Dani

I cringed at the loud squeak my sister made on the other end of the line.

"No way! Leo. As in the Leo Cash? You actually met him? Oh my god, Dani, you're so lucky! What is he like? Is he as hot and sexy in person? Tell me all about it! Did you talk to him? Did you get an autograph?" my sister rambled on in one breath.

"First of breathe, Sam. And yes, I met him, he's a local or at least was."

"Duh, do you not know anything about him?" my sister interrupted sarcastically.

"You're the fan, I'm not," I pointed out.

Sam snorted. "Please, you listen to his songs and don't even try denying it."

"Whatever, so I like his songs. Doesn't mean I like the man."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Anyways, go on with your story."

"So yeah. I met him and lucky I was not. He's a self-centred jackass who thinks he's god's greatest gift to women and probably the entire world. He's not at all hot and sexy in person and I did not get an autograph."

Sam chuckled. "First of all you're doing the voice that tells me you're lying about something, and I'm guessing you're lying about the hot and sexy part. I bet he's hella hot and hella sexy. And as for the god's greatest gift to women, you got that right, sister!"

"Sam!" I burst out.

"What? It's true. He's like a god. He's easy on the eyes and I wouldn't mind me having some of that."

"Sam! Please. I really don't want to hear about you having some of anything. You're still my baby sister."

"I'm twenty-three, Dani. I may be a virgin, but I'm not dead."

"Jesus, Sam! I really don't need to hear any of this," I said.

"Coming from the virgin herself," she muttered.

"Sam!"

"Okay fine. So...? What made you mad at him?"

"He accused me of acting coy to keep his attention long enough to hear me sing so I could impress him and help me advance in the music world."

"He said that?"

"Not exactly in those words, but he implied that's what he thought of me."

"Jerk!"

"Yup. Oh and he told me I had a stick up my ass."

"What did you say?"

"I said that I did and I liked it just where it is." My sister laughed. "Good one."

I laughed too. "I thought so."

"So you like him, huh?"

I frowned. "Sam! Haven't you heard what I've been telling you?"

"I have and it sounds to me like my older sister is smitten."

"Smitten my ass. He is the last person on earth I would be smitten with. He's a jackass."

"Well you know what they say, the more you hate, the more you love."

"Not in this case, Sam. You should have seen how smug he is. Aargh! I wanted to slap that smug look on his face."

"Like I said, you like him. Hell, you're probably in love with him. Love at first sight and all."

I fake vomited. "Yuck!"

Sam laughed. "Well let's just see how this plays out. I have a feeling I'm right about this."

"There's nothing to see, and nothing is playing out. And you are so wrong. Besides, I'm going to stay out of his way and pretend he doesn't exist."

"U-huh. Sure thing, sis."

"Remind me again how you're my sister?"

She laughed. "Love you too."

I sighed. "Love you. I'll talk to you soon."

"Hell ya! I need updates on this thing with Leo Cash," she said.

I rolled my eyes. "Bye, Sam."

Leo

"Check your email. I sent you all the details I found."

"Should I be worried?" I asked.

"That depends," Ben responds.

"Depends on what?"

"Just look at the email I sent you," he said, before ending he call.

I frowned.

I pulled his email on phone and scrolled through it.

Danielle Williams.

25 years old.

Oldest of the two daughters of, Senator Blake Williams and Susan Donavon Williams, heir to the Donavon Empire.

Well shit. She's loaded. Her parents are. So I guess I was wrong about her needing me to make it in the music world. Hell, she could be a music star with a snap of her finger if she wanted to. So the question is, what the hell is she doing in this small town?

I scrolled through the rest of the email contents and found pictures of her when she was younger, with her sister and their parents.

It says here that she had an older brother who died in a car accident about five years ago. According to this article Ben attached, Dani was in the car with her brother and a couple of friends. She was the lone survivor. There was a picture of her in the hospital with her injuries, making me wince. Half of her head was shaved and had a protruding stitch across. Her face was bruised and her left leg was in a cast. There was a picture of the car they were in and it was totalled. It was a miracle she survived this.

