with her food.

The bedroom do
or was ajar. Remaining silent, I pushed it open. My beautiful angel was in pajamas, cuddled up under the comforter, a sweet smile on her lips, fast asleep. 

I closed the door an
d returned to the common room. I needed to unwind. Confession to a priest might soothe the soul, but confession to Rachel had the opposite effect. Unlike clergy, she was not shy with being judgmental. Now I felt even worse. Maybe that was good; a necessary kick in the butt to right me. 

In the refriger
ator I found a bottle of beer. I settled on the couch to watch an old sit-com while I downed it. The lack of sleep had caught up to me. An early night would do me good.

I tiptoed into the bedroom and
removed my clothes. With utmost caution, I climbed over Eli and settled under the comforter next to her. I gently wrapped my arm around Eli and kissed her forehead. I was pleased by its coolness. My lady was on the mend.

Deep in sleep,
Eli responded to my nearness. She grinned and mumbled incoherently. I almost laughed. Then Eli wiggled nearer, seeking comfort. Eli in my arms sleeping made me whole again. Life could not be better than this. Unless I did something stupid and blew it.

CHAPTER 91 - ELIZABETH

What a perfect day! I woke to sunlight filtering through the window shade, but my glee came from being clearheaded and well rested. I was finally better.

I turned my head and shifted my weight to glimpse the handsome man lying beside me. Danny’s stubble-covered face brought me joy.

Danny and I hadn’t spent a night together in nearly two weeks. Finding myself wrapped in Danny’s embrace, I marveled that a man as strong as he was so soft; a man as arrogant as he was so tender. 

My mind drifted to the upcoming summer break, now only three short weeks away. I was ambivalent. I looked forward to working for Dad and having my first year of college completed, but already I missed Danny.

Involuntarily, I pressed his hands tightly against me, and my stomach rumbled. Danny instantly nuzzled my neck and shoulder. The warm ticklish sensation made me squirm. Then Danny tightened his hold. I couldn’t escape this tortuous pleasure.

“Stop!” I laughed. “Stop it!”

In a single, fluid motion Danny twisted me in his arms. I came face-to-face with his gleeful grin and glowing cobalt eyes.

“Good morning, beautiful,” Danny laughed.

“I’m starving,” I announced.

Danny pressed his lips against mine and ran his tongue across my lower lip, begging entrance to my mouth. I pulled back.

“That wasn’t what I meant,” I laughed. “I need food. When’s breakfast?”

Danny twirled a lock of my hair around his finger, enjoying its smoothness.

“Baby, you’re feeing better?” he asked hopefully.

“I think so,” I answered hesitantly.

“You’re not sure?”

“I won’t declare victory until I make it through the day.”

“Fair enough,” Danny answered. Then he paused before adding, “I can help.”

With a devilish twinkle in his eyes, Danny started tickling me again.

“Stop! Cut it out!” I protested to no avail as I squirmed against him.

Finally, Danny stopped and gathered me in his arms. He pulled me to his bare chest and declared, “I’m so glad you’re back.”

“Me too,” I answered as my arms wrapped around Danny’s neck.

No couple could be more content than we were.

CHAPTER 92 - ELIZABETH

“Is that really what you’re wearing tonight?” Rachel shook her head, disapproving my dress, as I paused for her to zip me up. Tonight Danny and Rachel’s short film was being screened and Danny and I were going formal, dressed in our outfits from Steve’s premiere.

Rachel dressed in an untailored black blazer over jeans, more in line with what the other student-filmmakers were wearing, but not Danny. 

“Tonight I’m Danny’s arm-candy,” I explained, “And he wants me as sugary as possible.” Our clothing was over the top, but dressing-up was an easy way to please Danny.

“Arm-candy? That’s so demeaning.”

I eased my feet into my Jimmy Choo’s. “I was joking, Rachel.”

Then I picked up a lipstick tube, posed before the mirror and applied the soft pink color. 

“Danny loves this dress. He’s been looking for an excuse for me to wear it again, and tonight’s the night.”

“Tonight’s the night! That better be with me, babe.”

Danny brimmed with enthusiasm. He wrapped his arms around my waist, and mindful of my makeup, kissed my neck. I shuddered at his soft lips on my bare skin. Danny squeezed me tighter in acknowledgment of the pleasure only he could give me.

“I didn’t hear you come in,” I squealed in delight. 

As I pivoted in his hands, my breath caught in my throat. Danny was so handsome!

I slipped my hands around Danny’s neck and let him nibble at my lips and kiss my throat. My chin tilted upward. I gasped. I was all his.

“I’m going to brush my hair,” an awkward Rachel announced, and she left us.

Danny released me and appraised my appearance.

“Eli, you look amazing, babe!”

I was glowing. Danny in his well-cut suit with his sparkling sapphire eyes set my heart a flutter. I’d be in trouble if he ever went corporate and dressed this way every day.

