Freya Chapter 3 Danielle couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. As much as she knew she should stay away from this handsome man, her body felt drawn to him. He smiled back at her with those full lips. The green of his shirt brought out the intensity of his eyes, and she was reminded of her dream. "Did you have a place in mind?" Leo asked, trying to keep the sexual tension that this woman seemed to provoke in him out of voice. "I know a small sandwich shop we could go to." "That sounds perfect." "Let me just grab my purse, I'll meet you at the elevator." She replied. She needed a second to get herself together. "Sure." Leo turned to set down the file and started walking out of the room. As he passed her, his arm casually swept past hers, tussling up that sweet sensual smell again. He inhaled deeply, wishing he could bottle that scent and keep it in his pocket for those lonely nights. Danielle grabbed her purse quickly and gave her blonde hair a swift fluff. She strode from the room feeling cool and confident. She could handle this man. That confidence quickly faded when her gaze fell back into those green eyes standing by the elevator. And that coolness slid into a warmth that nestled cozily between her thighs. Could she handle this man? Oh she could, but not in a way that would exactly be considered professional. "Ready?" He asked kindly. The lopsided grin was infectious, and Danielle felt herself smile in reply. Leo pressed the button for the first floor and they rode down in silence. The tension in the air not going unnoticed. "We can take my truck if you like, it's parked right in front." Leo offered. Danielle hesitated. Surely he didn't consider lunch a date? "I don't mind driving." She said, not unkindly. Leo stepped closer to her, and Danielle could smell the masculinity of his cologne. "Look, I know we don't know each other very well, but I would like to get to know you. I mean, we are sharing the building and all." And that lopsided grin made a second appearance. How could she say anything when he was looking at her like that? "I guess you have a point there. But I will drive this time, you can ride with me." She said, he needed to know she was in control of her emotions. And a part of her needed to prove it to herself as well. Leo couldn't help the swell of respect he suddenly felt for this woman. But he also felt like he was getting a first glimpse at the very large wall Danielle had built around herself. He couldn't blame her, a beautiful woman had to protect heart, but he found himself wondering what had caused it. "This is a very nice car." Leo complimented. "This is no car, this is my baby." Danielle smiled jokingly. The red charger was her pride and joy. Special ordered with black leather interior, 350 horsepower, and standard six speed transmission. "Haha, I can see why." He laughed, so she did have a sense of humor. She handled the car like a pro, taking the curve of the road like a glider, and shifting the gears seamlessly. He was more than a little impressed with her driving skills. "So tell me, where are you from?" Danielle asked. She needed to figure out more about this man who walked through her dreams. "I'm from Shreveport, Louisiana." "Really? I never would've guessed that." "Why, because I don't call everyone by some French slang?" He replied with a small laugh. "Well.. Yes actually." Danielle laughed, amazed at how comfortable she was with this man. "That's stereotype doctor. Not all of us talk that way. My father did, but my mother was from Birmingham so she didn't have that attribute." "You said 'did', as in past tense?" "Yeah.. My father passed away about four weeks ago." Leo explained, his voice dropping a bit. So he was running. Her heart went out to this man beside her. Not wanting to ruin the good vibe in the car, Danielle decided to change the subject. "So what do you think of our small town?" She asked, clearing her throat. Leo smiled, he was tired of the "I'm sorry to hear that" line, he liked how she had handled herself. "I like it actually, my home is outside of the city limits. So I get to enjoy both the city and country versions of south Alabama." "It's wonderful isn't it? My home is outside city limits as well, I couldn't ask for anything better." She liked that he enjoyed the country as well. "Well it's just Brinley and I, she really enjoys the pond and the land." Brinley? He hadn't mentioned being with someone. She had just assumed he was single. She hadn't noticed a ring. "Well your girlfriend is a lucky woman." Danielle tried to keep her reply from sounding bitter. She was surprised when he let out a barrel of a laugh. He had a wonderful laugh. "I'm not much into beastiality, Brinley is my chocolate Labrador retriever." Danielle