When Darkness Comes Page 3

  “What kind? Nature and stuff?” He asked, copying my movement.

  I sucked in a quick breath; the close proximity of our bodies was starting to go to my head again. I cleared my throat. “Mainly weddings. Sometimes families, rarely landscapes… and stuff.” I gave him a wink.

  “Why weddings?” He asked, seeming genuinely interested.

  “You’re going to laugh.”

  “Well, turnabout’s fair play.” Trent’s voice lowered as he reached out and placed a hand on my knee. My heart pounded against my chest, threatening to burst through at any moment.

  “Touché.” I laughed nervously. “Look, I’m not one who gets sappy over love stories. I’ve never seen Gone with the Wind; I’ve never read Pride and Prejudice. In my eyes, Romeo and Juliet weren’t star-crossed lovers; they were a couple of dumb kids. But, when I shoot a wedding and I see the love between the bride and groom and hear their vows, I can’t help but have hope. Have hope that maybe love isn’t impossible to find and that people can truly be happy in life.” I shook my head. “That sounded absolutely ridiculous and I’m rambling.”

  Trent smiled his sexy smirk and softly shook his head no. “I get it. And you weren’t rambling, you made perfect sense.” He gave my knee a soft squeeze.

  I sighed with relief. “Well, I’m glad somebody finally understands me.”

  “I get what you were saying, but personally, I don’t think love makes people happy. People who say they are in love are usually miserable. So, to be honest, I’m not even sure if it truly exists.” He stated casually.

  I frowned. “And why’s that?”

  “Well…” He looked me up and down. “You can’t put your happiness in the hands of another. People lie, cheat, steal, and end up just letting you down in the end anyways. And everything that has a beginning, must have an ending, right?”

  I hesitantly nodded my head. “So, I’m sure you’re a ‘why buy the cow, when you can get the milk for free’ kind of guy as well then.”

  Trent raised his eyebrow at my audacity. “I really am transparent, huh?”

  “And what exactly do you have to gain by playing that game?”

  “The correct question, Paige, is what will I lose by strictly having casual sex?”

  I eyed him carefully. I couldn’t tell if he was a world-class jerk or if he was the male version of me. Well, aside from the casual sex part. I don’t do that. But I had to agree with him. He was right. He certainly wouldn’t have his heart broken if he kept himself at arm’s length. We all know you can’t lose someone if they never belong to you in the first place.

  “Paige!”

  I heard Nic’s voice calling my name from a few feet away. I turned in the direction of her voice and realized at that moment, I had completely forgotten I was at Echo in order to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of my brother. Trent had stolen my attention and, truth be told, I wasn’t disappointed at all by that. What can I say? Bad boys are a weakness.

  As Nic approached our table, her eyes widened impulsively. Yep, Trent’s THAT attractive. Much to my chagrin, Trent pulled his hand away from its place on my knee.

  “Ummm, Paige. It’s, uh, we’re leaving. Are you coming with?” She asked.

  “Yeah, sorry, Nic.” I turned toward Trent. “Trent, this is my friend, Nic. We’re out celebrating because she’s marrying my brother in two weeks.”

  Trent stood and shook Nic’s hand, and I reluctantly stood to say goodbye to him. He turned his attention to me, stepping closer.

  Trent leaned in, placing his hand in the small of my back. “Can I at least get your number? Maybe we can have coffee or dinner sometime?” He questioned timidly before leaning back.

  “Trent, I don’t know if that’s a good idea. You just said that you don’t do anything other than casual. And, since you were so honest with me, I’m going to be honest with you. I don’t think I’m your kind of girl.” I smiled sadly, slightly disappointed in myself for having such high morals, but I knew there was no way I could be strictly casual with this gorgeous man.

  Trent leaned in once more and I felt his breath tickle my ear as he spoke. “Well, maybe you’re right, Paige. But, think about what we might gain if we were both proven wrong in this instance.”

  My chest tightened and I let out a small gasp. I turned to Trent with wide eyes and was met by a look that was just daring me to take him up on his offer.

