by Ariana Dupre
"Yes, I like it.” What does Jared's sister want with me? She seems to be a take-charge sort of person. Maybe that comes with having kids. “Thanks for bringing up my coffee."
"Oh, no problem, Sis.” Terri sat down in the overstuffed wing back chair.
Angie raised her eyebrows. Sis? That was a bit too familiar. She decided not to mention it since Terri obviously wasn't leaving yet. “What can I do for you, Terri?” she said formally.
"It's more like what I can do for you."
"I'm sorry, I don't follow."
"Tell me about the dream, Angie."
Angie's heart plunged against her ribs in surprise. Reaching for her coffee, she took a gulp, burning her mouth.
"What has Jared told you about me?” she blurted.
"Not much.” Terri sat her mug on the end table. “He said you're single, stubborn, and moody. The same kinds of things he says about me, actually. You know, we're a lot alike, you and I. Well, maybe you don't know, but you will."
Crossing her legs, Terri linked her fingers together around her knee. “So give me the scoop. What's up with you and Jared?"
Angie cheeks burned. “There's no scoop. We're co-workers."
"Um-hum.” Terri grinned, “Don't you think he's cute?"
Angie's cheeks burned hotter. “He's okay.” Hot. Sexy. Built.
Terri giggled. “Don't you think he's hot? Maybe even a little bit sexy?"
Okay, this is too weird. I just thought that. “Oh, I don't know. I've never really looked at him that way."
"Have you got a brother?” Terri asked, switching positions to tuck her legs under her.
"I'm an only child.” Angie took another sip of coffee before setting her mug down. “I always wanted a sister though."
Terri grinned. “Maybe we'll be sisters one day."
"Oh yeah, right.” Angie laughed, but she was beginning to feel some kind of bond forming between them. “How old are your boys?"
"Five.” Standing again, Terri went to look out of the window.
"Is your husband coming here too?"
"I'm not married."
"Oh.” Great, Angie! Open mouth—insert foot. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry."
"That's okay.” Terri sounded sad. “I was married, in case you're wondering. Yesterday was the one-year anniversary of my divorce. It was also my birthday. Great combination, huh?” She sat down again. “It's still hard, raising the boys alone. I came to visit Jared hoping to take my mind off things for a while."
"Happy Belated Birthday."
"Thanks."
Angie felt for her. “Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not now.” Grinning broadly, Terri slapped her hands on the arms of the overstuffed chair. “I came up here to ask you if you wanted to tell me about your dream. Now look, you're comforting me. Hey, maybe we're soul sisters."
Their gazes locked. Somehow Angie knew Terri was dead serious even through that grin. So she wasn't alone in feeling a link between them. “Say there was a dream,” she began cautiously, “how could you even know about it?"
"Clairvoyance."
Uh-oh. The curse.
"Now you think there's something wrong with me, right?"
"No way."
"Why not?” Terri scooted to the edge of her seat, leaned forward.
Angie sighed. Most of the town knew, so what could one more person hurt? And Terri would understand because of her own abilities. “I have dreams that come true. Some people think I'm a freak because of it. That hurts. So I'm not about to hurt you the same way."
"Yeah, it sucks sometimes, how people react, doesn't it?"
"You've got that right!” Angie laughed; then sipped her coffee again before replacing it on the nightstand.
Terri nodded. “I've seen parts of your dream,” she said. “That's how I know about it. But I didn't want to intrude. When I get a vision, I can't control the way it comes, but I can close my mind to it after it's started. That's what I did with your dream. I closed it off, ignored it. Do you want to talk about it?"
The dream was too personal to share. Angie shook her head. “No.” For her, the lightness of the moment had darkened.
"Well, if you change your mind, I'm here until the end of the week. And, because of Jared, we'll be moving here in the fall."
"Because of Jared?” Angie gave her a puzzled look.
"Let's just say I received one heck of a birthday present last night."
