Chapter 19
Ernestine sat at one end of the table holding court with Chase on her left and Reggie on her right. Gillian could feel the love and respect everyone had for her. The old woman was a powerhouse and everyone knew it. It amazed Gillian that Ernestine could so effortlessly control her abilities. She wielded power with such ease it simply wafted around her like radio waves, invisible but there nonetheless. It was a part of her like an arm or a leg and her mind controlled it just as easily.
“I’d like to make a toast.” The old lady raised her glass, “To New Crescent’s next generation.” She turned and nodded at Travis, Gillian, Regina, Chase and Sam. “May you assume your responsibilities with grace and wisdom.” She took a sip of her wine and smiled inscrutably at Gillian. There was silence.
Reggie looked around the table and said, “Add it all up and it spells…what the…?” Ernestine rolled her eyes and said, “Make all the jokes you want my girl; one day you’ll understand. The Stantons are one of the old families. Your roots run very deep. In time, you’ll come to respect them.”
“I respect them now. I’ve just accepted the fact I have no gift like you or Gillian. I know that disappoints you, but it wasn’t meant to be, for me. Travis is a guy, and even he has a little something extra. Granted, he calls it his gut instinct and so it’s acceptable in FBI speak, but it’s there all the same.” She shrugged, “I’m about as psychic as goat cheese.”
Sam said, “Well, I don’t know, I’ve always found goat cheese to be rather insightful.”
Reggie laughed, “I guess there’s still hope for me after all.” She put an elbow on the table and looked at Gillian. “You see, the old families’ history tells us that certain abilities or gifts are passed down through the female line…and that’s me. I guess our blood’s getting pretty thin because I got nothing.” She tapped her forehead. “And you know what? It’s okay with me.”
“It is, as it should be.” Ernestine patted Reggie’s hand. “Let’s not fuss about it.”
They were one big, happy family and Gillian felt honored to be part of it all. Travis never missed an opportunity to touch her and Aunt Ernestine watched over them all, joining in the discussion when she felt like it. But most of all, there was laughter; a lot of laughter.
Pushing away from the table, their hostess suggested they have coffee and dessert outside. It was a beautiful night and the garden was the perfect spot. It was lit with what must have amounted to, thousands of tiny, white lights. The sound of the ocean was soothing music heard softly in the distance, while the sea air, lent an irresistible fragrance to the warm night. Conversation continued to be lively, especially as Sam started to tease Reggie. Travis added his own barbs and Chase smiled, apparently enjoying Reggie’s reaction. For his trouble, it was Chase’s foot she trod on in retaliation. Chase’s look of outraged innocence was comical and standing at the edge of the patio, Gillian suppressed a giggle. The sound of their laughter was a perfect accompaniment to the sound of the surf.
Travis came up behind her and kissed the nape of her neck.
“Um…I like it when you put your hair up like this. It gives me easier access.” He whispered between lazy kisses.
She felt gooseflesh from head to foot and longed to melt into his embrace, have him take her anywhere, as long as they were together. He turned her in his arms and all conversation dissolved as she breathed in his warm scent.
Her head snapped up, her body tensing. In an urgent voice, she whispered, “Someone’s watching.”
He didn’t comprehend immediately but the fear on her face spoke volumes. She looked toward the beach.
“He’s watching us. I can feel him.”
Ernestine moved to her side. She took Gillian’s hands in hers and said, “Hush child, I know. I can feel him too.” She turned to Travis and said, “Take Sam and Chase and search the beach. He’s on the move. Not much chance you’ll catch him, but you have to try. We’ll take care of things here.” She nodded her head at Ruth and Bill.
He fired instructions at Sam and Chase and they ran off towards the beach. Hank stayed by Gillian’s side. Bill hustled everyone else back into the house. Ernestine sat beside Gillian holding her hands in a firm grip. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Aunt Ernestine.” Her racing pulse had eased somewhat.
