Disclaimer - the usual... the characters are not mine, but the ideas are.
Epilogue – Let Me Count the Ways
It had been two weeks since Lindsay and Danny became lovers. It was truly a roller coaster ride. First there was the rickety initial uphill climb, tinged with anticipation and fear. By letting go with both hands when they reached the top, now they were flying with exhilaration. Their physical connection was only a part of the relationship. The passion was not and consuming, but they had also become friends. They supported each other on bad days, celebrated each other's good days. It was a level of intimacy neither was familiar with, but both savored.
At work, they kept it a secret. Lindsay had always been able to lose herself in her job, so for the most part, Danny did not distract her. No matter how much her heart would pound, she treated him like any other coworker. Still, private glances and sneaky touches happened. He nibbled her earlobe when no one was looking, she grazed her fingertips up his arm in passing.
One day while walking through the hall, an arm shot out of the janitorial closet and snaked around Lindsay's waist, pulling her into the blackness. There they kissed among mops, buckets, and the scent of bleach. Danny had that affect on her – losing track of time and place. Sometimes she could not control a huge smile from forming on her face when she saw him. But overall they were professionals, two people whose jobs used to take first priority.
What they denied themselves at work, they made up for after hours. They took turns staying at each other's apartments. Evenings were spent cooking dinner, relaxing, and discovering more about each other. These were the times they looked forward to and cherished the most.
When the heater in Lindsay's apartment building broke, they spent the night huddled together under three blankets, teeth chattering and clinging to each other for warmth. When Danny needed to vent his frustrations, Lindsay listened and gave him her unwavering encouragement. When Lindsay faced her first-quarter evaluation, Danny stayed up all night soothing her nerves, and was there with a congratulatory embrace after she received rave reviews from Mac.
For both of them, being together also brought an aspect of playfulness to their lives. They continued to tease and banter with each other, just as they had since day one.
Since moving to New York, Lindsay had always wanted to go ice skating. Like a child, she begged and begged Danny until he relented. After strapping on her skates, Lindsay realized how much of a klutz she truly was. Gripping Danny's shoulders, she swore that if she was going down, he was too. After a few awkward tries to skate, they ultimately collapsed into a pile of laughter and kisses.
One Saturday, Lindsay commissioned Danny for help painting her living room. When the paint began to fly, covering their skin and clothes, the fun moved to a steamy, soapy shower.
Lindsay still often woke early in the morning, before Danny. She liked to lie awake and watch him, listen to him, breathe him in. They had only known each other a few months, but it felt longer. The time they spent together felt like moments stolen from life, too good to be true. One morning she tried to compose a mental list of the things she loved about him. She lost count. There were so many things…
She loved how she could massage his shoulders after a long day, and feel the tension melt beneath her fingers.
She loved feeling his weight on top of her as he cried out her name.
She loved seeing him walk by at work, lab coat clinging to his muscular frame, and thinking: He's mine.
She loved how husky his voice was first thing in the morning.
She loved the way he reached for her hand when they walked together, and how her hand molded into his.
She loved how all the romantic clichés she previously rolled her eyes at now made perfect sense.
She loved waking up not to a screeching alarm clock, but Danny's lips on her neck.
She loved learning new things about him every day, and how he surprised her at every turn.
She loved the way he looked at her, and how it made her dizzy.
She loved their private jokes – walruses, tigers, dolls, "you hungry?", among others.
She loved how he made her lose her inhibitions, causing her to do naughty things like leaving her bra in his locker.
She loved the safety and protection of being in his arms.
She loved seeing a tender side of him that no one else did.
She loved Danny Messer.
THE END
And there you have it!
I appreciate your kind reviews. I would like to leave this as a happy, uncomplicated ending. I just wanted to paint a portrait of what I wish could happen, and what I think there is potential for. I am working on a possible sequel – Lindsay has to make a trip back to MT, and Danny goes with her for the 3+ day drive. Road Trip, anyone! Let me know your thoughts!