felt her face darken a shade of red and a giggle escaped her lips. But she also couldn't deny the flood of relief she felt knowing he wasn't seeing anyone. Their conversations went on through out the lunch, and for the rest of the week. Danielle insisted on an ice cream parlor Tuesday, and Wednesday they had enjoyed Mexican. On Thursday, Leo took Danielle to the Red Elephant. Dressed in her casual jeggings, boots, and button down, she felt herself becoming more and more relaxed with him. But she also felt her self control slipping, and that was dangerous. Smiling at her across the table, Leo couldn't help but feel lucky for the past few days. Each morning he had been sure to arrive at nine o'clock on the dot just so he could start his day seeing her. She fascinated him. Her hair and make up always kept so simple, and yet her entire physic spoke of anything but simplicity. She always ordered simple, and not just side salads with a bowl of croutons. She kept her body in shape but she ate whatever she wanted, and he liked that. Danielle couldn't help but blush under his gaze, she could sense what he was doing before she ever looked at him. "What? Do I have something in my teeth?" She laughed, looking up from her plate of country fried steak. "Haha, no you don't. I was just lost in thought I guess." "Well you know tomorrow you'll have to be lost in thought alone, I don't have any appointments so I'm taking the day off to see my father." Danielle made plans to do lunch with her dad at least once a week, but she lost track of herself around this man. His heart sank a little, but then an idea struck. "Well then maybe we should have dinner? Say tomorrow at six?" Danielle hesitated, feeling her pulse quicken and her insides do a small flip. Could she handle herself on a date with him? Hell it was hard enough not to attack him in the elevator. But on the other hand, she couldn't deny the excitement that arose at the thought. "Maybe.. I'll let you know." She replied, she would think on it. Leo's face fell a fraction, but he quickly dampened out the disappointment and gave a kind smile. "I guess that's better than a no." After lunch, it took all of Danielle's will power not to the think of the situation she was now in. She hadn't seen Mr. No Name since last Friday, which means Freya was again getting restless. Tomorrow would make a week since she had been satisfied, and a date with Leo could be too much to handle. Maybe she should get her fix before then.. No, she couldn't keep toying with his emotions. Mr. No Name (Jake maybe?) had already crossed her line by asking her out. She needed to cut him loose. What worried her more than anything was that Freya would take over. She liked Leo, and she didn't want him to become another notch in Freya's belt. Hell, she didn't want Freya to have him it all. But could she do that to herself? Could she take that risk? She knew if Freya locked in on him then any chance of her having a relationship would be destroyed. Was he worth that to her? She toyed with that question in her mind through the rest of the day. Barley staying focused during her appointments, she was glad when the last one left. Gathering her things she went to the elevator. Still deep in thought, she hardly noticed when the elevator stopped on the second floor. But when Leo stepped on board he had her full attention. Using all her strength to keep her knees from turning to jello at the sight of his smile, she took in a deep breath. His scent filled her, rugged and completely man. Looking up at him through her lashes, the doors slid closed. She felt his breath pic up, and she turned her head to see him. Before she could stop herself, Danielle grabbed a handful of his beautiful dark hair and brought his face to hers. He captured her lips in a kiss that promised so much. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he held her to him, tempting her body with his soft lips. His tongue coaxing her to open for him. She did, and the kiss deepened into a sensual spiral. The ding of the elevator broke the spell, and Danielle opened her eyes. That lopsided smile dominated the face in front of her, and she had to remind herself this was not a dream. Those deep green eyes were actually in front of her. Those strong arms still holding her close to that tight, sexy body. "So was that a yes?" He asked, his voice still husky from the moment. Danielle smiled, "Yes." She replied. Gathering herself she straightened her shirt and then walked away. If a kiss could hold that much promise, maybe she could do this after all. e couldn't help the giggle that escaped her lips. Leo was memorized. His smile uncontrollable when he saw that blush stain those beautiful cheeks. This was going to be a long lunch.