Page 42 of Dreams That Bind Us
Key West
James popped open an eye at the narrow beam of sunlight that broke through the slats of the blinds. He lay there for a moment, disoriented, his brain struggling to catch up. A rooster crowed in the distance and James pulled in a deep breath as he glanced at the clock.
Seven AM.
His brain murky, he blinked his eyes several times and looked again.
Seven AM.
What the hell?
Damn, he'd slept like the dead last night. And he couldn't remember the last time he'd slept in this late. Since his college days, he'd been an early riser, recognizing the boost it gave him to get up before the sun.
Because he traveled all over the world, he'd never seen the logic of taking a vacation. His motivation was acquiring companies and properties, building them up and selling them. Most days required being in the office earlier than everyone else and working long hours. Sleeping in was a luxury he'd never allowed himself.
Finally, the delicate honeysuckle scent and small weight on his chest registered, and he drew in a sharp breath.
Anna
Stunned, he lay there as the memories of the night washed over him. Anna had not only stayed the night but had been an enthusiastic participant in his bed. It had been even better than in his dreams.
He froze at that thought. He hadn't dreamed last night, or at least he didn't remember dreaming about her. It had been his first full night of sleep in close to six months.
Is that good or bad?
The possibility of losing his dreams of Anna made his heart thump in panic. It had been something he'd both cursed and loved at the same time. They had tortured him most nights, but he didn't want to let go of those erotic moments. In fact, now that she was finally in his arms, he wanted to act out each and every one he'd had.
A soft moan cut through his thoughts, and he smiled as Anna’s nose nuzzled into his neck. He hands stroked down her silky back, stopping briefly to massage her sweet little ass.
"Mmmmmmm," she hummed, arching against his chest.
"Morning, Kitten," James mumbled into her hair before dropping a kiss on her brow.
Anna lifted her head and blinked at him several times, as if she were confused how she’d landed in his bed.
"Huh," she grunted, her brow beetling.
His eyes narrowed. Did she not enjoy last night? Did she think this was a one-time thing?
Not on your life, Kitten.
"What does that look mean?" he asked, keeping his tone light. The last thing he wanted was to scare her off now.
His arms tightened around her, afraid she'd pull away. There was no way he was allowing that. Like he told her last night, she was his and she'd have to get used to it.
Anna's head dropped to his shoulder and she sighed as her body relaxed against his. She stroked a hand up his stomach and combed through the hair on his chest. "I wondered for a moment if this was just another dream."
The band around his chest eased. His brows shot up when her words registered. "Anotherdream? What do you mean?"
With a groan, she buried her face in his neck, shaking her head.
"Anna?" Still no response. Annoyed she wouldn't answer, James rolled them until she couldn’t hide from him. She squinched her face, refusing to look at him.
James chuckled and kissed her lips softly, threading his fingers through her hair to hold her still. "Anna," he admonished. "Answer me." She shook her head again.
"I've dreamed about you," he blurted out, tired of holding it in and hoping she'd respond if he admitted this secret. "Every single night."
Anna's face went slack, her eyes opening. "What?"
