Caught in Us (Lost 3)

Once we drive away, I cling to him tightly, playing his words in my mind. We both love you. I take in as much of his presence as I can. As always, it's intoxicating, and by the time the bike pulls to a stop, I am drunk on him. It's only after I descend from it and get out of the jacket and helmet that I snap back to reality.

"What the—?” I gasp, looking wearily at the familiar venue. "Prom and the graduation party were here."

"Exactly."

"What are you trying to do, Damon?"

"I can't make up for all the times I wasn't here with you, but I want to make up for all the special dates I missed."

"My birthday—”

"Prom, graduation. I missed a few good ones. Come on, let's go. I don't know about you, but I'm starving," he says. I'm about to remark that this is an expensive restaurant, and he's broke, but he adds, “I sold some old stuff I didn’t need. I received good money for it.” I don’t protest, but I still feel bad that he's spending that money on me. The second we step inside, the waitress comes up to us smiling.

"Mr. Cooper. Ms. Cohen, welcome. I'll take you to your table."

The restaurant has two floors and a terrace on top. It's lined with window walls so it can be used even when it's not warm enough outside. She leads us all the way up to the terrace. There are fewer tables here. It's more intimate. As she guides us to our table, a detail makes my pulse ratchet up.

"Christmas lights," I whisper as we sit. "They're everwhere. Let me guess. This is prom, graduation, and Christmas all rolled into one?"

"Yep. I thought of doing them one by one, but then I realized it would take forever to get to my favorite part of the night."

"Mmmmm." I bury my face in the menu to hide my blush. Then I realize...where will we go after dinner? He has roommates; I have a roommate. I could almost face-palm myself. Why didn't I sort this out with Hazel? This is a disaster waiting to happen. As discreetly as I can, I text her. Is there any chance you can stay out later tonight?

Her reply comes almost instantly. Relax, I've got plans until the wee hours of the morning.

"Who's that?" Damon asks.

"Hazel." I push my phone away, giving Damon my undivided attention.

"Okay, so, since we're celebrating so many things, how about a food festival?"

"You know me; I like to eat," I reply.

"That's my girl."

"Tell me about your dad,” I beckon. “I think he stopped working with mine some time ago."

"Yeah, apparently my dad found someone who paid more for his stuff, and yours found someone who was cheaper. Everyone's happy,” Damon says, shrugging. “He's in London right now; I think he'll stay there for a few months. I don’t talk to him often."

We order everything. Appetizers, roast beef, turkey, and top it all with cake. By the time the waitress brings us the cake, the button of my jeans threatens to pop open, and I feel sleepy.

"I need a break. I can't eat this right away," I say, eying the delicious chocolate cake in front of me. I can’t believe it, but I might have to pass on dessert.

"Let's skip it altogether." His voice is low and rough, sending a delicious jolt right through me. I press my thighs together in an involuntary attempt to curb the ache there. In the flash of a second, my sleepiness vanishes.

"Yes."

***

The ride to the dorm passes in a haze. When we reach the door to my room, I suddenly have a lump in my throat. I know what follows next, but I'm unsure how to do this.

"Come on in."

"Is that an invitation?" His green eyes lock on mine.

"Yes," I breathe.

"Be careful, Dani. Once you let me in, I don't plan on leaving."