You Belong To Me (3 page)

“Thank you for that,” Danielle said. “He was starting to freak me out and I don't usually get freaked out that easy.”

“No worries Danielle, I don't like the looks that guy was giving you, you need to be careful around him.”

It had been a long time since Danielle had heard such caring words being said to her, least of all by someone she'd just met. But she liked hearing t
hem, she liked hearing them a lot.

If that hulking asshole hadn't taken her away,
Ethan thought to himself.
She would still be holding my hand, I know she didn't want to let go.
To Ethan, it was just like the time that he saw her working at the store; it was several weeks after her first day. He was standing in the plumbing isle talking to Joe when Danielle appeared from the back office and as she politely interrupted she smiled at him.

It was then and there that he knew Danielle Martins was falling in lov
e with him. She was nothing like the other women he had been with in the past, no. He was sure that Danielle Martins wanted him and no matter how long it took, he was going to have her. From the first moment he laid eyes upon her, he knew that she wouldn’t be like the other one. Several years ago there had been another woman who ignored his advances, but that woman was sneaky and took out a restraining order on him.
That was a long time ago
, thought Ethan.
Thank god I moved here to Vermont and I know why all of that happened
.
If it wasn’t for that bitch and her restraining order I would have never taken up residence here and I would have never met Danielle. Good things really do come to those who wait
. He let out a soft groan as he silently observed Danielle.

Ethan Tillitson’s sick obsession for Danielle had begun. And as he watched her be guided away by her new admirer, he thought to himself,
Oh don't worry Danielle, we will have our time together and we'll have it very soon.

When the evening was coming to
a close, neither Danielle nor Mitch wanted it to end.

“Say Danielle how about you and Mitch join Jason and me for a couple of drinks at our place?” Shayla asked.

Looking at Mitch and hoping he would agree, Danielle immediately said, “Sure I'm game if you are Mitch.”

“Absolutely.”

“Well good, in that case would you mind if Danielle went with you in your car?”

Turning her back on Mitch and winking at Danielle, Shayla knew exactly what she was doing.

“No problem at all Shayla, I would be happy to give her a ride.”

In the back of her mind, Danielle thought to herself,
I’d be happy to take that ride
. Seeming to read her thoughts, Shayla gave her friend an all knowing look.

While saying their goodbyes, Danielle dreaded having to speak to Ethan.
 But when it was time, Mitch was right by her side making sure that there was no touching.

“Well it was nice meeting you Ethan.” Danielle waved as she did not want to get close enough for him to be able to grab her hand again.

"You too Danielle, you too. I'm sure I'll be seeing you around the store now.”

“Yeah, well Vic and Joe keep me pretty busy in the back, so don't come in on my account.”

“I'm sure they could spare you some time for a late lunch correct?” Ethan asked, his tone serious.

Ethan stared at Danielle as if he
were undressing her with his eyes. It made her skin crawl.

“Oh no, I rarely take a lunch Ethan I'm sorry,” she mumbled.

“Oh well things can change.”

“No they won’t,” Mitch interjected. He pulled Danielle closer and guided her towards the door.

“Have a good night. Good night all.”

After hugging Vic and Joe goodbye, Danielle and Mitch followed Jason and Shayla back over to the young couples home, which was three houses over from Danielle’s place.

“Come in you guys, make yourselves at home. Danielle you know where everything is, don’t be shy.”

“I know Shay. Hey, who wants what?”

Jason and Mitch decided on beers while Shayla and Danielle drank sea breezes. “What a lovely night huh guys?”

“Yes,” they all said in unison.

Mitch stared directly at Danielle while he agreed.

“One thing though,” Shayla said and she put down her glass. “I don’t know if you guys noticed but that guy Ethan was a total odd ball. I don’t know if he's like that all the time or just tonight but something was way off about him.”

“I agree,” Jason chimed in.

“Danielle, I think you better steer clear of him when he comes into the store. Something’s not right about that guy.”

“Yes,” Mitch agreed. “He couldn't take his eyes off of you all night.”

“Wow you guys, I didn't even notice unt
il he wouldn't let go of my hand, now that was creepy. And then when he asked me out to lunch? Yeah the guy definitely creeps me out, but I'm sure it's nothing and we're all over reacting,” Danielle said calmly.

“Be that as it may Danielle, stay away from
that guy.”

“Yes mom."

“I'm serious Dee; I have a bad feeling about that guy.”

