"Sorry, I didn't see you," said Danny somberly.
Anna shook her head, "It's OK." She looked down willing the elevator to move faster.
"How did the rest of the interview go?" Danny asked trying to break up the uncomfortable silence.
"I don't think I was much help."
"That's not true. Don't blame yourself for this," Danny whispered.
Anna looked up. She could see the genuine concern in Danny's eyes. Her defenses were starting to crumble being this close to him. Just as she was about to respond, the doors opened. Anna exhaled as she got off the elevator. Danny followed her off.
"Are you headed back to your office?"
"It's getting late, actually. I'll probably just head home."
"Can I get you a cab, or I could drive you?"
"I'll take a cab."
They walked out the front doors, and Danny hailed a cab. He opened the door for her.
"Thanks," said Anna.
"Thank you for all your help. I'm sure Martin or Samantha will keep you posted. And if Angela calls you…"
"They told me to call as soon as possible. I think they even put traces on my phones. So, I think I am all set." Anna tried to reply matter of factly.
A slight wind passed through, and blew Anna's hair in her face. On instinct, Danny started to brush the hair out of her face with his fingers. He let his fingertips rest on her soft skin. Danny thought she would pull away, but instead she leaned in to his touch ever so slightly.
"I have to go," Anna finally said in a small voice.
Danny took his hand away and stepped back. "Thanks again."
Anna got in the cab and left.
Anna sat back in her seat. With that one touch from Danny, all the memories started flooding back.
Eight Years Ago – New York University (NYU)
Anna was just finishing her first year at NYU. Instead of going home to Connecticut for the summer, she and her best friend, Willa, decided to stay on campus and go to summer school. Willa promised Anna a fun-filled summer after spending her freshman year hitting the books. Willa wanted to try to get Anna to come out of her shell. Anna was the quintessential good girl. She barely went out her freshman year. Willa was hoping she would loosen up over the summer.
Willa started by getting Anna a fake ID. At first, Anna was completely opposed to using it. She was terrified of being caught. Her parents would surely force her to come home if she were ever arrested. Willa assured her they wouldn't get caught by telling her that bars weren't as strict over the summer. Willa basically wouldn't take no for an answer.
So, Anna found herself in one of Willa's way-to-short skirts going in to this club called Light. Anna felt completely uncomfortable as she and Willa found an empty table a few feet from the bar. Willa ordered her a drink that tasted pretty good. Her only prior experience with alcohol was a little champagne at her parent's annual New Year's Eve party. Halfway through her first drink, Anna started to feel a little looser. Willa, who left to go see if she knew anyone there, finally returned and exclaimed, "You'll never guess who is here."
"You're right. I'll never guess. I don't know anyone who would come here besides you."
"I'll give you a hint – watching him with your morning coffee is your favorite past-time," Willa said excitedly.
"Oh my gosh. He's here?" Anna immediately knew who it was. For the last year, she and Willa stopped by this coffee house before their 8 a.m. class. Anna actually started getting there earlier and earlier each time, just so she could see him. She knew his name was Danny, and seemed to work there every morning. Her longest conversation with him consisted of ordering a muffin and mocha from him. Other girls would come in and flirt with him. He would flirt right back. He was really good at it. Anna would just sit back and imagine it was her. Before she saw Danny, she didn't know it was possible to fall in love with someone without even talking to him. Logically, she knew it was just a crush. The one time she tried to talk to him, her heart was beating so fast, she nearly fainted. He just smiled at her, and told her to have a nice day.
"You have to talk to him," Willa said.
"What? No way. I can't talk to him. Where is he?" Anna asked as she finished her first drink.
"Right over there." Willa pointed to a spot at the bar. He was talking to a small group of people.
The waitress then brought another round of drinks.
"Drink a little more, then maybe you'll summon up the courage."
Anna was barely paying attention to Willa. She was now focused on watching Danny. If it was possible, he looked even better at night. His usual white t-shirt was replaced with a blue button-down and jeans. Anna thought that noone had a better smile in the world. And his eyes – they melted her every time. She kind of got lost in them as she took another drink.
Halfway through her second drink, Willa thought Anna was ready to take a walk. "I don't think I can do it."
"Sure you can, just go up there, and order another drink. The way you look tonight – you won't even have to say anything to him. He'll hit on you."
"You're crazy."
"Just try it," implored Willa.
For some reason, Anna decided it was a good idea. She took her drink and started walking toward the bar. She tried to angle in to get next to the bar but it was quite crowded. His back was to her as she tried to push her way up to the bar. Just as she was making leeway, Danny turned around, and some one pushed up against her. Anna lost her balance in her too-high heels. She started falling right into him spilling her drink on his shoe. Danny reacted quickly by grabbing her forearms before she fell completely down.
