She understood that Dom was probably up to his neck in statements, reports, and all of that, and it was just as important to her that every t was crossed and every i dotted so it was air tight and there were no holes for the Warden to slip through when it came to prosecution, but her heart didn’t understand. She had gotten used to him being here and missed him now. He was too far to connect with on their private path, and if he hadn’t been able to take the time to phone her, then she didn’t want to bother him by calling.
Sighing, she got up and wandered over to look out the window. It was a clear night, yet the snow was falling in a slow, leisurely fashion as if it were weightless and in no hurry to land on the ground. She backed up a few feet and grinned. It would make a beautiful scene on a card. The thought made her look at the table, and the card on top of it addressed to Dominic. The first Valentine’s Day card she had bought in a long time, and now she only hoped he was here tomorrow so she could give it to him.
The phone ringing startled her out of the melancholy trying to take over her. She hurried over and grabbed it. “Hello?”
“Hi, Jennah. It’s Tess.”
Not the voice she wanted to hear on the other end. “Hi.”
“I needed to call so we could work out a few things—before I finish up the reports.”
Jennah grinned. “Things like how you found me without the popping in for a visit part?”
Tess laughed. “Exactly those.”
Jennah sat down on the couch and pulled her feet up beneath her. “I was wondering about that earlier. We can’t really put down much of the truth.”
Tess sighed loudly into the phone. “I know. I’ve been waiting to talk to Dom about it, but he’s not back yet.”
Jennah’s feet dropped back to the floor. “Not back from where? I thought it was all wrapped up.”
“Uh—oh, no one told you? I just assumed you already knew.”
Jennah’s heart leaped into her throat. “Already knew what?”
There was a long pause. “Dom’s is still at the ER,” she said it quietly.
“He was hurt? How bad is it?” Jennah was on her feet and heading toward the bedroom before she realized it.
“It wasn’t life-threatening. He took a nasty slide during the chase. But he landed and was up on his feet. We didn’t even know he was hurt until we got back here and he was nursing his side. The captain sent him . . .”
“Does Brody know this?” She wasn’t sure if she was mad or just insanely worried at that point.
“He was told.” Her voice was barely a whisper.
Jennah took a deep breath and tried to slow the speed of her heart. “I wasn’t.” She stopped in front of the dresser and closed her eyes. She couldn’t even go to him. He had her car!
“I’m sure he’s fine. They’re probably backed up at the emergency. They usually are at this time of year.”
Jennah nodded, but was feeling anything but being complacent about it. “I’d like to find out about Dom, and then we’ll figure out how to fudge the reports.” She stomped out toward the kitchen. “Which hospital did he go to?” Tess gave her the number as she was apologizing several times, and then hung up on the tail of one last apology.
Jennah pressed the button and then dialed Brody. His jovial voice came on the line after the second ring. “Why didn’t you tell me that Dominic had been hurt?”
“Oh. Jennah, uh, yeah, I thought you knew.”
She scowled. “You’re lying.”
“What are you psychic, too?”
She huffed out a breath. “No.”
He groaned loudly. “Dom asked me not to mention it.”
Panic hit her again. “Why? Is he hurt badly?”
“I don’t know, really. I don’t think so. He just didn’t want you to freak out. And considering how you sound like you’re ready to come through the phone and strangle me, I’m inclined to agree with him.”
She dropped down into the closet chair by the table. “I can’t even go to him, Brody. He has my car!”
He made a noise like he was trying to think of a solution. “Can’t help there. It’s my right leg that was shot. I’m pretty good driving, but I don’t think I want to learn how to use the wrong leg in the winter, if you know what I mean.”
She hissed out a breath. “No, I don’t think you should either.” She looked down at the number in front of her. “I’m going to call the hospital and see if I can reach him.”
“Okay, keep me posted.” He paused. “I’m sorry you found out like this.”
Jennah shook her head to flip the hair back from her face. “I’ll call you in a bit.” She hung up quickly and dialed the hospital’s number.
* * * *
Forty-five minutes later, she was standing by the window glaring at the phone in her hand. She really, really missed those old phones, the ones that were attached that one had to actually hang up by putting it on a cradle. She really wanted to slam the phone into the cradle—several times, right now. The hospital would tell her nothing! She wasn’t his superior or a family member! The captain had been less than helpful, refusing to send a car for her or to call the hospital for her right then to find out how he was doing.
She turned and tossed the phone onto the couch. It wasn’t as gratifying as slamming it down, but it helped a little. At least that’s what she told herself. Did she call Rudy and see if he’d loan her his car? She rubbed her hands over her face and tried to reason out whether she could just sit here and wait or if she was going to find a way there.
What day was it? Saturday? She turned and looked out the window. Rudy would be working the night shift right now. She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to focus on staying calm. She looked out the window. It was going to be dark soon. “Dom?” She held her breath and waited for a response. There wasn’t one. She couldn’t even feel the path that linked them together.
The phone rang and she spun around. She scrambled to the coffee table to get to it. “Hello?”
