There was so much that I did want to tell Trent, but I knew once I opened up I’d have to tell him everything, and I couldn’t tell him all my dirty secrets yet.
“Dinner’s ready,” he said, and I was thankful for the change of subject. I knew Trent was curious about the demons that haunted me, but he respected me enough not to force my secrets out of me. That right there showed me how much he cared for me—more than I wanted to believe he did.
“I’m not very hungry,” I muttered, laying my head on my knees.
“You need to eat,” he looked at me with worried eyes. “Are you getting sick?”
No, not unless you could grow sick from lies. “I feel fine,” I assured him. “Just tired.”
He frowned. “That’s my fault. I’m sorry.” He stood, holding out a hand for me. “Eat some dinner and go to bed. Please?”
I nodded, placing my hand in his outstretched palm. There was no reason to argue with him. He grabbed the blanket, draping it over his arm.
Out in the open living and kitchen area I saw that he had dimmed the lights and set the table. He’d even lit candles. It was beautiful.
He didn’t take me to the table though. He guided me to the couch and told me to sit. He draped the blanket over my lower half and pushed a button on a remote, which ignited a roaring fire. I hadn’t noticed the fireplace yesterday. It made the room seem cozy.
He pushed another button, which closed the large blackout curtains.
He blew out the candles and brought our plates of food and glasses of wine to the couch.
He raised his glass for a toast, so I mimicked.
“To us,” he smiled.
“To us,” I echoed.
To our demise, I thought.
???
“Trent, where are you taking me?” I groaned as he held onto my hand, running down the street. He grabbed a door, pulling me into a fancy upscale store.
“Shopping,” he grinned like a small boy, a little bit of his excitement rubbing off on me.
My mouth fell open as I got a look at the clothes.
“No,” I wrenched my hand from Trenton’s. “This place is too expensive, I don’t even want to look at anything for fun.”
“Rowan,” Trent said my name in a calming tone, “I want to buy you a dress.”
“A dress? Why do you want to buy me a dress?” I asked, my eyes shifting around me, taking in all the people dressed in fancy clothes. I didn’t belong here in my leggings and gray sweater. I looked like a hobo, and Trent wanted to buy me a dress? Was he crazy?
“Remember the New Year’s Eve party I mentioned?” When I nodded, he continued, “Well, it’s formal, so you need a dress.”
“I have a dress,” I mumbled, even though I so didn’t have a formal gown. I hadn’t even gone to prom.
“Rowan,” he warned, “I’m buying you a dress, a new dress, and you’re not going to say anything about it.”
“You’re so bossy,” I grumbled.
“It’s the only way I can get anything done with you,” he chuckled. “Now, please don’t make this difficult.”
I frowned. I didn’t want Trent spending his money on me, but I knew that determined glint in his eye all too well, and there was no way I was getting out of this.
“Fine,” I reluctantly agreed.
He grinned, pleased to have gotten his way. He didn’t take my hand, probably scared I’d slap it away, and nodded for me to follow him.