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“Hm, I’ll keep that in mind.”
“So, if you’re playing Cinderfella, you have to leave something behind.”
He chuckled. “Like?”
“How about the mask?”
“You don’t give up.”
“Never.”
He took a step in the opposite direction. “Maybe I’ll call.” With that, he strode out the door and forced himself not to turn around. A block from the center, he pulled his cell phone from his pocket, then changed his mind about going back now. Something about talking to and dancing with Jaz kept him in the area. He took his time striding along the street and then cut over a few blocks to head in the direction where he’d grown up. The night had turned colder, and the ground was wet like it had rained earlier. In a window he passed, a jack-o’-lantern shown with the fake light inside dancing. Behind another door, he caught the sound of revelers, and each time the door opened to the pub on the corner, cheers were going strong.
At the end of another street, Tor lingered. He blew on his fingers and stuffed them into his pockets. When he was eleven, he kissed his first girl by that tree, outside Mrs. Walsh’s house. He’d gotten a whipping from his mother for it. Susie, the girl, happened to be Mrs. Walsh’s granddaughter. At first Tor thought the old woman had seen him out her window, but he later found out Kenny had ratted him out. Even then, Kenny had given him a hard time.
Voices reached him from behind, and he realized he’d been standing in the same spot for a while. He started forward, glancing over his shoulder and stopped. He could never mistake those legs, but why was Jaz out here this late, alone?
He hurried to catch up with her and grabbed her arm. She yelped, but he released her quickly. “You shouldn’t be out here by yourself, Jaz.”
She shifted the paper grocery bag she held to her other hand. “Why? A masked man will accost me?”
He recalled the mask and removed it. “Because it’s dangerous, and you’re still dressed like that.”
“I have a coat on. I’m not crazy.”
“Your legs.”
She stuck out one of the shapely limbs. “I know, right? My legs are freezing, and those stupid fishnets left imprints. I couldn’t even find my thick, so-not-sexy tights. I know I packed them with my change of clothes. That’s what I get for going for a dress.”
He liked the sound of her voice, and even when she wasn’t flirting, she turned him on. “How did your brother let you go by yourself?”
“He was otherwise engaged, and I slipped out. I’ll be fine. Mom and Dad’s place isn’t that far, and I have to drop this food off to them.” She held up the bag for him to see.
His eyes widened. “Surely they aren’t awake at this time?”
“I have a key, but they’re up. They both retired a few years ago, and they sleep at all kinds of crazy hours. I’m just going to pop in and out and be on my way.”
“I’ll walk you.”
She protested, but he fell into step beside her. There was no way he would leave to get Niles to pick him up while she walked alone in the dark. As they strode along, neither said a word, and it didn’t bother Tor at all. He felt no pressure to make small talk, and Jaz moved at a brisk pace. Just as she said, her parents’ place wasn’t far, and a light illuminated the front window.
“Want to come inside?” Jaz offered.
He took step back. “No, I’ll wait.”
“Tor, it’s cold out here.”
“I’m fine,” he lied. His fingers had gone numb.
“Okay, suit yourself. I’ll be back before you die of exposure.”
He chuckled as she disappeared into the house. Time slipped by, and he shivered in his coat. Damn, now his toes were numb. He wondered if Jaz had forgotten him or she i
ntended to stay the night at her parents’ house. The thought flashed through his mind that he should just get out of there. She was just a woman like any other. He didn’t need to get frostbite on her behalf. Just as he spun to walk away from the house, the door creaked open, and she jogged down the stairs.
“I’m so sorry. Mom wouldn’t shut up.” Like a mother hen herself, she rubbed his arms while looking up at him with eyes full of worry. “You must be freezing. Maybe you should come inside to thaw out first.”
Heat ignited in Tor that was only partially to do with her hands racing over his arms. She was so vibrant, her personality like fire itself. He leaned toward her, bringing their faces close. “I’m fine.
