As Nico drove Dani reached over and held his hand. He didn't resist. That's nice. But I did expect him to pull back. He doesn't seem to be one for public displays of affection.
Nico glanced down at their hands entwined on the seat. That's quite a stretch for me. I'm not used to this, but I like it. I like it when she touches me.
Nico looked over and smiled at Dani. She was looking out the window. What's she thinking? Is she having regrets about us? Nico squeezed Dani's hand tighter in his hold at the thought.
Dani looked at Nico when he squeezed her hand and his face was tight. What's wrong with him?
"Nico, what's wrong?" Dani asked. He looks distressed.
"It's just, you've been quiet." He choked out. Can she read me that easily?
"Yes, I have. I've been thinking. That doesn't answer my question Nico." Dani eyed Nico letting him know she expected a better answer than that.
"Are you regretting getting in the car with me?" Nico whispered. I can hear the despair in my own voice, something I never share with anyone. Something I never let anyone see. This woman…
"Pull over, Nico." Dani replied. We need to straighten this out right now.
"Excuse me?" Nico asked surprised. Oh my God she is regretting this.
Nico pulled off the highway and onto a deserted road where he stopped a short way down. He turned off the car. "Dani just tell me now. Hit me with the feelings you're having, feelings of regret."
"Nico, I need you to understand something right now. Just because were not actively having a conversation does not mean I regret anything. Right now I am just thinking, yes thinking about us, but I in no way regret getting in this car with you." Dani squeezed Nico's hand. What is wrong with him tonight?
"But you usually cannot stop talking. It surprises me that you would be quiet for an entire car trip. You are only ever quiet when you are upset and brooding." Nico glanced down at their entwined hands. This is so new for me. Such strong feelings and I don't know how much she reciprocates them.
"Why didn't you just ask?" Dani said surprised. It's never stopped him before…
"Because you hate it when I dig and I prefer to see when you let something slip." Nico smirked at her then let it quickly fall from his face.
"I need you to understand that my feelings for you are strong, Nico. We have a lot to discuss but this is neither the time or place. I was hoping we could do that in a more comfortable setting after dinner. But I want you to know that I am not mad at you and I am confident in my choice in getting in this car. Now unless you have something else weighing on your mind please turn the car back on and get us to some restaurant because I'm starving." Dani almost challenged Nico.
Nico glanced at her. Well that's promising. At least she said her feelings are strong. This is something we have to discuss tonight. "Okay, later it is then."
Dani nodded. "Sounds good. Food first, talking second." As long as the talking is in there somewhere…
Nico turned the car on and got back on the highway headed towards the city. Before long he pulled up to a little fancy Italian restaurant. "How did you know?" Dani asked, then paused. I should have known. She shook her head smiling.
"I understand that this is your favorite restaurant in the city." Nico replied also smiling.
"Of course you would know." Dani responded getting out of the car. "Well are you going to order for me too?"
Now that would be interesting….hmm…maybe I should. "Certainly." He answers handing the valet his keys.
If he orders my favorite dish too I think I am going to have to make him teach me his methods. Dani rolls her eyes. "I was kidding."
"I wasn't." Nico said offering his arm. I'm glad to see she is back to her witty bantering but still we need to talk.
"I know." Dani took his arm and they walked into the restaurant together. We need to talk but it can wait until after dinner. We're in for an interesting evening.
