Page 5 of Shadows of Eternity

“Anything for a friend of Leia’s.” He was speaking to Janae but he was looking at Leia, his dark eyes caressing her.

She felt the heat of his gaze all the way down to her toes.

“Perhaps I could take you ladies out for a drink?” he suggested as he returned Janae’s program and pen.

Leia started to shake her head, but it was too late.

“That would be terrific,” Janae gushed. “Wouldn’t it, Leia?”

Yes,” she said. “Terrific.”

Rohan was wonderful company. Thoughtful. Polite. He listened to Janae babble about her twin sons, Mark and Mike, as if he was really interested, answered her questions about how long he’d been dancing and where he’d learned.

“My father taught me,” Rohan said. “He was a Lakota medicine man, able to see into the future.”

“A medicine man?” Janae asked. “Like a doctor?”

“No. He was a shaman. A holy man. They possess some mystical powers.”

“That’s fascinating,” Janae said. Then, glancing at her watch, she said, “Oh, shoot! I was supposed to be home half an hour ago. I’ll be right back, Leia. I need to call my babysitter.”

When they were alone, Rohan said, “I was surprised to see you here tonight.”

Leia shrugged. “Janae’s husband couldn’t make it and she didn’t want his ticket to go to waste.”

He nodded. “Any chance I could take you out some evening? I know we got off on the wrong foot last night, but how about giving me a chance to prove I’m not a jerk?”

She wanted to say no. She intended to say no. But something in his voice had her saying, “Yes. I’d like that.”

“How about meeting me after the show tomorrow night? We could go out for drinks and dancing.”

“All right. I’ll meet you at the stage door.”

His smile warmed her from head to heel.

“Here comes Janae,” Leia said, pushing away from the table. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

Rising, he took her hand in his and kissed her palm. “Until then, Princess.”

“You’re going out with him!” Janae exclaimed as she pulled out of the parking lot. “Do you think that’s wise? I mean, he’s sexy as all get out, but you just met the guy.”

“I meant to say no, but … ” Leia shrugged. “Somehow it came out yes.”

“Well, you be careful. Call me when you leave and the minute you get home.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“I mean it,” Janae said. “The guy is drop-dead gorgeous. There’s no doubt about that. And sexy as hell. But … I don’t know. I don’t trust him.”

“Are you having one of your psychic warnings?”

“Not exactly. But … this is going to sound weird, he’s a lot older than he looks.”

“What are you talking about?” Leia asked, frowning. “Do you think he had plastic surgery, or something?” The very idea was ridiculous. No plastic surgeon could have molded the masculine beauty of Rohan’s face.

“No. No, nothing like that. I don’t know how to explain it. I mean, he looks like he’s in his late twenties, early thirties, but the vibe I got from him was older. A lot older.”

“It’s just one date, girl.” She appreciated Janae’s concern, but sometimes she went a little overboard.

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