“I know Shay; I will and thanks guys for being so protective.

I have to admit that I love it, especially from you Mitch. Oops, oh my god, I can't believe I said that out loud. I've definitely had too much to drink!”

Laughing, Mitch replied, “Danielle it's my pleasure and someone as gorgeous as you needs protecting and I'm more than happy to do just that.” He was hoping his face wasn't as crimson as Danielle's drink.

The couples spent the next few hours, laughing, telling stories and enjoying each other's company. Before the evening ended, they had already made plans to go out to dinner the following weekend.

“Thanks guys for a great night and we'll see you guys next weekend.”

“Sounds like a plan, drive safe guy.” After shaking hands with Jason, Mitch turned towards Danielle, reached for her hand and asked if he could walk her home.

“Of course, I would love that.”

The butterflies had returned with full force and Danielle welcomed the feeling. Walking next to her made Mitch feel like there was no place he'd rather be. “Danielle meeting you tonight feels so right, I can't explain it. And I don’t think I can wait until next weekend to see you, may I please take you out to dinner tomorrow?” He asked nervously.

"I'd like that," she smiled up at him.

While placing his arm around her waist as they approached her front door, Mitch noticed a single car parked a few feet away from them. The car looked quite familiar but he couldn't remember where he'd seen it. Dismissing it as Danielle opened the door, he took her hands in his, thanked her for a wonderful evening and ever the gentleman; asked if he could kiss her goodnight.

Nodding her head in agreement, Danielle leaned forward and welcomed h
is warm, soft lips on hers as she began to melt in his arms. His soft kiss stirred up a pleasing reaction throughout her entire body, and from the feel of things, the same thing was happening to Mitch. This excited her even more as she returned his kisses with more passion and desire than she thought possible.

“Danielle,” he said breathlessly. “You take my breath away. I could kiss you all night long, among other things,” he said with a sultry grin.

“That's why we need to call it a night handsome.”

“I know,
” he said and kissed her on the cheek.

Mitch then said goodnight and after making sure she was safely inside, walked back to his truck.

While driving home Mitch was lost in his thoughts, he was glad that he went to Joe and Vic's for dinner.

Danielle is my match in every way
, he thought to himself.
I can feel it
.

For a moment he thought it was just him being horny but that wasn't it, he had wanted to know everything about her
and he couldn't wait to see her again. And yes he was incredibly attracted to her. But that wasn't all, he wanted to protect her, make her feel special each and every day if he could and he was determined to do just that. Just thinking about how beautiful she looked tonight gave him an ache in his groin, an ache that he knew then and there, that only she could relieve. Still, he was willing to wait until the time was just right for that.

It wasn’t until he had nearly reached his home, that it finally dawned
on him where he had seen the car that was parked in front of Danielle's house. It was the same car from the party. He had noticed it parked in Joe's driveway because it was a pretty beat up Volkswagen Jetta and it looked so out of place parked next to Joe’s new Ford F150. Slamming on the brakes of his own truck and turning around, he sped back in the direction of Danielle's house. Dialing her number on his cell, he reached her voice mail. Not bothering to leave a message, he turned the corner of her street and saw that the car was gone.

“Okay, maybe I'm jumping to conclusions, no. I know what I saw, it was the same goddamn car alright,” he cursed as he turned his truck around.

On the way back home he thought to himself,
this guy is crazy and he's stalking her.

While lying in bed that night Danielle noticed that Mitch had called but left no message. Oh he probably butt dialed me, it's too late to call now, I'll ask him about it tomorrow. Danielle then let her thoughts drift to the deliciously wonderful even
ing that she had with Mitch and her friends. What a great night. I am so glad Victoria introduced me to Mitch, god he's gorgeous, sexy, masculine, and he seems incredibly attentive. Of course he could just be looking to get laid, but something tells me that he wants more than that. I mean he could pretty much have any woman that he wants, but I'm thinking he's as into me as I'm into him and oh how I can't wait for him to get into me. Smiling to herself Danielle relished in the way Mitch made her feel before falling into a deep and relaxing sleep.

While Danielle slept, Ethan was returning to his car that he had parked on the street behind her home. He had walked up to the back door hoping to get a peek at Danielle before she went to bed, but he was too late,
she had already gone upstairs. He sat with his eyes closed imagining what it would feel like to lie down next to her. He'd almost been caught earlier, he didn't realize that Mitch was going to walk her home. He wanted to watch her walk home alone, where she would be vulnerable. But no, he walked her home instead. “He can't be with you twenty four hours a day,” he murmured.

