Beating Hearts [Knight's Rest #1]

22

"This pasta is to die for!" Darcy all but moaned as she swallowed her mouthful.

The dark-haired, lanky male next to her leaned down to speak to her. "Wait until you try the potatoes. That's what I made."

She smiled and leaned away from him slightly. "I'll be sure to try them." Since there were so many of them around two six-seater tables joined together, they were all huddled together. It was nice and cosy, but it did feel weird to have Will literally whisper into her ears whenever he wanted to talk to her.

She was surprised that he was even speaking to her.

Growing up, Darcy had spent a lot of time with Naomi, whom was Isabel and John's daughter and with Jacob and Jaden whom were Loraine and Scott's twin sons. Seeing as they were all the same age, attended the same primary and high school and the fact that their parents were all best friends, really pushed them together.

Darcy's mum was once a part of this group, but that was another matter.

More than being best friends, they were more family friends. While Alice, Delilah and Darcy were best friends, Jacob, Jaden, Darcy and Naomi were friends who hung out mostly at these events, but always stayed in contact through social media and text messages. There was also the fact that all of them, with the exception of Jacob and Jaden, attended different universities, they didn't see each other as often as they did while growing up.

But Darcy valued this group of friends and they would always hold a special place in her heart.

Will never really bothered with him. He was three years older than them all and didn't particularly enjoy hanging out with them seeing as he considered them children in comparison to him. He also usually skipped out of these sorts of dinners or events, so all of them were surprised that he was here today.

Darcy was even more surprised when he had held her chair out for her at the dining table. The boys had snickered while Naomi had almost looked miffed that he had completely ignored her as if she wasn't there. Darcy had merely shrugged and sent her a weird look.

When the boys engaged in a conversation regarding the last football match, Darcy turned to Naomi. "What's wrong with him?" She asked, not even having to explain whom she was referring to.

"I think he likes you."

"That's stupid." She rolled her eyes. "I have a boyfriend anyway."

"You do?" The excitement was clear in her eyes. "When did that happen?"

"Just last week," she shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal when in fact, to her, it was a huge deal. She was really glad that Thelonious was on the same wave length as her and had returned her feelings.

"You should let him know," she sent a pointed look in Will's direction. "That you're taken."

Darcy shrugged. "I don't think he's looking for anything. He's probably just being friendly."

"Maybe." Naomi repeated, though she didn't look convinced. "Tell me about your man."

A smile slipped onto her face. "His name is Thelonious Knight."

A thoughtful look crept onto Naomi's face. "Thelonious Knight?" She asked aloud, and continued speaking when Darcy confirmed this with a small nod. "That name sounds really familiar." her voice trailed off.

"He owns a hotel in London if that helps."

That must have sparked something. "Knight's Rest?"

"That's the one."

"I've been there before!" Naomi exclaimed aloud. An embarrassed blush swept across her face when everyone turned to look at them, having heard Naomi all but make an announcement. "Sorry."