Sweet Dreams (Sweetwater Book 2)

by Rivi Jacks

  Is this the reason for our delay? Have we been waiting for whoever’s on that plane? As I watch, the door opens, and a tall, dark-haired man ambles down the steps. Close behind him is a woman with white blonde hair wearing a dress so short, it barely covers her ass.

  The man and Lucas greet warmly, shaking hands, and the stranger places a hand on Lucas’ shoulder. So, he must be a good friend. I’ve noticed that no one casually touches Lucas. Even with his exes, I’ve noticed reserve on their part.

  The men turn to watch as the woman descends. They can probably see what color of panties she’s wearing. If she’s wearing any. My hand unconsciously reaches for the door handle and stills as I watch the woman suddenly launch herself into Lucas’ arms.

  What the hell!

  My mouth drops open as her arms encircle his neck. Thankfully, he reaches up to pull free of her clutches, looking back toward the Hummer, his eyes locking on mine.

  He turns back and says something to her, and she suddenly starts walking my way. She walks with a confident, sexy stride, smiling with a self-assured boldness. I know that look. I’ve seen it on Lucas’ face countless times. As she reaches the Hummer, she opens my door.

  “Hi!” She flashes a movie star smile. “Be a dear and sit in the back, won’t you? I get car sick if I don’t ride up front.”

  My first thought is that she has a heavy accent—maybe Irish— and my second thought is she must think I’m stupid if she thinks I’ll just roll over and let her move in on Lucas. Before I can tell her to hit the road, the driver’s side door opens.

  “Sit in the back, Richael,” Lucas tells her.

  Oh, hell. Why does he keep telling me their names?

  “Lucas,” —her petulant voice immediately gets on my third nerve— “you know I need to sit up front.”

  “Then you’ll need to ride in the vehicle up ahead with Peter.” I look from Lucas to the blonde floozy, catching her pout.

  “Lucas, I’m sure your little friend won’t mind—”

  Lucas is out of the car in the next instant, coming around the front of the Hummer to take the woman by the arm leading her toward the SUV parked ahead of us. I watch as they stop beside the car. I wish I could read lips; I’d love to know what he’s saying to her. When she reaches up to place her hand on his chest, I see him shake his head, and her hand drops to her side. He opens the rear door, and she takes a step back, laughing, clearly trying to cajole him. I don’t need to read lips when I can read Lucas’ body language, and he’s not happy.

  The opposite rear side door opens, and the man who arrived on the plane with the woman steps out. He’s not happy either if his facial expression means anything. He says something, and in a huff, she climbs into the SUV. Lucas makes no attempt to close her door as he heads my way in long strides.

  After sliding in behind the wheel again, he buckles his seat belt and then turns his silvered gaze on me. I raise my eyebrow but think it best not to say a word. But I am grinning on the inside.

  As we leave the airport with our escort. I sit quietly, thinking about something Lucas said.

  “Are you ok?” he asks, reaching for my hand.

  “Why would you say that your life is questionable?”

  He glances at me with a raised brow.

  “On the plane, you said you were angrier than you’d ever been in your long, questionable life. What did you mean?”

  I watch as he glances out his side mirror and then glances back at me before returning his attention to the road. “I didn’t mean anything, my sweet. Just a figure of speech.”

  There’s something more to what he said than he’s admitting, but I let it go. For now.

  We’re both quiet for several miles, lost in our own thoughts. I can’t help but think about what happened earlier that morning with the Kihn. I hope Jeannie is okay and not for the first time, I wonder where her man was during it all. Previously the only time I saw her, she’d been with him. Maybe it was good he wasn’t there… things could have escalated, and there might have been a whole other outcome to the situation. And just where was the Kihn planning on taking me if he’d succeeded in dragging me out of there? Back to the cave I saw in the dream or did the Kihn have other plans if they’d been successful in their attempt to abduct me?

  “Did you know the Kihn?”

