Chapter Three - Tied to You

The phone rang just as Danielle had walked into the house from work.  She hurried over to where it was, picking it up just before the last ring.

“Hello?” she answered as she sat down in the armchair in her living room.

“You never called me yesterday,” she heard Katrina say.  Danielle sighed slightly.  She had spent most of the previous day with Tanner.  They had spent some time together, and gotten to know more about each other.  They had also set a date for the next weekend.  She had completely forgotten she had promised to call Katrina.

“Sorry, Kat,” Danielle said.

“Never mind that,” Katrina said.  The excitement and urgency in her voice made Danielle chuckle softly.  “ How did things go with Tanner?  I saw that you didn’t come get your car until after three in the afternoon.”

Danielle couldn’t help but laugh again.  “Things went very well,” she said, smiling to herself as she recalled what had happened on her and Tanner’s first date.

“You fucked him, didn’t you?” Katrina asked bluntly.

The only answer Danielle could give at that moment was a giggle.

“Danielle Jean Goodwin!” Katrina exclaimed, giggling a bit herself.

“It just sort of happened,” Danielle explained.  “One minute we were drinking coffee and talking about his job, the next he had me bent over the table.”  Danielle almost shuddered at the memory as it played back in her mind.

“Oh my,” Katrina responded. “So I’m going to go out on a limb here, and say that you two got off on the right foot?”

Danielle laughed again.  “Very much so.  We’re having lunch on Friday, and we’re going to discuss a potential date for Saturday night then.”  Danielle almost didn’t recognize her own voice.  She sounded excited.  It wasn’t a fake excitement, it was genuine.  She was looking forward to spending time with Tanner.

“Sounds promising,” said Katrina.

“Yeah,” said Danielle.  “Tanner is turning out to be a pretty good guy.”  Danielle smiled as she spoke, and ran her fingers through her hair absent-mindedly.  Talking about Tanner to Katrina made her smile, and made her feel almost giddy.  She couldn’t remember ever feeling this way about anyone before.

The two girls stayed on the phone for a few moments after that, chatting about their days and at half-past five, Danielle remembered she had to do some things around the apartment and make something for dinner.  She smiled when she hung up the phone and went in the kitchen, taking things out to make a sandwich.  She did her short list of chores once she finished eating.

Tanner was relieved when he stepped onto his porch and turned the key in the lock.  He had had a long day, and felt tired, almost exhausted.  He stepped into the living room.  He looked around the room, and sensing that something was not completely right, he sighed.  What could it be, this time? he wondered.

Tanner walked down the small hallway to his bedroom to change out of his work clothes.  When he entered the room, he was surprised to notice the slender blonde girl sitting on his bed.

“Amanda,” Tanner said, trying not to sound confused.

The girl looked up at Tanner and smiled slightly. “I thought I’d surprise you when you got home from work,” she said carefully.

Tanner could do nothing at that moment but stare at Amanda, the first girl he ever actually fell in love with, the one who broke his heart a year before.  He could think of a million things to say, but none of the words formed in his mouth.  He took a deep breath before finally speaking.

“I think you need to leave,” he said calmly.  

Amanda remained seated on the bed and looked up at Tanner.  Tanner began to get irritated.  “Did you hear what I just said?” he asked.

Amanda stood up. “I want to talk to you,” she said.  “I miss you.”

Eleven months ago, Tanner would have given anything to hear those words come out of Amanda’s mouth, but he no longer cared.  Too much time had passed, and he had gotten over Amanda.

“Well you can’t always get what you want, Amanda,” said Tanner.  “I have no reason to talk to you right now.”

Amanda moved closer to Tanner.  “You have every right to be mad at me.  But I’m sorry for everything,” she said as she reached up and put her hands on Tanner’s shoulders.  “And I think we should start over.”

Tanner moved away from Amanda.  “No,” he said firmly.  “I don’t want you anymore.”

Amanda sighed.  It seemed the message had begun to sink in.  She moved toward the door. “I’ll just call you tomorrow,” she said.  Tanner heard her walk down the hall and through the front door.

Tanner sighed heavily and sat down on the bed.  Every time he had seen Amanda since they broke up had been exhausting.  Granted, what had just occurred was only the third time he saw her, but the exhausted feeling he now felt was the same as the last two times that he and Amanda had seen each other.