  “Okay. I’ll call your bluff.” I beamed as I accepted his challenge. I was playing with fire and I knew it. But, no matter how scared I was about getting hurt again, I couldn’t resist the hypnotizing man in front of me.

  Trent handed me his phone, and I handed him mine. We exchanged our numbers as Nic looked on in amusement. I gave Trent his phone back and he placed it in the front pocket of his jeans. He held out his hand, offering my phone to me, pulling it away when I reached for it. I smiled at his antics. He offered it once more, actually allowing me to take it from him this time.

  “At least we will be able to continue our titillating verbal sparring through text now.” Trent said with a wink.

  My breath hitched. This guy is such a flirt! No wonder he only does casual, I’m sure he has dozens of women just waiting for their chance with him. And, now I’m one of them, Oh no…

  “It was nice to meet you Nic, and congratulations. And, don’t worry, Pic Chick, you’ll be hearing from me soon.” With a smirk, he turned and walked away.

  Wait. Pic Chick? He had come up with a nickname for me, just as I had for him. I smiled wistfully at the thought, and was brought out of my reverie when I realized Nic had been saying something.

  “Huh? What were you saying?” I asked, turning to her and failing miserably to hide the blush on my cheeks.

  Nic chuckled. “So, coffee or dinner? Or maybe it’s more like dinner and then coffee the next morning? What do you think, Pic Chick?” She wagged her eyebrows, teasing me.

  I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders. “You never know.” I replied, a confident smile spreading across my lips.

  chapter 3

  The following Tuesday, all of us girls met at Vow to Wow Bridal Boutique for our final dress fittings. With a little more than a week until the big day, it was now officially crunch-time and the bride was starting to get anxious. The manager of the shop brought out our gowns from the back and assigned Ally and me to neighboring changing rooms.

  “Nic, would you mind holding my purse?” I set my Kate Spade satchel on the velvety ottoman on which Nic was perched. She nodded her head and I entered the French inspired dressing room.

  Once I locked the door, I slipped off my tan, strappy sandals and mint skinny jeans, and unbuttoned my coral blouse. As I slid on my strapless, taupe organza dress, I couldn’t help but think of Trent. Truth be told, I hadn’t stopped thinking about him since I left the club Saturday night.

  The handsome stranger who had come to my rescue on the dance floor was in practically every thought that ran through my head after I arrived home that evening. Did he have a girlfriend? I never even asked. No, wait, he only does casual. But the thought of a beautiful woman running her fingers through those glossy strands plagued me. The vision of another girl being wrapped in the same pair of arms that held me so firmly in their grasp had my stomach twisting in knots. I found it incredibly hard to sleep that night because every time I would close my eyes, I came face to face with those bewitching green irises.

  All my worries had been for nothing though, because Trent texted me that evening. Correction, that very early morning. We messaged each other for quite a while and I found out that he was indeed unattached, and from his side of the conversation, he was just as enamored with me as I with him.

  We’ve been keeping things “casual” and find ourselves texting each other throughout the day. It’s mostly playful banter and we try to not talk about topics that are too serious. I’m trying my best to stay guarded but there is just something about him…

  “Paige! You just got a text! Ooh! It’s from Tr
ent Knox! I’ll tell you what it says.” Nic’s voice snapped me right out of my thoughts and I rushed out of the dressing room with my maid of honor dress still unzipped.

  “No! Don’t!” I yelled, while simultaneously lunging for my phone and gripping the top of my dress one-handed.

  “Okay, okay, here’s your phone.” Nic surrendered. “What does it say?” She asked, folding her arms in impatience.

  “Let me see…” I put in my password and pulled up Trent’s message.

  * Hey Pic Chick. I was thinking that I need to prove to you how wrong you are about not being the right girl for me. Are you free Thursday morning? ;-) *

  Our first date. He wants to take me on a date! Oh my gosh! Careful, Paige, stay guarded. But, my heart and the butterflies in my stomach are telling me something else altogether.

  I figured I better steady my hands before typing my response so I decided to allow Nic to read Trent’s message for herself. I also seized the opportunity to have Ally zip up my dress.

