Dreams That Bind Us (Romancing The Keys #3)

Chapter 7

K ey West

Anna pulled up to the curb and put her truck in park, staring at the large white building to her right. It held a rosy glow as the rays from the setting sun bounced off its exterior.

Paradise West boasted four stories and towered over most houses in the neighborhood. It had been grandfathered in as an existing structure before the height restrictions went into place on buildings in Old Town. She knew from personal experience that the view of the ocean from the Widow's Walk was breathtaking and unimpeded by anything nearby.

The last time she’d visited Paradise West had been to communicate with the ghost. And while Anna had been nervous about opening herself to her gift again after such a long time, it had been a positive experience for everyone involved. Amelia received the connection she desired, Annette had the answer she needed, and Anna reawakened her powers by overcoming her doubts and insecurities.

But tonight, Anna would walk into Paradise West as a member of the newly launched Steamy Clams Romance Book Club. It was founded and hosted by the Royal Conch Society, a compilation of Key West matrons who proudly exhibited all aspects of the southernmost island's eclectic lifestyle.

She chuckled. The name of the book club was so typical of the society. Anna hadn't seen any of the society ladies in a while, but memories of their drinking, dancing, and streaking down Duval Street over the years played through her head.

The Royal Conch Society was famous—or infamous depending on who you spoke to—around Key West, especially among the locals. Anna secretly envied their nonconformist and flamboyant attitude toward life.

With a soft sigh, she jumped out of her truck and strolled through the front gate of the compound. In addition to the buildings used for the bed and breakfast operation, the property included a noteworthy garden, courtyard, and a vintage swimming pool.

The sound of music and laughter drew her attention back to the old mansion, and she climbed the porch stairs, drawn by the joyous melody like a moth to flame. The door swung open just as her finger hovered over the doorbell.

"Anna!" Annette called out. "I'm so glad you made it. And you're just in time. The ladies are making a fresh batch of their sangria, and we need as much help as we can get." She latched onto Anna's arm and pulled her through the entryway.

"It's been so long since I've seen you. Well, I mean, since the day James dumped coffee all over you." Annette grimaced, and Anna followed with a wince of her own. The humiliation of that day still burned a little.

"Dang it. I'm sorry I brought that up. Let's forget all that. But anyway, I didn't get a chance to talk to you after. I don't blame you for taking off like that. James was acting like a madman that morning," Annette rambled as she led Anna into the inn’s main room.

"I heard that!"

Anna stiffened at the deep, seductive voice. She’d recognize it in her sleep. Her gaze shot across the room and found James leaning casually against the makeshift bar, looking sexy as sin in khakis and a dark blue linen shirt. His eyes were especially green today, even from where she stood, and the dark stubble on his jaw gave him a rakish look. Two society ladies stood behind him, stirring a glass pitcher full of deep red liquid with slices of fruit floating in it. The corner of his mouth lifted as he waved.

Hazel and Flora glanced up from their concoction and clapped. "Oh, yay!" Hazel gushed. "I'm so glad you could join us, Anna."

"Indeed!" came a husky voice from Anna's other side. Miriam, the de facto leader of the Royal Conch Society, stepped forward with her waist-long gray braids and flowing purple gown. She enveloped Anna in a bone-crushing hug and managed to squeeze even harder. "It's been way too long since we've seen you. You've been hiding from life, girl."

Miriam pulled back, holding Anna at arm’s length. "I'm happy you're here." Her eyes flashed toward the bar. "And I think it would be safe to say that I'm not the only one, if you catch my drift." She released Anna with a lascivious wink and sauntered off.

Annette tapped the book in Anna's hand. "Oh, good! You found a copy of the book. When Iris chose a 1980's bodice ripper, I was worried about everyone finding hard copies. Which wouldn't be a problem if the ladies allowed eBooks in the club," she remarked loudly.

Cornelia scowled from her position on a large overstuffed couch. "Those electronic books just aren't natural." She squeezed her hands in the air. "It doesn't count if you can't hold it in your hands and smell the smut-filled pages."

Anna held up the worn paperback. "My aunt agrees. Would you believe that this is her old copy? She grabbed this from her library when I told her what the club's first read was."

"Is this the same aunt who will be staying here in a couple of weeks?" Annette asked innocently.

Anna dipped her chin. "Yes, that's the one. Aunt Louise."

All activity in the room came to a sudden stop with a collective gasp. The owlish eyes of the society ladies turned toward her in unison. Anna glanced at Annette who merely shrugged her shoulders, then at James. He watched the scene as he sipped a glass of sangria, his seductive gaze pinned on her.

Cornelia edged forward in her seat, her back ramrod straight. "My dear, are you saying your Aunt Louise will be visiting Key West?"

