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Bleary-eyed, I opened the door, revealing Daniel, who held a bag of bagels.
He grinned sheepishly. "I came a bit early. Mind?"
"I brought breakfast."
I raised an eyebrow. Our sessions were scheduled for 2 p. m. , but he always arrived early—today, absurdly so.
He declared, "Your recovery is progressing fast, so we need to intensify training."
I laughed, gesturing for him to come inside.
While eating his bagels, I noticed his hesitant expression.
I spoke hesitantly, "What's…up?"
The therapy was working—my speech, though stilted, was improving.
He finally spoke. "Did Nathan visit last night?"
I blinked in surprise. How did he know?
I nodded. He asked cautiously, "Was he…trying to reconcile?"
I recalled Nathan's words and nodded.
Daniel tensed up. "Did you…agree?"
I shook my head. He exhaled in relief.
I studied him with amusement. His intentions were too obvious to miss.
I typed, "I don't chew on grass I've already spit out."
"But Daniel, is this your first crush?Too obvious."
He froze and coughed, ears reddening.
"You're too observant,"he mumbled, then changed the subject. "Finish eating, and I'll take you for a drive."
I typed, "I'm heading to the west side for some business today. Will you join me?"
He nodded enthusiastically.
My savings had finally purchased a cemetery plot on the west side.
While signing the contract, my hands trembled.
Grandma would like it, don't you think?
Outside, Daniel stood by a plot, waving for me to come over.
He pointed. "This one is perfect. Grandma would love it."
"Perfect scenery and atmosphere."
I laughed, tripping over words. "You…know…vibes?"
He gently pinched my cheek. "I know a lot."
Leaving the cemetery at noon, Daniel naturally took my hand.
"There's a great restaurant nearby. Would you like to go?"
I was about to agree when Nathan's voice interrupted.
"Sarah?"
Daniel and I turned. Nathan's initial delight turned sour as he saw our joined hands.
"Who's he?"
Daniel smirked and lifted his chin.
"Daniel Reed. Sarah Collins's boyfriend."
I gave him a look, nudging him playfully.
Nathan's face darkened, but he forced himself to stay calm.
"Sarah, I know Grandma loved the west side's views. I came to arrange her final resting place."
"Come home with me, okay?"
"Claire admitted she helped you, but you refused, thinking it was a charity."
"I was wrong. I just wanted you to control your temper…"
Daniel wrapped an arm around my waist, his warm breath grazing my neck, causing me to flush.
"Mr. Brooks, Sarah doesn't need to control anything or learn lessons."
"She's perfect just the way she is, and I love her like this."
"You wasted this chance. Don't blame others for taking it."
Nathan glared at Daniel. "Who do you think you are to meddle in our business?"
I tugged at Daniel's sleeve. "Let's go."
Nathan gaped. "Sarah, you can speak?"
I ignored him, letting Daniel open the car door for me.
He flashed Nathan a taunting smile at Nathan, then drove off.
