You Belong To Me (4 page)

Having said that, Mitch pulled off the interstate, pulled her close to him and kissed her deeply and passionately until they both were breathless.

“This place looks great! I absolutely love the country setting,” she said as they walked around the inn.

“I'm so glad you like it. A couple of my buddies at work have taken their wives here and they really enjoyed it, so I thought you and I would come and see what all the fuss is about.”

“Well it's absolutely charming Mitch, thank you.” She reached up and kissed him on his cheek.

“My pleasure Danielle.”

After walking around the grounds of the Canterbury Inn, they were shown to their outdoor table and seated in a small, intimate patio full of all kinds of greenery.

Tiny white lights intertwined within each plant. The tables were set in the country fashion of mix and match dinner plates along with red and white checkered napkins.

"Mitch I love it, I absolutely love it, and I had no idea this was an inn as well. The rooms must be gorgeous, what I wouldn't give to stay in a place like this.”

“Oh yeah? Well that can surely be arranged Danielle.”

Blushing, she smiled at him. After ordering their drinks and appetizer, he decided that now was as good a time as any to let her know how he felt about her.

“Danielle I know this is only our second date and maybe I’m speaking too soon, but I've got to tell you how I feel."

Oh my god, is he dumping me already? What should I do? What if he leaves me here? Oh god, I'm so not good at this
! She began to fret.

“Danielle I'd like to start a relationship with you, an exclusive relationship. I feel as if you’re the one for me and I can only hope that you feel the same. Hopefully I don’t
sound too immature or old fashioned but I'm a bit out of touch with the ways to go about asking you to be my girl. So please go ahead and give me the truth, what are you thinking?”

“Mitch, I was thinking that you were about to dump me and leave me here,” s
he said laughing nervously.

“But yes, I’d love to be your girl; you make me feel like a giddy teenager. I've never experienced this much fun and this much passion and excitement in my life and I've only just met you,” she giggled. “That may sound sappy, b
ut it's the truth and I thank you.”

“Danielle you've made me a very happy man.”

This time kissing her, sent sparks straight through to his heart.

The conversation flowed freely between the two and as they ate and drank, the time passed quickly.
  Without even realizing it, the restaurant in the small, romantic inn had emptied and they found themselves to be the only patrons left.

“Oh wow, I guess we should get going huh?"

Smiling brightly she said to Mitch, “The time flew by; I could stay here with you for hours.”

“I know the feeling but I don’t think the workers would appreciate that. Let me just take care of the bill and we'll be on our way.”

“Okay, I'm just going to freshen up and I'll meet you at the truck.”

As Danielle weaved her way around the dining ta
bles and employees cleaning up, she felt a strangeness that she couldn’t quite describe. Must still be my nerves, she thought to herself as she washed up in the ladies room. Still, I'll feel better once I'm safely in the car.
Maybe I could ask someone to walk me out
, she thought as she opened the ladies room door. No need for that as Mitch was patiently waiting for her.

“You read my mind,” she whispered in his ear.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“It's nothing; I just got a weird feeling before nothing to worry a
bout now.”

“Danielle I want to always be here for you, you needn't ever have to worry about that. But what would give you a weird feeling?”

“I'll explain in the car.”

Once in the car, he cupped her face in his strong hands.

“Now babe, tell me what’s bothering you.”

“It's nothing really, just that today while Shay and I were shopping, we ran into Ethan or should I say he ran into us.” Mitch's hands left her face and gripped the steering wheel. “What do you mean ran into?”

“I'm sure it's nothing really. It's just that when we were leaving the mall, Shay got the sense that someone was following us and when we turned around it was Ethan.”

“What? Are you kidding me? Did he touch you? What happened?”

Seeing his knuckles turning white from his tight grip, Danielle tried to reassure him. “Mitch honey it's okay, we handled it. He said he was simply browsing and that he saw us and wanted to say hello. But that’s not really it though; I know you run into people all the time.”

“Okay, so what was it that spooked you?”