Hazel’s eyes were hopeful as she held her clasped hands beneath her chin. "Louise Marlowe?"

"Yes. Do you know her?"

Flora scoffed, waving a hand in the air. "Are you kidding, honey? Everyone knows Louise. Well, anyone who's been around Key West long enough anyway." One brow arched on Flora's forehead, revealing several exaggerated layers of blue eye shadow. "Does she still do tarot readings?"

Anna bobbed her head, a smile popping out. "Of course. She'll insist on it when she arrives."

"She offered to provide free tarot readings during her stay," Annette added.

Anna cringed as several ear-splitting shrieks rang throughout the room. Annette bent toward Anna. "I told you it would be popular," she said out the side of her mouth.

"Let's make a toast to Louise's visit. Grab your glasses, ladies! Oh, and gentleman, too, of course!" Miriam called out as she handed an alcohol-free cocktail to Annette. The group scurried to the bar and sangria sloshed around as glasses were filled.

A glass was pressed into Anna's hand as Miriam lifted hers in the air. "We have several things to celebrate tonight. To Louise Marlowe and her renowned talent."

"Here, here!" the group exclaimed.

Anna squirmed as Miriam's amused gaze dropped to her, then shot to James. "And let’s raise a toast to our book club's newest members, Anna Kingsley and James Armstrong."

"Cheers!"

"Wait a minute," Iris cried out. "Aren’t we all technically new members? Since this is our first meeting and all?"

"Oh, hush, Iris." Sadie smacked her friend's leg with a playful swat. "You're ruining all the fun."

"And to the inaugural meeting," Miriam continued, giving the ladies a side eye, "of The Steamy Clams Romance Book Club."

"Well, that's a mouth full," James commented with a sly grin.

"That's what she said!" Hazel yelled out, cackling and clapping at her own jest.

Shouts and laughter rang out as the group sipped the dangerous sangria.

This evening is the perfect recipe for very bad things: alcohol, a steamy book, and the man of my dreams. What could go wrong?

That thought sent Anna’s mind spiraling into the dream she'd had the night before, with visions of tangled, sweaty sheets, and the sexy stud whose intent gaze followed her around the room.

Anna wiggled to her right, trying to edge away and get some distance from the maddening man who lounged comfortably next her in the love seat.

It was cozy— way too cozy—for her peace of mind.

James spent the last hour doing everything he could to invade her personal space. He seemed to enjoy pressing his leg against hers or grazing her hand or arm with his. She found it difficult to concentrate on the ongoing conversation about the novel.

Anna blinked, trying to focus. Iris was droning on about a very spicy sex scene in the western that included an alpha cowboy who’d rescued a young woman from the clutches of an evil mine owner. The heroine had thanked her hero in a variety of interesting ways.

Anna's core clenched as Hazel eagerly dove into a discussion of one of the steamier scenes, questioning whether the position described was realistic or physiologically possible. It made it even more impossible to ignore the sex god sprawled next to her, seeming to do everything he possibly could to inch closer into her personal space.

James stretched his left arm along the couch back behind her, looking utterly delicious. His body was angled toward hers, creating an intimate atmosphere between them that made her heart rate kick up. She shifted in her seat, horrified that there were brief moments when it was difficult to remember why she was resisting him.

Masochism? Self-torture? A previously unuttered vow of celibacy?

Out of the corner of her eye, she couldn't help but notice the way his blue shirt molded perfectly against the defined muscles of his arms and chest. The man definitely kept himself in top shape.

She could glimpse his smooth tan skin in the vee of his collar and the dark curls of chest hair that peeked out. She wanted to lick that spot.

Sigh…I've always loved chest hair on a man.

She knew what that chest hair felt like against her breasts. Or at least she’d felt it in her dreams.

Would it feel the same in real life? Or even better?

She squeezed her eyes shut and bit back a moan. She had to get a grip or this had the potential to spiral out of control. A warm puff of air brushed her neck, and she jumped as goosebumps erupted along her arms.

"Are you okay?" James muttered in her ear. Tingles exploded deep in her belly as her desire ramped even further.

"I’m fine." She squirmed, trying to inch further away from him, but she never seemed to get anywhere. Either that or he was following her. They did seem to be migrating slowly toward the edge of the sofa.

"Anna, are you alright?" Annette asked from the other side of the room. "You look a little flushed."

"I'm good." She gulped down her sangria and lifted her glass. "But I need a refill!"

"Now, that's the spirit!" Hazel launched from her spot in a wing-backed chair and hauled over the large glass pitcher. "I'll get you fixed up, honey."

