Dating Daniel (Cloverleaf #4)

by Gloria Herrmann

  Daniel sat with his back to the house and continued to listen to the unwanted words of wisdom from his father and grandfather. He heard the back door close and noticed the expression on his father and grandfather’s faces change. Patrick’s look changed to one of complete admiration, so Daniel instantly knew Amber was near.

  “Dinner will be ready soon,” Mary announced as she moved to stand beside Pat, planting a kiss on top of his head. Pat looked up lovingly and clasped Mary’s arm. The simple act of affection wasn’t missed by Daniel. He wanted what his parents had—that long-standing love.

  Daniel swiveled in his seat and looked at Nina. Her gaze met his briefly, but then she quickly focused on Patrick. His brother was completely oblivious. His gaze seemed far away, as if Amber, who had staked her claim in a manner of speaking, had him in a trance. She was behind him, looping her arms around his neck, whispering something in his ear. Patrick smiled and turned to look up at her. Daniel wanted that too—that new kind of love.

  As the kids continued to play in the yard, their shouts of joy could probably be heard throughout the neighborhood. Liam and Michael laughed as they raced over to where the rest of the adults were, happy expressions on their faces.

  But then Maggie gave Michael an interesting look, one that Daniel couldn’t quite make out, but it appeared as though they were exchanging information telepathically. Michael looked quickly at Nina, then at Daniel. So that is what that was about. No surprise. Daniel could feel Maggie’s chilly reception when Nina had entered the kitchen. His sister usually took a little while to warm up to newcomers. She had been aloof with Rachel, well, for like ten minutes, then they became the best of friends and only kept growing closer. Then with Amber, Maggie had shown very little hesitation in accepting Patrick’s new girlfriend.

  Nina moved to an empty seat that was near Daniel, but close enough to Patrick. Daniel noticed her pale blue eyes had not quite broken eye contact with him. This was something that Daniel was fairly used to: always playing second fiddle to his handsome brothers. But for Nina to so blatantly do this in front of him and his family? It made his stomach sour. He could feel his mother looking at him. That woman didn’t miss a thing, but she offered him a sympathetic and kind smile.

  “Nina, is it?” Grandpa Paddy asked slowly, taking her all in. Daniel wondered what thoughts were rolling around in the old man’s mind. Did he approve? Did he think Daniel was being foolish trying to make this girl his? Grandpa Paddy hadn’t steered any of Daniel’s siblings wrong, and now it was his turn.

  Nina smiled and reluctantly looked away from Patrick. Daniel saw the relief wash over Amber’s face, but her sea-green eyes continued to look daggers in Nina’s direction.

  Everyone had turned their attention to Nina. Liam offered her an encouraging grin as he wrapped his arms around Rachel, pulling her protectively to him.

  “Yes,” Nina answered quietly.

  “So your folks own that farm on the outskirts of town,” Pat stated, rather than asked. Grandpa Paddy and Pat continued to take turns attempting to engage Nina in conversation. Daniel groaned. This was not really going well. Nina was hardly making an effort; she was only answering in clipped sentences. Her annoyance and lack of patience was growing as each question was handed to her. They were simply trying to get to know her, to break the ice, and find room for her.

  “Well, why don’t we all head inside to eat? Us ladies will go and get everything served up. You men grab those kiddos,” Mary ordered as she led the way back into the house. Maggie followed but tossed back a look at Daniel that said it all. She did not like Nina. Both Rachel and Amber gave him tight-lipped smiles that spoke volumes. They were offering him some sort of an apology. Nina remain seated, not even looking in the direction of the women that were filing back inside this house. The evening had not gone well and it was only going to get worse. Maybe Daniel could pull Nina aside and try to explain how things sort of worked in the O’Brien family. To some it may appear slightly old-fashioned, that the women enjoyed their time together primarily in the kitchen, where he knew so many secrets were shared and plans were hatched, but he wanted Nina to be included, and as she sat there with a bored expression, he saw that the only interest that danced in her eyes was when she would sneak glimpses at his brothers or Michael. The more Daniel saw from her, the less he wanted to see. This was not how he imagined this dinner going.