Taking another deep breath, Tanner collapsed onto his back and stared up at the ceiling.  He had completely abandoned the idea of taking off his work uniform and putting lounge clothes on.  After lying there for a few moments, Tanner began to relax and his mind drifted to other things.

Danielle came to his mind, and he smiled to himself as he remembered everything about her: the way she looked, the way she talked, the way she felt.  Even the way her perfume smelled came back to him.  He was looking forward to seeing her again.  He hoped that she would be just as happy to see him.

Tanner sighed and got off his bed.  He walked down the hall and into the kitchen.  He opened the freezer and took out a hamburger patty to prepare for dinner.  As he ate, Tanner continued to think about Danielle.  More specifically, he replayed their first date in his mind.  The memory was still fresh in his mind, and it made him want Danielle even more.  He was growing more eager for their lunch date on Friday.  He was completely aware of the feelings he was beginning to develop for Danielle.  Though it was way too early for love, Tanner had a genuine interest in Danielle that went farther than sex, though he admitted that the sex was definitely a bonus.

Once Tanner finished eating, he washed his dishes and went to bed early.

Chapter Two - Tied to You

Tanner opened his front door and led Danielle into the house.  Danielle looked around and noticed the house was quite clean for a young man who lived by himself.  Tanner walked through the living room into the kitchen.

“How do you take your coffee?” he asked.

“Just with sugar,” Danielle replied.  Tanner nodded and prepared it, handing Danielle a full cup when it was finished.  Danielle took a sip as Tanner nodded for her to sit at the table across from him.

They looked at each other in silence for several moments.  Danielle spoke first.

“So you work at the hotel with Mark?” she asked, realizing it was a stupid question to ask.  Tanner picked up on her insecurity and smiled at her gently before responding.

“Yes,” he said.  “I assist in managing the finances.”  He took a sip of coffee.

“Danielle nodded and sipped from her own cup.  She watched Tanner for a moment, then looked around the room, looking back at Tanner once she had surveyed the area.

“So, Danielle… What exactly is it that you’re looking for?” Tanner asked.

Danielle took a moment to process her thoughts before answering, “Well to be honest, I want something different, something unconventional and unpredictable.  I’m looking for something wild.”  She blushed as she spoke, but continued confidently.  “I’m sort of hard to keep up with.”

Tanner smiled, a playful and slightly cocky smile. “I’m sure I can manage,” he said.

Danielle nodded and stood up to put her empty cup in the sink. When she turned around, Tanner was standing close enough that she could smell his cologne.  She smiled at him nervously.  Tanner reached up and put his hands on her shoulders, rubbing them gently to help her relax.

Danielle took a deep breath and looked into Tanner’s eyes as she tried to get her heart to stop beating a million times a second.  Tanner smiled and moved his hands to her waist, pulling him into her slightly.  “Yes,” he mumbled.  “I’m quite sure I can handle you.”

Danielle smiled playfully and reached up to put her hands on Tanner’s shoulders. “We’ll see about that,” she replied.

Tanner chuckled and pinched Danielle’s hip.  Danielle let out a soft squeak and wrapped her arms around Tanner’s neck.  Tanner chuckled again and kissed Danielle’s forehead affectionately.  Danielle looked up at him and smiled playfully and confidently.  She wanted more of Tanner.  He seemed to know how to get to her, and she was very intrigued by that.  Danielle felt that Tanner was the one person who could give her what she really wanted.

Danielle looked into Tanner’s eyes for a moment before leaning in and pressing her lips to his as she kissed him softly, but purposefully.  Tanner responded with a smile and kissed back, deepening it a bit as he wrapped his arms around Danielle’s waist, pulling her in roughly.  Danielle gasped and clung to Tanner a bit as she licked his bottom lip playfully.  Tanner bit at her lip before parting his, allowing her to slide her tongue inside.  He moaned softly into her mouth as their tongues explored each other’s mouths.  After a few moments, he pulled away, panting.

“You’re quite a good kisser, Danielle,” said Tanner.  Danielle smiled and leaned in for a quick kiss.  Tanner immediately deepened it, and gently pushed her against the counter, pressing his hips against hers.  Danielle moaned quietly and pulled away from Tanner’s lips.  She kissed his jaw, then moved down to his neck.  Tanner let out a soft moan and Danielle kissed his neck again, then nibbled it gently.  Tanner moved his hand from Danielle’s waist to between her legs, rubbing gently over her jeans.  Danielle whimpered in response, and nuzzled Tanner’s neck.  Tanner chuckled and kept moving his hand.  Danielle bit Tanner’s neck again.