She was in a coma for a couple of months after the accident and had to go through intensive therapy in the next few months to come.

I swallowed the lump that suddenly formed in my throat. Dani has been through so much. She was so young when all of this happened–Barely an adult, at twenty years old.

Guilt filled me at how I accused her of practically using me to help her in the music scene.

"Shit," I muttered.

Dani

"Hey, Dani, there's someone here, looking for ya," Bob said.

"Who?" I asked.

"Me."

I looked behind Bob and found Leo standing behind him with flowers in his hands.

"If you're here to insult me some more, then you can just turn around and walk out of here," I said. If he thinks that giving me flowers and smiling at me the way he is, is going to make me forget what an asshole he's been, then he's got another thing coming.

"And that's my cue," Bob said, making his exit.

"I suggest you follow Bob on the way out."

"Actually, I'm here to apologize."

I raised my eyebrows in surprised. "Something tells me, that's not something you do very often."

He laughed.

Damn it. Please not his laugh. It does something to me that I can't explain.

"Here, these are for you."

Peonies. "How did you?" I asked as I took the flowers from his hands.

"I asked around."

"Lyn."

He smiled sheepishly.

"Thanks."

"Does that mean I'm forgiven?"

"I don't know, are you still an asshole?"

He shrugged. "Probably," he responded, making me laugh.

His smile got bigger.

Oh boy, this is not good.

"I really am sorry,"

I looked at him and saw the sincerity in his eyes.

I nodded. "I guess with the life you lead, you meet a lot of people who always wants something from you."

"Something like that."

I almost believed him, but I saw something in his eyes. Realization? "You know, don't you?" I asked, guessing that he found out who I am. And guessing from the look on his face, I was right. "And I guess, now you're wondering what I'm doing in a place like this when I can be back home enjoying the luxury of being the daughter of a Senator and daughter of the heir to the Donovan empire."

"Something like that. You come from money, as far as I'm concerned, you don't need to work. So yeah, I'm curious to why you're here princess."

And just when I thought he's not all that bad. "Well, maybe I don't want their money or the responsibilities that comes with it. Maybe I don't want to be a Williams. Maybe, I'm sick and tired of following orders from people who don't really care about who I am and only wants what I represent and can do for them," I burst out. "I'm sick and tired of people like you thinking that I'm so lucky to be born in privilege, when actually, it's more of a curse than a blessing. Money doesn't buy happiness, Leo and I think you of all people know that or you wouldn't be here either."

"I'm sorry."

"Sure you are," I retorted sarcastically. "Stop making assumptions about my life, Leo. You don't know anything about me. You know bits and pieces of story far more complicated than anything you can imagine, and like I said the last time, I'm here to find some peace and time to myself, so if you don't mind, I really don't want a repeat of this back and forth banter with you."

"Then how about dinner so I can stop making assumptions and get to know you better?"

My mouth dropped open, dumbfounded. "Were you not a part of this whole conversation at all?"

He shrugged. "Look, we clearly got off on the wrong foot–" I snorted. "– so I'm thinking we could have dinner some time and iron this out."

"There's nothing to iron out."

"I think there is, because if you feel what I'm feeling, after we've straightened this out and have it out with each other, we'll be doing exactly what I think we should be doing."

"And what is that?"

He looked at me from head to know knowingly and smirked.

I laughed incredulously. "Wow, you are seriously insane."

"I call it as I see it."

"And what exactly do you see? In case you haven't noticed, we can't seem to have a conversation without it ending in an argument of some sort and me being so bothered by you I want to–"

"You want to kiss me senseless and undress me and make love to me?"

I laughed once again. "Wow, you're ego really knows no bounds."

He shrugged. "Woman have this look when they're attracted to a guy. It's like poker."

"Well you must suck at the game because, you are way off in reading this whole situation."

"You can deny it all you want, but you can't tell me I'm wrong. Not with the way your pupils dilated and how your breathing changed, and how your nipples are hard."

I gasped in outrage while I raised my arms to cover my chest. "How dare you! My pupils are dilated and my breathing has changed because of how much you anger me. And as for my, for my... for my..." I glared at him as he obviously find all of this amusing. "As for my, you know what, it's damn cold in here."

