Free Darkness Falls (Darkness Series Book 3) by J.L. Drake Page A

ear. “Damn straight, baby, no one will have you but me.” I turned my head up toward his lips just in time to see that possessive look that made me weak in the heart. It was a look I’d loved since the day we met at the party. “I love you.” He kissed me and ground his hips into my back, leaving me breathless as he swiped an apple and headed for the door.
    “Hey,” I called out, and he turned around.
    “We still on for our date tonight at Franco’s at seven?”
    “Wouldn’t miss it.” He looked me over once before he shook his head. “Have a good day, baby.”
    Saturdays were my favorite lately. I met up with Erin to go over some notes, study a little, then have lunch at the beach and go to our yoga class. I headed back home to get ready for dinner, then showered and changed into a new dress Seth hadn’t seen yet. It was red, tight, and hugged my hips perfectly. I paired it with black heels and a long black sweater. I left my hair in long, big curls, just a little makeup, and a tiny spray of his favorite scent—Vanilla by Victoria’s Secret. We hadn’t had a date since, well…I guessed since he told me he loved me. That was a year ago. Wow, where did the time go?
    I was pleased with my appearance, then turned to inspect the bedroom. I had a bottle of champagne chilled, roses on the desk, candles waiting to be lit. I didn’t care if it was cheesy. I wanted cheesy romance tonight. We deserved it. I closed the curtains and made everything just so. I pulled out the gift I got him and set it on the night stand. I knew he’d love it. He’d mentioned several times before that he wanted to know what happened to his grandfather’s watch. After a huge hunt and Martha’s help, it turned out it was passed down to his uncle who had no use for it and said it’d been in his safety deposit box for the past few years. He was more than willing to pass it along to Seth. So I had it cleaned and polished, and now it sat in a navy blue box. I sneaked a peek at the Hublot Big Bang. I couldn’t wait to see how excited he’d be. I had no idea watches could be so expensive. I nearly had to pay the man a fee just to touch the damn thing before he’d even consider cleaning it. I carefully closed the lid. One last look at the room, and I decided it was perfect.
     
    ***
     
    I checked the time again—seven forty-five. I smiled at the waiter who brought me another glass of wine. Thankfully, I took a cab. We were supposed to drive home together. I sipped my second glass and started to worry. I called again, and for the fifth time it rang and rang, then clicked to voicemail. I cleared my throat and decided to leave a message this time.
    “Hey, umm, I’m here in a booth wondering where you are.” I swallowed down my worry. “I’m just checking in, making sure you’re all right.” I fiddled with the napkin and watched the candle burn around a puddle of wax, evidence of the length of time I’d been there. “All right, well, I’ll be here waiting. Call me when you can. I love you.” I hung up and saw the waiter glance over at me. The restaurant was busy and I was embarrassed that it looked like I got stood up. I could only imagine what the wait staff would say. I shouldn’t care, but I did.
    When eight fifteen rolled around, I asked for the check and flagged down a cab. I nearly made it home before the tears started. I finally gave in and texted Garrett.
     
    Emily: Hey, is Seth with you?
     
    Garrett: Yup, he’s helping Ronnie out with some paperwork. You good?
     
    I stared out the window as the cabbie parked. I dried my tears and handed him a twenty.
     
    Emily: Yeah, all good.
     
    I sat on the porch stairs, stared up at the moon, and watched the clouds hurry by. My head fell to my hands, and I let the tears fall. I allowed myself an ugly cry. I was so hurt he forgot our big date. I spent a long time and a lot of prep work to make it just so. For what? For him to forget? I stopped my pity party and told myself I was