“You’re pretty hot yourself.”

I tried to regain my composure, but Danny pulled me back into his arms with a flourish and we laughed. Then he kissed my neck and shoulder again, sending bolts of electricity pulsating through me.

“Eli, we better get going,” Danny whispered by my ear, unleashing more shivers. He thoroughly enjoyed my reaction to his breath against my ear.

“Damn!” I exclaimed, but I was laughing.

“We’ll play later, young lady.”

Touching Danny’s face, I again kissed his lips, and he tightened his hold around my waist.

“We’d better get Rachel before we miss your screening,” I whispered.

Danny took my face in his hands and turned on his full-wattage charm.

“I could always have Rachel represent me,” he whispered.

“Then why did we get all dressed up?”

“Elizabeth, you have no idea what that dress does to me.”

“Yes, I do. The same thing that suit does to me.”

“Oh, babe. I love you so much.” 

Danny joined his lips to mine with searing intensity. I felt him hard against me as my arms around his neck pressed us closer. Danny cupped my face with one hand while we kissed, and his other hand reached for my zipper, pulling it halfway down. Exposed to his gentle touch, my pulse beat out of control. I did not want this moment to end. 

A knock on the door interrupted us. Danny and I froze, locked in each other’s arms. I flushed. Rachel! 

“Are you coming? If not, I can go alone.” 

“We’ll be right with you,” Danny awkwardly replied.

“I’ll be waiting.” Rachel scowled before leaving the room.

“You have lipstick on your face. Let me.”

I reached for a tissue and delicately dabbed Danny’s cheek and chin while he grinned. Danny reached for my hand and delicately kissed my palm. I blushed and he smirked. Then I released my hand to adjust Danny’s tie and smooth his lapels.

“Zipper me?” I asked.

As Danny fastened my dress, we grinned at each other, two mischievous children caught misbehaving by mother.

“Can we go now?” Rachel hissed as we emerged from my room.

“Yeah, Rach. What are you waiting for? We’re going to be late.” 

I couldn’t help laughing at Danny while Rachel rolled her eyes in disgust.

As I suspected, all eyes were on us as we entered the small screening room. So what if everyone else was wearing jeans? If the Newmans wanted to wear formal attire, who would dare question it?

“Mr. Newman, Miss Bergman. Nice of you to join us,” the professor sneered. “Now we can begin.”

If looks could kill, Danny and I would be dead from Rachel’s fury. One of Donnelly’s most conscientious student, and the professor had just called her out. 

Danny settled in, holding my hand on his thigh. I filled with anticipation. Danny was so eager for me to finally see their film! He had wanted to surprise me. This was the first time he was even discussing the film with me.

The professor had compiled everyone’s five to seven minutes long films into one DVD. The event would be over in less than an hour and a half.

Almost two-thirds through the program came Danny and Rachel’s film. Pride filled me at the opening credit, “A film by Daniel M. Newman.” I squeezed his hand and kissed his cheek. I imagined this was how Ellen felt at Steve’s premieres. Did the exhilaration diminish over time? I hoped not.

Seven short minutes later it was over. Danny’s film was great! I hadn’t known what to expect. Short films were a genre I never paid any attention to. My parents always did features as did everyone else I knew unless they did television.

“I loved it!” I whispered to Danny. 

We exchanged megawatt smiles and kisses. Then I leaned across to squeeze Rachel’s hand and exchange quick cheek pecks. The next film was about to begin. 

“We’ll catch up to you at The Cellar,” Danny told Rachel after the screenings ended. A group of student filmmakers was going. “We won’t be long.”

Danny took my hand. I had no idea where we were going as he spirited me away to his car. His energy level had plummeted compared to only minutes earlier. Inside the auditorium Danny had been gracious, chatting with everyone whether they were professors or other students. Now Danny was subdued.

We didn’t go far. A few minutes later, Danny parked the BMW off the side of the road under a stand of trees and got out. This was the same beautiful hill overlooking the lake where we’d gone traying in the winter. Covered in grass, wildflowers were blooming and the deciduous trees were full with spring finery.

Danny opened my door, took my hand, and helped me out of the car. I obediently followed him off the path a short way and onto the grass. In my heels, walking was difficult. I held Danny’s hand firmly to keep from stumbling.

Soon we stopped in a clearing. Danny pulled me into his arms and held me tight, his chin resting on my shoulder, while I wrapped my arms around him. We stood holding each other, silently contemplating. Not romantic, it was more therapeutic than anything.

“Thanks, Sweetheart,” Danny finally said in a measured cadence.

“Is something the matter?” He should be thrilled from his triumph.

“No, baby. I need to decompress.”

“Decompress?”

“Quiet time. Get my head together before heading back into the fray.”

“The fray?”

“Tonight’s been difficult for me.”

“Why? I thought the screening went well.”

“Maybe. I’ve been under a lot of pressure.” Danny let go of me and rotated his shoulders and neck. “I’m so tight,” he complained.

