Hollywood Princess by Dana Aynn Levin

be my idea.”

CHAPTER 16 - ELIZABETH
    Fortunately the rain stopped, and the sun was trying to break through when Danny came to get me for brunch. 
    Rachel and Chloe had returned from dining. Now Chloe was off to join friends and Rachel was editing the short screenplay she had written for Danny to direct. 
    Danny bounced into the suite full of energy.
    “Good morning, ladies,” he greeted them.
    “Hi and good-bye,” Chloe said breezily as she dashed out in Burberry rain gear.
    “Where’s my sweetheart?” Danny cheerfully asked Rachel.
    “Elizabeth is in her room.” Rachel snarled.
    “How is she?”
    “Fine, I guess. I haven’t heard any screams or thuds.”
    “Thanks, Rach,” Danny answered. His footsteps headed my way.
    “Wait,” she called. “What’s wrong with this picture? It’s nearly noon and you saunter in just out of bed. I’ve been toiling over our project. Since ten.”
    I imagined Danny employing his boyish grin. I smirked. Danny was not going to win this one. Rachel was immune to his charms.
    “Rach, I can’t write. I’m giving you space. When the script’s finished, I’ll read it.”
    “Some moral support would be nice,” Rachel said bitterly.
    “You have my support,” Danny said, “But my lady and I need to eat.”
    Danny’s lady?  Was I now his lady?
    Danny knocked on my ajar door, entering before I said, “Come in.”
    With a grin that lit his face, Danny approached the bureau where I stood supported by the crutches brushing my hair. His arms circled my waist.
    “Hey, baby,” Danny’s eyes twinkled fiercely.
    “Hey, yourself.” I turned my head to his and Danny kissed the corner of my mouth. “You’re happy today,” I smiled.
    “That’s because I woke up next to you.”
    That was the most romantic thing anyone had ever said to me. “But we didn’t do anything but sleep,” I pointed out.
    “That’s what made it special,” Danny answered, and he kissed me again. “Do you have any idea how nice it was to wake up with you in my arms?”
    “I’m sure you’ve woken up with a girl in your arms before.”
    “Not really. Possibly once or twice, but I’m sure I wasn’t sober.”
    What a contrast from last night! Had lightening struck while Danny showered?
    “Is that a compliment?”
    “Yes. Just like telling you how adorable you are in the morning is.” Danny kissed me again. “You’re not only beautiful, you’re cuddly Eli. You’re soft, feminine and cuddly. You smelled good too.  It was like waking in a field of freshly picked wildflowers.”
    “Newman! Close the door!” Rachel yelled. “I’m going to barf if I have to keep hearing this dribble.”
    I blushed, embarrassed. Danny laughed. He hugged me more tightly. Whatever we now were to each other, he was enjoying it as much as I was.
    After trudging to the dining hall, Danny brought me my lunch and settled in across from me. Eating was difficult because Danny wouldn’t take his eyes off me. They sparkled like blue diamonds and the intensity of his smile was high-wattage. My insides tingled. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him either. Is this how it would be when we became a couple?
    “Hey, Newmans,” Shane announced. He took the chair beside me and placed his plate and cutlery on the table. “What’s going on?”
    “Not much,” Danny answered. “I’m trying to understand why m’lady’s beautiful smile has down-turned.”
    “Maybe she realized who she woke up with this morning.”
    “Not funny, Shane,” Danny snapped. Then he turned his attention back to me. “What is it, Eli? Does your ankle hurt?”
    “Danny, I heard from the Dean,” I frowned. “I have to drop my dance classes.”
    “Can’t you just observe for the two weeks until you’re better?”
    I shook my head. “It’s not that simple.” Tears started down my cheeks. I wiped them away with the back of my hand. “The doctor said I could walk in two weeks. He didn’t say anything about dance. My ankle has to be