“Good.” Ernestine said in a low voice. “I’m sorry there’s nothing I can do to help. I can’t interfere. What will be, must be.”
Travis came back first. “He was gone by the time we got to the beach. We heard a car drive off in the distance though. Someone was there all right. This beach is just too inaccessible. There’s no good reason for someone to be out there unless the intent was to watch the house.”
Chase and Sam came back together. “He didn’t break into anything. And as far as we could tell, there’s no damage.”
Standing beside Regina, Chase said, “I’m driving you home Reggie, no arguments.” She looked up at him, a characteristic quip at the ready. It died on her lips when she saw the fierce look in his eyes and she nodded silently.
“Well,” Ruth took control of the situation, “it looks like you’ve scared him off. Good. I refuse to let a trespasser ruin our evening. How about dessert?”
* * * *
Travis and Gillian were quiet on the drive to the house on the cliff. When he pulled into the driveway, she refused to stay locked in the car with Hank and instead went with Travis as he checked the house and grounds. She was getting a little tired of the taste of fear on her tongue.
Upstairs in her bed, Travis drove her to the brink of sensual insanity. When she could take no more, she yanked his hair and pushed him away from her. He looked at her with concern, confusion written all over his face. She laughed and tossed her gleaming, chestnut hair over her shoulder. She sat astride him, grabbed both of his wrists and pinned them to the bed.
In a firm but provocative voice, she said, “Stay still. Stay perfectly still. It’s my turn.” He started to protest but she shook head and wagged a finger at him. “Uh, uh, uh. Behave yourself.” And she applied herself to the delightful adventure ahead.
She kissed him hard on the lips sucking his bottom lip into her mouth, trapping it there. He responded immediately but managed to resist taking the lead. She circled his lips with her tongue and ran a finger from his ear to the base of his throat. She blew gently in his ear and whispered what she planned to do to him while intermittently dipping the tip of her tongue into the crevice of this ear. Her descriptive prose was admirable and incredibly erotic. He groaned with pleasure and started to take over but she sat up abruptly, her eyes glaring an unmistakable warning.
He grinned at her and immediately surrendered. She moved with unhurried and incredibly erotic grace, trailing hot kisses down his chest towards his belly. She paused and looked into his eyes. The passion she saw there made her smile and lick her lips provocatively. She took him in her mouth and proceeded to drive him beyond the brink.
At last, she let him take over and after making sure she was aroused, wet and as hungry for him as he was for her, he drove himself inside her. It took only a few strokes and they both dove over the precipice.
Gillian felt more sexually powerful than she had in her entire life. She’d brought this incredibly strong man to his proverbial and, well, let’s face it, literal knees. She hugged the knowledge to her. She had spent the better part of her life thinking she wasn’t much of a sexual being. Travis had changed all that for her. She was as enthusiastic about their sexual relationship as he was. Physically, she and Travis were perfectly matched but she silently acknowledged that it was more than that. She liked and admired the man as well.
Seeing Travis’ parents together made her miss her own parents and reminded her of what a fulfilling marriage was like. She wanted that in her life, but at the same time, she acknowledged, few people were lucky enough to find that kind of happiness. No more skimming the surface of life, accepting less than what her soul cried out for. Gillian wan
ted it all with Travis and as she lay there in his arms, she wondered if she was destined to get it. For now, he seemed happy with her but they’d never talked about the future.
She was in love with him, body and soul. It was so new and had happened so fast, it scared her. She was unable to admit it to the man himself. Was it ever easy to be the first one to say “I love you”? For now, she was content to just be with him. Analysis and discussion could come later.
“Are you okay, Gilly?” he asked her, a look of concern on his handsome face.
She turned to him with surprise. “Of course I am. What makes you ask that?”
“You looked really pensive. Not your usual ‘Oh my stars, this man is a veritable god’ look you usually have after sex.”
She laughed, “Fishing for compliments, Sheriff?”
His laughter joined hers, “You’re the one who should be complimented lady. You turn me inside out.” They laid in silence a moment and he said, “Did you have a good time tonight with my family?”