Angie stared at her, still confused.
"Listen, Angie, it's fine if you don't want to talk about the dream."
Was Terri deliberately changing the subject?
"I understand, really I do. But you have to tell Jared about that note."
"How did-?” Then Angie remembered. “Oh, clairvoyance again?"
"No, I was walking by the office and overheard your message for the sheriff."
"I can't tell Jared yet, Terri."
"What does the note say?"
"If I let you see it, will you promise to let me tell Jared when I'm ready?"
"I promise, Sis."
Walking to the dresser, Angie took out the note, then handed it to Terri. “Here."
Accepting the note, Terri read in silence, then sighed as she handed it back.
"Can you use your clairvoyance to see who wrote it?” asked Angie.
"All I feel is angry confusion,” Terri said, closing her eyes to concentrate. “There's a big man, but I can't see his face or name.” She opened her eyes and smiled at Angie. “Being clairvoyant isn't all it's cracked up to be, you know. It works when it wants to, not always when you want it or need it."
Angie sat back on the bed. “Really? I thought you could see everything if you were clairvoyant."
"Nah. It's like your dreams. You can't help having them nor can you force them to come either. Most of the time my impressions are dead on the money and other times they're off a little, or I get bits and pieces over time that connect together. I've used my abilities to help friends, and I've even used them in police cases. But it's not easy and it is a responsibility.” Picking up her coffee cup, Terri turned to go. “Angie, you should tell Jared about the note as soon as possible. The longer you wait the worse his reaction will be. Trust me, I know my brother."
"I'll think about it."
"All right, I'll let you get to work. I better make sure the boys haven't driven Jared crazy by now.” She headed for the door.
"Terri?"
The blonde woman paused at the doorway. “Hmm?” she said, turning to Angie.
"Why do you call me Sis?"
"Oh, I just feel like we're connected somehow.” Terri smiled; then grabbed the doorknob. “I hope you don't mind if I call you that.” When Angie shook her head, Terri grinned again, said, “See ya later,” and went out of the bedroom.
"Okay.” Angie watched as Terri closed the door. Connected? How could that be? Deciding that Terri was too complicated to figure out right now, Angie picked up her files and sat in the chair.
Ten minutes later, Angie was still looking at the same page. She couldn't concentrate, so she closed the file and went to the window.
In the yard below, Jared was chasing the twins around a tree while Terri led Thunder from the stable.
If Angie didn't know they were siblings, she'd think Terri and Jared were a married couple. The love between them was that evident.
Watching him with the twins, Angie wondered how Jared would behave with his own children.
Their children.
Oh Angie, cut it out, she admonished herself. But, try as she might, her heart ached. She could still feel Jared's hands on her body, the intensity of his kisses.
She could never give herself to Jared. The one institution she held sacred was marriage. That would never change.
She turned away. Go figure. The first and only time she could give her heart, she couldn't give her trust.
I have to find out, she thought to herself. I'll have to tell Jared about the note, gauge his reaction. If
he wrote it, surely he'll give himself away somehow.
When she heard the crunch of tires on gravel, Angie glanced back through the window, hoping to see the delivery truck.
Aw, man. It was the wrong vehicle. Sheriff Oakley had arrived much too fast.
Knowing she had to catch Trevor before Jared got to him, she stuffed the note in her pocket and ran down the stairs. She didn't see Jared until she bumped into him on the last step.
"In a hurry?” Smiling, he wrapped his arms around her.
"Yes, I heard a truck.” She had to get to Trevor. “I'll talk to you later, I need to get outside.
"They can wait a few minutes."
Angie looked at him. Her stomach tightened. What was he up to? “Um ... you can let me go now."
"Maybe I just like to hold you.” Jared tucked a strand of hair behind her ear then caressed the lobe between his finger and thumb.
Angie flushed. “Don't do that."
"Why not?"
