Free Desire After Dark by Amanda Ashley Page B

Bobbie Sue went to dance with Steve Mitchell. Steve was a handsome young man who’d had a crush on Bobbie Sue ever since high school. Unfortunately, Bobbie Sue didn’t see him as anything but a good friend.
    A moment later, a good-looking guy strolled up to the bar and asked Vicki if she wanted to dance. They were making the usual small talk when Vicki felt a sudden chill. She glanced over her shoulder, her gaze drawn to a man standing at the end of the bar. He was tall and slender, with slicked-back blond hair. He wore a black turtleneck sweater and black slacks with a sharp crease.
    Her heart skipped a beat when he pushed away from the wall. No , she thought, please don’t let him ask me to dance . But even as the thought rose in her mind he was skirting the dance floor, walking toward her.
    Her partner let her go with a smile and a murmured, “see you later,” and then the stranger was taking her in his arms. He held her tightly, his hands cold on hers. This close, she could see that his eyes were a rusty yellow, like the color of dead leaves.
    â€œSo,” he said, “do you come here often?”
    The sound of his voice sent a shiver of unease down her spine. “No,” she lied. “Do you?”
    â€œFrom time to time.” Releasing her hand, he reached out to stroke her hair. “Lovely,” he said. “Is it your natural shade?”
    She stared at him, remembering that Duncan had asked her that very same question. “No,” she lied. “No, it’s dyed.”
    Lifting a lock of her hair, he sniffed it. “I think not.”
    â€œI have to go.” She twisted out of his grasp and hurried toward the bar where Bobbie Sue was chatting with Steve.
    â€œHey, girlfriend,” Bobbie Sue said, smiling.
    â€œBobbie Sue, we need to go. Now.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œPlease, Bobbie Sue, take me home.”
    â€œSure, hon.” Bobbie Sue kissed Steve’s cheek. “Catch ya later, sugar.”
    â€œCome on!” Vicki grabbed Bobbie Sue’s hand and practically dragged her out of the tavern.
    â€œVicki, slow down! What’s with you?”
    â€œThat man in there. The one I was dancing with. The blond…I…He gave me the creeps.”
    â€œIs that all?”
    â€œNo! I think”—she glanced nervously over her shoulder as Bobbie Sue unlocked the car doors—” I think he might be the murderer.”
    â€œWhat? Are you serious?”
    â€œYes. Quick, get us out of here!”
    â€œDon’t tell me twice!” Bobbie Sue gunned the engine to life and drove out of the parking lot, tires squealing.
    Vicki looked out the back window, her heart pounding. “Drive around for a few minutes. I want to make sure he’s not following us.”
    â€œVicki, you’re scaring me.”
    â€œGood, cause I’m plenty scared myself!”
    Bobbie Sue glanced in the rearview mirror. “Do you see anyone?”
    â€œNo.” Vicki sank back in her seat, suddenly wishing that Antonio were there. She wouldn’t be afraid if he was with her. The thought surprised her but it was true. In spite of everything, she felt safe with Antonio. She glanced over her shoulder again, but there were no lights following from behind.
    â€œSo, how’s it going with Steve?”
    Bobbie Sue shook her head. “It isn’t.”
    â€œYou know he’s crazy about you. Do you think it’s fair to keep leading him on?”
    â€œI’m not leading him on. He knows how I feel. I mean, he’s just as sweet as can be and fun to be with, but it’s like dating my brother. I mean, I love him, but I’m not in love with him. It’s like you and Arnie. There’s just no spark. You know what I mean?”
    â€œOnly too well.” Vicki glanced out the back window again.
    â€œSometimes I don’t think we’ll ever get married. Maybe we should move to greener pastures.”
    â€œYeah,