Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

*

Inside the Moonlight private room, things were winding down. Jackson and

Richard had already left, one after the other. Tara turned to Dylan with a sweet little smile. "Dylan, I still have something you gave me ages ago. If you give me a ride home, I'll give it back to you, okay?"

Dylan didn't even look her way, his eyes glued to the scenery outside. "Get in the car."

Tara hopped in beside him. "I haven't got my own place yet, so I'm still crashing at the Warren house. Just wait for me outside, I'll grab your thing and be right back."

He knew she was baiting him, but he couldn't help being curious about that "thing."

"Alright," he said.

The car rolled quietly toward the Warren estate. Tara sat beside him, smart enough to keep quiet the whole way. No need to leave a bad impression-there'd be plenty of time for that later.

They pulled up outside the big house. Tara got out first, tossing a quick, "Give me ten minutes, tops," over her shoulder.

She hurried inside and almost ran straight into Mrs. Ferguson, who was heading upstairs for the night.

Mrs. Ferguson shot her a curious look. "You didn't come back with your brother?" Richard had just gotten home, and Tara showed up right after-why weren't they together?

Jogging up the stairs, Tara called back, "Dylan drove me home!"

Technically, Tara and Richard were only cousins, but after growing up together in the Warren household, they were as close as brother and sister.

Tara darted into her room, found the little box, and headed out again-only to bump into Richard in the hallway.

jacket slung over his shoulder. "Where

waiting outside," she said, not

didn't say

out to Dylan's car. "Here," she said,

nodded, not bothering to open it right

caught the vibe and started the car, driving

of little boxes like that—there

Inside was a ring,

definitely

smiley

hidden feelings-every word

getting warmer-spring was here, and the

at the words on the paper. She really was like a burst of

wants

have your own

yours. You can... finally

his eyes and leaned back against

the paper

o'clock before she heard any noise from

Sure

heard the soft whir of his wheelchair as he rolled closer. They made eye contact

most of the afternoon sleeping.

called after him, "Are you in a

wheelchair stopped. Dylan

her own mouth. "When you're