Rolling on her stomach, she propped herself up on her elbows and looked at him. “I sure did. Did you really have to ask?”
“I was worried that finding out we were being watched, ruined the evening for you.”
“Your parents wouldn’t let it. I was fine. I feel at home here. I can’t explain it. It’s a nice feeling.”
“I’m glad. I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe.” He settled her comfortably on his chest, and kissed her. “Get some sleep now, Gilly. You need it.” They fell asleep in each other’s arms.
* * * *
He watched as the lone light went out in the house on the cliff. That bastard sheriff was with her, in her bed. He’d almost blown it earlier tonight. He’d lost patience. A mistake, one he wouldn’t make again. He curled his hands into fists, close cropped fingernails dug deep into the flesh of his palms, drawing thick, wet blood. His rage grew. In the distance he could hear thunder.
Chapter 20
She thrashed about in her sleep and woke Travis. He tried to comfort her but she fought him, whimpering and crying out.
“Gilly, honey, it’s me. It’s just a dream. Wake up now.”
Still, she struggled. Finally he gave her shoulder a shake. She woke with a start and looked up with fear in her eyes. She blinked at him and shook her head, starting to cry.
“What is it?”
“It felt like much more than a dream and this time he was after me. I could feel him in my mind as well. Then he was touching me, his hands all over me. I feel sick.” She rushed from the bed to the bathroom. Travis followed her. When she was finished washing up, he took her by the shoulders and helped her back to the bed. She rested on her side and he spooned behind her, drawing the covers over them both. His warmth felt wonderful and she snuggled closer to him.
“Have you had this dream before?” His voice in her ear was low and soothing.
“Not this exact one, but something very much like it. I’ve had nightmares ever since the attack but tonight, this one was more focused, physical. I felt like someone was dragging me into the darkness, pressing on me. It was so real.”
He stroked her hair. “And it’s never been so intense before?”
“No it hasn’t. Maybe I just remember more of it and that’s what made it so real.” She shrugged, trying to make sense of things.
“Can you tell me about it?”
She gave him a brave nod. “He was all over me, pushing me down. In the past, I could hear whispering but no distinct words. Just now, I could understand the words he said. It was kind of like what Sandy described. He kept saying, “Mine. You’re mine.” It was terrifying. It was like he wanted to consume me. Such a feeling of powerlessness and despair. He was on top of me and I couldn’t get away.”
“Describe him. In the nightmare, do you ever see his face? Is it the same voice as the one in your vision on the beach?”
She closed her eyes reluctantly, “I don’t remember his face but it’s definitely the same voice. It’s him Travis, I know it.”
“And this nightmare recurs? You had it before Sandy’s rape?”
She turned to face him. “Yes. I had one in Marcus’s house the day I moved to New Crescent.”
“Hmm,” was his only response.
“Where are you going with this?” She frowned. “You think my dreams are precognitive?”
“Who knows, but I do know that we need some answers and soon.” He placed a hand on her heart. “You’re calming down at least. How do you feel?”
“A little better, it helps to talk it out but I don’t feel comfortable calling Dr. Smythe since you told me he’d lied about his reasons for being in town.”
“Sorry, I haven’t had time to follow up on that. Is there another doctor you can see?”
“There is a guy who consulted on my case. Maybe I’ll try to see him.”
“Good idea, but in the meantime, let’s see what else I can do.” He grinned, but instead of kissing her as she expected, he cradled her face in his hands and drew her eyes to his, reaching out to her with his thoughts.
She could feel him instantly and the comfort he offered; nothing specific just warmth and understanding. He gave and she took. It was beautiful and so very intimate. Gillian found peace.
He was late for work and refused breakfast. He grabbed a quick cup of coffee and was walking towards the door when she said, “Marcus is coming tonight. Remember?”
He froze in the doorway. “No, actually, I forgot. What are your plans?”
