Page 70 of Where the Darkness Goes

“Oh, I don’t?—”

“I’m happy to,” he says. “It’ll be good to catch up.” When I look over, I notice his eyes lingering on my body before they bounce back up to my eyes. When Garrett looked at me, it made me feel flushed. With Connor, I just feel leered at.

“I…uh…” In the kitchen, Garrett is leaning against the fridge. He’s surrounded by his friends, my brother included, but he’s clearly not part of the conversation that’s happening. Instead, he’s staring at me.

Glaring, really.

I stare around him as if I’d been just scanning the room and actually hadn’t seen him at all, then step closer to Connor and smile. “Sounds great.”

“Cool.” He puts a hand on my shoulder as Britney steps back and lets us pass. “Did you graduate this year?”

“Next,” I remind him. “My brother graduated this year.”

“Right. I guess I always thought you two were twins or something.” He takes a sip of his beer. “I have to say, you really grew up.” His eyes are on my breasts again. “I mean really.”

I force myself to smile. “Thanks.” At least he’s hot, even if he is obnoxious. Stopping in the doorway, I lean against the frame. “So tell me more about the tour. That must be so exciting.”

“Yeah, Clayton’s a good guy. Killer musician, too. We’ve got sixteen cities lined up, but we’ll probably have more before it’s over.” He bobs his head. “You like our music?”

I’ve only heard Clayton’s single that they overplay on the radio, and I thought it was too simple for my taste, but I smile and lie. “Love it. It’s so crazy I know a celebrity.”

He feigns humility. “Oh, well, I’m just glad to be doing what I love.” Stepping closer, he has me boxed in as his hand comes to my shoulder, playing with the strap on my dress. “You know, I could probably arrange for you to meet him if you want.”

I can feel Garrett’s eyes on me, burning into me, and it spurs me on. I put a hand on Connor’s chest, eyes wide. “You really think so?”

He nods, running his tongue over his lip. “Oh, sure. We’re real good friends, too. I could maybe get you some backstage passes once we’re out on the road.”

“That would be amazing.”

He runs a finger over my cheek. “I can’t believe it’s been so long since we’ve hung out.” We’ve never hung out, unless you count Sunday school, but I don’t argue. “Hey, I’m having trouble hearing you in here. Do you want to step outside?”

“Um, sure.” I risk a glance at where Garrett should be only to find he’s not there. I deflate in an instant. Maybe he really doesn’t care.

Before I can think about whether to amend my answer, Connor pulls me out of the kitchen and onto the back porch. It’s dark out here, with no streetlights or neighbors for miles. Quiet too. I can hear the steady thrum of music coming from inside the house, but it’s softened. I take in a deep breath.

“It’s finally starting to warm up. You know, I’m thinking of going to college in Nashville. Do you like it there?”

“Oh, it’s amazing. Beautiful city, beautiful music.” He chuckles deep in his throat, then steps closer, brushing hair back from my face. “Beautiful women. But this place has that going for it, too.”

I swallow, heat climbing my neck. Suddenly, the darkness is suffocating. Is he really, truly hitting on me right now? Am I okay with it?

He nudges me backward against the side of the house, boxing me in, and I try my best to enjoy the attention. Garrett doesn’t want me, and I need to move on.

Connor is here, he’s gorgeous and successful, he’s a good guy if a bit annoying. There’s no reason I shouldn’t let him kiss me.

Which is exactly what he’s about to do.

His lips find mine as I think the words, almost as if I willed it to happen. He tastes of beer and something bitter like cigarettes. His hands are rough—calloused and cold—and they go to my neck, not my face like Garrett’s always do.

I pull away from him, angry with myself. I can’t do this. I can’t compare everything and everyone to Garrett.

“Hey, sorry. Something wrong? Did I misread this?” Connor pulls back in an instant, both hands off of me.

“No, I’m sorry, I?—”

“Hey, it’s okay. Do you want to go back inside?”

He’s so kind andsohot I’m only realizing now how badly I need kind and hot. Someone with no strings attached. Someone who doesn’t even live here. I couldn’t ask for anything better.

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