“It was nothing he did, it's what he said.”

Almost not being able to control his anger, Mitch asked, “What did he say Danielle?”

“He said that I picked out nice outfits. Mitch he would have had to be extremely close to the fitting room to see what I had picked out, that’s all.”

Releasing his hand from the steering wheel, he took her hand in his.

“Danielle the guy is stalking you, we have to do something.”

“I've had this discussion with Shay. You and I both know the police can't do anything and I'm not carr
ying a gun but I'm considering mace.”

He sneered. “Danielle, mace won't stop this guy. Look I've got some friends on the local police force, I'm gonna have a talk with them and see what can be done. In the meantime, I'm going to pick you up in the morning
and bring you home at night.”

“Mitch, that’s very sweet of you but I can take care of myself. And besides, we work different hours and it wouldn't be fair to you to drive me around like a child. Thank you for offering, but no.”

“Danielle I'm just trying to protect you, but if you won't take a ride from me will you at least keep an eye out and change any routines you have please? For me?”

Sighing, she mumbled to herself, “Doesn't seem fair that I have to change my life because of some creep.”

“I know babe, but its better this way at least until we can figure out how to put this guy away okay?”

“Yes, for you I will.”

Kissing her full on the lips, he whispered thank you, started the car and after glancing in the rear view mirror drove home.

You’ve never been out this late,
thought Ethan.
And I should know, I’ve got your schedule down to a tee Danielle. But ever since you started going out with Neanderthal you haven’t been consistent with your days or your nights for that matter. Once we’re together that’s going to have to change. No more work, no more silly immature friends, none of that Danielle, I'll make sure of it.

While turning down her street, Mitch kept his eyes peeled for any signs of Ethan. The street was clear and he was glad of that. T
he sun had set on the warm spring day and Danielle didn't want the evening to end.

“Would you like to come in for a cool drink?”

“Absolutely, it will give me a chance to check out the house and make sure everything is as it should be.”

“My hero,” she said
as she wrapped her arms around him. “You know I could get used to the idea of you being so protective of me.”

“Anytime and every time," he said teasing her mouth with his tongue.
  Getting out of the car, they both glanced around and surveyed their surroundings.

“Ugh, I've never felt the need to look around my own home before, it's ridiculous!” She frowned.

“Danielle, you need to get used to doing it. And besides, it will give you piece of mind to be more alert.”

“I know,” she said, as she reached up and ki
ssed him. “Let's go inside.”

 
   Watching Danielle kiss a man that was not himself sent Ethan into a fit of rage. Sitting inside his vehicle he began punching the steering wheel, the interior of his car, and any spot that would take the brute force of his anger. How dare she let him kiss her like that, the fucking whore! Oh I’ll show her, I’ll fucking show her! Ethan started his car, and pressing the accelerator all the way to the floor sped away leaving the smell of burning rubber behind him.

“Did you hear
that? Sounded like someone peeling off.”

“Huh? Yeah probably some teenagers racing,” Danielle said.

After pouring their drinks, she settled down next to him on the sofa.

“Mitch thank you again for a
wonderful evening, the atmosphere was great, the food was excellent and the company was the best I've had in years!”

“You’re welcome gorgeous." As she settled in and rested her head on his shoulder, she realized that she had never felt such a feeling of wa
rmth and safety. Being there and feeling so close to him.

“This is nice too,” she said as she brought her mouth to his and let his tongue slowly explore the outline of her lips before opening her mouth to him. Danielle allowed his tongue to explore further
into her mouth.

While the sweetness of the tea lingered on his lips, she gently nibbled on his bottom lip causing a soft moan to escape him. As she wrapped her hands around his neck, his soft kisses turned into heated one's as Mitch's hands began to care
ss the small of her back.

Moaning, she wanted him right then and there. She let her hands slide from his neck down to his chest and finally, while resting her hands on his thighs, she brushed ever so slightly against his groin. Again, a breathless moan es
caped his lips. He returned the pleasure of her touch with his as he held her closer to him and began to gently caress her, sending warm tingles all over her body.

