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.

between his fingers and his jacket slung over his shoulder. "Where are you rushing

she said, not slowing

say anything

she said, handing it

not bothering to open it

started the car,

wasn't discouraged. She had plenty of little boxes like that—there would be more

the box. Inside was a ring, carefully folded from

definitely marry

tiny smiley

secrets, a girl's hidden

was getting warmer-spring was here, and the trees

flowers before looking back at the words on the paper. She really was like a

little brother, no one wants to live

you'll have your own name.

be yours. You can... finally live

his eyes and

folded the paper back up and tucked it into the compartment beside

until ten o'clock before she heard any noise

Sure enough, Dylan

made eye contact for a

of the afternoon

called after him,

wheelchair stopped. Dylan looked back at

pointed to the corner of her own mouth. "When you're upset,