Edge of Twilight by MAGGIE SHAYNE

rutting buck, I suppose. I’m not used to dealing with sheltered virgins, is the thing.”
    â€œI never said I was—”
    He held up a hand to stop her speaking, then glanced at the house. “So this is where your friends live?”
    She nodded.
    â€œI should take off.” He turned to walk away.
    â€œI’m sure they wouldn’t mind…my bringing a guest.”
    He went still, his back to her. “Don’t worry, Alby. I’m not walking away for good. I’ll come around again, once I get settled in.”
    â€œYou’re so full of yourself, you know that?”
    â€œYeah. You play your cards right, you might get to be full of me, too.” She aimed a foot at his backside, but he felt it coming and dodged it, then turned to face her. “Violent little thing, aren’t you?”
    â€œYou seem to bring it out in me.”
    He let his heated gaze move down her body. “You knocked me into that trunk like a vampire. Just how strong are you?”
    â€œStronger than you think.”
    â€œStronger than me?”
    She shrugged. “I don’t know. Why?”
    â€œJust wondering if you’re going to kick my ass for kissing you.”
    â€œBut you didn’t—”
    She gasped as he snapped an arm around her waist, tugged her hard against him and, cradling the back of her head with his other hand, captured her mouth with his. He kissed her with his mouth open, moving it over her lips and drawing on them. And just when she let her body relax against his, let her jaw relax so her mouth fell open, just as she wished he would use his tongue and keep on kissing her for a long, long time, he released her and lifted his head away. He sent her a wink, then turned and walked back along the driveway toward the road.
    He didn’t look back. She stood there watching him out of sight, the sea wind blowing cool and damp over her heated skin.
    â€œWhat,” Rhiannon asked, “was that?”
    Sighing, turning to face her unofficial aunt, Amber said, “That was Edge.” She slid a look at Rhiannon.
    She stood there, her long, jet-black hair dancing in the sea wind, arms crossed over her chest, stern faced. “What kind of a name is ‘Edge’?”
    â€œA fitting one, I think. Where’s Pandora? I don’t see her.”
    Her attempt at changing the subject was a lame one, and she knew it. Her aunt’s pet panther was nowhere in sight, and would have been had she been with Rhiannon.
    â€œShe’s getting old. Long trips do her very little good these days. She stayed behind at Wind Ridge, with Eric, Tam and Roland. And she thanks you for naming your little shop in her honor. Now, if we could get back to the subject at hand?”
    â€œWill?”
    â€œEdge,” she said flatly. “Just what is going on between you and this character, Amber Lily?”
    â€œIt’s too soon to tell, Rhiannon. But he’d better not turn up dead before I have a chance to decide.”
    Rhiannon smiled then, picking up on Amber’s teasing tone. “Then you’d better decide soon. Having kissed my niece right under my nose, he might not have much time.” She opened her arms, and Amber went to her, hugged her gently. “How are you, darling? I’ve missed you. It’s been months.”
    â€œI thought I was fine, until I heard the news about Will.”
    Rhiannon thinned her lips. “He’s out right now. Yet another appointment with yet another doctor.”
    â€œAnd ‘Fina?”
    â€œSaid she needed a few moments alone, so I drew her a steaming, scented bath and told her I was going for a walk along the beach. I knew you were close, and I wanted a chance to speak to you alone before you saw her.”
    â€œHow’s she doing with all this?”
    â€œAmazingly well,” Rhiannon said. “Too well. It worries me.”
    Amber licked her lips, lowered her eyes.
    Rhiannon drew a breath,