Both so intertwined with each other and the sweet reverie of their divine kisses did not no
tice the blare of Mitch's car alarm that had been going on for several minutes.

“What? Oh my god, is that your alarm?” Danielle asked startled.

“Yes it is, don’t move Danielle stay here,” Mitch shouted. Jumping up from the sofa, he darted towards the front door grabbing his keys as he went.  As he hit the disarm button, and inspected his truck, he saw what had set it off, the entire back window of his truck had been smashed to bits.

There were pieces and fragments of glass all over the driveway and bed of
his truck. “Fuck!” He yelled out.

Danielle was by his side in an instant.

“Oh my god, what happened? Who would do that? Call the police Mitch.”

“They're on the way, a neighbor called. Danielle please get back inside.”

“No. I'm not leaving you.”

Hearing the
commotion, several neighbors came outside including Shay and Jason.

“Oh my god. Danielle are you guys alright?”

“Yes we're fine; some asshole broke his window and shattered it!”

“I called the cops second I heard the shot,” said Mr. Peterson, an elderly ma
n who lived across the street.

“Wait,” said Mitch. “You heard a shot?”

“Damn right I did. Heard a car too, course the shot came after I heard the car but I know the sound of a gunshot when I hear one son.”

“Well thank you Mr. Peterson thank you so much, we
didn't hear a thing."

“I figured you didn’t so I got up and looked out the window.”

“Did you see anyone Mr. Peterson?”

“Nope, just heard a car like I said.
  Didn't get up till I heard the shot.”

  As the sirens approached, Mitch said to Danielle, “Pleas
e babe, you and Shay go inside. I’ll come get you if I need you.”

Giving her a quick kiss on the cheek he guided them inside. When he went back out to talk to the police, Danielle and Shay watched from her living room. “Danielle, this is getting serious, I
mean you know who did this right?”

“Probably some kids Shay,” Danielle said, trying to convince herself.

“That's bullshit and you know it Danielle. You’re being stalked and that creep has seen you with Mitch and now he’s mad. That sick bastard will stop at nothing Danielle,” her best friend shouted in anger.

“Now Shay we can't be sure. Besides, earlier we heard some kids burning rubber and race down the street behind the house so who's to say it wasn't them?”

“Kids fooling around on the quietest street where nothing remotely dangerous has ever happened Danielle? And out of all the cars that are parked in the driveways, they just happen to shoot out Mitch's back window? Come on girl, don’t be naïve. Did you tell Mitch about the mall?”

“Yes
I did and he got a little more than angry to say the least. He's got some cop friends that he's going to talk to.”

“Well good, I'm glad someone is looking out for you because you certainly don’t seem to care,” Shayla said, worried for her friend.

“Shay! Of course I care. I just don’t know for sure if he's the one who did all of this.”

“Danielle, I guarantee you that it was him.”

Mitch walked in interrupting their disagreement.

“What’s going on Mitch? What did they say?”

“Well of course no one actually saw what happened so not much they can do except beef up patrols in the area. But a buddy of mine is on duty tonight and I explained to him about Ethan, he's going to do some digging and see what comes up. In the meantime, I’ll get the window repaired and file an insurance claim.”

“Mitch I'm so sorry, if we hadn’t been, well you know…” she could feel the heat rise in her cheeks.

“Danielle there is no reason for you to be sorry, we didn't do anything wrong. It was Ethan, I’d guarantee it.”

“See, I'm not th
e only one who thinks it was him.”

“I know Shay, I know. It's just all so strange, it's so random."

“No Danielle it's not. This guy has probably been following you for a very long time now and it just took someone else to notice. I bet if you think about it, there were times, many times when he was around, you just didn't pay attention.”

“You’re probably right Mitch, I mean god what am I going to do? Now I'm a little scared." She bit her lip to stop the tears that were beginning to well up inside her.

“I'm not going to let anything happen to you,” Mitch said as Jason walked in from talking to the neighbor

“Danielle, you alright?”