“Let me see,” I offered. I reached up, placed my hands on Danny’s shoulders, and began to slowly knead. Hardened knots in Danny’s shoulders were tight as could be.

“Your knots have knots, dear.” I empathized.

“If we were home I’d call Dad’s masseuse, Johan. He’s the best hands in L.A.”

“I can try later,” I smiled.

Danny reached behind, took my hands, and swung me around. He pretended to examine my hands and then gently kissed my palms.

“Johan’s are bigger and stronger, but these will do,” Danny said with a smile. Then he turned serious. “Tell me the truth, Eli. What did you think of my film? It’s okay if you hated it.”

I paused for a moment, searching for the right words. I had enjoyed the film, but unqualified approval was not what Danny wanted. He wouldn’t believe me anyway.

“It’s difficult,” I slowly began. “I enjoyed your film. Very much, but Danny, I don’t have the experience to judge. I’ve never seen short films before. I don’t know what they’re supposed to be like.”

Danny took my head in his hands and kissed me. He smiled, relieved.

“Thank you, baby.”

“I didn’t really tell you anything,” I protested.

“Yes, you did. You told me I can trust you because you won’t bullshit.”

“Feel better?”

“Yes. No, not really. I’ve been under so much pressure.”

“You need to let it go.”

“You’re right. I bring it on myself, you know.”

“I know. Only you expect perfection. Nobody else does.”

“I have to be better than everyone, Eli. I have to.”

I hugged one arm around Danny’s waist and placed the other hand on his cheek.

“Danny, don’t do this. You need to want to be the best for yourself. Forget Steven Newman.”

“I can’t. He’s my Dad.”

“I understand. It’s why I won’t study acting. I couldn’t bear the comparisons with Mom. But you’ve jumped in with both feet. You can’t avoid it. Summer is coming. Talk to Steve.”

“Dad doesn’t have time for me,” Danny said sadly. 

Then he gathered my hands and held me against his sculpted chest.

“I’m so lucky I have you Eli. You’re the only one who understands me.” 

Danny pressed against me and we kissed, cautiously at first and then passionately. His hands were warm and secure against my bare back. Then Danny ran his fingertip up my spine causing me to squirm and giggle.

“Danny! Cut it out!”

“No,” he laughed, “this is fun.”

I pivoted to avoid being tickled. His arms were now around my waist; my back against his front. Danny swept my hair back and playfully kissed my shoulder and neck. Bliss! If only we had a blanket.

Soon Danny was leading me by the hand through the doors of the Student Center to join our friends in The Cellar. What a change! Danny’s demeanor had transformed. He was happy again and full of energy.

“Come here,” Danny ordered. 

Smiling wickedly, Danny pulled me over to the corner just past the plate glass double-door entrance and gathered me in his arms, crushing his lips to mine. They were on fire. I eagerly responded, parting my lips, welcoming his exploring tongue. My arms around Danny’s neck kept us glued together. Danny’s strong but soft hands on my back, radiated electricity. Our hearts beat rapidly as one.

“You are so evil, Daniel,” I whispered. Our foreheads touched. Danny again grinned mischievously.

“Isn’t that great?” he whispered. My breath hitched. I was so aroused.

Before I could answer, Danny was kissing me again. We couldn’t get enough of each other. There was something about Danny and that suit; he was so damned hot. 

“E, we should probably get downstairs already,” Danny whispered. His damned sapphire eyes melted me. Danny’s kisses had left me intoxicated. I felt drunk.

“You’re right. We should.” I pressed against Danny. “Not yet.” 

“Oh, babe! You are so hot tonight,” he whispered.

I nodded, grinning with lust. It was important that the most desirable girl Danny knew be me. If that meant participating in shameless public displays of affection, so be it. Being Danny’s girl was all that mattered. 

“Eli, have I told you how much I love you?”

“Not in at least an hour,” I flirted.

“An hour? That’s way too long. Baby, I love you so much it hurts.”

“I feel the same about you, Danny. Can we go home?”

“We can’t. I promised everyone we’d come to The Cellar.”

“That’s so unfair.”

“Why is that unfair?” Danny smirked.

“I’m a spoiled rich girl. I want what I want when I want it,” I said breathlessly into Danny’s ear while I held his face in my hands.

“And what do you want, my spoiled rich girl?”

My lips against Danny’s ear, I whispered, “You. I want to make love. Now.”

I began kissing Danny again, enjoying his hands on my back and rear.

“E, we’d better stop. I can’t resist you much longer.”

“I can’t resist you now.”

Danny took my hands. “Come with me,” he said with urgency.

“Where are we going?”

“Upstairs. Someplace private.”

More than willingly, I let Danny lead us. If possible, the unknown was getting me even more excited. My pulse raced. Where were we going?

The third floor handicapped restroom? It was private. Danny locked the door behind us.