  Lucas gives me a quick glance knowing which Kihn I’m speaking of. “Only who he was.” My expression clearly states I’m waiting for him to continue. “He was one of the Henchmen.”

  “Henchmen?” I frown at the word.

  Lucas slows the vehicle to take the exit off the interstate highway. I wait patiently as he negotiates through the intersection and then we’re on our way again. “The Henchmen are what we call Dar’s personal guard.” He gives me a smile. “I believe we have Taylor to thank for the nickname.”

  “So—he was kind of an important Kihn?”

  Lucas glances at me again. “I guess you could say that,” he says slowly.

  No common Kihn for me. “Why would they send one of Dar’s personal guard to capture me?” I look over at Lucas. “Why am I so important to them?”

  When Lucas’ gaze meets mine, I shudder in reaction to the cold menace I see in the depths of his eyes. In a dark, dangerous voice, he says, “I don’t know, but I intend to find out.”

  For the rest of the drive, I watch the passing countryside. I occasionally glance at Lucas, but he remains quiet with his own thoughts. As we reach the outskirts of Sweetwater, I’m wondering who the Scotts are, and I’m working at keeping my imagination from dwelling on any type of relationship Lucas and the blonde woman might have had. All in the past anyway, right?

  I unconsciously sigh.

  “What’s wrong?”

  I look over at him as he glances back and forth between me and the road.

  “Nothing’s wrong, Lucas.” Well, lots of things are wrong right now, and there’s no telling what’s going on in Sweetwater. It feels as if I’ve been gone weeks instead of days. But, I don’t think he means that.

  He reaches for my hand, bringing it to his mouth, kissing my upturned wrist. “Is this about Richael?”

  I give him a blank look.

  “Don’t be obtuse, Sofie. You know who I’m talking about.”

  “I know who you’re talking about, I’m just wondering why she and her brother are here.”

  He gives me a choked laugh, amusement on his face. “Why would you think Peter and Richael are brother and sister? They look nothing alike.”

  “Family doesn’t always look alike. Look at Sawyer and me; we look nothing like the others.”

  He nods, smiling. Why does he find this so funny? He turns his amused grin on me. “Peter and Richael are husband and wife.”

  I know I look shocked, catching his knowing smile. Married? She was all over Lucas—in front of her husband!

  “Does her husband know about the two of you?”

  Lucas looks surprised for just a moment before his face closes down. “I have not, nor will I ever have a relationship with Richael Scott,” he says firmly.

  I search his profile as he glares at the highway. They may never have had a relationship, but there’s history between the two of them.

  “Does she know that?” I ask softly.

  He doesn’t reply.

  Lucas parks the Hummer under the shade trees at his house next to the SUV with Taylor and the Scotts. The other vehicle that has followed us from Springfield continues up the driveway that leads to the arena.

  The doors of the SUV open and Richael Scott is the first to step out, tossing her long blonde hair and stretching in a way to show off her curvaceous figure. She is a beautiful woman with an ethereal look to that beauty.

  I exit the Hummer slowly as I watch her assessing her surroundings.

/>   I smile at Max as he comes down the front steps to give a hand with the unloading of the luggage.

  “Miss Sofie, it’s good to see you back, it’s been unusually quiet around here without you.”

  Taylor laughs out loud, and I catch Lucas’ grin. I ignore them the best I can.

  “Hi, Max, I’ve missed you.”

  His smile broadens.

  “Hey!” Taylor lifts a suitcase out and sets it down. “You didn’t say anything about missing me.”

  “With good reason,” I retort. I flash him a smile and catch Richael sidling up to Lucas. He pointedly turns his back on her.

  Max chuckles and Taylor dramatically places his hand over his heart as if I’ve wounded him.

  “Sofie,” Lucas takes hold of my hand to hold me back as the others climb the front steps to enter the house. “I have a conference call I can’t put off, but I promise to keep it short. Peter will be sitting in with me on the call, so you’ll have to…” He hesitates.

