CHAPTER 16 - DREAM

We’d waited several hours and drove around the town before we headed back to Chance’s cabin to meet his best friend Austin who had flown in and was going to take Cynthia and Star to a safe place.

Star was shaken, clearly knowing something was up, but she had been happy to see me and had even given me a big hug and told me she was glad I was back. She packed her and Jackie a small bag, and I walked her out to Austin’s large rented Hummer.

“Thanks for taking them. Let me know when you get them there.” The two men stepped out of earshot as I buckled Star into the seat.

“You be a good girl, Star. You and Cynthia will have fun. Think of this as an adventure.” I gave her a wink, and she smiled and leaned into Cynthia’s side.

I walked around the Hummer as Chance and Austin were shaking hands, and then, Austin got in, started the car, and drove away. “He’s going to call me later once they’re settled. He’s also talked to the local police, and I called in a few favors. They’re aware of what’s going on.” He took my hand and led me back into the cabin.

“So what do we do now?”

“We wait for Nick to make a move. I have a feeling he will strike when we least expect it. There’s been activity. Austin did a sweep of the property around the house before he came in. He found a gum wrapper.”

That was Nick all right. “He chews spearmint gum like it’s his religion.”

“That’s what it was. So we know he’s been here. He was probably watching you when he called. He’s going to be careful, though. He’s not going to endanger innocents because even he can’t defend a move like that if something went bad.” It was crazy to think I might have been safer with Star and Cynthia around, but sending them away had been the right thing to do.

I sat on the couch and pulled the small blanket over my legs. “It’s getting colder. I had Star pack some warm clothes. She said that Jackie needed some winter clothes, but I told her to bring a hand towel and use it as a blanket. She liked that idea.”

He walked over and checked the woodbin next to the fireplace. “I should go out to the pile and get some more wood. There’s a storm coming in, and I don’t know how bad it will get, but if we lose power like we normally do, I want to be prepared.

“It’s already starting to snow.” I nodded to the window, and he went over to glance out. “I thought it was a bit cooler than normal out.”

“You stay put and keep warm; I’ll be right back. I know we’re expecting six-foot drifts in some places. Looks like it got here a touch earlier than expected.

By the time he got the wood and got back in the house, the weather had grown fierce. The wind whipped against the house and the pretty view of the snow from the window was replaced with nothing but a foggy blur.

Chance dropped the wood and then stacked it into the bin. “I looked around. Nick would be an idiot to try something during this storm. It’s terrible out there. I’m glad I got back in when I did.”

“Yeah, me too. I’m freezing.” My nose was already cold even though I’d been bundled beneath the blanket.

“It will warm up fast in here.” He peeled off his coat and dropped it into the bin, and then he hurried over and sat on the couch.

I moved closer and offered him some of the covers, but he shook his head and leaned over to kiss me. “You should keep them until I warm up a bit more.”

“I’ll warm you up.” I moved closer and put the covers around him locking my arm around his waist before rubbing his back. He was cold, but I knew he’d warm up faster with me rubbing his back and snuggling close.

“You’re like a little heater.” He snuggled closer, and I turned my chin up to kiss him.

I wanted a distraction, and I couldn’t think of a better one, but I could tell by the look he was giving me, he wasn’t willing to be caught with his pants down. “I don’t think he’s going to brave this weather to come here.”

“All the more reason to stay on alert.” He smiled.

“Oh, I’m alert. I think you are too.” I glanced down to the growing bulge in his pants, and he chuckled.

“Yeah, you move me.” He turned toward me and cupped my face, stroking my cheeks with his thumb. “I am trying to use some restraint, and you don’t understand how hard it is.”

“I guess I just want something else to think about. Something good. It’s good being with you.”

“After Austin calls, then I’ll be a bit more relaxed.” He was worried about Star, and it was understandable. She’s been gone for some time, and now having to leave like this with his friend to find safety—I felt the guilt creeping in again.

“Right.”

He turned and lay back stretching his feet out on an ottoman. “Here, come lay down and get some rest, you can keep me warm.” I closed my eyes, and before I knew it, his phone was vibrating on his knee beside me.

He shifted, and I sat up beside him. “It’s Austin.” I wondered how much time had passed, so I walked over to the window and pulled aside the curtain. The storm continued to rage outside and the daylight was fading.

“Come away from there.” I turned to see that Chance was not happy that I was standing near the window. “It’s not safe, Dream.” He took my hand and pulled me down to sit by him, snuggling me closer. “Cynthia and Star are in a safe place. He’s going to call and make sure we’re okay later. He said the storm is already really bad up where he’s at. I thought I might go and fix us something to eat. Are you hungry?”

“I’m too nervous.”

“You should try and eat anyway. You need your strength in a survival situation. We don’t know what will happen, plus it will warm you up.”

“You sure we’re going to be okay up here?” I asked, looking around. There was no one near us for at least two miles, and the with storm, no one could get to us if we needed help.

“Come with me.” He pulled me to my feet once I took his hand, and then he led me down to the cellar.

I was hesitant to go down at first, remembering what had happened in my own basement, but then he took my hand. “It’s okay. Come on and see what I’ve done with the place.” He walked in and turned as I took it all in with wide eyes. “There’s food in here; guns and ammo.” The room was lined with cases that contained every kind of gun imaginable and other weapons as well. On one end, there was a kitchenette and in the middle of the room was a large seating area with a big screen and even a bed in back.

“Damn, you ready for the end of the world or something?”

He let loose a chuckle. “No, just prepared. I collect the guns as a hobby. It’s the military in me I suppose. But I like knowing I’m always prepared. When you’ve been at war, and see how ugly the world can be, you can’t help but be prepared for the worst. Especially when you’ve been dealt my hand. I don’t want to be defenseless. It’s my biggest fear.”

I walked over and wrapped my arms around him. “You’re impressive. You never cease to amaze me.” He brought his mouth down on mine and our lips mingled in a wild dance of passion that had me tingling in all the right places.

“You know the only problem with this place?”

He met my eyes with a grin. “It’s freezing cold at the moment?”

“Bingo!” I turned and headed up the stairs, and he followed close behind. He fixed a couple of sandwiches, and soon we sat at the kitchen table, eating together in silence. For a few moments, the world seemed perfect, and my life seemed normal.

“We can watch some movies if you want or play cards. I’m not picky, but I know you’re probably bored.”

“I’m safe, I’m with you, I’m not bored.”

After we ate, we retired to the couch again, and this time, he put on the TV and popped in a movie.

I snuggled close and closed my eyes, the exhaustion of our current situation wearing heavily on me.

Before too long, I had fallen asleep. I dreamed of being chased in the car, and the snow was blowing so hard outside that I couldn’t see what was out in the road ahead of me. I knew it was only normal to have strange dreams under stress, but once I opened my eyes when Chance had woken me up and carried me to bed, I didn’t want to go back to sleep.

Chance pulled me tightly against him and wrapped his massive arms around me after pulling the covers up over us. As much as I wanted to lose myself in his warmth, I knew we needed to stay alert. I settled back against him and closed my eyes again, finally falling into a fitful sleep.