Page 8 of Dark Obsession

Chapter Four

At the reception, Danielgot out of the SUV and walked to her side to open her door.“Here, let me help you,” he said, holding out a hand.

Keira took it and slid out of the vehicle, only to bump against his chest when he didn’t move back.A shaky, breathless laugh left Keira’s lungs as she was pressed fully against his muscled body.She couldn’t prevent the tremor of need that raced through her, making her breath catch.He radiated a vitality and strength that drew her like a magnet.

Daniel’s hands flexed on her hips before reluctantly releasing her.He finally stepped back, letting her take a breath, took her hand, and walked across the parking lot and into the building.She blinked a few times to let her eyes adjust to the muted light inside the building.

“Layla and Logan must not be here yet,” Daniel said.

Keira looked around the room.The room was beautifully decorated in a subtle but romantic way.“I don’t see them.It seems everyone else is here, though.”

“Do you want to get a drink at the bar and then find our table?”

“Sure.”She followed behind him, her hand still tucked into his.

“What will you have, Keira?”

“I’ll take a white wine, please.”

Daniel’s hand on her lower back sent a shiver down her spine as he led them to their table.

Each table was decorated with a white tablecloth, a ring of short candles in little glass holders in the middle, and eight elaborate place settings.They found the table they were sharing with Layla, Logan, his parents, sister, and boyfriend.

Everyone sat and spoke quietly with one another.Daniel sat close to her, with an arm resting on the back of her chair.Even though his attention was on a discussion he was having with Logan’s sister’s boyfriend, Kevin, about some football game the next day, Keira knew Daniel’s attention never seemed to waver from her for very long.

Keira sipped her wine and talked with Lisa, Logan’s sister, his mother, and his father.She was startled when Daniel’s fingertips traced light circles on the back of her shoulder, making it very hard for her to hold up her end of the conversation.A quick look out the corner of her eye showed Kevin had his attention, but his focus was still locked on her.

A commotion at the door had everyone turning that way.A cheer went up when Logan and Layla came through the door.Keira stood and her eyes filled with tears at the absolute happiness on her sister’s face.

The couple made the rounds, stopping at each table and thanking their guests.Keira stood when Layla came around the table to her, both embracing.

“I’m so happy for you, Lay.”

Layla sniffed back her tears of emotion.“Thank you.I’m so glad you’re here.”

“I’m glad, too.I love you.”Keira’s eyes misted.

“I love you, too,” Layla’s voice wavered with emotion.

They both chuckled when Logan pulled them apart.“None of that, young ladies.”He hugged Keira to him.“Hey, little sister.”

Keira chuckled and hugged him back.“I always wanted a big brother.”

Logan pulled away but kept his hands on her shoulders.“Well, now you’ve got one and I’m telling you now, I’m a damn good one, just ask my sister.”

Everyone laughed when his sister snorted across the table.Logan smirked and released Keira before walking around the table to greet his family.

Keira pulled her attention from Layla, sat back down, and turned to him when she felt his heated gaze on her.He had an unusual expression on his face, which she didn’t understand, but made her heart stutter in her chest.“What’s wrong?”

Daniel’s eyes ran over her features before clashing with hers again.He placed his arm on the back of her chair, letting his fingertips stroke the softness of her hair, and smiled.“Absolutely nothing.In fact, everything is pretty damn perfect right now.”

A nervous shiver slid down her spine.She cleared her throat.“That’s good to hear.”

Everyone sat when the waiters started serving the meal.Dessert was set on a table off to the side, filled with an array of elaborate cupcakes that guests could snack on throughout the night.

A DJ started the music as soon as the tables were cleared.Logan and Layla were called up to the dance floor for the first song.

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