Tanner pressed his hand against Danielle a bit harder, and made his movements a bit more purposeful.  Danielle moaned quietly, and leaned her head against Tanner’s shoulder, kissing it through his shirt.  Tanner was driving her mad, and she wanted nothing more than for him to rip all her clothes off and screw her until she couldn’t see straight.

Tanner knew he was getting to Danielle.  He could tell by the way she moved against him, and by the way she breathed.  He enjoyed teasing her.  He took his free hand and took her chin between his thumb and other fingers, forcing her head up gently.  “Look at me, Danielle,” he said firmly.  “Open those pretty green eyes.”

Danielle smiled.  She became more aroused by Tanner’s words and tone.  She opened her eyes to look into his, clutching his shirt in her fist.  Tanner smiled at Danielle and kissed her lips gently.  Danielle moaned softly against Tanner’s lips and smiled at him when he pulled away.  He was still touching her, still teasing her.  She wondered if he knew that he was driving her crazy.

Tanner kissed Danielle’s forehead and unbuttoned her jeans, then unzipped them slowly.  He moved his hand to rub her over her panties.  Danielle gasped and once again buried her face in the crook of Tanner’s neck.  Tanner chuckled softly and moved his hand away, pulling Danielle away from the counter and turning her to face the table.  Danielle gasped in shock as Tanner placed his hand on her back to gently push her over the table.  She gripped the opposite side of the table and took in a breath, letting it out slowly.

Tanner smiled and rubbed Danielle’s back gently before gently tugging on the waistband of her jeans, pulling them down her legs slowly, along with her panties.  Danielle spread her legs a bit while trying to keep her balance.  Tanner laughed and slapped her backside playfully, but firmly.  Danielle let out a whimper.  She heard him fumbling with his pants and a condom and before she knew it, he was pressed against her.

Danielle whimpered again as she felt the tip of his member pressed against her.  She moved backward slightly, but Tanner tightened his grip on her hips. “No,” he said softly. “Don’t move unless I tell you to.”

Danielle nodded and fought to keep still.  After what seemed like forever, Tanner finally slid into her.  She gasped and her grip on the table tightened.  Danielle moaned as Tanner moved in and out of her slowly, keeping a firm grip on her hips.  She was only aware of the way he felt inside her.  She moved her hips back into him and he responded by spanking her again.  She whimpered and held still, becoming more aroused by the “game” of him keeping her from moving.

Tanner let out a moan as he moved his hips faster.  He liked having control over Danielle.  The thought of turning this into something long-term actually made him grow harder inside of her.  He moved a bit more forcefully and tightened his grip on her.

“You’re a little slut,” Tanner teased, knowing the effect it would have on her.  “Fucking on the first date.”

Danielle moaned as his words pushed her closer to the edge.  She moved back against Tanner, driving him deeper, which he allowed.  He slapped her lightly on her backside again, which made her move faster against him.

“You like being called names, don’t you?” he asked.

Danielle nodded and gripped the side of the table tighter.  “Mhm…” she mumbled.  She felt Tanner’s hand come down on her again.

“What was that, baby?” he moaned as he thrust deeper inside her.  “I couldn’t understand you.”

“Yes!” Danielle said between moans.

Tanner chuckled and mumbled “Good girl” before he slammed his hips against Danielle’s ass, moving in and out of her faster.  He could tell by the way she tightened around him that she was getting close.  Danielle could feel it as well, like something inside her dying to be let out.  She felt as if she would explode, until finally it happened.  She let out a loud moan as she came, shaking and panting.  The whole time, Tanner never slowed until he had came as well.

Danielle collapsed onto the table, breathing heavily as Tanner pulled out of her slowly.  She allowed him some time to gather himself before reaching down to pull her pants back up, turning to face Tanner as she fastened them.

Tanner smiled at Danielle and kissed her lips quickly, but affectionately. “Was that wild enough for you?” he asked.

Danielle nodded as she slid her arms around his neck.  “That was perfect,” she said.  Tanner chuckled and wrapped his arms around Danielle’s waist, pulling her into a brief hug.

