Page 63 of Twilight Destiny

During the next hour, Rosa realized inviting Jake to the house had been a huge mistake. Her father asked a number of probing questions—where did they meet, what did Jake do for a living, where was his family from, were his parents still living?

Rosa held her breath as Jake answered every question—every answer a lie. She slid a covert glance at Micah, praying that her brother, who was well aware that Jake was lying, wouldn’t say anything.

When the family had had their fill of dessert and the coffee pot was empty, Rosa stood. “It’s been fun, guys, but I really have to run. I have to be at work early tomorrow morning for … for inventory.” She hugged her parents, grabbed Jake’s hand, and fled the house.

“I told you it wasn’t a good idea,” Jake said as he held her car door for her, then went around to the passenger side.

“One I won’t make again,” she muttered as she started the car and pulled away from the curb.

“Your brother knew I was lying.”

“I know.”

Jake grunted softly. He had been waiting for Micah to expose the truth, wondering what he would say when Rosa’s brother called him a liar in front of the family.

Rosa sighed with relief when she pulled into her parking spot and switched off the engine. “I’m glad that’s over.”

“You and me both.”

Exiting the car, she locked the door and walked down the path to the stairway that led to her apartment, keenly aware of the man trailing behind her. “Do you want to come in?” she asked as she slid the key into the lock.

“Sure.” He followed her inside, shut the door, gathered her into his arms, and kissed her.

She leaned into him, her fingers locking behind his neck.

“I’ve been wanting to do that all night long,” he said, his lips moving against hers.

“Don’t stop now.”

Mouths fused together, he moved toward the sofa, carried her with him as he eased down on the cushions. There was magic in his touch, in the heat of his tongue.

“Rosa, do you know what you do to me?”

She laughed softly. She knew exactly what she did to him. The laughter died in her throat when she felt his tongue slide along the length of her neck.

He sensed the change in her and lifted his head. “You have no idea how tempting you are.”

Seeing the faint red glow flickering in his eyes, she was sure she had a pretty good idea.

The red faded from his eyes as he said, “I’ve never known anyone like you.”

“Didn’t you know?” she said. “There is no one like me. Ask anyone in the family.”

He laughed softly as he sat up. “I believe it. You’re lucky to have people who care about you.”

“I know, but sometimes they treat me like I’m still a little girl. Especially Micah.”

His gaze moved over her, lingering on her breasts. “You don’t look like a little girl to me.”

She blushed under his gaze.

“I’d better go,” he said. “It’s getting late and I’m getting … never mind.”

“Will I see you tomorrow?”

“Count on it.” Cupping her cheeks in his palms, he kissed her, and then he was gone.

Jake had no sooner left than there was a knock at the door.