Lightning Only Strikes Twice

by Fletcher, Stanalei

  When she was young, her grandfather insisted she keep a library card. She’d used it often while he could still drive. Then his heath failed and prohibited the fun outings. In later years, if they went out together at all, it was to the doctor.

  A sudden longing for her grandfather caught her off guard. If he were here now, she could ask questions about Paul Crawford and Paul’s son, Richard. Instead, she only had her grandfather’s stories and her own memories.

  Annie slid the book back in its place and headed toward the exit. She’d reached the end of the local section when a movement from a corner table caught her attention.

  Luke Maxwell sat at a table, hunched over an open book, flipping through the pages.

  She stopped. Her heart ached at the familiar sight of him. She wanted to rush over, but couldn’t quite muster the courage. What would she say?

  As though he’d felt her stare, he glanced up.

  Their gazes locked.

  For an instant, he looked almost embarrassed, then offered an encouraging smile.

  Before she realized she was moving, she’d crossed the room until she stood next to the table.

  “What brings you to the library, Mr. Maxwell?” She moistened her lips, pleased her voice sounded steady.

  “I…uh…” He glanced at the pages he’d been studying, then closed the book.

  She tilted her head to look at the title. “You’re reading about mining?”

  “You caught me.” He looked guilty. “I’m looking through the history of White Rock.”

  Her legs wobbled at the confession. Was he doing the same research she’d been doing?

  Intrigued, she sat across from him. “Are you looking for something in particular? I seem to recall you weren’t interested in the past as much as building for the future.”

  “I wasn’t,” Luke admitted. “Until I met you.”

  She clutched the edge of the table as her stomach did a slow roll. She knew she shouldn’t read too much into the look he gave her. Yet, she’d seen it before. In the past. That deep, fathomless gaze where she’d lost herself.

  Determined to keep her emotions in control, she formed her next words carefully. “I can’t imagine anything I said would change your mind.”

  “Ah, that’s where you’re wrong. Your words this last weekend had a great deal of influence.”

  “If memory serves, I was very rude to you before—” She stopped herself. She was about to say, before we went back in time, but what if it was all in her imagination?

  “Before the accident?” Luke asked

  She nodded. There it was again—the underlying reminder that everything they’d shared had only been in her mind.

  “Your opinions caught my attention,” he continued. “In my position, I’m rarely contradicted.”

  She chuckled nervously to hide her disappointment. “Well, I’m glad something I said was useful. Even if you haven’t changed your plans, I’ll know you’ve at least given it some thought.”

  His gaze shifted to the book. “I’ve thought of little else.” He looked up with a speculative expression. “What makes you think my plans haven’t changed?”

  Annie swallowed and stared down at her clenched hands. “I’m sure it was against some sort of policy, but I went out to the property yesterday. The mill was already demolished.”

  Silence stretched until she thought she couldn’t stand it. There was so much she wanted to say. To ask why he’d torn apart their past. Her questions wouldn’t make sense to him.

  “I wasn’t aware you’d been to the site,” he said slowly. “I’m sorry you had to see that. I know how much the mill meant to you.”

  She glanced at him and shrugged in an attempt to appear nonchalant. “I sold you the property. It’s yours to do with as you please.”

  Luke moved the book to one side and leaned forward on the table. His sleeves were rolled to just below his elbows. Dark hairs sprinkled his muscular forearms, reminding her of how they once held her tightly against his chest. Her entire body responded to the memory and thrummed with desire.

  “I’m curious,” he said. “Why did you go out there?”

  Unease settled around her heart. She’d never been a good liar. She couldn’t say she’d gone to find proof they’d been together in 1891. “I…I felt drawn there. I guess I wanted to see the place one last time before—” She paused, taking a moment to keep her voice from showing too much distress. “Before everything changed.”

  Sympathy gleamed from his eyes. “I’d like you to understand something,” he said. “I had to tear down the mill. All toxic waste from the mining process must be removed to meet EPA regulations.”

  “Oh, of course.” She smothered a sigh. He was right. It was the responsible thing to do. She should be grateful he hadn’t forced her to drop the price because of the extra costs involved in cleaning up the property.

  Burying a desire to linger, she stood to leave. “I’ll let you get back to your research,” she said softly. “Good night.”

  ****

  Luke glanced at the closed book and then to Annie as she headed toward the door. “Wait.” He couldn’t let her simply walk away.

  She turned around.

  He quickly made up his mind. The research could wait—this opportunity couldn’t. “I’d like to take you up on that invitation for coffee.”

  Her gaze shifted nervously to the clock on the wall behind him.

  “Only if you have time,” he added. He was afraid she’d disappear, and he’d never see her again.

  He couldn’t ignore this undeniable connection to her. Maybe they hadn’t shared a journey to the past as he’d thought. Maybe it was all in his head. That didn’t mean he couldn’t get to know her. Here. In the present. Spending time with her now was more important than proving they’d traveled through time.

  Annie lifted her chin in a way that told him she’d come to a decision. “Okay,” she said.

