Man of Her Dreams by Debra Webb (good ebook reader txt) 📕

was all those Sunday mornings in church with her parents, but she was beginning to think now that maybe she just hadn’t met the right man.

She had a feeling she would not regret anything that happened between her and Aidan. But, erring on the side of caution was always the smartest route to take. She’d learned that long ago as well. Had made it a steadfast rule.

Though she didn’t always manage to stick by her golden rule.

She threw back the covers and went in search of her robe. She had one that matched this gown, the only sexy one she owned, somewhere. Throwing on the terry cloth one would ruin the look entirely.

A single lamp lit the living room as she went in search of her brave protector. A chill shivered over her and she tightened the sash to her white silk robe.

Aidan emerged from the kitchen, two glasses of wine in his hands. He offered her the one in his right, then sipped the other.

“Thank you.”

She took her wine and settled on the couch. He settled in a chair directly across from her, his dark form nearly disappearing into the deep navy of the upholstery.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

She considered saying no for a while but then decided it couldn’t hurt.

“Lester was after me. The children were calling for me.” She shrugged, then took a long swallow of her wine. “Then you showed up, but I couldn’t reach you.”

“That wasn’t on purpose, I can assure you,” he said with a smile.

She smiled back, then stared at the pale liquid in her glass. She’d once read a book about the meaning of dreams. Too bad she couldn’t recall any of it now.

“Anything else?”

She met his gaze once more. Those dark, dark eyes sparkled with challenge. He wanted to hear more, dared her to share the whole truth with him.

Somehow she couldn’t resist.

“There were other men.” She thought about the men in the white coats. “Doctors, maybe. They wanted something, but I’m not sure what they signify.”

“You’ve dreamed of them before.”

She nodded, wondering how he could know. Or maybe he’d just made a good guess.

“Are you afraid of these men?”

His tone never changed, placating, soothing. He made talking to him so easy.

“Terrified,” she admitted. “I think they have something to do with my past.”

“Your past?”

There was an utter stillness about him, yet there was also an energy emanating that made her feel warm, secure.

“I was adopted when I was ten. I can’t remember much before that. But those men in the white lab coats are a part of it somehow.”

“Have you tried regression therapy? Hypnosis of any sort?”

She shrugged. “I’ve thought about it. Even read up on self-hypnosis. But I just never followed through.”

“You don’t remember anything else that might be relevant?”

“A place. I think it was called Center, but I’m not sure.”

“Have you researched what it could mean?”

Suddenly she felt uneasy. There was something different in his tone now, a subtle edge that disturbed her.

“You think I should?” she asked, certain that she must be mistaken. Lack of sleep was obviously taking its toll.

“Not really. It could mean nothing at all.”

“Or it could be some place where I stayed before being adopted,” she countered, surprised by his change in attitude on the subject.

He leaned forward and braced his forearms on his widespread knees. He looked straight into her eyes, his own surprisingly unyielding. “Some things we’re better off not knowing.”

For the first time since she’d met Special Agent Aidan Tanner, she felt uncomfortable in his presence.

“Some things are too painful,” he added gently, his gaze softening as well.

Setting her glass aside, she planted her elbow on the arm of the sofa and rested her chin in her hand. “You’re right. It could be very painful. Instinct tells me that it all means something. I just don’t know what.” She ran a hand through her hair. “I learned to trust my instincts a long time ago.”

He deposited his glass onto the table and stood. Her gaze followed his movements as he came to sit on the sofa with her. Anticipation shivered through her.

“And what do your instincts tell you about me?” He draped one arm on the back of the sofa behind her and waited for her answer, that piercing gaze never leaving her face for an instant.

“Do you always get this close to your suspects, Agent Tanner?” she asked frankly.

“This is the first time.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “And, for the record, you’re not a suspect.”

She had to smile. “Are you sure you haven’t let things get personal before? You seem awfully good at this to be a…virgin,” she suggested. Whatever possessed her at that moment to be so bold she would never know, but she couldn’t slow the momentum. This was headed way out of control and she just didn’t possess the willpower to stop it.

He lowered his head, bringing his lips so close to hers that she could feel their sensual pull. “You’re the only woman I’ve ever wanted to break the rules for,” he whispered. “I don’t think I’m going to be able to stop this without your assistance.”

Her throat constricted with yearning. Her whole body heated, longed to feel his lips against hers. “I’m afraid you’re out of luck, then, because I’m completely vulnerable where you’re concerned.”

He kissed her slowly, tenderly. She wanted more. He drew back at the same instant that she decided to throw caution to the wind.

“We both need sleep,” he murmured against her lips. “We’ll finish this another time.”

He rose and strode to the French doors. He opened the doors wide and went out onto the balcony. The breeze moved around him, played with his hair, reached all the way into the room to whisper across her skin.

Maybe he was right. Sleep was what they both needed. And just maybe she’d get lucky and dream about him. This time she would find a way to reach him.

Center

Ghost Mountain

GOVERNOR REMINGTON did not look