Loving Mr. Daniels(44)

Ashlyn glanced toward me and held her book closer to her chest. She frowned toward Jake and turned him down. The bell rang, and he wore his disappointment on his face, mostly in his eyes.
A couple walked by, laughing and holding hands, and Ashlyn’s eyes stayed glued to their hold. A knot formed in my stomach. I knew she thought I didn’t notice, but I did. She looked at the couples walking hand in hand at school with such envy. All signs of public displays of affection never went unnoticed by her. She longed to hold my hand in the light, not only in the shadows.
When third hour came and went, I asked her to stay after for a minute so I could talk to her. Her eyes looked hooded; she seemed tired.
“You can go, you know—to the dance with Jake.”
“No, I’m good,” she lied, cradling her books.
“But you love to dance,” I said.
“With you. I love to dance with you, Daniel.”
“You’re disappointed.”
Her head dropped and she nodded slowly. “It’s just—your hands are right here. My hands are right here. And we’re not allowed to touch.”
My pinky wrapped around hers and I felt a sigh shake through her body.
“I’m sorry, Ashlyn.”
“Not your fault. Just our lives, I guess.”
My throat tightened. “If you want out, just say it. I promise you it’s fine.”
Her eyes widened and glassed over. “I don’t. I want this, Daniel. I’m just having an off day. That’s all.”
I heard what she was saying, but I knew she had to miss the things normal couples did. Dinner dates. Movies. Weekend getaways.
“Romeo’s Quest is performing at Joe’s bar again soon…” I said, getting lost in her green eyes. “You should come.”
Her smile widened and I saw her eyes light up, too. “You mean, go out somewhere other than the lake house?” She paused and giggled. “Don’t get me wrong. it’s a nice lake house and all, but it’s just—”
I cut her off. My finger was still wrapped around her pinky and I nudged my classroom door closed slightly. Taking her hand fully into mine I pulled her closer and my lips took hers in. I kissed her quick but deep. She nuzzled on my bottom lip and kissed me back harder as the bell rang for fourth hour to start.
“You’re late for class.”
I could feel her smile against my mouth as she spoke softly. “Totally worth the tardy slip.”

We were performing at Joe’s bar the weekend before Thanksgiving. Randy set up an agreement with them for people to bring canned goods to be donated to the hunger force. I thought it was such a Randy thing to do—to find a way to give back.
Ashlyn showed up behind the library for me to pick her up holding two cans of corn and a notebook in her other hand. She looked so adorable with her cans and beautiful smile. I pulled up to the curb and she hopped into the car.
“Hey.” She leaned over and kissed me on the lips before she buckled her seatbelt. “I’m going to write tonight while I listen.”
“You’re writing again?” She hadn’t mentioned her novel since the first night we’d met at Joe’s bar, so I was stoked to hear her mention it.
“Just random things. Nothing major.”
“Very major,” I said.
We arrived at the bar to have Randy come bouncing up to us. “Hey! You came back to see me,” he said to Ashlyn, placing his hand over his heart. “I’m flattered. I really am. But I think my friend Danny here has a small crush on you.”
She laughed. “Is that so?”
“Yeah. The other day, I walked into his room. He was talking in his sleep and cuddling his pillow, calling it Ashlyn.”
My eyes widened and I turned to Ashlyn. “That’s not true.”
Randy nodded quickly. “It is.”
Ashlyn took my hand into hers and giggled. “It’s totally true, isn’t it? You’re addicted.”
I couldn’t deny that.
Randy’s phone went off and he excused himself to go answer it, leaving me standing with Ashlyn. “I gotta get set up soon. Want anything to drink?”
Ashlyn grabbed my shirt and ran behind me. “Oh my gosh!” she squealed, covering her face.
“Uh, it’s not that big of a deal… A simple no would have worked.”
“Shit shit shit,” she whispered. It was pretty cute to hear her curse; it made me want to kiss her that much more.
“What’s going on?” I questioned, trying to turn around to look at her.
“Henry,” she breathed into my shirtsleeve as she pointed toward the bar.
My eyes shot up and I saw him sitting there drinking. “Oh shit!” I whispered, pushing her out of the building. We ran to the side of the bar and took in deep breaths. “What is he doing here?! Did he know you were coming?”
“No! No! I didn’t tell anyone.”
“Well where does he think you are tonight?” I asked.
She shrugged. “He never asks. I doubt he cares.” I saw a small tremble in her bottom lip.
“He would be crazy not to care.” I paused. “He can’t know, right? He doesn’t know. He can’t.” My insides were twisting at the idea of her father, my boss, finding out about us.
Ashlyn pushed herself against me, giving me a deep kiss. “I need to go before he sees me. I think I’m going to head home. Just to be safe.”
I kissed her back, loving her taste. I grabbed my keys from my back pocket and tossed them to her. “Take my car and drive home. You can park it down the street from your house. Then you can give me my keys back sometime tomorrow.”