"Because for some ungodly reason I lose control around you.” And Sheriff Oakley is going to knock on the door any second.
"There's nothing wrong with losing control sometimes."
"With you, there is. Let me go, Mr. Maxwell."
His eyes teased her. “So we're back to formalities?"
"Yes, it's for the best."
Jared ran the pads of his thumbs under the black circles that darkened her eyes. “You know, Angie, you have to get more rest."
"I'll try. Now please let me go.” Angie tried to wiggle free of his arms.
"Wait,” he said, his voice low and gravelly.
His tone made her go still and look up at him. “Why?"
"Because I need to ask you something."
"So ask then."
"I will,” he breathed against her cheek.
Angie's heart pounded against her ribs. His closeness sent her senses reeling. Jared's maleness, the musky scent of him, even the softness of his lips caressing her cheek as they inched toward her mouth, excited her. She turned slightly, leading him into the kiss.
The tightness inside her liquefied. Her quest momentarily forgotten, she thrilled in the joy of connecting with the man she loved.
And lost another little piece of her heart.
The passion unleashed with the kiss shook her sanity. She'd thought she could control her emotions, but now even caution threatened to leave her. He'd never stay with her, let alone marry her, but she wanted this man like she'd never wanted any other.
Jared slowed the intensity with one small kiss after another, leaving her breathless. A thrill tingled through her when she heard his labored breathing.
"What did you want to ask me?” she whispered against his lips.
"Would you sell your share of the Inn to me?"
"Huh?” Her brain was still clouded with passion. “Can you repeat that?"
"I'm offering to buy you out,” he said softly.
"Why don't you two just go upstairs?” Terri giggled from the hallway.
Surely I'm going to die from embarrassment, thought Angie, pulling away from Jared's embrace. Her face burned like fire. I must be blood red. How could I lose control and kiss Jared like some wild woman?
"What do you think?” teased Jared. “Wanna go upstairs?"
"I think I better go check on ... um ... the delivery truck.” Angie hurriedly walked by Terri, ignoring her broad grin, and went out the front entrance.
"Quickest escape route,” laughed Terri as the door closed a little too hard behind Angie. “So, things are back to normal?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, it looks like you two made up.” Terri grinned slyly and punched him in the arm. “And here I was worried that your new lover was mad at you."
"I don't have a lover."
"Of course you do. I saw the passion in that kiss. Only lovers kiss each other like that!"
"Maybe so, but we're not."
"Then you will be soon."
"Highly unlikely."
"Okay, what's the deal?” Terri asked, crossing her arms and leaning against the banister.
"She's saving herself for true love."
"You mean she's still a virgin?"
"You hit that nail on the head."
Terri giggled. “I think I'll leave that one to you.” Jared's shocked expression only made her laugh harder. “Oh, stop being such a prude. You've never been shocked by an innuendo before."
Jared walked to the door. “I'll catch you later, Sis."
"Where are you going?"
"To work."
"Ah ha! Now I've got it!” Grabbing his arm, Terri turned him toward her. “You're in love with Angie, aren't you?"
He looked flustered for just a moment; then said, “No. She's stubborn, controlling, has an unbelievable temper, and ... and..."
"And you love her."
Jared blew out a breath and ran his hands through his hair. “She's afraid of me."
"She didn't look afraid a few minutes ago."
"It's hard to explain, Terri,” he said, looking into her eyes. “Just leave it alone."
The pain she saw in his expression made Terri's heart ache for her brother. He's really got it bad, she thought.
About time! Maybe I'll just help the romance along a little.
* * * *
Chapter 12
Closing the front door, Jared narrowed his eyes against the sun. Once he regained his focus, he saw Angie sitting in the sheriff's SUV, her back against the passenger window.
What's going on here? There isn't a delivery truck in sight.
He walked up to the vehicle and tapped on the window. Angie jumped and turned to look at him with a guilty expression on her face.