As Danny held her, Anna was afraid to look up. She really just wanted to disappear. Danny finally broke the silence, "You O.K.?"
"Um….yeah….I….uh….sorry about your shoes." Anna finally looked up into his eyes.
"No worries. They'll dry. Did you want another drink?" Danny asked as he pointed to her now empty glass.
"Uh…sure…yes…I mean that's why I came up here."
"Right," Danny smiled as he motioned to the bartender for another. "This one is on me. I should really watch myself before I turn around."
"Oh no. It was my fault…these shoes…and the crowd…." The back of Anna's neck was getting really hot. She knew she was noticeably blushing at this point.
"It's my pleasure. By the way, my name is Danny," Danny said as he held out his hand.
"I kn…I mean…nice to meet you. I'm Anna…Anna Ridley," Anna replied as she took his hand.
Danny paid for the drink, and turned his attention back to Anna. "Do you go to school here?"
"Yes. It's my first year…actually I just finished my first year…"
Danny nodded and laughed a little, "I wouldn't say that too loud. You may get kicked out of here, but I'll keep your secret. I thought I recognized you. I go here, too. This is my last year here."
As Anna took a few more drinks, the liquid courage was kicking in. "I've seen you, too. I frequent the coffee house on Bleaker. You are there every morning."
"Right. I knew I recognized you. You look a little different tonight," Danny replied. Anna's blonde hair was out of its usual pony tail. And she was wearing more make-up than usual.
"Different? Good? Or Bad?" Anna asked trying to be a little flirty.
"Definitely, good. Although, I think you look good with the ponytail, too. You just look a little older tonight." Danny said as his eyes traveled up and down her face and body.
Anna could barely contain her excitement. Not only was he flirting with her, but he actually recognized her as well. Anna was silently thanking Willa.
Danny just stared at her for a few moments, and then finally asked, "Do you wanna dance?"
Anna felt like she was dreaming. She just nodded and quickly finished her drink. Danny finished his beer and then led her towards the dance floor. As they maneuvered in the crowd, Danny put his hand on the small of her back. His fingers touched her bare skin where her tank top didn't meet her skirt. Anna could feel the goosebumps start to form on her arm. She only hoped that Danny didn't notice.
Once they reached the dance floor, they started dancing to a rather fast song. She just followed his lead. As the songs went on, Danny started getting closer and closer. His hand found the small of her back again, and he pulled her against him. Then he started to kiss her neck lightly. Anna's legs felt like they would give at any moment. Danny braced her with his other hand, as he started to kiss her lips. He tasted like beer, and some other liquor, but she didn't mind. He smelled amazing. She was pressed so close against him, she wasn't sure where she ended and he began. She couldn't believe he was kissing her in the middle of a crowded dance floor.
They made-out on the dance floor for a few more songs. She was feeling light-headed from what was a combination of a lack of oxygen and the three drinks. Danny's hand traveled down back to her thigh. He was rubbing small circles underneath the material of her skirt. Anna had never gone this far with any guy in public or not. She finally broke from Danny to try and collect herself. "Maybe we should get another drink."
Danny nodded, and took her hand as they made their way back to the bar.
Anna took the opportunity to find Willa as Danny ordered their drinks. Willa was talking to a guy she'd been dating on and off. "Hey, girl. Looks like pining for a year paid off."
"I can't believe it. He's amazing," Anna replied.
"Yeah, I can see that. Listen, I'm going home with Ryan."
"What? What should I do?" Anna said as Willa looked over at Danny.
"Uh…I think your evening plans are taken care of."
"I can't go home with him, Willa."
Willa took Anna's hand and walked her back over to Danny. "Hi, I'm Anna's friend, Willa. I've got to get home. Can you make sure she gets home safe and sound?"
Anna looked at Danny with an embarrassed look. "I'll take care of her," Danny replied as he gave Anna a drink.
Willa just smiled and left. Anna was going to kill her tomorrow.
"I'm sorry. I…we didn't plan…"
"It's fine. You want to stay here a while."
"Sure," Anna said as she looked at the drink in her hand. "What is this?"
"It's just a shot of tequila." Danny then showed her how to lick the salt from her hand, drink the shot, and then finish with the lime. Anna repeated what Danny did, but she thought she may be sick after she finished.
"Are you OK?" asked Danny laughing.
"I'm not sure. That was a little intense. Maybe I should drink some water."
Danny handed her a bottle of water. "Maybe you are done for the night."
"Yeah…Where's the ladie's room?"
"I'll take you."
Danny waited outside the crowded hallway until Anna came out. "I think I need some air."
