They parted and Mike stared at her, amazed by the glow in her eyes. Danielle’s smile expressed joy in a manner he had never noticed in any woman, including Sarah. One did not have to guess her mood or position. There was nothing subtle about Danielle, from her headstrong attitude to her easy laughter and good cheer. Her genuine nature drew him closer. Not overly demonstrative, she did possess an emotional disposition that he fancied but did not share, preferring to keep his feelings just below the surface. Tonight however, Mike could no longer suppress what stirred in his soul.
“I’d rather be with you,” he said, brushing aside a curl that strayed across her cheek. He faltered, hesitant to voice the words that rose to his lips. It had been many years since he’d uttered that phrase, so long
