Free Blood of the Rainbow by Shelia Chapman

spinning. “Why?”
    Jared pulled away slightly. “Just trust me. It’s not that I don’t like it, I do, I’m just not sure I can control myself or that I even want to.”
    “And losing control with me would be bad?” she teased.
    “Yes! It would be very bad. For one thing, Lucy would kill me. For another, I wouldn’t take advantage of you like that, and it’s not because I don’t want you.” He took her hand, and started leading her down the path again. “Let’s get back to the bike,” he continued, changing the subject. “I’m starving, and you’re right. It will be dark soon. Although I’ve been here many times, I still wouldn’t want to try and drive out of here in the dark.”
    ------------
    They sat and ate their sandwiches. When they’d finished, Jared played Sara’s guitar, and they sang a few songs together, before packing up to leave. “I’ve had more fun today, than I’ve had in a long time. What are we doing tomorrow?”
    Sara laughed. “Jared, I think I should spend some time with Lucy.”
    Jared sighed. “Yeah, I suppose you should. I’m just finding it hard to imagine a day without seeing you. I wonder if Lucy would consider moving to Wisteria Hall,” he mused.
    “I doubt it.”
    Jared sighed heavily again. “Yeah, me too.”
    “I have a question for you.”
    “Shoot!”
    “Are you full blood Navajo?”
    “From the top of my head to the tip of my toes and all the other parts in between – why? Has your mother got something against Native Americans?”
    Sara laughed. “Probably, but that’s not why I’m asking. Aren’t you suppose to – you know – marry your own kind?”
    Jared laughed aloud. “Well, not really. I can marry whomever I want. Actually, I’m supposed to marry my perfect match, but I don’t think we need to worry about that right now – do we?”
    Sara’s face flushed. “I didn’t mean - oh gosh! I’ve truly put my foot in it, haven’t I?” She tucked her head.
    “No, you haven’t put your foot in it. I don’t mind.” He pulled her into his arms, holding her. He kissed her, and then they got on the bike and headed home. Jared was quiet all the way. Despite his generous nature, Sara wondered if she’d said something out of line. She hadn’t been fishing for a proposal from Jared. They’d only just met. Sara was curious. She knew in some cultures, there were separate rules for royalty. And in Jared’s culture, he was considered royalty. Sara didn’t want their relationship to develop to a point where he had to choose between her and his family. If it ever came to that, Sara hoped she would be strong enough to let him go.
    When they got back to Wisteria Hall, Jared parked the bike in the garage and put away their helmets. He still hadn’t said anything to Sara, and the silence was making her nervous. Jared took her hand, and led her into the kitchen where he poured them a glass of iced-tea. “Why don’t you phone Lucy, and let her know we’re back at my house. I wouldn’t want her to think the worse of me….”
    “Yeah, sure.” Sara stepped outside for some privacy. She pushed Lucy’s speed number and waited.
    “ Hello? ”
    “Luce, it’s me. We’re back.”
    “ Oh good !” Lucy sounded relieved. “ Where are you? ”
    “At Jared’s. He wants to show me his drawings and native artifacts.”
    “ Oh, I see . You must be talking about his Navajo room. You’ll enjoy that. Are you sure you don’t want me to keep your dinner warm? ”
    “Ah – no - that’s ok. I’ll either eat here, or fix a sandwich when I get home.”
    “ Ok – ah - Sara ,” Lucy said with apprehension.
    Sara braced herself and waited for the worst.
    “ Kaye called. I covered for you, but as you might have guessed, she’s upset. This is the second time she’s called to talk to you, and you haven’t been here. If you don’t talk to her soon, knowing my sister, she’ll come up here to check on you. ”
    “Ok, I’ll ring her in the morning. I’ve