6:Questions Amidst A Powerful Attraction

“I don’t understand. Why would they keep their relationship away from me?” she wondered aloud. “I’m their friend.” Arda was starting to feel betrayed and disappointed.

Luke shrugged. “I guess you have to ask them or something.” He said. “But don’t sweat it. They may have a good reason.”

“Three good years, Luke. We have been friends for three good years. It just doesn’t make any sense.”

Luke reached out across the table and held her hand comfortingly.

“Now I feel like I shouldn’t have mentioned it,” he said regretfully. “I don’t want you in a sour mood. Come on. Though, I must confess that you do look pretty when you’re mad.”

She could not help but let out a faint smile, which lightened up her dark mood a bit. “Thanks.”

“Let’s just enjoy ourselves, okay? You can confront Jacob and Karina later. And try not to be too hard on them.”

“I’ll try.”

“That will be nice.” He said and earned a bigger smile from her. Their gazes were connected and his eyes fell on her lips. She pressed her lips together, anticipating a kiss and they brought their faces towards each other. As their lips were about to connect, he groaned in pain, his hand flying to the back of his head. “Damn, my head is aching.”

“Hmm. I think you need to see a doctor.” She told him, feeling more concerned than before.

“Yeah, I guess so.” He said, leaning back against his chair.

“Are you alright? How are you feeling now?”

“The ache is reducing.” He said. "I guess I’ll be kissing you on our next date.”

They exchanged warm smiles and reached for their drinks. As they sipped it, Arda’s mind stayed busy trying to process the information that Jacob and Karina her best friends, were lovers dating for the past three years. It hurt that she was only getting to hear about it.

Another thing that had started to worry her was Luke’s headache episodes whenever they were about to kiss. First, those children had almost bumped into them, distracting them. Then the first headache episode occurred when he attempted to kiss her again, followed by a third one as again he attempted to kiss her. Now a few moments ago, it had happened again.

Arda hoped that she was not being paranoid but the weird situation reminded her of the gift and note from the anonymous man who said she belonged to him.

She could not help but feel that strange things had begun to happen in her life.

“When do you plan on seeing a doctor?” she asked.

“I will make an appointment tomorrow.” He responded.

“Okay.”

Arda's eyes caught sight of a guy alighting from a black SUV that had just parked by a curb on the street right opposite the restaurant.

She could not fathom why the sight of him sent her heart racing. She could not decide whether her heart was racing in fear or excitement.

He looked to be about twenty-five years of age. Tall and athletic, he was clad in a fitted black suit and wore dark glasses. His hair was a dark brown color and he held it in a ponytail. Standing at about six-foot-one, he was easy to notice. He was the kind that stood out in the crowd just by his physical appearance. Already, she could see others starting to steal glances at him.

He took his sunglasses off, exposing completely, an attractive-looking face. She noticed two ladies nudging each other at the table beside her. They were openly admiring him as he walked with confident steps across the road and approached the restaurant. God, was she openly admiring him as well? She did not think that she was. She just found him so enigmatic and could not stop staring at him.

“What are you looking at?” Luke asked. At the same time, he turned his head so that he could see for himself because, seated across from her, he was backing the road.

“Hmn.” He commented as he saw her object of distraction. Then he turned back to face her. “He is hot.”

She forced her eyes to settle on him. “You’re hot too.”

“I know, right? Thanks but you're staring at him too much.”

“That is not true,” she said defensively.

He reached out a hand and gently caressed her cheek as the guy took the free table right behind theirs.

“I’m kidding. But I’m also a jealous lover. It took me three years to get you and I’m not about to let you slip away.”

“You have nothing to worry about.” She assured him, her nostrils taking in the earthy fragrance of the guy’s cologne.

She could feel her heart beating faster and when she quickly stole a glance at him, he had his eyes glued to a large silicone black wristwatch on his wrist. Then she caught her breath as he caught her staring at him and she found herself mesmerized by pools of stunning grey eyes. She could not look away as their eyes stayed glued to each other.

It was Luke’s hand on her wrist that finally distracted her and she managed to withdraw her gaze from the guy’s face and focus on Luke’s face. He leaned closer to her.

“Arda, you’re embarrassing me.” He said quietly.

“I’m sorry.” She said as he straightened up and they watched a male waiter emerge from the restaurant and draw towards the guy’s table.

“Let’s go,” Luke said, helping her up and around the table. Then he hugged her. Arda knew that right now, it was the ancient act of a male marking his territory and she didn’t hesitate to tell him.

“Luke, I’m with you.” She said. "You don’t need to mark your territory.”

He chuckled and disengaged from her. “I know but I can't help feeling like I have to show you off. ”

Arda couldn't help but smile at his words.

Their eyes were locked to each other’s and he leaned in to kiss her but groaned in pain again, which renewed her worrying.

“What the hell,” he swore under his breath.

“Sorry, Luke.” She told him.

“Thanks. Shit. Let’s get out of here.” He said and led them out of the canopy. As they walked out hand in hand, she stole a furtive glance back in the guy’s direction and saw him talking to the waiter. As though, he was aware that her eyes were on him, he turned his head, instantly locking her eyes with his.

His gaze enthralled Arda. Then as quickly as he had turned to look at her, he returned his attention to the waiter and she focused her eyes on Luke. She had to respect him. He was her boyfriend now, not the enigmatic and very attractive guy whom she may never come across again.