  ***

  Maggie

  “I don’t like her. And I was right.”

  “Maggie, that’s enough. She could walk in her any moment,” Mary scolded her.

  Amber sighed loudly as she retrieved the glass casserole dish out of the oven. Rachel released a huff as she grabbed dishes to set the table.

  “Why aren’t either of you saying anything?” Maggie asked angrily. She stood looking at them ignoring the obvious issue at hand.

  “It’s not my place,” Amber quickly answered.

  “Uh, did you not see the way she was looking at Patrick? That was so not cool,” Maggie explained as she was handed glasses by Mary to take to the table.

  “Go set these over there. You need to stop. We can discuss this after she goes home. It isn’t good to stand here and gossip about her when she’s just beyond this wall.” Mary motioned toward the kitchen wall near the backyard.

  Maggie didn’t care if Nina walked in. After the short time they had spent with her, and then seeing her practically devour her brothers with her eyes, it was confirmed in her mind that she didn’t like Nina Belsky one bit. All Maggie could think was, Poor Daniel.

  ***

  Daniel

  He couldn’t mistake the uncomfortable glances from around the table. It was also an eerily quiet for a Sunday dinner at the O’Brien household. He knew why, he wasn’t stupid, and he actually didn’t blame his family all that much. Nina was pushing bits of lettuce around on her plate, obviously completely uninterested in the food in front of her or the people around her. This wasn’t what Daniel had anticipated. He figured that since Nina had come from a fairly large family, she would be as family oriented as he was. Maybe they were too different.

  Somehow they managed to get through dinner, and Mary politely suggested that Daniel take Nina home before it got too late. He was a little surprised she hadn’t offered dessert, but seeing how Nina hadn’t eaten much, she probably figured there was no point to continuing their suffering.

  Nina said goodbye to the family and practically ran out the door. Daniel helped her into his truck and then got inside.

  “God, I’m so glad that is over.” She exhaled loudly, keeping her gaze out the window.

  “I’m sorry. I just really wanted you to meet my family. We do so much cool stuff together. I just wanted to be able to include you.”

  “Daniel…” Her voice trailed off, and she refused to meet his eyes.

  “What?”

  “I just want to keep whatever this is between me and you just fun. I don’t want us making it all serious, like involving our families,” Nina explained, twirling her blonde tresses through her fingers.

  Daniel swallowed. “I wasn’t trying to rush things. Hell, I don’t even really know what we are even doing.”

  “That’s the thing. This should just be fun. We’re so young. I can’t even begin to think of marriage or any of that right now. I have so many things I want to do and it certainly doesn’t involve staying here in Birch Valley.”

  “So what now?” Daniel asked. He could hear the disappointment in his own voice. He couldn’t hide it. He didn’t know what he had expected, especially from someone like Nina.

  Nina slid over closer to him. She raked her nails gently up his thigh and kissed his neck. “Fun.”

  He swallowed again. Fun. She had offered fun on Friday, which ended up her being drunk and more than a handful, to say the least. It had been anything but fun. Daniel shifted nervously in his seat and started up the truck. If only she knew exactly why he was nervous, she might not want anything to do with him.

  Chapte
r Five

  Patrick

  “So what did you guys end up doing after you left?” Patrick asked as he sorted the mail at the counter.

  The inside of the shop was a little warm. Daniel fussed with a fan and looked in Patrick’s direction. Maggie hadn’t come into work today due to a doctor’s appointment, and Daniel was slightly relieved. He was already dreading the countless questions he knew Patrick was going to unleash on him. It had been obvious that Maggie was not a fan of Nina, so he knew it was a matter of time before she pummeled him with her advice. Everyone always wanted to add their two cents, as if Daniel were completely unable to handle a relationship or anything in his life.

  “I pretty much dropped her off at home.” He didn’t feel like being probed for more details, but knew trying to change the subject was futile.

  Patrick rolled his eyes. “Oh, come on. You can’t be serious? Man, here you got this gorgeous chick, and you’re just taking her home?”

  “What else do expect me to do?” Daniel felt his face grow hot. He stood up from the crouching position he was in. He turned on the fan in hopes to cool his warming cheeks.