He laughed even harder. "Sure. Deny it all you want, but we both know I'm right. You and I have chemistry and we're both adults. I don't see anything wrong with exploring whatever this is. Who says we can't have some fun while we're trying to escape reality?"

"I do! Because I'm not looking for some fun. And if and when I am, it's definitely not going to be with you!" I grabbed his flowers and dumped it in the garbage before heading towards the door and away from him.

He grabbed my arm before I could make my escape. "Dani, I'm not going anywhere. I'm going to come here every night. I wasn't planning on having some fun either, but now that I found you, I've changed my mind. I think you're exactly the kind of trouble I need."

I swallowed hard.

I pulled away and glared at him.

"I look forward to getting to know you better, Danielle."

I watched his retreating back. The bastard. I was the one who's supposed to walk away. Aargh, I thought to myself while wanting to throw something at him.

Leo

I really hadn't planned that happening, but as she was going on a tirade, I just couldn't help my body's reaction to her.

Fuck. I want her.

I want her in my arms and in my bed. I want to know if she's as fiery in bed. I want to know what turns her on. I want to make her scream my name.

Shit. I've never reacted to a girl like this before. No one has ever bothered me or gotten under my skin like this before.

Not even Andi.

Andi. I haven't thought of her since... hell since Dani. Dani seemed to have occupied by brain ever since meeting her. Mind you it's only been a few days since I met her. Three days to be exact.

Shit. This just got a lot more complicated.

Wait. I haven't thought of Andi in three days. Isn't that a good thing? Hell, Dani cannot only help with my music, but she can also help me with forgetting Andi once and for all. And when I do, I can go back to my life and the band and everything will be great again.

I smiled at the thought.

Now, I just have to make her realize than having some fun with me is exactly what she needs as well.

Everyday for the next few days I came back and sat in her section every night and listened to her play after. And during that time I would ask her out and her continued refusal just made me determined even more.

Tonight was different. I sat in her section, but instead of her usual scowl that greets me, it was a different waitress who took my order.

"Where's Dani?" I asked.

"Oh. Uh, she's not feeling well so I'm covering her shift."

"Do you know where she lives?"

She raised her eyebrows in question. "Uh."

"Just want to make sure she's okay. I was thinking I could bring her some food. Soup perhaps to make her feel better."

"I don't think she'd appreciate me giving her address to you," she shifted uncomfortably.

I chuckled. "She warned you about me, didn't she?"

She shrugged. "That's fine. I'll ask Lyn instead," I said.

"Do you still want to order something?" She asked.

"The chowder and hot buns. To go," I said and slid off the booth to find Lyn.

"She's at the bar," she called out to me.

"Thanks."

"You might to and the spicy wings. It's her favourite."

I smiled. "Okay."

"Oh and fries," she added.

I nodded. "Just add whatever she likes."

She nodded back.

I went to the bar and found Lyn.

"Here ya go," she said, placing a napkin in front of me.

I looked down and found an address. I looked up at her and she winked.

I laughed.

"Make her feel better will ya?"

"I'll do that," I winked at her.

"Do you know her story?" I asked.

"Uh-uh. You ain't getting that from me. I've helped you enough."

I chuckled. "I'll quit while I'm ahead," I said. "but seriously. Why are you helping me?"

She shrugged. "Every man needs the love of a good woman, and I just have a feeling that you two can be good for each other."

"I'm not looking for anything permanent."

"They never are, honey."

"Here's your order."

"That was quick."

She nodded towards Lyn.

"Thanks."

"No problem. It's on the house."

"But," I started to protest but Lyn shook her head.

"It's for our girl," she winked.

Dani

"Alright, alright, I'm coming," I sniffed. Whoever is at the door, needs some serious lesson on how to politely knock on the door. I can feel my ears ringing from how loud this person is knocking.

I peeked in the hole and groaned.

"I heard that!" The smug jerk said.

"Go away!"

"Not until you let me in," he countered. "I brought you food."

"You can't bribe me with food."

