she was born in the late eighteen hundreds and the usage of O instead of Oh, was still common in literature everywhere in those days.”
Orlando traced it gently with his finger. “Any particular reason you chose this passage to get inked with?” Without looking up, he added the next part. “Anyone in particular?” He still didn’t look up, and the way he was staring at the tattoo, Dani knew. This was what he meant when he said he’d been afraid to ask.
“No one in particular. But like I said I was a rebel, and during that time I kept getting into trouble over stupid stuff. I was lashing out about. When my mom died and then I had a few other low blows in my life, it really hit home.”
Finally, he looked up at her and smiled. “That’s deep.” Dani smiled and for a moment considered telling him more about how she started reading poetry. How it was during one of the hardest times in her life that she remembered the poem being analyzed for her and why it finally made complete sense to her. It hit so close to home, she decided to get that particular stanza tattooed on herself. But this time the baby moving in his crib, was followed by some babbling, and to her relief, he called out for dada not mama. Orlando was instantly sitting up, smiling big. “Right here, Little Man.”
“Dada, dada, dada.”
With that, Orlando was instantly out of the bed and on his feet. Oddly, as new as this whole situation was for them, they went about their morning as if they’d been doing things this way all along. They each took turns with Oreo as the other prepared breakfast and got ready for the day. They discussed the day ahead and even the evening. Orlando pulled Danica to him after she set the baby down on the highchair with his morning biscuit. He kissed her softly then leaned his forehead against hers. “You staying tonight again?” The question was asked with an air of caution. Danica could almost hear the otherwise veiled trepidation—see the vulnerability hover in his eyes—both things she thought she’d picked up on last night. It was as if he were as nervous about expecting too much too soon as she was. But it warmed her. It gave her hope that maybe she wasn’t getting too ahead of herself in everything she was feeling for him already.
Smiling because it felt like she needed to, she pecked him back. “I need to go get that change of clothes first. Already I’m wearing yesterday’s clothes.”
His expression eased a bit. “Go now. I don’t have to be at the shop until a little later. I’ll feed and hang out with this guy until you get back.” Kissing her again, he began to say something then seemed to catch himself, but then spoke anyway. “Maybe you bring a few changes?”
Gulping, Danica nodded, and Orlando wrapped his arms around her, burying his face in her neck again. Bringing her arms around him, she let herself fall into and enjoy the heartfelt embrace. Was this really happening? It felt like a dream—just like when he fell right into her plan and asked her if she could watch Oreo. She’d now begin to do what she’d done then: wonder not if but when she’d be waking up from this. Their embrace was interrupted by the baby, who began to demand attention. Orlando put the music on and kept him distracted so Danica could make her exit without any drama or tears. The whole way home she drove in a daze. Her body was still coming down from the incredible high of being in Orlando’s arms, his kisses, and making love to him all night. Danica was no stranger to orgasms or even great sex. While Ted’s fastidious ways could be annoying as hell, she’d never complained about them in bed. He was as meticulous about satisfying her as he was controlling her. Though unlike with Orlando how their night of passion had been spontaneous, and he genuinely relished in every moment with her, even sex with Ted had felt calculated. Like he was making sure, for other reasons, she was thoroughly satisfied.
The physical pleasure she’d gotten from Orlando’s lovemaking skills was right up there with the very best she’d ever had. But there was so much more to it. The raw emotion accompanied with every kiss he’d indulged her with, was something she hadn’t expected. That