Page 27 of Shadows of Eternity

“No, nothing like that.”

“Well, what then?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Wow, it must be something really horrible.”

Leia took a bite of her brownie, wishing she could confide in her best friend. It would be so good to pour out her feelings, her doubts, but something made her hesitate.

“I didn’t see your car in the lot,” Janae remarked.

“No. I was in a minor accident. It’s being repaired.”

“An accident? What happened? Are you hurt?”

“No, no, I’m fine.”

Janae sat back in her chair, her eyes narrowing. “It isn’t like you to keep secrets, or be so evasive. I have a feeling whatever you aren’t telling me is really bad.”

“Please, just let it go.”

Janae sighed dramatically. “All right, friend, if that’s the way you want it. But if you change your mind … ”

“I know. How are the boys?”

“A handful, as always. Good thing they’re cute,” Janae said, with a laugh. “I’m not looking forward to summer vacation. Thankfully, my Mom is going to take them for two weeks. I knowI’ll miss them like crazy, but I could use a break.” She ate the last of her brownie, drained her coffee cup. “I’d better go. I promised Trent I wouldn’t be gone long,”

Leia walked Janae to the door, then went back to clean up the kitchen. It was after six. Rohan would be here at eight. Should she call and tell him she’d changed her mind? Was she being a fool to trust him?

Only time would tell.

Rohan let out a low wolf whistle when Leia opened the door. She had always been beautiful but tonight she looked radiant in white heels, a white skirt and a sweater the same shade of green as her eyes. She wore her hair down with the sides pulled back.

Leia blushed furiously, pleased and embarrassed by his reaction, even though it was exactly the reaction she had hoped for.

“Are you ready to go?” he asked, thinking he’d much rather stay in and make love to her all night long.

Grabbing a small black purse, she nodded. Her heart was beating double-time as they left the apartment. Outside he held the car door for her.

“Where are we going?” she asked nervously.

“I thought we’d go to The Carriage House,” he said. “Is that all right?”

She nodded, wondering why her throat felt so dry. Nothing to be afraid of. She repeated the words like a mantra. And all the while the wordvampirewhispered in the back of her mind.

Rohan swore under his breath. It irritated the hell out of him that she was afraid of him now. What did she think, that now that she knew what he was, he was going to drive tosome deserted backroad and ravish her? His gaze slid over her luscious curves. Not that it wasn’t an appealing idea.

They reached their destination a short time later. Rohan parked the car, held her door for her, and followed her inside.

The Carriage House was an expensive, uptown restaurant that catered to an elite crowd. It was a lovely place, all done up in blue and gold, the furnishings classic, the lighting dim, but not too dark.

A waiter seated them immediately. Leia asked for a 7-Up, Rohan ordered his usual. “Not drinking tonight?” he asked.

“I’m really not much of a drinker,” Leia replied, with a shrug. She glanced around, thinking she was underdressed. Most of the women wore silk and sported costly jewelry. “I’ve never been here before. Have you?”

“Once or twice.”

“Oh.” She was surprised to find herself feeling jealous that he had probably brought other women here.

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