  “Daniel, seriously?” Patrick’s brow raised in confusion.

  He knew what his brother was hinting at, and it was something he would just rather not discuss. He turned his attention away from Patrick, praying that his brother would just leave well enough alone.

  “Daniel.” Patrick’s tone was curious and before Daniel realized, Patrick was standing next to him.

  “What?”

  Patrick exhaled hard. “Come on.”

  “There’s nothing to discuss. I’m not even really sure what you’re asking or wanting to know,” Daniel stated as he bent down and rummaged through the toolbox, pretending to be busy searching for something.

  “You need me to come right out and ask?” Patrick was relentless. Daniel ignored him and grabbed a screwdriver to tighten a blade on another fan he was working on. “So you haven’t slept with Nina?”

  There. His brother had said it. Instantly, Daniel was flooded with naive embarrassment. “No, I haven’t.” He kept his answer vague and hoped it would suffice, but with Patrick it probably wouldn’t.

  “Damn. I’m kind of surprised. I mean, not to sound rude or anything, but I sort of figured that was why you were tolerating her. If you aren’t getting laid, why do you put up with her?” Patrick’s face scrunched in annoyance.

  “She’s not that bad, jeez,” Daniel lied. Nina was kind of difficult to be around though. He found they literally had nothing in common or discussed anything worthwhile. He sort of felt like she might be using him for a good time, just someone to help pass the summer boredom that a lot of people got in Birch Valley.

  Neither of them heard the bell on the door ring, but they suddenly noticed Hannah was standing only feet away. She wore a perplexed and troubled look on her face. God, he hoped she hadn’t heard them.

  “Hey, Hannah.” Daniel said, wiping his hands on the back of his jeans.

  “Hi, I didn’t mean to drop in or anything, but I’m in a bit of a pickle, and, well, you were the closest one who I thought could help me,” Hannah rambled, shifting her weight from foot to foot as she sent him a pleading look.

  Patrick eyed her with interest. “Aren’t you Nina’s sister?”

  “Uh, yes, I am. I’m really sorry to bother you guys. But my car just broke down a couple blocks away and I wanted to see if perhaps you could maybe drive me back out to the farm. I figure I can tell one of my dad’s farmhands and they can come help tow it back.” Her pink bottom lip quivered. “Gosh, I’m so sorry to ask.”

  “Oh, Hannah, it’s fine. Sorry to hear about your trouble. Daniel would be more than happy to run you back home,” Patrick quickly replied. Of course Daniel didn’t mind taking Hannah home, but leave it to Patrick—the man who hated when others meddled in his own life—to get involved.

  “Sure, I’d be happy to.” Daniel offered her a smile and was happy to see her face soften.

  ***

  It was midday, and the sun made Birch Valley swelteringly hot in the last days before fall overthrew summer. Daniel turned up the air conditioning—not that it really helped much.

  “So what do you think happened to your car?” Daniel asked as he steered down the bustling main street. Tourists crowded the sidewalks as they window shopped. Children were riding their bikes, enjoying their last days of freedom before school started the following week.

  “Well, it’s hard to say. I’m not really all that good at car stuff, but I know that smoke coming out from under the hood is not a good sign.” Hannah laughed nervously.

  “Nope, it’s usually not. I’m sure it’ll all work out.”

  Daniel peeked at his gauges and noticed he needed gas. “Do you mind if I fill up real quick?”

  “Oh God, no. I’d be happy if you’d let me pay.”

  Daniel shook his head. “Nah, I don’t mind taking you back home. You never know. I might need you to return the favor. My truck isn’t exactly brand new,” he teased as he drove in the direction of the single gas station in town. It had a little market, a car wash, and only six gas pumps.

  “So, how’s your sister? I’m just about done with some curtains for her nursery,” Hannah said, seemingly trying to make small talk.

  “Maggie’s good. Her and Rachel are nearing the finish line.”

  “How fun must that be, to be pregnant with your sister-in-law. They seem like such great friends.”

  “Yeah, they are quite a pair.” Daniel laughed and slowed as the traffic light changed to yellow then red. “You like kids?”

