Learning to Breathe by J. C. McClean Read Free Book Online Page B

rolled my eyes. “Is that a rhetorical question?”
    Danny shrugged. “Hey, I gotta work with what I’ve got.”
    I laughed and then glanced into those hazel eyes again. “Well, I know this’ll probably just inflate your ego even more but – for the record – I think your smile’s cute.”
    Danny grinned and his lopsided smile looked even more adorable. “Oh really?”
    I blushed stupidly. “Yes, okay? It’s the little imperfections that make someone unique.”
    “Huh,” Danny said thoughtfully. “I’ve never thought of it like that before.”
    “I’m just being honest.” I told him truthfully.
    He laughed. “You sure you still don’t want to go out with me? You know, with my cute smile and all, I’m sure it wouldn’t be as terrible as you think.”
    I sighed and shook my head wearily. “I knew I shouldn’ t have said that! Thanks for the offer but no, it takes more than a charming smile to win me over. Besides, I highly doubt that you’re short on offers.”
    Danny gazed at me intently. “Well then, I guess I’ll just have to try harder then, won’t I?”
     

Chapter Six
     
    A few hours later and the party started to break up. Many people had already gotten a lift home but I remain ed behind helping Danny, Harriet and a few others clear up the mess. Several bin bags later and everything was as it was before.
    Harriet then approached me, giggling madly – evidently, she was slightly tipsy.
    “Darcie, Samuel and I are getting a lift home with James ’ brother – you don’t mind going with Danny, do you?”
    I frowned at he r. “Shouldn’t you be coming home with us?”
    She shook her head. “No, my mother would kill me if she seen me like this – I’m kipping at Samuel’s house – his sister has a spare bed.”
    I slowly nodded. “Okay, see you later.”
    I watched her walk away and vaguely wondered how I would survive being alone with Danny and his interrogating questions.
    “So,” Danny began, as he sidled up beside me some time later. “You’ve held up your end of the bargain – I guess I should hold up my end. You ready to go?”
    I nodded and followed him to his car. He opened the door for me and I got into the passenger side of his Seat Ibiza. I was feeling pretty tired and was glad to be going home since the clock on the dashboard read 2am.
    “Well, did you have a good time tonight?” Danny enquired as soon as he started up the engine.
    I shrugged. “It was okay. I just really wanna get home now.”
    He nodd ed. “Yeah, I know what you mean, I’m pretty beat too.”
    I wasn’t sure what else I should say to him so I remained silent, waiting for him to speak again.
    Danny sighed. “So, any plans for tomorrow?”
    “No … not at the minute. What about you?” I enquired politely, secretly hoping that he was busy because I was afraid that he was angling for a date again.
    “Ye ah, I’ve an early swimming class at nine – I’ve the total joy of teaching about twenty hyper six year olds how to swim.”
    “Ooh, lucky you! ” I laughed and found that he was chuckling along with me.
    “Wanna swap places? Or better yet, help me out?” He threw me that wicked grin and I shook my head.
    “Do you really think I’d give up a Saturday morning lie-in just to help you? ” I raised my eyebrow quizzically.
    “ Dream on Danny, dream on.” I told him with a sly smirk.
    He chuckled. “Okay, fair enough but you can’t blame a guy for trying.”
    I rolled my eyes at him. “Yeah okay, I’m just gonna ignore that last bit and tell you goodnight … and that I’ll see you Monday.”
    We had just pulled up outside my house and I quickly unbuckled my seatbelt.
    Danny flashed me a lopsided grin. “Not if I see you first.” He then winked and waved me goodbye as I got out of the car.
    I watched him drive off and then headed inside.
     
    My lungs felt like they were on fire. I could taste the salty water but there was nothing I could do to stop it from rushing into my lungs.