  “Good.” Anticipation rushed through his body. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”

  He carried the book to the front desk and asked the librarian to hold it for him. Then he strode over to her. “I know a little place around the corner that serves some decent coffee. Come on.” He took her hand.

  Although she attempted to tug free a couple of times, Luke refused to relinquish his hold. He was reminded of the night they’d hiked the hill. The night they’d first made love. She was reluctant then, too. That had quickly changed. Even if it was only in his imagination.

  They walked around the corner of the library to a little café. Once inside, the aroma of food and beverages assailed his nostrils. All his senses seemed heightened because of this woman beside him.

  “Coffee?” he asked.

  “As long as its decaf,” she replied. “I’ve had trouble sleeping.”

  He glanced at her. “Have you called Dr. Michaels?”

  She shook her head. “It’s not that bad. I simply don’t want to add to the problem.”

  “We’ll take care of that.” Luke walked to the bar and ordered coffee for himself and a hot chocolate with splash of non-alcoholic Irish Cream for Annie. He paid for their drinks and they found a corner table to sit.

  She took a sip and sighed. “This is really good. Thank you.”

  “I’m sorry you’re having problems sleeping.”

  “I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about.” She took another sip. “You seem fine since—since the accident.”

  “I’m doing all right.”

  He noticed the hesitation again in her voice when she brought up the accident. He wanted to question her, but was afraid of how crazy he’d sound.

  His research hadn’t turned up enough evidence to prove anything, but he was confident, if he continued looking, he’d find it.

  He’d had the tree trunk removed and sent for testing to find the carved initials. One of his engineers thought they might be able to use some acid to remove the fire damage, although he’d been told
it was a long shot.

  “The doctor checked me for burns,” she said. “Did he check you too?”

  Luke took a sip of his coffee and nodded before answering. “Considering how close the lightning was, I think he was being thorough.”

  “I guess we’re fortunate we weren’t injured more severely.” She lifted a hand to her temple.

  The bruise near her hairline looked almost healed. “Does it still hurt?”

  “Only if I forget it’s there and bump it while brushing my hair.” She lowered her hand. “I’m sure it’s the source of my dreams.”

  “Dreams?” He’d been having dreams too. Ones that included Annie. In his arms. In his bed. He cleared his throat. “What do you dream about?”

  She glanced into her cup, taking a long moment to answer. “Nothing specific, really. But they’re so vivid.”

  Lifting the cup, she took a sip of cocoa, and then licked the chocolate from her lips.

  Luke’s groin tightened, remembering those lips on his skin. His brain stopped working as he just stared at her.

  “I hope you weren’t late for your appointment the other night.” She lowered her cup to the table.

  “Appointment?” Luke started at her question.

  “When you left my house, you said you had another appointment.” She reminded him.

  Reluctantly, he focused on the conversation instead of the way the overhead light shimmered off her hair like a halo.

  “No, I wasn’t late.” Actually, he had been late. He should have ended his relationship with Emmaline much sooner. That was over now and he could concentrate on the future. On the woman in front of him.

  “That’s good.”

  Annie stared down into her cocoa as she stirred it with a spoon.

  The conversation lagged. Chatter from other patrons crowded between them. Luke struggled for more to say, but all that came to mind was something he didn’t dare voice. How could he when it was clear she didn’t seem to know they’d time-traveled?

  She looked up, turmoil churning in her eyes. “It’s late.” Her voice was barely a whisper. “I need to go.” She slid off her chair and stood beside the table. “Thank you for the cocoa.”

  Luke stood too, unable to think of anything to say that would keep her from leaving.

  She turned and hurried toward the door.

  Spurned by an urgency he couldn’t name, he followed her.

  “Annie.” He caught her arm above the elbow and she stopped, but didn’t look at him. “I’d like to see you again.” The word blurted out. He felt, more than saw, the deep breath she took.

  When she turned, her expression was tight. She looked down at his fingers closed around her arm.

  He released her. “Please.” He couldn’t let her disappear again. Somehow, he’d find a way to stay in touch with her. Even if his memories of her and the past were a dream, surely their connection to the property and to each other couldn’t be random.

  The tip of her tongue slipped over her lips as she gazed up at him. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Annie stood in the restaurant doorway, hesitating over Luke’s request to see her again.

  Her desire to be with him was powerful. Yet tonight’s stilted conversation proved the only thing they had in common was the property and a freak accident.

  Everything she shared with him—those nights in the grove, his kisses—was all in her imagination.

  She tamped down a threatening hysteria at the paradox.

  The property brought them together. They’d intimately shared its history. Now they were back in their own time, and she couldn’t even discuss the most important event that had ever happened to her.

  The “accident” hung between them, bearing witness that her experience was a lie.

  She wanted to rail against the unfairness. How could she continue to see him when she knew exactly how his mouth tasted—how her body fit against his when they made love? How could she accept that none of it ever happened?

  She couldn’t.

