Chasing Him (Dark Love 4)

Me: The next time we’re alone, you’ll see for yourself. Now, stop being all hot & sexy and tell me what Eric has planned!

There’s barely a delay before a picture appears on my screen. I smile immediately, a photograph of his boner beneath his jeans bulging out accompanied with his text.

Julian: Your fault. Have fun tonight.

Frustrated, I throw my cell in my handbag but quickly pull it out again to stare at the picture. Damn! I squirm uncomfortably as the warm moisture builds between my thighs. Okay, time to think about something else because tonight will be a long night, and this feeling below has got to stop before I combust on the spot.

I stare out the window and watch the scenery, oblivious that Lex and Charlie have stopped talking.

“Why are you so quiet?” Lex quizzes.

I turn to face him. “None of your business.”

Okay, so he is annoying the fuck out of me, and it isn’t helping that I miss Julian. The only reason I’m not with him right now is because of the person driving this car. Calm down or you’ll give the game away. Charlie, on the other hand, has tried to call me several times to discuss my so-called fling. I either avoid her calls or tell her I’ll call her back, busy doing something with Andy. It’s only a matter of time before she will probe again but at least is smart enough not to mention this in Lex’s presence.

“Fuck, Adriana, what’s with you lately?” he barks.

“As I said, Lex, none of your business.”

He starts to mouth off, and I mentally shut down until Charlie yells at both of us.

“God, you two, shut up already!” She cranks up the stereo until Bon Jovi’s ‘It’s My Life’ blasts through the speakers, drowning out his incessant chatter.

We remain silent for the rest of the trip until we reach Eric’s condo.

Eric answers the door dressed in a purple kaftan lined with gold trimming. He is also wearing matching pants and is barefoot. Stylish, I have to admit, but so not Eric’s style.

“What the fuck, Eric?” I stare down at my attire. My jeans and loose-fitting tank seem highly inappropriate. Did I miss the memo?

“Welcome.” He places his hands together and greets me by bowing. He has officially lost the plot. Tristan is by his side and leans in to kiss my cheek. I return the favor and pull him aside for a quick second.

“Has Eric lost his mind?”

“I think so. It isn’t the first time, though.” Tristan laughs.

“What the hell is happening tonight?”

Tristan moves aside, and I see tea-light candles scattered around the living room. The lights are off, only the glow of the flames illuminates the room. Soft music plays in the background, and large cushions are placed around the coffee table. My God, it’s like a setting to an eighties’ porn flick.

OMG, is he filming a porno?

“Thank you, friends, for gathering here tonight.”

Eric is somber, and I rudely chuckle out loud. Lex is trying to keep a straight face but is failing miserably. He’s probably glad it isn’t a stripper. Kate has arrived and plunks herself next to Charlie. I know she’s here this week and acknowledges her presence by smiling. She shakes her head at me and mouths the words, “Eric’s gone barmy.”

I’ve no idea what that means, immediately shrugging my shoulders in confusion. Tristan sits beside me as we wait in silence. I want to talk to him in private, and just on cue, Kate starts talking to Lex, distracting him.

“Julian knows about this?” I whisper into Tristan’s ear.

He nods, then leans in, keeping an eye out. “He was here last night. Eric told him.”

“What did he say?”

“Honestly? He hopes that maybe this is what you need.”

“I don’t understand, Tristan…”

Tristan pats my knee, not saying any more.