“I don’t know exactly. I’m not sure when he’ll get here. I guess it depends on his schedule. What are your plans?”
“I’m sleeping here again tonight, but I’ll bring Maggie as well. She’s sure to be feeling left out.” He stroked Hank’s head. “Marcus will be staying at his mother’s house, right?”
She took offense. “What’s that supposed to mean? Of course he’s staying at his mother’s place. What? Did you think he’d be staying here? Where did that come from?”
He ran his hand through his damp hair and sighed. “I don’t know. But what am I supposed to think Gillian? You’re here because of him. You have a relationship with him that I know nothing about, and I don’t like him. Now, he’s going to be here with you and you’re all excited about it. You’re excited about seeing another man. How am I supposed to act?”
“Like you trust me.” Her answer was stilted.
“I’ll do my best.” He walked out, shutting the door behind him.
Left standing in the middle of her kitchen with her mouth hanging open, Gillian was astounded. He’d left. Just like that. What were they supposed to do now? She heard the crunch of his boots on gravel and started to go after him.
Before she could get to the door, he was standing in front of her again. He took her face in his large hands and crushed her lips with his.
Finally, he said, “I do trust you and by all accounts Marcus has been a good friend to you. I haven’t liked him for years, but he’s your friend, the reason you’re here in the first place.”
“Marcus has been very good to me and he’s asked for nothing in return. She sighed. “Marcus and I never had a romance with each other. He’s never laid a hand on me. After what I went through in the hospital, he’s afraid for me. He is my friend. I won’t turn my back on him for you or anyone. You’re not the man I thought you were if you expect me to do that.”
Taking her into his arms, he touched his forehead to hers and said, “You’re right of course. I could never ask you to drop a friend for me and I do trust you. You don’t have it in you to be false. I’m just being foolish” He kissed her. “Now, I really have to go. I have a lot of work to do.”
In the doorway he paused, “Just so there’s no misunderstanding, I’ll be staying here tonight, so save me a spot.” She was still smiling when she heard him drive off.
After he left, she placed a call to Dr. Devlin, one of the specialists she’d worked with in the hospital. As luck would have it, he had a canc
ellation that morning. That left her with barely enough time to shower, change and travel the distance into the city.
Devlin remembered her and Hank and seemed genuinely happy to see them.
“It’s good to see you again, Gillian. Dr. Smythe told me he’d visited you.”
Gillian was on her guard immediately. “Yeah, he said he had a friend living in the area and thought he’d check up on me as well. His visit was perfectly timed.”
“Well, he’s made no secret of the fact that you’re his favorite patient.”
She hesitated, “He’s very kind.” Surely if Smythe felt anything unprofessional for her he’d take pains to hide that fact and not tell colleagues she was his favorite. There must be an explanation why he’d lied to her about his reasons for being in New Crescent. Travis had to be wrong to suspect him.
Gillian didn’t find it easy to confide in Dr. Devlin so her session with him wasn’t as successful as she’d hoped, but he was able to give her a couple more relaxation techniques to try.
Before leaving the hospital, she stopped by Marcus’s office in hopes of surprising him between patients. She knew she’d be seeing him soon but being back at the hospital made her think of him. She missed him and decided to seek him out.
Marcus’ secretary, the ever efficient Hilary, smiled tightly when Gillian asked if he was in.
“Yes he is, but he’s with a patient right now. His schedule is fully booked these days. Not a moment to spare. Do you have an appointment, Miss Watson?”
“No, no, I just thought I’d catch him if he had a moment.” She could hear the soft murmur of voices and muted music in his office and shrugged, “It was a long shot. Thanks anyway, I’ll see him later.”
Hilary turned back to her computer without another word. As Gillian walked away she could hear the phone ringing. Marcus’s office was always busy. She smiled as she remembered the number of women staff and patients who’d shown interest in the good doctor. She supposed that was to be expected given his eligible status, charm and good looks. Having a medical degree didn’t hurt either.
Trouble [New Crescent 1] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 15