Hazel's eyes ping ponged between her and James as she poured, her garishly painted lips split in a salacious grin. "Just look at you two. You know, I think you're soulmates, destined to be together. There's definitely something here. Serious chemistry, I'd say."

Anna gaped at Hazel as James dropped his hand onto her shoulder. His arm around her felt so good, so natural and she wanted to lean into him.

"You think so, Hazel?" he asked as he gave Anna’s shoulder a light squeeze.

Hazel's head bobbed. "Oh, yes! The attraction between you is off the charts. He’s so darkly handsome. It’s the perfect contrast to your blonde beauty. And just look how you two fit together. In fact, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you've been together for quite a while now."

The hand on her shoulder tightened, drawing her into his rock-hard chest. The feel of his body against hers was like a lightning bolt to Anna’s libido and she squeaked, scrambling to get out of his embrace.

"Ooooof," he grunted and lost his grip when her elbow connected solidly with a rib.

"I need to use the restroom," Anna announced.

"You can use the one in the manager’s room." Annette pointed to a spot behind Anna. "Just through those back doors."

Anna ran for the bathroom, and firmly shut the door, barely holding back the urge to slam it. She grimaced at her reflection as she splashed cold water on her face. Annette was right. She looked like she’d spent too much time in the tropical sun without sunscreen.

Damn the man!

He knew exactly what he was doing to her and enjoyed every second torturing her. A soft touch here, a whispered breath in her ear, the brush of his muscular thigh along hers. It was maddening how well it was working.

It took everything she had not to launch herself onto him, even with the audience. If she gave in and pounced on James tonight, she'd be the talk of the town in no time. The Society ladies were the opposite of discreet.

Giving in to temptation would lead to more trouble than she was willing to handle. The idea of losing herself again, especially with a man like James, was too much to bear. She had to stay strong, in control.

She dried her hands as she gave herself a solemn nod in the mirror.

I can do this.

"This is just silly!" Flora exclaimed as Anna walked back into the room.

"What do you mean?" Hazel blinked at her best friend. "There's nothing silly about this story. It's ROMANTIC ."

Anna grabbed a desk chair and sat across the living room from James, noting how his gaze narrowed as he stared at her.

Oh, you didn't like that, huh? Well, too bad, big guy!

"I agree with Flora," Miriam injected. "It is silly. The heroine could have been having the best sex of her life all along if she'd have just relaxed and given in. Why did she resist him? Because she was scared of losing her freedom? What tosh!" She tossed her hands in disgust.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Hazel clapped with each word to emphasize her agreement. "Exactly what I was saying. They could have been going down to pound town, and instead she drug it out the entire book. I mean, just look at this." Hazel ruffled through the pages until she found the spot.

"They didn't have sex until page 282!" she wailed.

Anna gawked at them owlishly as they unknowingly echoed Aunt Louise’s words. Her gaze shot to James, whose eyes continued to drill into her. His brows arched up as if he were saying, "See? I told you so."

"Well, I enjoyed the slow burn," Annette interrupted. "And it's getting a little late. Why don't we dive into those treats you brought, Sadie? Would anyone like some coffee with it?"

There were several affirmatives shouted out and Anna followed Annette into the kitchen. "Let me help you."

Annette smiled over her shoulder as she pushed through the double-sway doors. "Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I can't make coffee."

Anna huffed. "That's not why—I mean, of course, I want to help you any way I can. But I really just wanted to get away from those eyes."

Annette's brow puckered. "Those eyes? What do you mean? Was Amelia with us?"

"Oh no. That's not what I meant. I haven't felt Amelia with us at all tonight." Anna gulped. Explaining her odd behavior had never been easy and had only gotten worse the more she'd isolated herself from people. "I meant that I needed to get away from James. He's always watching me."

A sympathetic smile stretched across Annette's face, giving her an even more beautiful pregnancy aura. "You intrigue him, that's all. He doesn't mean it in a bad way. James is a gentleman. But if he's making you uncomfortable, I can talk to him."

"No!" Anna's voice was pitched high and a tad sharper than she'd intended. "That's not necessary. I can handle it. I'm just not used to a man being so forward. Especially not one who…" She flapped her hands, her mind refusing to present the right word.

"Who's so attractive?” Annette offered. “And clearly interested in you?"

Anna stared off in the distance, as her mind revisited last night’s dream… James braced above her as he… She shivered.

Annette snorted. “You have it bad, girl. But if it makes you feel better, James is a special guy. It's rare to find a man so smart and down to earth, who's also incredibly handsome." She pointed a firm finger at Anna. "You did not hear me say that, okay? Gus would turn into a possessive ogre if he heard."

Anna’s lips curled up. "I didn't hear a word."