  “Endure the company of his wife?” I offer. His lips rise in a sexy half-smile. I give him my own smug smile. “I can do that.”

  He looks as if he’s trying not to grin. “Behave yourself.” He tugs on my hand and pulls me against him. “As soon as—”

  The front door opens, putting a halt to whatever he’s about to say. I push against his chest, and he slowly releases me to turn toward Taylor who is definitely grinning.

  “Sorry.” Taylor winks at me. “Lucas, the call is ready.”

  “I’ll be right in.” He turns back after Taylor closes the door. “There’s not going to be a problem with Richael is there? I can speak with her before I take my call.”

  “No, it’s fine. Take care of your business, I’ll handle the blonde.”

  “Is that right?” His laugh is husky and masculine, pushing all the right buttons of my libido. My stomach muscles tighten deliciously in response.

  He gives me a wicked grin as he steps closer. Leaning down, his mouth brushes against my ear. “I recognize that look, my sweet and now it’s going to be difficult to focus on business.”

  I bite my lip as his breath bathes my ear and neck in warmth. His scent is intoxicating. I close my eyes and let the erotic sensations wash over me, pulling me deeper as Lucas’ arms close around me. I want to raise my arms above my head and float on the current of sexual bliss—

  My eyes pop open, and I squirm against his hold. “Let go of me!” He’s grinning as I glare up into his eyes. “Stop—doing that!”

  He laughs as he releases me. “I can’t help myself, sweet.”

  I put distance between us as the sensual fog lifts. “Well—you need to work on your self-control,” I snap.

  He laughs again and is instantly at my side in the disconcerting way he has of moving quicker than the eye can blink. I do my best not to show my unease.

  “I don’t like it when you—”

  “That’s just it, my sweet.” He leans close and inhales deeply. “I can’t compel you. It’s a novelty, and it’s like an unspoken command—a natural instinct on my part to” —he shrugs— “subdue you.”

  My lips part with my sharply indrawn breath. His eyes are alight with laughter, his beautiful mouth wickedly amused.

  What the hell? Subdue me? As in prey or—

  “Lucas,” Max suddenly says. I’m startled, not having heard the front door open. “Barlow’s getting impatient.”

  Lucas gives me a cocky raised eyebrow. “Wait for me, sweet, and I’ll join you shortly.” He whistles as he sprints up the steps following Max back into the house.

  Oh! He’s impossible.

  I suddenly smile. I love his playful teasing—even if it does annoy me.

  My cell rings. “Hey, Sawyer.”

  “You home?”

  “I am.”

  “I’ll be over later.”

  “Sounds good.” I slowly climb the steps to the porch. “I have something to tell you.” He’s going to go crazy when he hears about what happened with the Kihn in Jackson Hole.

  “Tell me now.”

  I laugh. I know he’s going to dwell on what I have to share until I see him. “It’s not anything to talk about on the phone. I’ll tell you later when I see you.”

  “If you’re gonna make me wait, it better be good.”

  “Oh, it is. Gotta go.” I hear him mumbling as I hang up.

  I head into the house and the door to Lucas’ study, off the foyer, is already closed. I find Richael in the living room. She’s lying on the rug in front of the fireplace on her stomach flipping through a magazine, her long legs bent at the knee as she swings them up and down in the air. She’s stripped down to her bright pink bra and matching thong.

  What. The. Hell.

  She looks up as I stop in the doorway. “Oh good… you’re here. I need extra towels, and I’m hungry. Could you fix me something to eat?”

  I blink at her. Sometimes life is just too perfect.

  “Sorry, you’ll have to ask Max for towels, I have no idea where to find the linen closet.” Which isn’t exactly true, I’m sure I could find it if I wanted to.

  She sits up. “You have quite the accent.” She wrinkles her nose. “Hillbilly?”

  I tilt my head, almost laughing. “Riiight,” I drawl.

  I’m already tired of her, so I turn to head for the bedroom as I throw over my shoulder, “There are sandwich fixens in the icebox.” I snicker as I turn the corner. Will she even know that I mean the refrigerator?

