Page 13 of Dreams That Bind Us
Don't do it… don't do it…
But she couldn’t stop herself. Her eyes moved involuntarily toward the veranda and she nearly stumbled as they landed on James, who openly watched her. His arms were crossed over his chest as he leaned against the white coral walls of the hotel, looking like a king casually studying his domain.
She shivered. If she wasn't careful—very careful—she would be his next conquest. Someone he'd charm and toss away at the first hint of her gifts.
That could never happen.
Chapter 5
Delray Beach
Anna smiled as she cruised up Highway One, the sun on her face and wind in her hair. The drive from Key West had been therapeutic and soothed her desperately frazzled nerves. She should have made this trip months ago.
For the first time in months, she felt like she could breathe. Her haunting dreams and all of her emotional baggage were in the rearview mirror, and she wasn't glancing over her shoulder wondering if James and his emerald gaze were watching her.
Is he really my tormentor? Or is he my lover, my soulmate?
She made a face, her hands tightening on the steering wheel. It was something she didn’twantto think about. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t get it out of her head.
What is there to think about? This is fate. I can’t run from it, and honestly, do I really want to?
Exhaling a sharp growl, she cleared her mind and focused on thoughts of her beloved aunt who she hadn't seen in over a year. It had been Aunt Louise who’d guided her as she explored her talents, and most especially, been there for her when her parents passed away several years ago in that plane crash.
Finally retired, they had been traveling the world, enjoying their freedom, when the unexpected had happened. It still haunted Anna that she hadn't foreseen the event or been able to say goodbye. But neither had Aunt Louise, who was a world-renowned clairvoyant. However, it was a huge comfort knowing that they had died together, doing what they loved.
Another wave of sweet relief poured through her as she drove over the final bridge to the barrier island. She smiled as she turned right onto Highway A1A. It was as if she could already feel her aunt's calming presence.
Within minutes, she pulled into the drive of a yellow, two-story stucco house raised high on stilts. She grinned when she spotted her aunt standing above her on the white picket wrap-around veranda, a drink in her hand. It was barely three o'clock, but Aunt Louise made up her own rules, especially when margaritas were involved.
"Just in time for a cocktail," Aunt Louise called out, raising her glass in a toast. "Come on up, girl. There's one ready for you and I've made a pot of your favorite soup." She swiveled dramatically, her brilliant blue sundress billowing in the air as she disappeared through the open French doors.
Anna giggled, clearing the weighty thoughts from her mind at the prospect of margaritas. She grabbed her overnight bag and climbed the long staircase.
Pausing at the top, she gazed toward the east, admiring the sun-kissed beach and crashing waves. Her aunt had been one of the fortunate few to build a house along this stretch of the island and steadfastly refused every ridiculous offer from developers that had come through.
"Come in, come in," her aunt urged, her voice floating through the open window. "We have a ton of catching up to do. And I want to see a picture of your man."
Anna closed her eyes on a groan. She hadn’t been here for more than a few seconds and the topic had already gone to James.
Maybe that's because he IS my man. It’s time to stop fighting it.
Her eyes popped open as that unexpected thought played through her head. She scowled at her inner voice, which unfortunately had never been wrong. Except now she wanted it to be wrong. Pulling in a deep breath, she walked through the front door.
"There's my girl!" Her aunt enveloped her in a huge, comforting hug, squeezing Anna close and rocking side to side. "You're finally home."
Several hours later, Anna was comfortably sprawled in an Adirondack chair, enjoying the churning energy from the ocean waves. She had a full belly and her mind was contentedly fuzzy from the series of margaritas she'd enjoyed. Sipping at her fourth cocktail in as many hours, she released a loud, obnoxious sigh.
"Well, that was telling." Aunt Louise was perched in her own chair, feet propped up and face tilted to the sky as she watched the clouds.
"Hmmmmm?" Anna asked. Her eyes were trained on a school of dolphins just beyond the surf line, watching their fins zig and zag as they chased their dinner.
"That sigh," her aunt answered. "It was full of release. What has you so worked up?"
Anna snorted, giving her aunt a cynical glance. "Seriously? You have to ask?"
"Pffft. Quit complaining." Her aunt held a dramatic hand to her brow. "Oh, no. You have a gorgeous man who is obsessed with you, who you dream about every night. And, oh yeah—he is also your soulmate, destined to bring you a lifetime of happiness and fulfillment. Boo-fricking-hoo! Nobody feels sorry for you, girl." She took a sip of her drink. "In fact, I'm jealous." Her foot nudged Anna's leg. "You still haven't shown me a picture of him."
"That's because I don't have one," Anna deadpanned. "I'm not the one who's obsessed."