Sheriff Oakley waved to Jared, got out of the SUV, and walked around the front of the vehicle to stand by Jared.
"Let me tell him, Trevor,” Angie said as she closed the passenger door.
"I thought you looked guilty,” said Jared, crossing his arms over his chest. “What's going on?” So she was on a first name basis with the sheriff now?
Angie touched Jared's arm. “I wanted to tell you last night. When I came downstairs, I didn't know the woman straddling you was your sister or I would have told you then."
Angie sighed deeply and looked into his eyes. “I found another note on my pillow last night. I called Trevor to come pick it up."
Jared gritted his teeth, working the muscles in his jaw.
"You might want to take a look at this,” said Sheriff Oakley, holding out the paper.
Looking away from Angie, Jared took the brown scrap. It looked like it had been torn from a paper grocery bag. The dark script written in pencil spoke words that chilled him to the bone. His anger turned to shock as he read the note again.
"You will die by my hand for what you did to me." Jared handed the note back to Trevor. “That's it. Angie needs around the clock protection. I want someone with her at all times."
"No way!” Angie objected. “I will not have a bodyguard!"
"Obviously you're not grasping the seriousness of this situation,” Jared growled through gritted teeth.
"This is probably just a practical joke."
"A joke? Are you insane, woman? Someone wants to kill you and you think it's a joke?"
"Hold on, you two!” Sheriff Oakley stepped between them. “The situation is bad enough without the two of you going at each other's throats."
Angie stalked away from the men, fuming.
"Listen, Angie” said the sheriff, “I have to agree with Jared. This is a direct threat on your life. Like I told you before, we can't take chances. We know he's going to come after you, it's just a matter of when."
"If you don't have the manpower, Sheriff, I'll up the daytime security I already have in place."
Angie whirled around. “What daytime security?
"I've had security in place since the hay barn was burned."
"You mean those extra construction workers you brought in are security guards?"
"Yes."
She didn't know whether to hit him or hug him. He'd protected her and she hadn't even known. Her heart swelled with love and pride. “Fine, but I don't see any reason to have security inside the house. What if I have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night in my gown?"
"Okay. We'll keep security outside,” Jared said. But inside the house, I'll protect you, Angie, whether you like it or not. “Come on in, Sheriff. We need to make some plans."
* * * *
Angie swiveled in her office chair in front of her computer. The light clatter of her teeth against the plastic ink pen she twisted in her mouth was the only sound in the room.
She scrolled further down the web page. There were so many descriptions of paranormal phenomenon, but none fit the glowing oval she'd seen the night of the fire. There must be some information to explain that blue light, she thought, as she clicked on a link.
Trading the pen for a vanilla wafer, she typed Angel Manifestations in the address window then hit the enter key.
Alan was nagging her about the curse. During their phone conversation a few minutes ago, he'd asked if she thought the blue glow was connected to it. Now he had her curiosity piqued. What if they were connected?
"I'm coming in.” Jared called, tapping on the doorjamb.
Angie stared at him. “Okay. But you don't have to make such a big deal about it."
"I thought I should announce myself since you're always so jumpy."
"I'm not jumpy. You just sneak up on people."
Jared sat at his desk and started rummaging through a box filled with paperwork. “What are you working on?"
"I'm not working right now."
"Looking for an online boyfriend?"
"Oh yeah ... that's exactly what I'm doing. Tell you what—why don't you log on and meet me in a chat room. I'll pretend I don't know you.” His laughter brought a smile to her face. “I'm doing research."
"For?” Jared inquired.
"For an explanation of the glow that appeared to me the night of the fire."
Jared lay down the papers. “Maybe that glow was just your imagination. You were in a life and death situation. Sometimes our minds can play tricks on us."
"I don't think that's it. This thing was so real. Besides. it saved my life. I've already looked up ghosts, spirits, apparitions, and angels. There's a lot of information but I haven't found anything exactly like what I saw."