Rough-Edge by Louisa Trent

Author:Louisa Trent [Unknown]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Publisher: www.Fictionwise.com
Published: 2001-10-07T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

What the fuck was he doing having dinner with Sera? Tomas asked himself as he paced around outside in the dark.

Talking about his gritty childhood! What the hell kind of dinner conversation was that to be having with a nice woman?

His childhood was his hot button. Sure, he had some money. But he didn't always. In his head, he was still dirt-poor. And deep down inside himself, he knew that people like him didn't associate with people like her. They never rubbed shoulders. They didn't walk the same streets. The people he knew, his friends, never graduated high school, never mind college. They sure as hell weren't music teachers.

Music was an extra. People he knew were struggling for the basics, like food and a job and a decent neighborhood to raise up their kids. Playing an instrument was a luxury few kids on the Southside, even kids from intact families, got to explore.

His inbred edginess had probably hurt her feelings.

Tomas was real sorry about that, but there were some things a man like him didn't ever talk about. Like, the things that drove him. The stuff that ate him up inside, even now, years later.

All his fault if he'd hurt her feelings. It was the man's responsibility to keep things in check.

Lately, he seemed to lose it whenever he was with Sera. It was bye-bye muy suave vato and hello bumbling idiot.

The lady kept catching him by surprise. Sometimes she seemed so innocent, and then other times, she'd do or say this worldly-wise kind of thing and knock him for a loop.

He'd just have to be more careful with her, that's all, Tomas decided while he paced the drive. Sera meant no harm. She was just pouring on the questions, doing a ‘getting to know you routine', not comprehending that he didn't want anyone getting to know him, didn't want anyone getting inside his head, under his skin, not that way, not that deep.

He'd have to keep things in check because he wanted to go on seeing Sera-

Wait. Make that, he needed to go on seeing Sera.

There was the Riverfront Project to think of. His men were depending on that protect, and other jobs that would come after, for their bread and butter. Sera could help him get that job. He just needed to stay in control around her.

It'd be tough. Damn straight, he never had to deal with this kind of dilemma before. By now, he and a date would've been in bed, and sex would pretty much have ended any deep conversation.

Tomas raked his hand through his still damp, shower-washed hair. He couldn't go back inside that kitchen again until he got it together. And the thing was, when talking about the past, he never had it together. And knowing Sera, she wasn't fuckin’ gonna let it go. She wouldn't let up.

He had to stop her, get her to back off. Way off. But how?

Damned if he knew.

He was about to bolt when the porch door opened and Sera called out softly, “The rumor is that you're having dinner with me tonight, Tomas.

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