“Well I’m sure there will be more where that came from,” he said with a smile.  Danielle nodded and kissed Tanner’s cheek.  She took his hand and led him into the small living room that was right off the kitchen.  She sat down on the couch first, and tugged on Tanner’s hand for him to join her.  Tanner smiled and sat down beside her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.  Danielle reached up and slid her fingers between his.  She actually felt comfortable being in Tanner’s arms.  This was something she had never felt with anyone.  She hoped that their relationship would be just as good outside the bedroom.  She looked up into Tanner’s eyes.

“You know there’s more to me than just sex,” she informed him.

Tanner chuckled lightly.  “I know,” he said as he ran his thumb over Danielle’s.  “That’s why I plan to get to know every part of you.”  He kissed her as the last word escaped his lips.  Danielle smiled  and lay her head on Tanner’s shoulder.  She yawned and closed her eyes.  Tanner chuckled again and held Danielle as she fell asleep.

Chapter One - Tied to You

Danielle sighed as she changed the channel on the television.  She was tired of the couple in the movie she had been watching.  Their relationship was so conventional, so predictable.  She rolled her eyes a bit when the telephone rang.

“Hello?” she answered.

“Danielle?” said Katrina, Danielle’s best friend of ten years.

“Who else would it be, Kat?” Danielle joked.

“Yeah, yeah,” Katrina said.  “Hey listen… remember that friend of Mark’s you met? Tanner Evans?”

Danielle smiled at the thought of Tanner.  She remembered him well.  “Yes,” she said as she absent-mindedly ran her fingers through her  long brown hair.

Katrina giggled a bit before speaking again.  “Well, he asked about you the other night.  I was wondering if you would like to hang out with him, Mark and me?  You know… like a double-date or something.”

Danielle though it over for a moment. A double-date sounded very cliché.  It also didn’t help that she was going to be with Katrina and Mark, who had already become comfortable with each other, as they had been together for three years.  Danielle was afraid this might create pressure.  However, she did not want to pass up a chance to see Tanner again, so she decided to agree.

“Awesome,” said Katrina.  “I’ll let him know.”

“When?” asked Danielle.  “When do you want to do this, I mean.”

“Are you free tomorrow night?”

“Yes,” Danielle replied.  She had to work a short, four hour shift in the afternoon at her part-time second job at Denny’s, but she would be home with plenty of time to get ready.

“Cool,” said Katrina.  “Is seven good for you?”

“Yes,” said Danielle.  She was starting to get a bit eager.

“Perfect, Meet us at the house at seven, then.”

“Will do, babe.”

When Danielle hung up the phone, she sighed.  She never though she would see Tanner Evans again.  He had made a very good first impression.  Danielle smiled as she remembered his dark eyes and charming smile.  She had liked the way he presented himself: confident and in control.  He gave off a dominate vibe, and that had aroused Danielle’s interest, along with something else.

Danielle bit her lip in an attempt to control herself.  She was getting worked up, and didn’t want to.

The next day, Danielle dashed home at four-thirty when her shift at Denny’s was over.  She unlocked the door to her apartment anxiously, and walked down the hallway and into her bathroom, where she started to get undressed.  She turned her shower on and stepped in once the water was warm enough for her.

Danielle tried to keep her mind off of what she was getting ready for.  She didn’t want to let her mind wander, and she didn’t want to get her expectations too high.  She also didn’t want to work herself up again.

Once Danielle had gotten every inch of her body clean, she stepped out of the shower and grabbed her towel to dry off a bit before walking down the hall to her bedroom to get dressed.

Since the four of them were only having dinner at Mark and Katrina’s house, Danielle picked out a pair of slightly snug jeans and a nice blouse.  She sprayed a few squirts of perfume and brushed out her hair, blow-drying it before pulling it back into a long ponytail.

When Danielle went into the living room, it was five-fifteen.  That gave her enough time to paint her finger nails and put make-up on once they dried.

At six-forty-five, Danielle go into her car and made the short drive to Katrina’s house.  Once there, Danielle parked her car on the curb in front of the house.  She unbuckled her seatbelt, and turned the car off.  She took a moment to compose herself before stepping out of her car.  She walked up Katrina’s driveway and took a deep breath as she reached the door to ring the bell.

Katrina smiled when she opened the door. “Hey, Danielle,” she said as she stepped aside to let her in.