“Hey, beautiful.”
Her heart picked up pace hearing Dom’s voice. “Dom. Are you all right?”
“Sorry I haven’t called.”
“Are you still at the hospital? Is everything okay?” She held her breath.
He let out a loud breath. “Yes, how did you find out?”
She frowned. “Tess didn’t know I was being kept in the dark.”
“Sorry, babe. It’s not serious and I didn’t want you getting all upset.”
“Then you should have told me instead of letting me find out this way.”
“I’m sorry. It was like the circus when we got back to the station finally. I wanted to get it all done and then get back to you.”
She let out a slow breath through her nose. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, it’s just my hip and ribs—nothing’s broken.”
She sat down. “Are you still at the hospital?”
“Yeah, I’m waiting for the doctor to come back so he can let me out of here.”
“Do they want to keep you?”
He made a noise that sounded like a growl. “I’m not staying.”
She frowned. “What did the doctor say?”
“Nothing, he wanted to give me something to help me relax.”
She stood up again. “I’m going to get a ride there.”
“No. Jennah, I’ll be out of here in a few minutes time and headed back there.”
“What about the reports?”
He growled again. “They can get done tomorrow, or whenever. I still have to catch up to Tess so we can come up with some sort of story that’s viable.” He sounded tired.
“Are you all right, really?”
He sighed. “No. I’ve been trying to get back there.”
She could hear him moving around. “Please don’t if you’re too tired.” She went over and sat down. “Do I need to go and make a witness statement?”
She could hear voices in the background.
“No, Tess will swing by in a few days and we�
��ll get all of that worked out.” He sighed. “We’ve got him, though. There is no way he can worm his way out.”
She leaned back and closed her eyes. He’d be free to come and go as he wanted now. He could go back to work, work that was a few hours away from her. “That’s great, Dom.”
“Yeah.” He sounded agitated again. “The doctor is back. I’ll call you when I’m on my way.”
“Okay. Just be careful. If you’re too tired, don’t try to come all the way here.” She played with the cushion on the couch as she spoke, trying to distract herself from asking him if he wanted her to come and get him.
“I’m sorry, babe.”
“It’s okay, Dom. Call me when you’re on your way.”
“Will do.” He hung up.
She hugged the phone against her chest as she sat back on the couch. She leaned into the cushions and closed her eyes. Relief flooded into her and the exhaustion she had been fighting finally caught up to her. Dom was all right and would be here soon.
* * * *
She bolted when the phone rang in her hand. She’d been napping. “Hello?” What time is it?
“Hey, were you sleeping?”
Dominic. “Just a catnap on the couch. What time is it?”
“Almost midnight.”
She fought to open her eyes. “Where are you?”
He blew out a breath. “I went back to the station briefly to make sure it was all good.” He sighed loudly. “I’ve made it as far as Brody’s. Babe, I don’t think I can drive another foot.” Even in her groggy state, she could hear how tired he was.
“Don’t drive if you’re too tired. I want you back here, but in one piece.”
He chuckled. “I’m just going to grab a power nap, and I’ll be on my way again.” He yawned. “I have to go before I fall asleep on Brody’s table. I’ll call you when I’m on the road again.”
She sighed, no longer fighting the heavy, sleepy feeling. “Okay.” She listened for him to hang up before she hung up and clutched the phone to her chest as she rolled onto her side.
From A Dream
Chapter Nine
She lifted her face as the rose petals cascaded down over her skin. They tickled along her cheeks lightly, and the feeling made her smile. She inhaled the light, sweet scent of the velvet soft petals. Calmness surrounded her, enveloped her in a serene feeling.
“Jennah.”
Dom’s voice whispered through her. Just the way he said her name filled her with love and warmth.
The smell of coffee filled her nostrils, which caused her to frown. How did she go from roses to coffee? Pushing her face into the cushion in a sleepy haze, she realized all of it was a dream. Dreaming of coffee was probably not a good sign. Stretching, she rolled over and opened her eyes. She was on the couch still. She blinked a few times to help focus and looked toward the window. It was near dawn.
She closed her heavy eyes and opened them too see on the table a few feet from her. She squinted. There had to be two dozen red roses sitting on it. She sat up slowly and realized she still had the phone against her chest. “Dom?”
“Hey, beautiful.”
She turned to see him leaning in the kitchen doorway. “When did you get here?”
He took careful steps toward her, and she knew that his hip was worse than he’d let on. “A few minutes ago.” He jerked his head toward the kitchen. “I put the coffee on.”
She set the phone down and stood up. He’d taken a few more steps toward her. “Were you just messing in my dreams again?”
Her only answer to that was a boyish grin. “Did you get some sleep?”
He stopped in front of her and looked down at her. “Yeah, I died for several hours.”
She ran her hand up his chest and felt how hard his heart was beating. “Are you okay?”
He smirked. “I’m really sore and banged up a bit, but nothing that won’t be okay in a few days.” He gently stroked his hands up and down her waist like he was nervous.
