Page 2 of Return to Me Always

How could this even be possible? How could I so literally dream of a man I'd never actually met?

As I tried to calm down and wondered whether I could be brave enough to approach him, I felt a sudden loss. That feeling of being watched had stopped.

Without even thinking, I looked over my shoulder again. He was gone. Now, in addition to being confused beyond anything, I was annoyed as hell. Why hadn't I done something?

But really, whatcouldI have done? If I had gone up to him, he would have thought I was crazy. What would I have said?

"Hi, I'm Kathryn. I've been dreaming about you forever."

I almost laughed out loud at the absurdity of it all. Maybe he hadn't really looked all that much like the man in my dreams. Maybe it was because I had just had the dream only this morning, and it was still so vivid.

Trying to shrug it off, I gulped down the last of my drink and headed out. I had no plan of what I would do, so I just decided to wander and see where I'd end up. It felt great to walk and burn off all that adrenaline that was still pumping through my body after seeing the literal man of my dreams.

The traffic going the opposite way of what I was used to made me a little dizzy even though it was the coolest thing in the world. And thanks to big, bold letters painted on many streets telling me which way to look, I actually managed to avoid getting creamed by a double-decker bus.

Lost in my head, I found myself near the river and continued walking, the crisp October air giving me energy. I felt like such a tourist, but I didn't care. It was fascinating to pass by this amazing history that I couldn't see in Phoenix. Arizona had its own history for sure, but it was very different from what was in front of me right now. The mix of historical and modern was fascinating.

Yet despite my surroundings and the barrage of people I passed, I just couldn't stop thinking about him. I so did not want to bethatgirl obsessing about some guy. But I couldn't help it.

Hours later, my legs exhausted, as well as my mind, I made my way back to the hotel room and crashed without even taking off my clothes.

***

The next morning, I returned to the same coffee shop, hoping I would see him again. And also sort of praying I wouldn't.

My head was spinning with confusion while my heart thumped like a wild thing in my chest as I ordered my breakfast. I didn't think I could even eat anything—a definite rarity—because I was feeling so nervous.

This time, I sat facing the door so I would spot him right away. And if I did, I was determined to do something about it.

God, I felt sick. Even my hot chocolate wasn't going down well today.

I kept glancing at my phone so I wouldn't seem too stalker-ish if he did actually walk in. With every person that entered, my heartbeat escalated. Once, another man that looked just like him opened the door, and I thought I might die of a heart attack.

But as the minutes passed by, turning into an hour, and he still hadn't shown up, my heart slowed down to a normal pace while my stomach pains started to ease up. Maybe he didn't come here regularly. Maybe it had just been a one-time visit. I didn't know what to think as disappointmentandrelief flowed through me.

Sighing, I stood up to go and tossed my empty cup into the trash. I went to push the door, but it jerked open in front of me. Looking up, my breath left my body in a sudden whoosh as I saw it was mydream man.

"It's you," I blurted out.

His eyes met mine, and I felt that same shock from yesterday, only stronger.

This was definitely him!

"It's me?" he asked. "Do we know each other?"

"Um, no." I blinked a few times, trying to think of what on earth to say.

His intense, blue eyes narrowed. "You just said, 'It's you,' like you knew me."

Oh, God. This was so awkward, especially because that Scottish accent and deep voice were doing things to my core.

"Uh, well, I, um... just I think you look like someone I know, uh, I guess." Oh, crap. What the hell was wrong with me? I felt my cheeks flaming red.

Behind me, I heard a woman say, "Excuse me. Just need to squeeze by here."

"Oh, right. Wearekind of blocking the door," I said.

Stepping to the side, I let her through and then thought I might leave as well. Obviously, I wasn't capable of having this conversation with him.

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