Page 4 of One Night Diamond

Chapter Three - Darla

The instant I see Gage’s face, memories wash over me.

Gage holding me in his arms. His strong, muscular body wrapped around me like a fortress. Protecting me, guarding me. His fingers stroking my lips, sifting through my hair. His rich, deep voice whispering his love for me against my skin.

Heat ripples over my body as embers of a fire from long ago come to life. I pinch the delicate skin between my thumb and index finger to bring me back to reality. By the time the officiant pronounces Emily and Jake husband and wife, I’m a wreck.

I can’t think.

I can’t stop shaking.

I can’t move.

My worst nightmare has come true.

Lilah tugs on the hem of my dress. “Did I do good, mummy?”

“You did amazing, peanut.”

Behind us, the crowd of wedding onlookers hoot and holler. I swing around to see Jake scoop a giggling Emily into his arms. He takes off at a dead run, headed straight for the rolling surf. A photographer charges behind them, snapping photos. Lilah laughs and scurries behind the newlyweds, tossing handfuls of rose petals into the air.

Before I can catch her, Gage is towering over me.

“Hello, Darla.” He sneers.

“Gage.” I tip my head back, wondering if I punch him in the throat, if I’ll have enough time to grab Lilah and run. But as I stare at the size of his neck and see the thick cords of muscle, I know my moment of reckoning is looming.

I’m doomed.

“What are you doing here?” He inches closer.

“What are you doing here?” I hurl back.

“I’m standing up for my best friend.”

“Well, I’m standing up for my best friend, too.”

“There’s over three hundred million people in the United States. How does Emily become your best friend?”

“How is Jake yours?” I snap. I cringe as the familiar scent of Obsession hits me. The fire in his eyes has my stomach bubbling.

“This idle chit-chat isn’t getting us anywhere. Let’s cut to the chase before the happy couple returns, shall we?”

My heart pounds, my cheeks burn. “Say whatever it is you need to say.”

“You are something.” He bends down until we’re nose to nose. “You owe me an explanation.” He growls.

He’s right. I do. But not here. Not now. Not ever, if I’m lucky. “I…”

Suddenly, there’s a commotion at the water’s edge.

I see Jake and Emily running along the beach with the photographer behind them. But…my heart sinks…where’s Lilah?

I spin around, frantically scanning the beach. When I can’t see her, I toss the bouquet of orchids to the sand and run.

“A wave caught the little girl!” Someone screams. “Oh, my God!”

Gage flies past me, surges into the ocean, and propels himself through the pounding surf. In seconds, he has Lilah wrapped tight in his arms. I bite my lip, trying not to sob, and Lilah gives me one of her big goofy grins and a wave.

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