  I shut the bedroom door leaning against it. That was rude of me. I mean, after all, she is a guest. I close my eyes. Did Lucas know ahead of time that the Scotts were coming? He must have. I cross the room. It’s only three in the afternoon, and it’s already been one hell of a day. I’m homesick for my family, and I need to see Diane, but I’ll have to wait until someone is available to accompany me before I can leave. This sucks.

  I sigh in resignation as I pace the room. I’m not sure how I’ll make it through the evening with blondie drooling all over Lucas. I head down the hall to the sauna and stop at the back door. I probably should go back and throw some clothes at her… at least a robe.

  I let myself out the door, and it doesn’t take long to reach the cabin, feeling exhilarated from the brisk walk. Putting my hand on the biometric keypad, I notice an access control option.

  After a shower, I get comfy in sweats and a spaghetti strap cami on the couch with a glass of wine. The fireplace has a nice fire blazing giving the cabin a warm, homey ambiance.

  I like this. It’s nice to have a place to which I can escape. I go down my list calling my aunt Jordy first. She reminds me of the family dinner the next day after church. Then I make plans with Diane and Emma Rae to take in a movie afterward.

  And then I call my uncle Ben. I’ve left him for last because I’m not sure how I’m going to answer any questions he might have about my trip to Wyoming. But I’m pleasantly surprised at his response when I reach him. I’ll have to find out later just what Jake told him about my little impromptu trip.

  I’ve just poured my second glass of wine, trying to put the last eight hours into perspective when there’s a loud knock at the door. When I open it, Lucas is casually leaning against the door frame, his arms crossed over his chest.

  His gaze is dark, foreboding and incredibly sexy. “You changed the settings on the keypad,” he says softly.

  “Sorry. Not on purpose so much as just a goof while I was checking out the options.” I smile guiltily, embarrassed that I messed up the settings. “I’ll need to see the owner’s manual to fix it.”

  We stand there staring at each other. “May I come in?”

  I blush. “Of course. It’s your cabin.”

  He steps past me, murmuring, “I told you, I built it for you.
” He turns to face me. “It’s yours.”

  Looking down I shake my head.

  “What’s wrong?” He takes my hand and tugs, pulling me close. I flatten my hands against his chest.

  “I guess I’m just—” One corner of his mouth lifts. “It’s—a little overwhelming, Lucas.”

  “It’s just a house, Sofie.”

  I give him a choked laugh. “Yeah—a house.”

  “Well, my sweet, hold on because I have a few more surprises in store for you.”

  “What—”

  My words are cut off as his mouth captures mine, his hand coming up to tangle in my hair. I sway slightly when he ends the kiss, releasing me.

  “Sofie… I have something to tell you.” There’s hesitation in his voice, and my senses perk up.

  “What?” I whisper warily as he crosses the room to the liquor cabinet. “Is it bad?” I know I have a bad feeling.

  He looks up quickly. “No, but it’s necessary.”

  Huh? Now I am worried. I nervously rake my hair back off my forehead.

  “We’re going to make a trip out to the Zelts.” He hesitates, taking a deep sip of his drink. “You need to tell them what you revealed to me about your dreams.”

  “What?” That one word is barely a whisper, but it’s full of alarmed emotion.

  “I called to let them know we’re coming.”

  “Why would you do that?” I gasp.

  He tosses back his drink and sets his glass down. “Because they need to know.”

  “No, they don’t. It has nothing to do with them, Lucas.”

  He crosses the room to stand in front of me. “Sofie,” —he says firmly— “it may concern us all. There’s a reason behind the Kihn being able to connect with you like this, and I think you know that.” I swallow deeply as his intense gaze holds mine. “Hey,” he says softly reaching out to stroke my cheek with the back of his fingers. “I know this is upsetting to you. I understand that it took a lot of courage on your part to tell me and now I’m asking you to tell others what you’ve had to deal with.”