  “I love them. I hope to have a ton when I get married. I have no nieces or nephews, but a couple very young cousins.” She had a happy grin on her face as she continued to describe how adorable her cousins were.

  “They are the cutest things and are so silly.”

  He was enjoying their conversation and listened as she described their little personalities. Daniel loved his nephews and niece and was thrilled about more little ones being added to the family. He only hoped someday he could add to the O’Brien name. The light switched to green, and Daniel pulled into the gas station to the side of the intersection. He spotted another truck. The driver was a guy he’d gone to school with. Granted, who had he not gone to school with in Birch Valley?

  As he found an empty pump to park next to, he noticed her: Nina. She was sitting happily in the passenger side of that truck, giggling at something and toying with her long blonde hair. Daniel grunted, and Hannah peered over to have a look through his window.

  “Oh,” Hannah said and leaned back against her seat.

  Daniel got out of the truck, removed his wallet, and fished out his credit card. As he undid the gas cap, he pretended not to notice her. Why in the hell was Nina hanging out in that guy’s truck? He swiped his card, removed the nozzle of the gas pump, and slammed it into his gas tank opening a little harder than he should have. He felt someone watching him, but he tried to keep his attention on the task at hand, keeping his back to Nina.

  “Daniel?”

  Crap. He clicked the safety on the pump to let it fill by itself and turned around slowly.

  She stood there with her hands on her narrow hips, wearing some of the shortest white shorts he had ever laid eyes on. Nina’s pale robin egg-blue tank top accented her perfectly golden skin, and she had thrown her blonde hair into a sloppy twist on the top of her head. He looked down, not wanting to meet her eyes, but he noticed her dainty toes were painted pale pink. Patrick was right; she was gorgeous, but she wasn’t his. He lifted his gaze and noticed an irritated look in her eyes.

  “Why is my sister in your truck?” she asked, her voice sharp. She was angry, but did she really have a right to be upset? Couldn’t Daniel ask her the same thing? Why was she in that guy’s truck?

  “Her car broke down and I was taking her home. You?” He met her annoyed stare, almost challenging her to come up with a better excuse.

  �
��I was just hanging out with my friend.” Nina sounded nervous as she quickly turned around, as if to see if anyone else had heard her.

  “Hey, it’s fine. You didn’t want anything serious, remember?” Daniel was wounded inside, not much, but he could feel the sting of her thoughtlessness, especially to his pride.

  “Daniel, I’m sorry.” Nina pouted. She was used to getting everything she wanted and she liked being the one in control. Daniel had switched it up on her, and she didn’t know how to react.

  “It’s completely fine, trust me. Saves me a lot of trouble actually, so thanks.” The machine beeped and the pump clicked off. Perfect timing. “Have a good rest of your day, Nina. I need to get Hannah back home.” He grabbed his receipt and got into the driver’s side of his truck without another word.

  As he pulled out of the gas station, Hannah seemed awkwardly quiet, as if deciding when she should say something. Daniel decided to confront it head-on.

  “Hey, it’s okay.”

  Hannah quickly responded, “Gosh, I’m so sorry, Daniel. I know you guys were kind of seeing each other.”

  “She didn’t want anything serious, so no harm, no foul.” Daniel smiled and turned onto the highway leading them out to her farm.

  “Yeah, but that’s not really cool. You don’t treat people like they are disposable. You’re a really nice guy, Daniel. You don’t deserve that.”

  “Well, thanks.” He felt himself blush unexpectedly.

  “I’m serious. Nina always does this. She doesn’t respect anything or anyone. I’m tired of seeing her hurt people.” Hannah crossed her arms over her chest in a huff.

  As Daniel drove, sitting opposite Hannah, he couldn’t help but wonder if God was showing him something.

  “I appreciate your concern. It’s very sweet.” Daniel turned to see her cheeks turn a lovely shade of rose as a half-smile blossomed on her lips. It would appear they both wore their true feelings on their faces. For Daniel, sometimes it was torture knowing that his face gave everything away. He was not a good poker player. Any of his pals would agree. He would bet that Hannah wasn’t so great either.