She leaned carefully against his chest, still not sure what part was hurting. “Thank you for the flowers.”
He smiled down at her. “Well, it is Valentine’s Day.” He pulled her gently against him and wrapped his arms around her.
She listened to his heart beating beneath her ear. It was beating frantically. She looked up. “What’s wrong?”
His eyes searched her face. He swallowed and took a shallow breath. “Nothing is wrong.”
She gave him a suspicious look. “Your body is saying that’s a lie, Dominic.”
He shook his head and gave her a lopsided grin. “Nothing is wrong—yet.”
She leaned back from him. Her nerves were now singing. “What do you mean yet?”
The phone rang, causing her to jump. She hissed out a breath and reached down to the phone. “Hello?”
“Jennah? It’s Tess. Has Dom gotten there yet?”
She nodded. “Yes, just a second.” She held out the phone to him. “It’s Tess.”
He frowned and took the phone. “Yeah?” He turned and moved slowly toward the window.
She watched how he gingerly moved his one leg. Just how badly injured was he? His shoulders were tense. His spine stiffened as he quietly spoke into the phone. Jennah wanted to stomp her foot and ask what was going on, but just the fact that she had to urge to stomp her foot told her that she should probably just go get some coffee. She had never been the temper-foot-stomping sort of woman—ever.
She went out into the kitchen and went straight to the cupboard.
“It’s okay for you to be drinking coffee, right?”
She jolted when he almost spoke into her ear. Grinning, she shook her head. “I’m pretty sure women drink coffee all the time when they’re pregnant.”
His hands slipped around her waist and cupped her flat stomach. “Just checking.”
He continued to hold her like that as she poured two cups. “What did Tess have to say?”
He chuckled. “She’s got herself all worked up on how we’re going to file everything that we did without actually saying what we did. Captain Wilds knows what we can do, but he’s trying to avoid everyone else knowing.”
Jennah shrugged. “I wondered about that a bit too.”
He released her so she could turn and hand him a cup. He took it and turned, moving in stiff movements to the table to set it down.
“How hurt are you, Dom?”
He turned back and looked at her. “I have the equivalent to road rash all down my one side.”
She set her cup down and went over to him. She didn’t ask if it was all right. She just pulled his shirt slowly out of his pants and lifted it. His skin was red and angry-looking down the one side of his ribs. She frowned and pulled the waist of his pants out a bit to look down them. It ran down as far as she could see. It hurt her just to see him this way. She released the shirt and looked up at him. “What did you do?”
He shrugged. “Picture sliding into home plate only down a rocky, snow covered embankment instead.” He kissed her brow. “He was not getting away again.”
She bit her lip and studied him. She really couldn’t say anything to that. She knew what it meant to him for Warden Light to be behind bars. She couldn’t argue when the man responsible for her kidnapping was the same man. “I don’t . . .”
He placed his hand over her lips lightly. “If I don’t do this now, I’m going to have an anxiety attack soon—and I’d rather not.”
Her eyes widened, but she didn’t try to speak.
“It wasn’t supposed to be this way. I had everything all figured out and then you were taken.” He took his hand off her mouth and stood there, cupping the side of her face.
Jennah’s heart had sped up. “What did you have figured out?” She wasn’t sure if she wanted to know. The phone rang again. They both turned and looked at it sitting on the table where Dom had left it.
“Leave it!”
She turned startled eyes toward him. He had almost growled. “What’s wrong
?” She placed her hands on his chest in a gentle touch.
He took both of her hands in his and shook his head. Raising them, he kissed across her knuckles on one hand and then the other. “Nothing is wrong.” He swallowed. “When I first reached out and found you, in that first dream . . .” He moved back from her, putting more space between them. “I thought at first I was just wishing too hard and the dream was only a dream.” He swallowed again.
Jennah could see how hard his heart was beating in the vein at the side of his neck. “Dom . . .”
He shook his head again. “Just let me get through this, please.” She nodded. “I could never dream of how happy I am with you, Jennah. Of how I feel about having a child with you.” He opened his mouth and then closed it again. He sighed and reached into his pocket. “I don’t have the words, so I hope this says what I’m trying to.”
She watched a small box appear when his large hand opened. She swallowed, her eyes huge as she stared at it. He opened it and held it where she could see it. She could feel her pulse throughout her. She looked up at him hesitantly. His gaze caressed her face.
“I can’t believe we’re here now and it’s all from a dream. If it is still a dream, I don’t want to wake up, Jennah.” He cocked his head to the side. “Just say yes so my heart will get out of my throat and settle back in my chest.”
She swallowed, not able to find her voice. She nodded and smiled at him. He wasted no more than a second taking the ring out of the box and dropping the box to the floor. He slipped the ring on her finger and leaned down slowly, his eyes never leaving hers to place a soft kiss on the ring.
The phone rang again. Neither of them even looked at it this time as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her in a way that she knew she would never grow tired of.
The End
About the Author
From A Dream Page 8