The Betrayal - Book 2 of the Hollywood Princess Series by Dana Aynn Levin

Chapter Sixteen-Elizabeth; Chapter Seventeen-Elizabeth

CHAPTER SIXTEEN - ELIZABETH

This morning I wanted so badly to give Danny the cold shoulder, but I didn’t. 

Last night I could have hung out with Rachel and Chloe after Danny left to join the guys, but I just couldn’t. The girls would read through my shallow smiles and know that all was not perfect in the Jacobs-Newman household.

I felt compelled to put on a happy face, hopeful that once he got the need to get wasted out of his system, the Danny I loved would return.

When Danny finally stumbled home, it had been three in the morning and he reeked. Last year I had often slept through his arrival, but Danny clambered through the door, not seeming to notice or care that I was sleeping.

Pretending to be sleeping, I ignored him. But when Danny climbed into bed beside me, it became impossible. The stench of marijuana and beer was nauseating.

Then just as I was dozing off again, Danny bolted for the door, jarring me out of my drowsy state. When he returned, I was relieved that my senses had not been assaulted by additional noxious odors. I assumed he made it to the toilet in time.

When Danny bolted a second time, I sat up, completely awake. I was furious, but I loved Danny too much not to be concerned. 

Like a good wife, I found the bottle of Extra-Strength Tylenol, shook out two caplets, and placed them on the desk beside a fresh bottle of water whose cap I first loosened.

Danny took longer this time, but when he returned, I understood why. He was dripping wet and wearing only a towel around his waist while he carried his soiled clothing in a bundle.

Eying the Tylenol, Danny grabbed the caplets and swallowed them with half the bottle of water.

“Thanks, baby.  I’m sorry,” he said contritely. I turned my back to him.

Moments later, Danny crawled into bed. He wrapped his arm around me and leaned over to kiss me. I didn’t want his kiss, but I couldn’t help responding to his minty-fresh breath.

“Don’t be angry, Eli.” 

Sapphire puppy-dog eyes pleaded for my forgiveness. When he gave me that look, I was defenseless and Danny knew it. I caved.

I brushed a lock of damp hair off his brow, my hand lingering on his cheek. “I’m not angry,” I assured Danny. “It’s late. Let’s get some sleep.”

Thankfully neither of us had classes until after lunch.

Danny tenderly kissed me. “I love you, baby,” he whispered.

“I know you do,” I answered. “I love you too. You’ll feel better in the morning.”

And Danny did. We both did.

Pulling ourselves out of bed in the morning was difficult. The alarm finally woke us at ten. I was still tired, but Danny’s hangover was gone and his passion was back.  How long would this last?

“Great bracelet!” Chloe said when Danny and I joined our friends for lunch.

“Thanks,” I answered, and I beamed with pride.

I had kept my gift in its box since arriving at Donnelly. Ididn’t  want it getting damaged while I unpacked.

“Just a little trinket for m’lady’s birthday,” Danny added. He grinned, pleased by the attention his gift was getting.

“Well, it’s stunning,” Chloe said. “Danny, you can shop for me anytime.”

Danny laughed. “I think my Amex card has already been spoken for.”