Page 22 of His Red Carnation

He’s sweet.“Okay, after you.”

I followed him through the crowded restaurant and out a side door that led to a cozy outdoor space, small tables adorned with lone candles flickering in the middle. Only two other coupleswere nearby, neither paying any attention to us. I felt a little more at ease.

James pulled out my chair for me, then sat across from me.

“So, um.” He smiled nervously. “What made you decide to text me tonight?”

I glanced down at the table, guilt creeping in. I was using him to make Callan jealous, and that didn’t sit right with me.

“I, uh…I don’t really know.” I laughed softly, feeling a bit embarrassed. “I guess I just wanted some company.” I shrugged, meeting his eyes again.

He nodded, offering a small smile. “I’m happy to keep you company.”

Under different circumstances, I’d be thrilled to be on a date with him. He was sweet, attractive, and kind. But I was already tangled up in whatever this thing was with Callan.

I quickly changed the subject. “So, you go to Georgetown?”

He nodded. “Almost a senior. I’m a psych major. What about you?”

The waiter arrived, placing water and menus in front of us before leaving. As soon as he walked away, I answered.

“I’m actually graduating next month. Haven’t decided on college yet, but it’s looking like Berkeley.”

James smiled, nodding. “I love it out there. I almost went to Berkeley too.”

“Oh, really?” My voice sounded too excited—I didn’t want to be excited for anyone but Callan.

We continued with small talk, and I started to feel more at ease. James was sweet, but I knew by the end of the meal that I didn’t want to see him again, at least not romantically. How was I ever going to move on from Callan? James was great and all, but Callan…Callan was a real man—fierce, ungodly attractive, and impossible to forget.

As I laughed at a joke James made, a familiar figure caught my eye. Turning my head, I saw Callan walk through the side door, his stride purposeful, his face twisted with unmistakable anger.

“Sloane. I’ve been trying to reach you,” Callan said in his deep, low voice, not even sparing a glance at James.

“Uh…my phone’s in my purse,” I explained, fumbling for the small bag hanging off my chair.

“We need to get you home. I can’t explain right now, but we need to leave.Now.”

I looked up at him, eyes wide, my heart racing with anxiety.What the hell is going on?

“I hope everything’s okay,” James chimed in, his voice uncertain.

I glanced at James, then back at Callan.

“Now, Sloane. It’s urgent.” His tone was sharp, impatient, his eyes still refusing to acknowledge James.

“Uh…okay.” I stood up, frowning at James. “I’m sorry, James. It was nice meeting you.”

“Yeah—” he started, but Callan grabbed my arm and pulled me away before he could finish.

I hurried to keep up, nerves eating at me as a hundred worst-case scenarios flashed through my mind.What if someone hurt my dad? Or worse…

“What’s going on?” I asked as we rushed out of the restaurant into the warm, sticky night air.

Callan didn’t answer, gripping my hand and leading me several blocks away from the downtown chaos.

“Please, Callan. Tell me what’s going on. Is my dad okay?” I asked, my voice trembling as tears welled in my eyes.

He stopped, glancing back at me. “Yes. Your dad’s fine. Everything is fine.” He picked up the pace again, pulling me into a narrow alley.

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