Gossamer (29 page)

My chest throbbed. It was good to hear how much he loved me, but it hurt to think he died for me.

“We can talk more later, Kylie. It’s a lot to take in for one day. I am going to see what I can find out about this marriage. I want to make things right with you, believe me I do.”

“You have done nothing wrong. I promise I hold nothing against you.” I smiled and got to my feet. “When you want to talk again, just come and find me. I’d love to hear more.”

I walked out of the room feeling in some ways like a weight had been lifted, but in other ways a sinking feeling settled over me. If my mother could survive without the love of her life, I could too. She made hard decisions to save me, and I would also have to make difficult choices. I refused to let my father die in vain. I would be sure I remained safe and protected just as he wanted, and if that meant marrying Liam, then so be it.

“Hey, where’s the fire?”

“Conor, when did you get back?”

“Not too long ago.” The corner of his mouth tugged up as he bowed, “I come bearing gifts.” He handed me an envelope.

“Lexie?” He nodded, and I gave him a giant hug. “You are the best Conor. How was she? Is she mad at me? Did she–”

“Whoa,” He cut me off, laughing. “Read the letter. I’m sure most of your questions will be answered in there. I’m heading back out later today, but just wanted to personally deliver this per Lexie’s request. If you want me to take her back anything, find me before dinner. I will be leaving after that.”

“Wait, you’re going back to Lexie?” He cocked a grin, “You and Lexie...?”

He shrugged. “She could use a friend, seeing how she is friendless, practically parentless, oh and boyfriendless.”

“Wow, you make her sound awful. Is she okay?”

“I’m kidding, Kylie. She isn’t friendless, just missing you. I’m a poor substitute, I’m sure,” he joked. “We have been spending a lot of time together and well, I guess Liam will fill you in on the rest.”

“Liam?” I raised an eyebrow, “Does everyone know about Lexie’s current situation but me?”

“Read the letter.” Conor laughed. “See you later, Kylie.” He walked off.

I don’t think I had ever seen him this happy and playful, well except around Lexie. I guess it made sense.

“Find me before I leave if you want to send a reply,” he called back as he disappeared down the hall. I tore open the letter, unable to even make it back to my room.

Kylie,

Seems someone’s keeping a few secrets. Don’t worry, I’m not mad. In fact, I now have a few of my own, but we will get to that later.

So, I hear I’m best friends with the future princess of Faery Land. Crazy! Although I am curious about you-know-who. What happened? Conor didn’t have much to offer on that front. Boys are no good when it comes to gossip.

Speaking of gossip, I hear Conor is seeing someone...I wonder who it could be?! BTW, having a boyfriend that can change into a dog when your absent parents decide to make a sudden appearance really has its benefits. Never thought I would say that. Although, my parents are curious about my new found love of animals.

Well, school’s almost out. Lucky you missed it, but I, unfortunately, am trudging my way through to the end. After graduation I am out of here! But where will I be going, who knows?? Only time will tell...

xoxo,

Your BFF Lexie

I reread the letter, still a bit dumbfounded about Lexie and Conor. Considering how well they hit it off, it shouldn’t surprise me, but I was secretly a bit jealous she got the guy she wanted. Where would she go after high school? I imagined her in college, living in a dorm with a new best friend. Going to frat parties, football games, staying up late talking in their room–it made me sad, because I wanted to be that friend.

I also wondered what Liam would have to tell me about this letter. Maybe he knew something more about her and Conor? I looked forward to dinner now more than ever.

I hurried to my room to write a reply.

Lex,

You and Conor?! Can’t wait for details on how that came about. I don’t know what you have heard from Conor, but things are crazy here.

Liam, the prince (I know!) is actually extremely nice and good-looking. I like him a lot, but of course you-know-who is still here driving me crazy. He barely even talks to me now. I don’t know what to do. I wish you were here to tell me what I should do. I miss you like crazy! I miss home, too. It’s not bad here, but well, things are just messed up right now. I hope they let me visit you soon.

XOXO–Your BFF Kylie

P.S. Did you ever think you would have a faery as a best friend and a púka as a boyfriend??

P.P.S. Isn’t your mom allergic to dogs?

I sealed the letter in an envelope and hurried off to find Conor. I found him talking to Liam in the hallway that led to the library.

“Hey!” I hurried over, breathless. “I’m glad I caught you. I have this for Lexie.”

“Did she gush over me?” He teased.

I rolled my eyes, “Actually, she called you a dog.”

Liam laughed and Conor shrugged. “Sounds about right.” He took my envelope and promised to get it to Lexie.

We talked for a few minutes until finally Conor said he had to leave. The time made me realize I needed to change for dinner. I told everyone bye and took a few steps before Liam caught my hand. I turned to look at him as Conor walked off.

“Hey, did Cara tell you about dinner tonight?”

“She did.” I smiled. “And Conor said something about it, too.”

“Did he now?” His mouth tugged up.

“You’re holding out on me. What do you know about Lexie?”

“Guess you will find out at dinner.”

I glared at him in mock anger. “Fine, I will find out at dinner. So...I’m pretty hungry. Interested in an early dinner?”

Liam laughed. “Sorry, dinner’s not served until seven.” Then he pulled me close until our cheeks were almost touching. “But maybe for you I can make an exception.”

The warmth of his breath on my neck caused a shiver to run down my spine. He leaned down and kissed my neck. His warm lips tickled the sensitive skin, and heat raced through my body. My reaction to his kiss surprised me. He pulled back to meet my eyes. His were full of desire and I must have worn a similar expression because his mouth covered mine. I leaned into him, and his arms encircled my waist.

This kiss was nothing like the one in the garden. My body had mixed reactions. It felt good kissing Liam, knowing this is how it should be. But, the part that could admit my true feelings for Grant, nagged at me.

