Edge of Twilight by MAGGIE SHAYNE

Alby?”
    Frowning, she nodded. “Yes. Why?”
    â€œJust wondering if you’ve ever seen yourself in a mirror.”
    She rolled her eyes, told herself not to let his smooth, slow words make her lose track of her mission here, and gently extricated herself from his full body embrace.
    â€œIf you have, why would you accuse me of pretending to want you?”
    â€œYou’ve only known me for twenty-four hours, Edge, and half of those you were resting.”
    â€œI wanted you in the first ten seconds,” he said. Then he shrugged. “Being female and half mortal, I suppose you’re one of those who believes it’s necessary to get toknow a person before indulging in an exchange of mutual ecstasy.”
    â€œWell, yeah. Especially with someone who’s being less than honest about his motives.”
    â€œI’m being perfectly honest, Alby. I’m not declaring eternal love, and I’ll tell you up-front that I never will. Hell, I’m not even sure I like you much at this point. This—” he ran a finger along her cheek until she shivered “—is purely physical.” He ran his hand slowly down her neck, to her shoulder, from her shoulder down her back, following the curve of her spine. His fingertips left a tingling wave of sensation in their wake. His hand kept sliding lower, until she stepped away from his touch. “I don’t believe in self-denial,” he said softly.
    â€œThen I’ll do the denying.”
    â€œHell.” He heaved a sigh and flung himself onto one of the pews, sitting heavily. “So why are you here, Alby? If you didn’t come to let me ravish you, what are you doing here?”
    She bit her lip. “I already told you, I want to know why you’re interested in me. What were you doing on that road?”
    â€œWalking to Salem.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œBecause my car died. I told you that.”
    â€œAnd why did you throw yourself in front of my car and pretend I hit you?”
    He pursed his lips, lowered his gaze to the floor, sighed. “All right. All right, you’re too smart for me. I did do that. I thought it was my best shot at getting a ride.” He licked his lips and searched her eyes. “I had no idea who you were, though. Not until after the fact. And I’ve got no reason to try to fool you now. I already got the ride I was after.”
    â€œNot the only ride you’re after,” she muttered.
    â€œWell, that goes without saying.” His smile was one of pure mischief, and it turned her on like nothing she’d ever seen. “The only question now is, how am I going to get you to change your mind?”
    She averted her face, felt the blood heating her cheeks.
    â€œHow long are you staying in Salem Harbor, Alby?”
    She shrugged. “It really depends. There’s a…a man who might be able to help me save Willem. If I can find out where he is, I’ll leave immediately.”
    He nodded slowly. “Then we’ll have to make the most of our time together, won’t we?”
    She felt her brows rise, turned to him in surprise.
    â€œDon’t tell me you’ve forgotten our conversation in the car? I promised I would help you figure out who and what you are.” He shrugged. “It’ll give me a chance to charm you out of your clothes, while I’m at it.”
    â€œRight.” She sighed. “So how do you plan to do that?”
    â€œCharm you out of your clothes?”
    â€œHelp me figure out what I am.” If she were honest, she would admit she was more interested in the other. She was half afraid he could do it. Half hoping he could.
    â€œYou come back here tomorrow night, and I’ll show you.”
    She licked her lips, nerves jumping. “Don’t expect anything in return, Edge.”
    â€œOh, I don’t expect—I demand something in return.”
    She lifted her brows. “Do