EXTRACT FOR
Taken by Surprise
(Rowena Risque)

Jacob must've heard my car pull up as I parked because his tall, muscular frame fills the doorway as I head up the pathway toward the door.

I get a feeling in my stomach but can't identify it;  whatever it is, it slows down my steps and I end up stopping in front of Jacob at the door.

"Come in," he says in a friendly tone, gesturing backward into the apartment as he moves aside to let me in.

Something in his blue eyes grabs my attention, and I realize they're not as light and friendly as his voice. That should've served as a warning to me, but that particular look wasn't unfamiliar; he appeared that way more times than not, especially when he'd just gotten back from some deployment. Plus, I'm never around him alone, and since others are supposed to be here at his apartment tonight, I figure I'm safe. 

Besides, I remind myself, it's not like he's a stranger or even a slight acquaintance. 

I've known Jacob for nearly four years??"how crazy would it look if I took off like a bat out of hell because the look in his eyes concerned me? Most likely, he's dulled by liquor.

I step inside his apartment almost tentatively, and when I hear him close the door behind me, I know at once I've made a terrible mistake. 

It wasn't the closing of the door exactly??"I'd expected that because who left their front door ajar? It was the stillness of the apartment that descended upon me when that door slammed that pointed out my error. No one else is here after all; I can feel it. It's just him and me...