Liam took a few steps forward until my back pushed against the wall. His hand slid down to my hip and urged me closer to him. My fingers tangled in his hair as his palm grazed further down to my thigh, then pushed back up taking the hem of my dress with it. No matter how hard I tried to concentrate on Liam, my head filled with a pestering thought.
Grant.
It was wrong to be making out with one boy, while thinking of another. It felt unfaithful to both of them. Somewhat reluctantly, I pulled away.

“Um, maybe this isn’t the best place for this.”

Liam gave me an once-over and smiled. “I would think any place could be a good place for this.” He kissed me lightly again and grinned. His eyes were stormy, and his lips reddened from the kissing. He looked absolutely gorgeous.

“You know what I mean.” I giggled, unable to resist his charm. “Someone could see us.”

“I know. You’re right.” He sighed and removed his hand from my thigh, putting space between us. “Early dinner, for sure.” His wicked grin made my stomach flutter, and I had to admit this side of Liam was surprising, but hot. “See you later, then.” His gaze raked over me, leaving me speechless and breathless, before he walked away.

I leaned against the wall for a moment, trying to figure out how we went from talking to all that kissing. My emotions were all over the place, bouncing back and forth between my feelings for each guy. But, if I took away all the underlying conflict, I enjoyed kissing Liam. And why shouldn’t I? I was supposed to be moving on.

I closed my eyes, wishing someone would just tell me what to do, just make the choice for me. I took a deep breath, opened my eyes and headed back to my room, and of course, because that was just my luck, Grant walked toward me. I could still feel the heat in my flushed cheeks, and I knew guilt was written all over my face.

At first, Grant’s face seemed to brighten as if happy to run into me, but as he took me in, his expression changed. His eyes went ice cold. For some reason, that made me mad. He had no reason to judge me considering he forced me into Liam’s arms.

I pulled back my shoulders, put a smile on my face, looked him square in the eyes and gave him a curt hello. But, when I neared, I realized his eyes weren’t ice cold but instead pained and empty. As soon as I passed him, my shoulders slumped and my heart shattered into a million pieces.

Chapter 22

Getting ready for dinner that night was bittersweet. I was excited to hear what Liam had to tell me about Lexie, and I was even a little giddy about seeing him after our kiss that afternoon. Then there was Grant. Always Grant.

I couldn’t forget the way he looked at me. The moment I saw him, I knew there was something more there. Despite what Grant said or did, he had to have feelings for me. The pain was unmistakable, he’d appeared heartbroken and lost. Now I faced a dilemma. Did I find Grant and see what he had to say or was it just too late?

No matter which way I looked at it, Liam was a key player in this now. I had accepted Grant’s disinterest in me and let Liam into my life. I could admit I didn’t love him, but I did like him. How could I end things without hurting him? Should I even end things? My head hurt thinking about it, and anxiety soured my stomach.

“Kylie?” Cara stared at me through the mirror. She’d finished the last few touches on my makeup. I wasn’t sure how long she had been trying to get my attention.

“Yeah, I’m sorry. I was lost in thought.” I attempted a smile.

She eyed me warily. “Anything you want to talk about?”

“No, it’s fine. Nothing you haven’t heard a thousand times before.”

“If you’re sure, okay, then. What do you think about your hair and makeup?” She stepped back so I could see myself in the mirror.

“Wow, Cara. You are amazingly talented. You made me beautiful.”

She laughed. “You are beautiful.”

“Well, you know what I mean.”

I admired her work. The gold and bronze eye shadow enhanced the yellow starburst inhabiting the green of my eyes. She’d brushed my skin with bronzer leaving my complexion flawless and beautiful with a golden sheen. My hair was artfully arranged into soft waves. Cara had removed the green and blue and added streaks of gold and burgundy throughout my dark brown hair. The finished product looked amazing. After I stood, she made a few quick adjustments on my dress.

“You’re good to go.”

“Thanks.” I took a deep breath and headed out to meet Liam.

* * * *

I walked out into the garden and saw a table set up for dinner, but it sat unoccupied. I shivered as a cool breeze brushed against my skin.

“Cold?”

I circled to find Liam behind me. I shook my head in response.

“You look beautiful, Kylie.”

My bronze dress had a wide neck that draped at an angle exposing my right shoulder. He brushed his fingers along my shimmering skin, inches above my collarbone, slowly making his way to my neck. He gave me a light kiss on the cheek. “Let’s sit down.”

I followed him to the table. “This is impressive.”

The table was laid out beautifully. The glow of candle light danced off the crystal glasses. It was extremely romantic and thoughtful.

“You have more self control than I expected.” He smiled. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. “You haven’t asked me what I have to tell you about Lexie.”

I hadn’t forgotten, but it was the last thing on my mind right now. I forced a smile. “Are you going to tell me now?”

“Well, I could
but
what fun would that be?”

Right then a server came over pushing a cart, bringing us each a plate of food. When he lifted the carafe to pour ambrosia wine into our glasses, Liam stopped him, “Actually, no wine tonight. Thank you.”

The man nodded and set the carafe down on our table. I squinted at the golden liquid mesmerized by its color and the soft glow it emitted. “Did you want to try it?” Liam asked as the server walked away.

“What does it taste like?”

“It’s sweet, really good actually. It’s the nectar of the gods after all,” he said playfully. “You can taste it if you want, but I wouldn’t recommend drinking too much. We sometimes refer to it as liquid amnesia.”

I chewed on my bottom lip as I thought about it. I wanted to, but worried about the effect it would have on me, and after my wine debacle at Bryce’s party, I wasn’t too sure if I wanted wine of any sort, but curiosity won out. “I’ll try it.”