Page 15 of Shadows of Eternity

“No.” A shadow passed behind his eyes. “My parents died quite a while ago.”

“Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

“I had three brothers.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stir up unhappy memories.” She was glad when her drink arrived. Rohan seemed lost in the past, she thought, as she sipped her daquiri. She wondered what had happened to his family. They must have all died young, she thought.

A moment later, the jukebox came on.

“Shall we?” he asked.

She nodded, smiling at the thought of being in his arms again.

There were a few other couples on the dance floor, but she was hardly aware of them. There was only Rohan, his arms strong around her, his gaze caressing her, his eyes filled with secrets she yearned to know.

“How much longer will you be in town?” she asked.

“I’m not sure. The show is closing here on Friday.” The thought of his leaving hurt more than it should have.

“Oh. I guess you’ll be going with it when it moves on.”

He drew her closer. “Will you miss me?” he asked, his voice rough with an emotion she didn’t recognize.

“Very much.”

“Will you go with me when I leave?”

She looked up at him, eyes wide with surprise. “I don’t think so. We’ve only known each other a few days.”

“Change your mind.”

She wanted to. Oh, how she wanted to. But saying yes implied a commitment she wasn’t ready to make, not until she knew him better. A lot better. “I can’t.”

“Afraid of me?”

Afraid? Was she? A shiver ran down her spine when she recalled her dream. Maybe she was afraid.

“Leia.” Just her name, but there was a world of longing in it.

It was oh, so tempting. “Where are they going next?”

“Arizona.”

“I’ve never been there.”

“Bisbee is celebrating Old West Days. They’re having a pow wow. Our dance troupe has been invited to be part of the entertainment. It’s only for a few days.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“It would be more fun if you were with me.”

The song ended and he led her back to their table. “What is it?” he asked. “You look troubled.”

“I had a dream about you.”

“Oh?”

Haltingly, she told him about it. “It seemed so real, it was kinda scary.”

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