Life After Dark: Book Two of the Dark Series

Chapter 49

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Nikolas asked. He sat sideways in the driver's seat of his Jaguar which was parked outside of Jacks. DJLS was scheduled to rehearse, and he wanted to make sure Dawn was physically able to participate. He carefully watched her as she considered his question. If she gave the slightest indication that she was hesitant about attending the practice session, he planned to whisk her back to Wyndemere so she could rest.

"Sure, I'm sure!" she smiled at him. "Besides, I can't miss rehearsal. Our opening night is this Friday. We can't afford to miss any more rehearsals this week. We've already lost two days."

"Dawn, you can afford to miss another one if you're still in pain."

"I'm not in that much pain. It's mostly discomfort," she said, squeezing his hand for emphasis.

"I doubt it feels like that," he said, indicating the pressure she applied to his hand. "I saw your face. I know it was a little bit more than 'discomfort.' If you're still feeling it, how will you be able to sing, not to mention practice your dance steps. Your modified dance steps."

"Nikky, please. I'm okay. Really, I am. Trust me, okay?"

"I do, but I don't what you to hu-"

Dawn leaned toward him and interrupted his concerns with a kiss. When it was over, she rested her cheek against his as she whispered into his ear. "I have my cell phone and I promise to use it if need be."

"Okay," Nikolas said, giving in to his wife's tenacity. "What time should I come back?"

"Don't. I can get back to Wyndemere on my own." She exited the car before he could protest. Careful of her various body parts, she gingerly moved to the driver's side of the car. Leaning against the window, she said, "Tell Sheba 'hi' for me, okay?"

"Okay."

Nikolas' tone of voice and set face spoke volumes to Dawn. He wanted her to rest. He wanted her to wait for him. She wanted him to understand that she appreciated his gestures, but they weren't necessary. Despite the fear she displayed earlier, there were still a few things she could handle on her own. "Nikky."

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

"I love you, too."

Dawn stood in the parking lot until Nikolas drove away. When he turned the corner, she turned and slowly made her way inside the club.

~*~

"I'm telling you guys, she was beautiful."

"Jordan, shut up! There is no way a hot babe would be all over you at a dance club and drag you into a stall in the men's room. No way, man!" Sly said, shaking his head.

"Some girl dragged you into a bathroom stall? When?" Dawn asked as she walked onto the stage. She elbowed Sly to make room for her on the piano stool. When he did, she sat.

"Last night," Jordan replied, smiling at the memory.

"Shut up, man! Don't believe him, D. He's lying." Sly said, turning his attention away from Jordan to focus on the keyboard. He began to play a soft melody as Jordan began to protest in the background.

"I'm not lying, D. First, she was all over me on the dance floor and then later, she was all over me again," he said, grinning at her.

"Sure, Jordan. What's her name?" Dawn asked, the skepticism clearly written all over her face.

"I don't think I like your tone," Jordan said, feigning hurt feelings. He dramatically wiped the corners of his eyes to complete the picture.

"Dawn's got a point, man," Sly said, picking up the tempo of the melody he played. "If a chick was all over you, you'd have to get her name. Out with it."