“Yes, thanks Jason I'm okay, just a bit shaken up.”

“That's understandable,” he said placing his arm around Shay.

“Listen I just got done talking to Mr. Peterson, the guy may be old but he's as sharp as a whip. He told me that he sees a foreign looking sedan parked a street over, says he can see it from his living room window. I took a walk around and from the looks of it whoever is parked out on that street can see right into the back windows of this house Danielle.”

Hearing that she grabbed Mitch's arm, she felt ill. Nothing like this has ever happened to her before and she wasn’t quite sure how to handle it.

“Oh my god, are you kidding me? How long? When? Do the police know?”

“Well he told the cop outside just now but there’s not much they can do unless they catch him sitting in the car, spying on you and the house.  When and if they do, they can ask if he lives around here, w
hat's he doing, run his plate, that sort of thing.”

“That explains a lot,” said Mitch. “I didn't even think the creep could be hiding on a side street, I've always just looked on the street out front.”

“I need a drink, anyone else?”

“Jason and I will get t
hem. You sit down Danielle, you don’t look so good.”

As Mitch guided her to the sofa, Danielle whispered to him, “Mitch just about an hour ago we were making out and it was so wonderful and then this happens it's all so bizarre. I know I won't be getting m
uch sleep tonight,” she worried.

“Danielle there is no way you’re staying here alone tonight.”

“No she certainly isn't!” Shayla shouted from the kitchen. “She's staying the night at our place. No ifs, ands, or buts Danielle.

“Oh don’t worry; you won't get any objections from me Shay, thank you guys.”

“I mean unless you want to stay at Mitch's?”

“Shay! Only you would say something like that.” Danielle laughed as she smiled shyly at Mitch.

Even though they were making out on her sofa earlier in the night, she wasn’t sure if she was ready to spend the night at his place.

“Well actually I was going to offer;” said Mitch. “But Shayla beat me to it.”

“Thank you but no, I couldn’t impose on you.”

“Danielle, your my girl now remembe
r? There is no imposing.”

Smiling, Danielle went up to Mitch and while hugging him, whispered in his ear.

“I don’t think either of us would get much sleep considering...”

“Okay, you’re right, you’re right.” Although he wanted nothing more than to have Dan
ielle spend the night at his place he knew she would object, and she’d be right, he told himself. It’s too soon. But it seems like the most natural thing in the world, asking her to stay the night.

“Come on Danielle,” said Shayla. “Let's go pack a bag so
you won't have to come back in the morning.”

As the two headed upstairs to pack Danielle a bag, Mitch had a chance to talk to Jason.

“Jason man, I could kill this guy, we both know it was him.”

“I know, I know. When Shay told me about him showing up at t
he mall and then commenting on the clothes Danielle picked out, it was all I could do not to go looking for the asshole.”

“I gotta do something Jason.”

“Let’s hope that the cops can stop him before he gets to Danielle and from the looks of it he's gonna take care of anyone that gets in his way and that includes Shayla and I can't have that. If anything happened to either of them...”

“Don’t say it Jason, just don’t say it, we have to keep them safe.”

I hope that bitch got the message. Although I pref
er my knives, I'm still a pretty good shot Danielle and I can get rid of anything and anyone that stands in the way of me getting to you. What does she think? That just because she has this passing fancy for the Neanderthal who owns his own business and drives a big truck that it'll stop me? Ha I don’t think so Danielle, you love me and these silly games you play to make me jealous aren’t funny.

Oh but you've learned your lesson tonight bitch, you won't be dating him anymore, he'll run like the scared litt
le coward that he is. He'll run far away from you and you’ll be alone again, just like I want you to be.

Ethan sat in his sparse, filthy apartment staring at a picture of Danielle, he had secretly taken the photograph one morning when she was getting in h
er car to go to work. He began stroking himself. "Oh Danielle, your mine, your mine, your mine," he repeated over and over the words that he would say to her once he got her all alone and all to himself.