  “Oh my gosh!” Nic squealed. “Wow, this guy sure does move fast. You just met him Saturday. Well, what are you going to say?”

  “We’ve been texting like, all day, every day since I got home from Echo that night. And I’m going to say yes, of course!” I rolled my eyes at her.

  With pursed lips, Nic tossed my phone back so I could type my response.

  * You’re on. ;-) What time should I be ready? *

  * 4 *

  * You almost had me, lol! You typed morning earlier *

  * Paige, be ready at 4 AM *

  * SERIOUSLY? *

  * JUST TRUST ME *

  * Trent, I hardly know you *

  * You won’t be sorry. I will pick you up at 4. AM! Wear something warm and bring your camera *

  * I better not regret this, Ghostbuster! *

  * TRUST ME *

  * OKAY *

  I couldn’t keep the smile from my face. This undeniably sexy, positively witty, definitely mysterious man wants to take me on a date. Is it Thursday yet?

  “Well? What are you doing? Where are you two going?” Ally enquired.

  “I don’t know,” I replied. “I have to be ready at 4 a.m. on Thursday morning.”

  “4 A.M.?!” Nic and Ally shouted in unison.

  “What else did he say? I mean, he’s obviously crazy.” Nic started looking over the fit of my bridesmaid gown and checked the hemline.

  “He’s not crazy, Nic. He just said to wear something warm and to bring my camera.” I shrugged.

  “Whatever you’re doing, it sounds like he has something big planned.” Ally said, as Nic moved on and began scrutinizing her dress as well.

  “I don’t know whether to be excited or scared.” I mumbled while admiring the beautiful gowns Nic had chosen for us. “He pretty much told me that he doesn’t do relationships.”

  “I don’t know, Paige. He was gorgeous; I’ll give you that, but… Just be careful. But, definitely be excited!” Nic said.

  “Yeah, he’s sexy!” Ally exclaimed.

  “Plus, you don’t do relationships either.” Nic added, for good measure.

  So what if he is one of the most attractive men I’ve ever seen? I think I’m still leaning a little more toward the scared side…

  †

  Three o’clock in the morning rolls around extremely quick, especially when you’re up late trying to figure out what to wear. The fact that I was going on a date for the first time since… well, let’s just say my last relationship didn’t go so well.

  Clearly! That’s why I’m still single.

  You see, when you have your heart ran over by a dump truck, you tend to want to stick to yourself. Since Zane, I have become a firm believer that if I don’t put myself out there, then I can’t get hurt. And it has worked wonders, until now that is.

  Sleep eluded me for the better part of the night thanks to my mind racing with thoughts of Trent. Thoughts of actually wanting to put myself out there again. But, can I really risk the heartbreak again? If I can, Trent might very well be worth it. WE might be worth it.

  I finally decided on a cream colored, knit sweater paired with dark wash skinny jeans. My tan leather riding boots and brown chunky scarf were sure to provide me with enough warmth for whatever activity I might face this morning. It is summertime in Montreal so it’s not too cold this early and I can always ditch the scarf once it warms up later in the day.

  Standing in front of my mirror, I ran my fingers through my golden-brown waves and gathered them all on the left side of my neck. Loosely braiding my hair, I secured it with elastic and proceeded to finish my makeup. I took a page out of Nic’s book, using a soft pink blush and lip gloss to add a little color to my neutral palette.

  The familiar buzz of my doorbell sounded at 3:55 a.m. He’s early, but not obnoxiously so. As I started to dash toward the door, I was overcome by a wave of nausea and came to an abrupt halt in my dining room.

  Oh my… What am I doing? I’m nervous, over a guy! A really attractive guy, but that’s not the point. I have not been able to think about anything else but that gorgeous smirk… I hope that this is everything I think it might possibly be… Wait? What am I saying? Oh, Dear God, just please don’t let me make a fool out of myself.

  Taking a deep breath, I walked to the door and opened it. Being greeted by that Trent Knox trademark smirk, my heart skipped a beat.

  “Good morning. Do you always look this good at 4 a.m. or is it all for me?” Trent smugly questioned as he leaned on the door frame.

