A WHISPER OF ETERNIT

Page 55



"Car chases,"Tracy said with a huff of annoyance. That's all movies are these days, car chases and special effects and remakes of stupid TV shows."

Bryanlaughed. "Come on, they're not all bad."

They discussed movies over pie and coffee, and thenBryan drove her home.
"I had a good time tonight,"Bryan said as he walked her to her door.

"Me, too."She looked up at him, thinking what a handsome young man he was, wishing he were older, more settled, wondering if he would kiss her. She had truly enjoyed being out with him. Unlike Dominic,Bryan had no dark secrets. He was honest and open.

His gaze met hers. Whispering her name, he lowered his head and kissed her.

It was a chaste kiss, warm and sweet, one with no demands, no expectations. She thought of Dominic's kisses, filled with fire and passion,then thrust the thought away.

"I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"Bryan asked.

"Okay."

He smiled at her, revealing the dimple in his cheek. "Good night,Tracy ." " Nite, Bry ."

She watched him walk down the steps and open the car door. He blew her a kiss before sliding behind the wheel.

He really was a nice boy.

She was smiling when she unlocked the door and went into the living room.

She stopped smiling when she saw Dominic standing in front of the fireplace, his arms folded across his chest, his face like something set in stone.

"Am I late, Dad?" She forced a teasing note into her voice, hoping he wouldn't hear the fear beneath. "He kissed you."

She tilted her head to one side. "So?"

"You are mine, Tracy. I do not want another man's hands on you. I do not want to smell his touch on your skin."

"Then don't." She stared at him, her heart pounding. Was she mad to defy him like this? Anger radiated from him like heat from a forest fire. She didn't believe for a minute that he was actually a vampire, but he was a man, a big man, one capable of doing her great bodily harm if she pushed him too far. "I'm sorry," she said contritely. "Would you like a cup of coffee?"

"I do not drink coffee."