Page 4 of Shadows of Eternity

“What? Why not?”

“I went last night.” An image of Shadow Dancer flashed across Leia’s mind—coppery skin, long black hair, mesmerizing eyes, a deep, sexy voice that made her toes curl. She shook it away.

“How was the production?” Janae asked.

“It was great.”

“Then why don’t you want to go again? You know what these tickets cost! I asked my mom and she can’t make it. Come on, girlfriend, you don’t even have to pay me for the ticket.”

Leia blew out a sigh. After last night, how could she go back? No doubt Shadow Dancer would think she’d come just to see him again. And he’d be right. “Janae … ”

“I’ll take you out for a Belgian dark chocolate sundae afterward.”

“You’re not playing fair now,” Leia complained, already mentally going through her wardrobe.

“I’ll pick you up at seven-thirty,” Janae said, a note of triumph in her voice.

Leia fidgeted with the strap of her handbag as Janae pulled into the parking lot. This was a mistake. She should have said no.

“What’s wrong with you?” Janae asked. “You’re as nervous as a bride. Don’t tell me one of the Indians made a pass at you.”

“What?”

“It happens everywhere we go,” Janae said, and then she stared at Leia, eyes wide. “That’swhy you didn’t want to come with me tonight, isn’t it?”

Leia nodded.

“I’ll make it up to you somehow,” Janae promised. “Maybe dinner at your favorite restaurant tomorrow night or a massage at our favorite spa.”

Feeling as if she was going to a massacre, Leia followed Janae into the auditorium, muttered, “I don’t believe it,” when their seats were front row, center.

Ten minutes later, the lights dimmed and the first dancers were announced.

Leia grew more and more nervous as the evening went on and then, all too soon,hewas on the stage.

“Wow,” Janae whispered. “He’s gorgeous!” When Leia didn’t respond, Janae glanced at her, then whispered, “He’s the one, isn’t he?”

“Yes.”

“Times like this, I wish I wasn’t married.”

Leia tried not to watch him, but try as she might, she couldn’t look away. He was beautiful to watch, his movements intricate and precise. She had the oddest feeling that he was dancing just for her, that every sensual movement was meant to entice her, arouse her. And, damn his hide, it was working.

She breathed a sigh of relief when he left the stage amid thunderous applause.

“That was great!” Janae exclaimed.

Leia was relieved when, at last, all the dancers came out for a final bow.

Shadow Dancer stood in the center of the stage, directly opposite her seat. She flushed as his gaze moved over her.

And then, as the other dancers took their leave, he leaped agilely from the stage and landed lightly in front of her. “Leia, how nice to see you again.”

Janae tugged on her arm, silently begging for an introduction.

“Rohan, this is my best friend, Janae. Janae, Rohan.”

“I’d love to have your autograph,” Janae said, thrusting her program and a pen at him. “If it’s not too much trouble.”

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