  “Oh, this…” I casually waved my hand to showcase my outfit. “It just comes naturally.” I joked and in return I received a huge smile from Trent that even reached his eyes.

  So that’s what it looks like when Trent genuinely smiles… I could get used to that smile.

  “You don’t look too bad yourself, for having to wake up so early.” I stepped to the side and motioned for him to come in. As he walked past, I was engulfed by the scent of him. It was the most heavenly mixture of soap, expensive cologne, and dare I say, licorice? I’m pretty sure it’s licorice I smell.

  Trent stopped and looked down at the black boots on his feet. “I didn’t sleep last night.”

  Maybe he’s just as nervous as I am.

  “Really? Me neither.” I smiled.

  He turned around and shrugged his shoulders with an air of indifference. “I just got done with an investigation. Barely had enough time to run home and change.”

  Oh. Well, he really knows how to knock the wind out a girl’s sail, doesn’t he? Play it off, Paige. You’re cool. You didn’t lose any sleep over him. Yeah, right…

  “Well, maybe that’s your problem, Ghostbuster. You should really get a car. It would cut your commute times by two-thirds I bet.” I teased with a wink.

  Smiling his big smile again, he replied, “I’ll take that into consideration. Are you ready to go?”

  “Absolutely!” I grabbed my camera bag and purse from the back of the couch, digging for my keys as we exited my apartment. I locked my door and Trent called for the elevator.

  We stepped into the empty elevator car, and an awkward silence settled in as we rode down to the parking garage. My thoughts were on my sweaty palms and who knows where Trent’s mind was. It was very likely that his thoughts were still with the investigation he had finished earlier.

  I decided to steal a quick glance in his direction, careful to not move my head, only my eyes. His black military style jacket was hanging open, revealing a white thermal underneath. His hands were shoved into the pockets of his vintage jeans, and he was staring up at the number above the door.

  I think I could stare at him all day, EVERY DAY, for the rest of my…

  The ding of the elevator quickly brought me back to reality and away from my delusions of Trent. As soon as the doors opened to the garage, I began walking toward my white Jeep Wrangler, solely out of habit.

  “Paige, I’m parked over here.” Trent tilted his head toward the guest parking area. />
  “So, he does have a car!” I teased, shrugging as I placed my keys back in my purse. “I wasn’t quite sure.”

  “He does indeed. Looks like a nice Jeep though.” He complimented.

  “Thanks! It was my high school graduation present from my parents. I would love to have a four-door Wrangler, but she still gets me from point A to point B in style, so I can’t complain. Plus, she will climb any rock in a 30-mile radius from here.” I boasted.

  “Only 30?” Trent chuckled. “We’ll have to take her next time, then.” He smiled, grabbing my hand with his.

  Next time?! Yes, absolutely! He already wants a next time!

  Walking hand-in-hand, Trent led me to a spot where a brand new, gunmetal gray Yukon Denali was parked.

  “Ummmm… This is yours?” I questioned.

  Trent smirked, dropping my hand and reaching into his pocket. “Yep.” He spun the key fob on his middle finger, stopping it to press the remote start button with the pad of his thumb. The engine roared to life, the sound of the exhaust echoing in the garage.

  “He commutes in style.” I said, mostly to myself.

  “I needed something bigger to haul around all of the team’s equipment. My old car wasn’t cutting it.” He shrugged.

  “And what kind of car was that, a Mercedes?” I asked sarcastically.

  “Actually, a Porsche. But that doesn’t matter.” He nonchalantly opened the passenger door for me and helped me into the luxury SUV. It smelled of that coveted new car scent and my hands were drawn to the softness of the leather seats.

  I blinked a couple of times, trying to keep my eyeballs from bulging right out of my head. “So, a Porsche, eh?”

  “Yeah, but I couldn’t wait to get rid of it. A bribe from my father…” He shook his head as if he were trying to shake away memories. “I say good riddance.” He slammed the passenger door and walked to the driver’s side.

  He seemed highly agitated and I decided it would be best not to pry. It is none of my business, this being our first date and all. I just hope it hasn’t been ruined.