Chapter 99 (1/2)

“Great, Tessa and I have already set the table.”

Landon goes over to where Dakota sits, puts his arm around her waist, and leads her to the table. I take my seat across from them and glance over at the empty place setting next to me, which Karen had set up for “purposes of symmetry,” but it just makes me a little sad. In another life Hardin would be sitting next to me, holding my hand the way Landon is Dakota’s, and I could lean into him without fear of being rejected. I’m beginning to wish I had invited Zed even though it would have been extremely awkward; having dinner with two deeply in-love couples may prove worse.

Ken enters, saving me from my thoughts. He walks over and kisses Karen on her cheek before sitting down.

“Dinner looks great, honey,” he says and playfully places a napkin on his lap. “Dakota, you get more beautiful each time I see you.” He smiles at her, then turns to me. “And Tessa, congratulations on your internship at Vance. Christian called me and told me. You made a wonderful first impression on him.”

“Thank you again for calling him; it’s such an amazing opportunity.” I smile and the table’s silent for a moment while we all try Karen’s chicken, which is delicious.

“Sorry I’m late,” I hear from behind me and my fork falls out of my hand onto my plate.

“Hardin! I didn’t know you were coming!” Karen says nicely, then looks at me. I look away. My pulse is already quickening.

“Yeah, remember we discussed it last week, Tessa?” He smiles his menacing smile and takes the seat next to me.

What is wrong with him? Why can’t he just leave me alone? I know it is partly my fault for letting him get to me, but he really enjoys playing cat-and-mouse. Everyone’s eyes are on me, so I nod and pick up my fork. Dakota looks confused and Landon looks worried.

“You must be Delilah?” Hardin says to her.

“Oh, Dakota, actually,” she corrects him sweetly.

“Yeah, Dakota. Same thing,” he mutters and I kick him under the table.

Landon glares at him, but Hardin doesn’t seem to notice. Ken and Karen go into conversation between themselves, as do Dakota and Landon. I stay focused on my food and think of an exit strategy.

“So, how’s your evening so far?” Hardin asks in a casual tone. He knows that I won’t cause a scene, so he is trying to annoy me.

“Fine,” I answer quietly.

“You’re not going to ask me how mine is?” He smirks.

“Nope,” I mumble and take another bite.

“Tessa, was that your car outside?” Ken asks and I nod.

“Oh yeah, I finally got my own car!” I say, with a little extra excitement in the hopes that everyone else will join in so I’m not stuck talking to just Hardin.

Hardin raises his eyebrow at me. “When?”

“The other day,” I answer. You know, the day that you told me that it’s all about the chase?