Free Danny (Models On Top #1) by S. L. Scott

okay. The door is opened and I reluctantly turn to get out. Vinnie and Mark are walking inside and Vinnie holds the door open for me. As I pass, he says, “All better?”
    I poke him in the arm. “Revenge is sweet, my friend.”
    He laughs. “You’re welcome.”
    Turning back, I wink, and meaning it, I mouth, “Thank you.”
    As we walk through the lobby, I kind of wish Danny would touch my back again. I don’t know why I found that so incredibly sexy, but I did. Makes me wonder if I should feel bad about liking it as much as I did. I wipe away the guilt that develops and decide one more drink will help me forget a lot quicker.
    We reach the bar and find a round booth in the corner. I slip inside, following Vinnie, and Danny slides in right next to me. Mark settles in on the end after Danny. When the waitress takes our orders, Mark gives her a card to cover it all. “I want to settle this now. The drinks are on me.”
    Vinnie covered dinner, which was very generous considering the insane bill, so it’s kind Mark is taking care of the rest. Perks of the business. Before I get too lost in my thoughts, Danny’s foot bumps against mine, catching my attention. I don’t say anything, but I also don’t move my foot away.
    The night is easy, relaxed, something I never thought would happen with us. Vinnie and Mark take the edge off, making us behave, and keeping the conversation light. When asked what his favorite city is, Danny says, “Lincoln,” as if there is no doubt. Maybe for him, there isn’t.
    As for me… I’ve not settled on my favorite city.
    Mark asks, “Nebraska?”
    “Yep.”
    Vinnie squints in disbelief. “I’ve never been to Nebraska, but you have me intrigued. What is it about the city that makes it so special?”
    The glass is spun slowly under his fingertips as he ponders his answer before speaking. “Maybe it’s not the city, but the people that are special.”
    “Anyone in particular?” Mark asks, not understanding the Pandora’s box he’s opening.
    With rapt attention I can’t take my eyes off him. His leg shifts under the table, his knee knocking into mine. He looks at me before turning back to Mark and replying, “No one in particular.”
    I exhale a long held breath.
    Loudly.
    Everyone looks at me, but Vinnie takes the honors. “Are you all right?”
    Hating the attention, I brush my hair behind my ear and smile. “Yes, fine.” I shift. “Tonight’s been fun, but it might be time for me to go to bed. The wine has gone to my head and the jetlag has caught up with me.”
    Just as I’m about to faux-yawn, Danny stands allowing me enough room to escape. “I should escort you to the elevators.”
    “Thank you, but you don’t have to do that.”
    “I want to. For safety.”
    If Mark’s glare came with a sound effect, I think it would be the buzzer from Family Feud. Although it’s silent, I feel its intended effect loud and clear.
    Danny ignores him and offers his arm to me. “Really,” I say. “This is too much. I’ll be fine.”
    He doesn’t budge, so I give in and take his arm, wrapping mine around his, and glance to Vinnie who is practically clapping in excitement from this spectacle. After a short goodnight to the men, we walk through the bar and through the lobby. My heart is thudding so hard I’m afraid he’ll hear it over the clack of my heels echoing on the marble.
    We don’t say anything. I don’t because I have no idea what to say. He doesn’t either until we reach the elevator. “You’re leaving tomorrow?”
    “Yes, I have an afternoon flight back to New York.”
    “Do you want to have a lunch?”
    “With you?” I ask surprised, but realize that could be offensive. “I don’t mean it that way. I just… you just caught me off guard.”
    “Maybe I shouldn’t have asked.” He pulls his arm back slowly when we stop in front of the elevators.
    “It might be good to catch up.” Too good, I sigh quietly. When I look at him, look into his gentle gaze,