Dark Light (The Dark Light Series)(92)

“Oh, come on! I’m curious!” I giggle. I’m in high spirits today. How can I not be? After our little game in the bathtub followed by mind-blowing water sex, I got to wake up to the most fascinating, gorgeous man alive. I'd be a fool to take that for granted.

“Careful, little girl. Curiosity killed the cat.” Dorian looks over and flashes his devilish grin.

“Oh, it’ll take a whole lot more to kill me,” I say darkly, biting my bottom lip.

Dorian smiles and shakes his head, returning his eyes to the road. “Is that a challenge?”

“Nope. It’s a fact,” I say simply.

“Well in that case, I better hurry up and get you to our destination.”

With that, Dorian hits the gas, causing the car to lurch forward. He weaves in and out of traffic with incredible ease with no regard for speed limits or fear of traffic cops. Every light turns green as we approach and I look on with astonished wide eyes. I know I should be afraid but the speed is absolutely exhilarating. Before I know it, we are whipping into the parking lot of Palmer Park, already crowded with cars and people.

“Palmer Park?” I say looking at Dorian questioningly.

“There’s a music festival going on. Thought you might like it.”

Dorian pulls into a parking spot and turns to take in my somber expression. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing. Just surprised.” I try to shake the creeping anxiety from my head and plaster on a smile. “I heard about this.”

Dorian leans over to plant a soft kiss on my forehead before exiting the car and coming over to open my door. Always the perfect gentleman. He grabs my hand and leads me into the park, and for a moment I feel like we are just a normal couple, doing what normal couples do. We stroll along the park grounds for the better part of the day, listening to the various live bands, eating junk food and drinking beer. I’ve brought my little digital camera, and we take turns snapping candid shots, even taking a few silly ones of ourselves. It’s nice. I feel safe and carefree with Dorian, and it seems he has let himself unwind and relax too.

“Gabs?” a familiar voice calls out to me as Dorian and I are making our way back to his car hand in hand. Shit.

I quickly drop Dorian’s hand and turn around to face my dearest friend. “Jared. Hey. Um, what’s up?” I stammer.

“Looks like you didn’t have to work after all,” Jared remarks stiffly. He looks to Dorian and gives him a nod. “Hey, man. Jared,” he says extending his hand.

Dorian receives Jared’s outstretched palm and shakes. I feel my stomach tie itself into a thousand knots. “Nice to meet you. Dorian.”

“So this,” Jared says gesturing between Dorian and me, “is a thing? You didn’t tell me you were dating somebody.”

“Hey, baby, I’m going to get the car. You two catch up,” Dorian murmurs to me. “Jared. Good to meet you.” Then he leaves me alone to face my friend and former love interest.

“Wow, Gabs. You work fast. And here I thought things were too complicated in your life for you to get involved with anybody. Must’ve gotten them straightened out,” Jared smirks.

“Look, Jared, it’s not like that,” I try to explain.

“Really? Because it sure as hell looks like that.” Jared shakes his head and grits his teeth with contempt. “The creepy guy from the club, Gabs? Really? So how long has this been going on? For the past few weeks? And you let me play myself like a fucking fool?”

“Calm down. Like I said, it’s not even like that. And he’s not creepy. We’re just hanging out, that’s all.” I know if I explained everything to Jared, he’d understand. But this situation has totally caught me off guard. I can’t get my thoughts together and seeing Jared so angry at me doesn’t make it any better.

“It’s cool, Gabs. Whatever. Do what you have to do. I guess that night in my car didn’t mean shit to you. That the past 6 years didn’t mean enough for you to be honest with me.”

Jared looks away, trying to reel in his anger, his jaw tight with ire. “But just tell me, did you ever really care for me? Or was I just convenient at the time?” A mixture of pain and rejection washes over his face and my heart aches for him. I reach my hand out for him but he instantly recoils, taking a step back. “Just answer my fucking question!”

“Yes, Jared. I did. I do. But it’s complicated.” Shit! This would be so much easier if I could just be honest with him!

“Complicated.” Jared again looks away then brings his green eyes back to me. “Do you love him?” he asks quietly.