Page 14 of Shadows of Eternity

Seen her.

Chapter Six

In the bright light of a new day, Leia chided herself for being so upset over the silly dream she’d had the day before. And yet … it hadn’t seemed like a dream at all. She had felt his gaze on her, a tangible thing, as real as the blankets that covered her. She told herself it was impossible, but she couldn’t shake off the feeling that she had been there, in the village.

Rising, she pulled on her robe and padded into the kitchen. Maybe a cup of hot chocolate would settle her nerves. She added a double amount of cocoa and a half-dozen marshmallows, sat at the table, and sipped it slowly.

It didn’t help.

It hadn’t felt like a dream. She had heard the voices of the people around him, the laughter of the children, felt the warmth of the sun on her face, smelled cooking meat … She was going crazy, she thought. That was the only answer that made sense. Maybe it explained why her memories of the times they spent together were so hazy. Sometimes, after he kissed her good night, she felt like she was waking from a dream.

Like last night. She lifted a hand to her throat, though she had no idea why. She remembered his kiss, remembered his asking if he could see her this evening. As usual, it had never occurred to her to say no.

She was in danger of falling head-over-heels in love with him. she mused, as she got ready to go to work, yet she knewlittle about him. And she definitely needed to know more before things went any further. Much more.

“Sheesh!” she exclaimed, when she looked at the clock. It was Monday and she was going to be late for school.

Rohan showed up promptly at nine-thirty that night, looking gorgeous, as always. Tonight, he wore a dark blue shirt, black pants, and boots. His hair, long and as black as a raven’s wing, was pulled back and tied with a leather thong, accentuating the masculine beauty of his face.

“Where would you like to go tonight?” he asked.

Leia shrugged. “I don’t know. What would you like to do?”

His gaze moved over her, warm with appreciation. “Can’t you guess?”

She felt her cheeks flush. She had no doubt about whathe’dlike to do.

“Have you had dinner?” he asked.

“Of course. Who eats dinner this late?”

He shrugged. “I know a few people who do.”

“Are you one of them?”

“No, I had a bite earlier.”

“I could use a drink, though,” she said, grinning.

“Rough day at school?”

She laughed. “Not really. But bars and theaters are about the only things in town open this late.”

He took her to Bad Bob’s, a nightclub on the eastside that sold drinks, hamburgers, and pizza. They had live bands on Friday and Saturday nights, usually some up-and-coming country group. A juke box was available during the week.

After they were seated, Leia ordered a strawberry daiquiri. Rohan ordered his usual—a glass of red wine. As a rule, she wasn’t much of a drinker, but she had decided to try a different cocktail each time they went out.

“So, how was your day?” he asked.

“Hectic. Summer vacation starts Friday and the kids are so excited, it’s hard to get them to concentrate on their lessons.”

“You enjoy teaching?”

“I love it. Someday, I hope to be teaching my own kids.”

“Want a big family, do you?”

She nodded. “My brother is six years older than I am, so we didn’t have a lot in common growing up. He’s a stuntman now. I always wanted a sister, but … ” She shrugged. “My Mom couldn’t have any more kids after me. Do you have a big family?”

---