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you have any brothers or sisters?” Ruby had neither, but loved hearing about other’s families.
    “I have a younger sister, Moira, and an older brother, Shane.”
    “The middle child, huh? How did you wind up with Leo?”
    He leaned back, his face full of laughter and memories. “Rock paper scissors.”
    “Huh?”
    “My parents played rock paper scissors to figure out what to name us. Best two out of three won. Dad won twice, Mom won once.”
    “And you were Leo?”
    “Yup. She said I roared like a lion from the day I was born.”
    She couldn’t help it. She had to laugh.
    “How’d your parents come to name you Ruby?”
    “My mom’s favorite soap opera character. She was so strong, and my mom wanted that for me. It’s sort of a good luck charm.”

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    Dana Marie Bell
    There was a brief contemplative silence, each of them trying to think of what to say or ask next. It was strange in that it didn’t feel awkward, the way such silences tended to be. There weren’t that many people she felt comfortable with. Surprising that Leo Dunne seemed to be one of them.
    “Are you hungry?”
    Her stomach rumbled loudly at the thought of food.
    “I’ll take that as a yes.” He grinned and handed her the room service menu. “Get whatever you want, it’s on me.”
    “Thanks.” And what a buffet that would be! Ruby shivered and looked down at the menu, trying not to picture how good he’d look coated in chocolate mousse.

    The meal was excellent, the beef tender, the potatoes just right, the wine not too sweet. Leo made sure he ordered a desert with whipped cream, just to watch her lick it off the spoon with those luscious, full lips and pink tongue. This was the best first date he’d ever been on. She was relaxed and laughing, telling stories about his accounting department that normally would have caused his hair to stand on end.
    Her eyes warmed to a delicious honey color when she was happy. He could stare into them for hours, and felt like he already had. He’d lit the candles on the table, trying to add a touch of romance to the meal.
    The light danced across her skin, creating intriguing shadows he was dying to explore. He could barely contain himself. He wanted to touch her so badly it actually hurt. His heart was thumping a mile a minute and his palms were sweating so badly he had to wipe them on his pants repeatedly. It was a wonder she didn’t think him a total moron. He had no idea what he’d said to her all through dinner.
    She was toying with her glass of wine, her expression soft and misty, the stories having finally run out. She reached up and pushed a lock of hair behind her ear, baring the side of her neck, and he opened his mouth, knowing something stupid would come out and wind up ending the best fucking night of his life.
    “May I kiss you?”
    He saw the way her breathing changed at his request, first hitching, then coming faster. It was all he could do not to yank her out of her chair and across his lap. Little sparkles of light leaped from his fingertips. He quickly pushed his hands under the table, hoping she hadn’t noticed. He’d never wanted someone so badly that he’d been unable to control his powers before. “I promised I wouldn’t touch you without your permission.” The urge to put her in his bed, tie her up, and never let her go was so strong he was shaking with it. He clenched his fists in his lap, getting his magic back under control with a surge of his will.
    When she licked her lips he nearly lost control again. “Yes.”
    The soft, nervous quality in her voice only added to her appeal. He wanted to take care of her, to let her know she would have nothing to fear, either from him or anyone else, ever again. He would protect her with everything he had, no matter the cost.
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    Dare to Believe
    He stood up and held out his hand. She took his offer and let him help her to her feet. He led her over to the sofa and