“Hey, Kat,” said Danielle.  The butterflies-in the-stomach feeling increased when Katrina shut the door.  Danielle looked around the small living room and smiled a bit when she saw Tanner sitting on the couch.  His eyes met hers and he stood up.  Mark, who had been sitting in an armchair, cleared his throat.

“Tanner, You remember Katrina’s friend Danielle, right?” he asked.  Tanner nodded.

“How could I forget?” he said as he smiled at her.  Danielle blushed.  She walked closer to him and shook his hand.

“You look very pretty, Danielle,” he said.  Danielle blushed again and Tanner chuckled.

“Thank you,” she said.

Tanner indicated the couch, “Please sit,” he said. Danielle nodded and sat down, and Tanner sat beside her, close enough to talk to her, but far enough away to make sure she was comfortable.  Katrina stood up to get Danielle a drink, and Mark was watching Katrina.  Danielle knew that Tanner was looking at her.  She turned her head to look at him.  She smiled at him, a nervous, yet genuine smile.  Tanner smiled back, a look of amusement on his face.

“You didn’t seem this shy when I first met you,” he said.

Danielle blushed yet again.  “I’m usually not,” she said.  Tanner studied her, still looking amused.  Danielle looked him over as they sat there, taking her eyes away only to take the glass of iced tea from Katrina.  She mumbled her thanks and looked at Tanner again as she took a sip.

“So tell me about yourself,” Tanner said, “What do you like to do?”

“Danielle looked around before speaking.  She noticed that Mark and Katrina had gone into the kitchen to finish making their meal, and, she guessed, to give her and Tanner some time alone.

“Well I like to write,” she said quietly.

Tanner nodded, still smiling. “Creative girl,” he said.  “I like that.”  Danielle blushed again.

“What do you write?” Tanner asked.

“Stories mostly. Romances.”

“I’ll have to read one sometime,” said Tanner.  Danielle nodded and took a sip of her iced tea.  She looked away from Tanner.  She was feeling nervous again.  This was very unlike her.  Danielle was usually a very confident person.  She jumped slightly when she felt Tanner’s hand brush her knee.

Tanner chuckled again.  “You say you’re usually not this shy?” he said, and his eyes moved from her face down her body as he took in every feature: the curve of her neck into her shoulder, her full chest, the curve of her torso to her hip.  He let his eyes trail down her long legs, wishing they weren’t covered by her jeans.  His eyes returned to her face as she started to speak.

“I’m not,” she said.  “I’m just feeling slightly nervous right now.”

Tanner smiled and rested his hand on Danielle’s knee.  “We’ll have to fix that,” he said.  Danielle smiled shyly, looking away just as Katrina came into the living room to let them know that dinner was ready.  Both Danielle and Tanner stood up to walk into the kitchen.  They sat down next to each other and plated their food.

“Did you two get to know each other?” Mark asked.

Danielle took a bite of her spaghetti and nodded.  Tanner spoke, and as he did, Danielle felt his hand on her knee.  She took a deep breath.

“Well I learned that Danielle writes romance stories,” he said. Katrina nodded.

“She’s a very good writer,” she said.  Tanner caressed Danielle’s knee.  Danielle took another bite of spaghetti, keeping her eyes on her plate.

“I wouldn’t doubt it,” said Tanner.  His hand moved higher on Danielle’s leg.  Danielle gasped a bit as Tanner rubbed her leg gently.

Tanner looked at Danielle and smiled knowingly as he moved his hand to her upper thigh.  Danielle smiled weakly and finished her food, trying to keep her composure as she felt Tanner’s fingers on her inner thigh.

She listened as Tanner and Mark chattered away about work.  She looked over at Katrina and smiled.  Katrina smiled back, happy that Tanner and Danielle were getting a long so well.  Danielle was happy too.  She felt like she and Tanner had a connection.  She felt she may have finally found someone who could keep up with her.  She smiled at the thought, then bit her lip as Tanner’s hand brushed against her.  She shot him a look, and he simply smiled.

After everyone had finished eating, Katrina led them back into the living room for a few moments before Tanner and Danielle would have to leave.  Tanner looked at Danielle as she stood up.

“I only live down the street,” he said quietly.  “We could walk there and I’ll make some coffee, and we’ll see where things go.”  Danielle nodded and Tanner stood up to leave.  Katrina smiled at them and told Danielle to call her the next day.