Danny nodded, and led her out the fire exit into an alley. "I'll make a mental note. Next time, no tequila." Danny put his had on her face. Anna smiled up at him.
"I'm OK. Really I am. See." Anna said as she twirled around a couple of times. Then she lost her balance and Danny caught her in his arms.
"I think you are drunk."
"I think you are right," Anna said arched up to kiss Danny. He responded by pulling her closer, and then backing her against the wall in the alley.
Anna wasn't thinking anymore. All she could focus on was how great his body felt against hers. His lips were kissing down her neck into her cleavage, and then back up to her mouth. His hands were traveling up her thigh and up her shirt at the same time. Danny murmured in her ear, "I want you."
"Not here," Anna couldn't believe what she was agreeing to.
"I live across the street."
Anna nodded, and followed Danny across the street, and down into a basement apartment. She walked in to what amounted to a closet. There was a bed, a t.v. and a bathroom. Nothing else.
Danny started kissing her again, and removing her clothes. First, her tank top and then her skirt. She was pressed against him in her bra and panties as he took his shirt off while still kissing her passionately.
Anna was in a haze. It was a combination of the alcohol and being with someone who she had a crush on for a year. But as she stood in front of him almost naked, she made a sober statement, "I should tell you…"
Danny stopped undressing. "What?" Waiting for the admission that she had a disease or something.
Anna looked down embarrassed, "I've never…"
"Never what?" Danny whispered
Still looking down, Anna replied, "This. I've never done this before."
The realization hit Danny. She was a virgin. "Oh," Danny said hesitantly as he started to re-button his jeans.
"What you are doing?" asked Anna.
"Well, not you…not tonight anyway."
"What?" Anna crossed her arms suddenly very aware of her lack of clothes. "I didn't say I didn't want to…I just…I just didn't want you to be surprised."
"I appreciate that. Look, you're drunk, and I, thankfully, haven't had as much as I normally do. So, I'm thinking pretty clearly. And, this is a bad idea. You don't want to do this. Not with me. Not here." Danny looked around the tiny room.
Anna was completely embarrassed. Tears started to fall from her eyes. She turned around so he wouldn't see, and picked up her clothes. Then she walked quickly to the bathroom. She dressed quickly, and put cold water on her face. She wasn't sure why she was upset – because she was so willing to give up her virginity so easily to a stranger, or because she was rejected by him. Either way, she was completely humiliated.
When she came out of the bathroom, Danny was sitting on his bed. "Are you O.K.?"
"I'm fine," Anna said as she quickly walked to the door.
Danny got up and followed her. As she opened the door, Danny put his hand on the door to shut it. "Let me go, Danny."
"Look at me." Danny said as his hand braced the door shut.
Anna turned around and leaned back against the door. Danny's face was inches above hers. At first, she thought he was going to kiss her.
"You can't go home alone. I promised your friend I would take care of you."
"You don't owe me anything. I can get home fine."
"Listen, it's late. You probably live in the dorms, right? That twenty minutes from here. Why don't you just stay here, and then I'll take you home in the morning."
"I think you made it pretty clear you didn't want me to spend the night."
"I don't want to have sex. I don't think I have ever said those words," Danny laughed. "But I don't mind if you spend the night."
"There is only one bed."
"Now you are worried about sleeping with me?"
Anna smiled at silliness of her statement. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry now because you'll be really sorry in the morning with a hangover."
Danny reached into a drawer and pulled out a t-shirt. "You can take the bathroom first."
Anna took the t-shirt and changed in the bathroom. When Danny went into the bathroom, she got into bed and under the covers. Danny came out of the bathroom wearing only boxer shorts. He slid into bed next to her. "Now don't try anything," Danny joked. Anna laughed as she turned to look at him.
"You know I dreamed about this night for a whole year."
Danny looked confused.
"Why do you think I kept coming back to the coffee house?" asked Anna.
"The coffee, of course."
Anna lightly shoved him. "It was you. And then seeing you tonight, it was like it was meant to be."
Danny just looked at her not sure how to respond. Anna then turned away from him as if to silently say she was ready for sleep. Danny reached over her to pull her to him. He held her like that all night.
Back to presentThat night started what would be the most significant relationship in Anna's life.They spent the next year together. She spent many more nights with him in that tiny apartment. She learned to love it because he was there. She never knew anyone like Danny before. The job at the coffee house was one of three jobs he had while he kept up a 3.8 GPA. He was compelled to be the best at everything. And while he worked very hard, he played even harder. That's where things started to fall a part for them.
Anna's thoughts were interrupted as the cab stopped at her apartment. When she entered her apartment, there was message on her phone. It was from Angela Simpson. She immediately dialed the number for the FBI. When the operator answered, she asked for Danny Taylor without even thinking.