"I got your favourite."

I frowned. "Spicy wings?" I asked before I could stop myself.

Leo chuckled. "Yup and a bunch of other good stuff, so let me in before it gets cold.

I bit my lip.

"I'm not leaving until I see you."

"You're a pain in the ass, you know that?"

"Right back at ya, sweets."

"Dani. The name is Dani."

"Fine. Open the damn door."

"Bossy," I muttered under my breath.

"Heard that too."

"Whatever," I said and opened the door. Before I could invite him in, he pushed his way in. "Well, hi, yes, please do come in," I called after him sarcastically. "Make yourself at home," I added. Too late, the man was already heading to my kitchen and making himself right at home.

"What are you looking for?" I sniffed again.

"Plates and a bowl– got them," he said before I could tell him where they were. I watched him as he got the food ready and once he was done, he looked up at me and the smile died on his face.

"You don't look so good."

I rolled my eyes. "Thanks. Just what a girl wants to hear."

"No, I meant, you don't look well. Have you gone to the doctor?"

I shook my head. "No need. It's just a bad case of the flu."

He felt for my temperature and scowled. "You're burning up."

"I'm fine. I just took some meds."

"Come sit down and eat. Then off to bed you go. You need to rest."

"Well that's what I was doing until you barged in here, knocking so loud I thought you'd break down my door."

"I was worried when your usual scowl didn't greet me tonight."

I rolled my eyes.

"Sit."

"Don't tell me what to do," I scowled at him.

"Dani, please sit down and eat."

"Fine. Only because I am hungry."

He put some food on my plate and gave me a bowl of chowder.

"Thanks," I said and began to eat.

"You're welcome."

"Aren't you going to eat?"

"Don't worry about me, just eat up."

I shrugged.

"Water?" He asked.

"Fridge."

He opened a bottle and placed it next to me.

"I'm really okay, Leo. Thanks for the food, but you don't need to stay here. You probably have other things to do or have a hottie waiting for you."

"You're the only hottie I want so you better get well fast, so I can take you out to that dinner I promised you."

"I don't remember saying yes."

"You will," he said confidently.

I ignored him and ate more of my soup.

After, he helped me to my bedroom and covered me up. "I'll be right back."

When he returned he had a basin with water and a cloth with him.

"Leo, seriously..."

"Shh... just lay down and rest."

I watched him go to work and he went to sit beside me on my bed and placed the wet cloth on my forehead.

"Go on and get some sleep."

"I need to lock the door when you leave," I said.

"Don't worry about it. I'm not going anywhere."

I shot up in bed and glared at him. "What do you mean you're not going anywhere? You're not staying here!"

"Dani, calm down. I'm not going to do anything. You're fever is high and if you think I'm going to leave you by yourself then you're out of your mind. I know you think I'm a jackass, but I'm not that big of an asshole to leave you when you're condition is in danger of getting worse. And frankly, I should be taking you to the hospital, which I will be doing if this method doesn't work and bring your fever down. So suck it up buttercup, because I'm not going anywhere."

"I don't need the doctor," I said stubbornly.

"Not yet," he emphasized.

"Just relax and let me help you," he said.

I don't really have much of a choice so I did as he asked.

"This doesn't mean I'm going to dinner with you," I said, my eyes feeling heavy.

"Of course," he smiled.

"Don't smile," I mumbled.

"Why not?"

"I hate it when you smile."

"Why?"

"Because," I mumbled again, my eyes closing.

"Because what?"

Leo

"Don't smile," she mumbled.

"Why not?"

"I hate it when you smile."

"Why?"

"Because," she mumbled again, her eyes closing.

"Because what?"

Nothing.

I smiled.

She'd fallen asleep.

I watched over her the rest of the night and made sure her fever didn't go any higher. Thankfully the cold cloth worked it's magic and her fever went down. In the middle of the night she woke up shivering and so I wrapped her in my arms, either she was too far gone or she just needed the warmth that she didn't complain or accused me of taking advantage. I gave her another dose of her medicine and a couple hours later, her fever broke. After a while, I found myself dosing off to sleep.