“I know you want me just as much as I want you Danielle and I will have you,” he said aloud as he groped and pulled at his crotch.

Danielle awoke Sunday morning more refreshed than she had felt in a long time. Hmm, I wonder if meeting Mitch has something to do with the good night’s sleep I had. Laughing to herself, she went downstairs to make a cup of coffee. Soon I hope I'll be making coffee for two. I can’t wait to see him.

A more important thought broke in. Dammit I have nothing to wear tonight!

Running back upstairs to get her cell, Danielle anxiously dialed Shayla's number. Shayla picked up on the first ring. “Oh my god, did you guys do the deed? You naughty girl you! Is he still there? Was it good?”

“Shay, Shay calm the hell down. And no we didn't do the deed silly woman,” Danielle started laughing.

“Not that I didn't want to attack him the moment he kissed me, but we both decided to call it a night.”

“Oh so you guys kissed? How was it?”

“It was everything a kiss should be Shay. But listen I need your help again, he's asked me out to dinner tonight and I've got nothing to wear. Would you mind going shopping with me again please? I’ll buy ya lunch.”

“Of course I’ll go shopping with you Dee; I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

 After throwing on a pair of jeans, flip flops, and a fitted tee shirt, Danielle ran her fingers through her hair, applied some mascara and went back downstairs to wait for Shayla. She decided that while she was waiting, she’d return Mitch's call. It would be nice to hear his voice and this way she could make sure that they were still on for their date.

“Hi, it's me Danielle.”

“Hey gorgeous, what’s up? Wait, you’re not canceling on me for tonight are you?”

“No, no not at all. I was just calling because I saw that you called me last night. I was going to call back but by the time I noticed, it was too late.”

“Oh, Oh yeah… I did call you but it was nothing important. I just wanted to thank you again for a great evening.”

"Now that’s a call I would have gladly answered, I now have a reason to keep my cell close by.”

“Yes you do Danielle and remember; it's never too late to call me. You can call me anytime, day or night, I mean that.”

Mitch couldn't help but smile when he hung up his cell and he couldn't wait to see her again. He didn't want to frighten her and tell her the real reason why he had called her so late last night. He also didn't want her to think of him as
crazy for turning around and driving back to her house. Although, he was pretty sure he would have gotten a thank you kiss out of the deal. Best if I don’t tell her, she'd be frightened and I don’t want her scared. I'll take care of that creep myself. By any means necessary if I have to, by any means necessary.

 
On the way to the mall, Danielle and Shayla were giggling like teenage girls.

“Dee I'm so happy for you, Mitch seems like a great guy. Not to mention the fact that he's gorgeous, sexy, and tall and
did I mention sexy?"

Laughing Danielle said, “Why yes you did Shay and you my friend are absolutely right he's all those things. Yet I can't help but think that something bad is going to happen. What if he dumps me before he even gets to know me? What if h
e's married or has a ton of girlfriends? I so could not share him Shay,” Danielle said with worry in her voice.

“Now you’re being paranoid and completely ridiculous Dee. He’s not married and it looks like you’re on the road to becoming his girlfriend, so
get used to it. Mitch is into you and I know you’re into him.”

“Your right Shay. As usual, you’re right.”

A few moments later Danielle and Shayla found themselves digging into rack after rack of clothes in Macys. Finally, after almost an hour, Danielle found quite a few things to mix and match. She'd now be able to build a somewhat diverse wardrobe out of the items she had picked.

“Hey Shay I think I'm done.”

“Yeah, you did good today Danielle, and everything looks great on too.”

“Hey thanks, so did yours. Did you decide on an outfit?”

“Nope, I can’t pick one so therefore I'm getting all of them,” Shayla said with a grin on her face.

“Oh Jason is gonna love that.”

“He'll get over it once he sees how good I look,” Shayla smiled heartily.

While walking out of the mall and into the parking lot, Shayla felt someone walking extremely close. Holding her purse closer, she grabbed Danielle's arm and pulled her closer. This immediately got Danielle's attention, she could feel her friend ten
se up. “What’s going on?”

“I think were being followed,” Shayla whispered. Not thinking, Danielle suddenly turned around and was face to face with Ethan.

“Oh my god, you scared the crap out of us Ethan, what are you doing?”

“Hi Danielle,” Ethan said, and
acting as if Shayla wasn't there, he continued.