  She couldn’t trust herself. Too many times tonight she’d come close to revealing her feelings. Where would that get her? She’d sound like she’d lost her mind.

  She’d rather keep Luke’s respect than live on eggshells every time she was near him. The best thing—the only thing she could do was keep her distance. If only her heart would listen to reason.

  “Why can’t I see you?” he asked. His question echoed the same in her mind.

  With a fortitude she wasn’t aware she had, she squared her shoulders. “I don’t think it’s wise. Our business arrangement should stay business.”

  “If I recall correctly, you said those words before,” he said with an easy smile.

  Annie tried to stop herself from responding. She took a deep breath, knowing she had to back away. “It’s still the right thing to do.” She pushed open the doors leading outside.

  Luke followed, reminding her of when he’d done the same in—No! It hadn’t happened. It was all a dream.

  “I think we’re beyond a business relationship,” he said. “We’ve shared a remarkable experience.”

  Annie’s heart stalled. She spun around to stare at him. “What are you talking about?” Was it possible that he believed?

  “You know.” He cleared his throat. “The accident.”

  The painful thud of her heartbeat started again. Of course. The accident. Why would he refer to anything else?

  “Unfortunately, that’s all we’ve shared.” She stepped aside as a couple passed, staring curiously at them.

  Luke was a well-known figure in this town. She suddenly felt self-conscious.

  The papers had him paired with another woman and being seen in a personal conversation with Annie was sure to cause speculation. The reminder of his relationship helped her find the strength to stand her ground. She’d never poach another woman’s territory.

  He stepped closer. “I’m sure if we try, we’ll find we have more in common than the accident.” He paused. “I’d like a chance to find out. That is, unless you’re seeing someone else.” He searched her face for evidence to the contrary.

  Annie twisted the empty finger where her engagement ring had been. Her ex-fiancé hadn’t stuck around while she tended to her sick grandfather. He hadn’t wanted a family. Those things were still important her. If she wasn’t good enough for an ordinary man like her ex, an extraordinary man like Luke would quickly lose interest in her.

  For a moment, she considered faking a relationship as an excuse. Honesty wouldn’t let her. “No, I’m not seeing anyone. However, you are. I’m sure your fiancée objects to you being with other women.”

  He hooked a finger under the collar of his shirt and tugged a button free. “What makes you think I have a fiancée?”

  “It was in last week’s paper.”

  Another patron approached, looking at them with interest.

  Luke scowled and cradled her elbow to move them away from the restaurant entryway. “The paper was mistaken. I’m not seeing her any longer.”

  Her heart leaped at his admission. “You’re not?”

  “I promise you, I’m not a man who steps out on a woman.”

  She looked up at the sky believing the stars had finally granted her wish.

  There were no stars. Reality brought her back to earth. The heavens weren’t the same as they’d been in White Rock. Nothing here was the same as it had been there.

  Even Luke was different. This Luke was rich, prominent, and moved confidently in his circle of affluence. The Luke she’d fallen in love with in 1891 was self-made. A man who got things done with his bare hands.

  Even if he was the same man, how could he possibly be attracted to her?

  In White Rock, all they had was each other.

  Here in the present—

  In the present, the difference was too vast. She believed in her heart, they’d traveled to 1891. He believed they’d had an accident.

 
Luke still held her elbow as they walked toward their cars. She wanted to ignore the warmth shooting up her arm, but couldn’t help basking in his protectiveness. With every part of her being, she wanted him in her life.

  If only they weren’t worlds apart.

  He glanced at the night sky as she’d done earlier. “It’s so hard to see the stars in the city, isn’t it?”

  “Yes,” she whispered, wondering if he remembered another sky, another time.

  “Can I tell you something?” His gaze drifted from the sky to her face. “Somehow, I feel that you’re the only person I can share this with—that you’ll understand.”

  Her mouth went dry. Could he hear her heart pounding? “Wha…what is it?

  “I don’t know if this feeling comes from facing my own mortality, of almost dying, or if it’s something else. But I came away with an entirely different outlook on life.”

  She understood. Even though routine had begun to invade her life, she was different too. “I know what you mean.”

  “Right. But there’s something…” He seemed to struggle for words.

  His unexpected lack of confidence made her want to comfort him. “What’s bothering you?”

  “I can’t explain it.” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Something happened to me…to us.”

  Annie gasped. Was it possible he knew?

  “You don’t have to say anything,” Luke said. “By your expression, I can tell you feel it too.”

  She nodded, like a puppet, whose wooden gestures weren’t her own. Turning away from his probing gaze, she noticed they’d arrived back at the library parking lot.

  Her car sat alone under a lamppost, illuminated in a way that emphasized the dings and dirt. Farther along the row, was Luke’s shiny Humvee.

  Like their cars, she and Luke were on completely different social levels. Her healthier bank account notwithstanding, she didn’t know how to fit in his world. And he certainly didn’t belong in hers.

  “You haven’t given me your answer,” he prodded softly.

  His voice alone had the power to seduce her.