He starts to laugh. “You’re wilder than I thought, Holli. So you hooked up with him that weekend and along the way, started dating?” He shakes his head. “You know, I’m being really fucking nosy. You can tell me to shut up if you don’t want to talk about this.”
“I’d love to say it’s not as illicit as it sounds, but really, it is. We hooked up. I thought it would be a one night stand, but it turned into breakfast then visits… and more. Maybe it should have stayed in Sin City all along.”
Another long pause leads into him saying, “I’m not expert on relationships, but I’ve had a few and I can say I never felt like Johnny did today.”
I sit up, bringing my knees to my chest and resting my cheek down. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, I’ve never felt strongly enough about a woman to fight for her like that. He may have been off base with his assumptions, but his heart was in the right place. In my opinion, that guy loves you.”
When he stands up, I lift my head up and ask, “Where are you going?”
“I need to leave. I’m starting to get all sensitive and crap and that just doesn’t sit well with me. I’m thinking it’s the knock to the head that’s done it.”
I chuckle. “You’re being ridiculous. It was actually very sweet of you to say and a good observation. I hadn’t thought of his reaction being because he loves me.”
Danny stops just before climbing back on the ledge, and says, “As I see it, his actions spoke louder than his words. I’m not saying how he handled it was right…” He points to his eye. “This is proof it wasn’t, but it might not be that wrong either.” He hops up and makes the jump. When he lands, he smiles all proud of himself.
“You know you could have used the door.”
He pops his hand against his forehead, and says, “Now you tell me.”
“Danny?” He smiles when I call his name. “Thanks for the advice, chat, whatever this was. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”
“Don’t go buying us bestie necklaces just yet, and let’s pretend you didn’t hear any of that love talk from me. Okay?”
He’s looking a little coy. “I like when you’re embarrassed,” I say, “but I like that you told me all of that even more.”
“I’ll be here, calling my buddies over to talk completely inappropriately about women, and to chug some beer in hopes that I grow my balls back.”
“Your balls are safe.” I whisper, “I won’t tell anyone that you actually have a heart. We’ll keep them focused on your pretty face instead.”
He lifts his shirt and runs his hand over his abs. “Don’t forget about the hot body.”
“The hot body is definitely unforgettable. Now stop fishing for compliments and go earn your mancard back.”
I hear him chuckle.
“Hey,” I call to stop him. “By the way, what happened to your date?”
“She got a modeling gig in Paris, but don’t worry about me, I’ll find another before the night’s through. I’m sure there are plenty of women who like to play nurse.”
“Oh, I’m sure there are.” I laugh.
After sending a nod and smile in my direction, he goes inside, shutting the door behind him. I roll my eyes at the last comment, but let his other words linger a bit.
Settling back down, I look up at the stars again. Despite what happened today, I can’t stop thinking about Dalton. He’s been hit with a lot lately between Dex and Cory, and now our relationship. Rationally, I know I should cut him some slack, but for Dalton to think I would purposely hurt him, hurts me.
Unlike last time when he tried to pick a fight with Danny, this time he’s gone too far. We need to talk and soon. But tonight, it’s best we don’t. I’m still too mad.
“Touring is amazing. I get to see the world and meet the fans. It’s incredible, but it’s hard on relationships—family, friends, and dating. They all have to pay the price for the career I’ve chosen.” ~Johnny Outlaw
Dalton doesn’t call me. It hurts. My strong-willed side tells me I deserve better. My weaker side brings me to tears more than I’d like to admit. I thought I meant more to him, but now I question everything we were, everything he said, every gesture, and the time we spent together. I’m driving myself mad with the lack of answers, so I work all the time, well aware of the days passing by. Both of us too stubborn to give in—my pride bruised, his ego wounded.
When I’m not working, I help Tracy with the planning of her wedding. I slip on my Maid of Honor dress to show her how it looks, a knock at the door interrupting. I freeze, my breath stopping, my heart clenching, still holding onto hope that Dalton will come around.