“I was just here browsing and I saw you. I was just about to tap you on the shoulder when you turned around, guess you sensed my presence.”

“Ummmm no Ethan, we sensed that someone was following us!” Shayla yelled at him.

“Well Danielle I'm sorry I startled you have a good day, lovely outfits by the way.”

Leaving Danielle and Shayla scowling at him, Ethan turned and got into his car.

“What a fucking freak Dee, that guy has total stalker written all over him, y
ou've gotta go to the cops.”

“And tell them what Shay? That this guy was at the mall the same time we were? Come on you know there isn't anything the cops can do, and they'd have no problem telling us that.”

“I know, but you've gotta get some mace or a gun, or something,” her friend demanded.

“A restraining order for being at the mall won't work. A gun? Nope. I’d end up accidentally shooting myself, and mace? I’d probably spray myself in the face. I'll just have to be more aware of my surroundings that’s
all.”

“Yes you definitely need to start doing that Dee. Now come on, let’s go before that fucker comes back,” Shayla scowled.

Once safely inside her home, Danielle called Shayla to make sure she had made it home okay.

“Um Danielle, I live three houses dow
n, why are you checking up on me?”

“I guess I got a bit freaked out about what happened at the mall.”

“Oh my god so did I, I told Jason as soon as I got home, he was livid. I sent him out for a pack of cigarettes, hopefully when he gets back he'd have cooled down a bit.”

“Geez, I'm sorry Shay, I don’t want you guys upset.”

“Don’t be ridiculous Dee; it's not your fault. It's that assholes fault but I'm sure we can think of something to get rid of him.”

“Well when you think of something let me know.”

“Listen enough talk about that ass, go get ready for your date and have a great time. Call me when your home love ya bye.”

Taking her best friends advice, Danielle jumped in the shower, then started getting ready for her date. The weather was gloriously warm, s
o she chose an above the knee cotton skirt, white tank and a lightweight button down sweater for her outfit. Slipping into a pair of wedge sandals, she glanced at the time. Good, I've got time for a glass of wine while I put on my makeup.

Spritzing and to
usling her hair gave it a sexy carefree look that she was going for. A bit of eyeliner, mascara, some blush and a sheer gloss finished her look. While admiring herself in the mirror she swore she was glowing. Could it be that I'm falling in love? No, it's too soon, I hardly know him! But yet I feel as if he's the one. I need to stop being a dreamer and go with the flow. Just take one day at a time Danielle, one day at a time.

As Mitch turned onto Danielle's
street, he glanced around. He was looking for Ethan’s Jetta. No Jetta in site, at least not on this street. Pulling into her driveway and parking the truck, he got out, straightened and smoothed his light colored denim jeans and white button down shirt, then rang the doorbell. Danielle answered the door looking as beautiful as ever. “You look great Danielle,” Mitch said and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Well thank you, you look quite handsome yourself."

Once he helped her inside the truck, he climbed in beside her. 

“Danielle I've been waiting all day to do this.”

He reached over, placed his hand gently on her cheek and kissed her. She opened her mouth fully to him and let him explore hers with his tongue.

“What are you doing to me? You’re making me melt,”
she said breathlessly.

“Danielle, you’re doing the same thing to me,” he said with a wink. “You hungry babe?"

“Famished.”

“Good so am I.”

While backing out of the driveway, Mitch swore he saw the Jetta but hoped and prayed that it was his imagination and turned his attention back to Danielle.

“I've got the perfect place for us to go,” he said taking her hand in his.

Driving on the interstate, Mitch kept an eye on the rear view mirror.

“What’s up? There a cop following us?”

“No, it's nothing; did I tell you how good you look tonight?"

“Why yes you did, but I could never get tired of hearing it!”

“Well get used to it then.”

Smiling at him, she let her hand stroke his thigh casually. The moment Danielle touched his thigh, he became aroused. The sensation was
very exhilarating, and he welcomed it. Unsure if it was the right thing to do, she withdrew her hand.

“No, keep it there, feels nice,” he grinned.

Smiling, she returned her hand to his thigh. “So where are we going?”

“Oh you'll see, a nice little restaur
ant, won't be too long now.”

“It doesn’t matter to me how far, I'm enjoying the company.”

“So am I Danielle, so am I.”

Danielle moved closer to him and planted a kiss on his lips. “Hey, keep your eyes on the road mister.”

“Uh-uh you keep doing that and I'm going to have to pull over and return the favor.”