"Anyway," Annette continued as she snagged several porcelain coffee mugs and set them on a large tray. "He truly seems interested in you." She turned sharply, her serious gaze pinning Anna in place. "Can I tell you something and you never repeat it?"

Anna bobbed her head, spellbound by Annette's intensity.

Annette chewed at her bottom lip for a moment as if she were making a tough decision. Then she drew in a full breath and her features settled. "I probably shouldn't tell you this, but James mentioned that he's had weird dreams every night since he arrived in Key West. They drive him nuts sometimes."

Anna gasped, her hands covering her mouth. It couldn't be possible, could it?

Could she and James be dreaming of each other?

"What is it?" Annette moved closer, her head tilting to the side. "It means something to you, doesn't it?"

Anna heaved out a rough breath. "No, not really." The lie soured on her tongue and there was a decided lack of conviction in her voice.

“Hmmm.” Annette cocked a hip. "Well, then…maybe you should take Miriam's advice."

Anna blinked. "What advice?"

"That the heroine wasted valuable time being silly instead of having the time of her life. I think that message was for you, too."

Anna nearly groaned out loud. There were entirely too many people worried about her love life, or lack thereof.

Honestly, she wasn't sure why she was fighting her attraction to James anymore. Perhaps she should just take everyone’s advice and enjoy herself for once.

Maybe to protect myself from utter heartbreak.

Annette filled a large carafe with coffee and reached for the tray. Anna nudged her away. "Let me do that."

Annette rolled her eyes and turned with a huff. Balancing the tray in one hand and the carafe in the other, Anna followed. The weight of James's heavy gaze settled on her the moment she walked into the room. And instead of bristling like she did before, she forced herself to relax as she poured the coffee.

"I just love these blondies," Hazel announced as she bit into the small square confection in her hand. "My mother used to make these."

Anna accepted a treat that looked like a bleached brownie. She sniffed it and moaned at the intoxicating scent of butter and brown sugar. "This smells amazing, Cornelia. Can I get the recipe?"

"Of course, dear," Cornelia replied, taking a sip of her coffee.

"I have a blondie recipe my mother gave me," James commented. "She made them for me every weekend. Cornelia, these are perfection."

Cornelia preened at the compliment. "Honey, you let me know whenever you want some, and I'll get a batch over to you in the blink of an eye."

Anna finished her coffee with a large gulp and set her mug on the bar. "Well, this has been wonderful, but I really do need to get going." At the groans around the room, she continued, "I have several orders to complete tomorrow and I want to get an early start. But thank you very much for including me. Maybe we can have another book club meeting while my aunt is in town? I know she'd love it."

The groans morphed into cheers as the ladies clapped their hands.

"Yes, that would be wonderful!" Hazel cried.

"Okay, then." Anna gave them a small, awkward wave. "Goodnight." She turned and scurried for the door, yanking it open and rushing out. She'd barely reached the compound gate before his voice stopped her.

"Anna, wait!" James skipped down the porch and strolled toward her, hands in his pockets. "Are you still available to stop by my house tomorrow?"

Anna winced. Going to his house was probably the last thing she should do with the way she was melting toward him.

Her head nodded of its own volition. "Yeah, yeah. I can do that. But it'll have to be later in the day. Maybe five or six? If it's too late, we could always push it to another day."

A huge smile wreathed his face, his eyes twinkling in the moonlight. "That's great. How about six? I'll make dinner. You'll probably be starving by then."

"Oh, that's not necessary—" she started.

James lifted a hand, his face serious. "Please let me. I'd love to cook for you, especially since you've been backlogged because of me." His voice carried a teasing lilt. "And you'll be even more so once I get my second order in."

Anna huffed an ironic laugh. The man certainly knew how to lay on the charm. He was making it difficult to be so aloof around him.

"Okay. That sounds great. Should I bring anything?"

He shook his head, his eyes gleaming with pleasure. "Just yourself. I look forward to it." He glanced at the cars lining the curb. "Which one is yours?"

Anna pointed at her ancient truck. "That one."

"Wow!" His eyes flashed, making him look like a child on Christmas morning. "Is that an old Power Wagon?"

"It is." Anna perked up at his interest. She loved talking about her truck. "You know classic trucks?"

"Oh, yes," he breathed out as he strode toward the vehicle. "This one's a beauty!" He ran his hand down the edge of the truck bed. "Is she a 1950?"

"Yes, it was my grandfather's truck. He passed when I was five, but he left it for me in his will and my parents stored it in a garage until I could drive." She didn't remember much of her grandfather, but his silver and red truck was a treasured connection she never took for granted.

James hummed as he stroked the hood. "It takes a lot of work to keep a truck like this in mint condition."

"It does, but I love it." She motioned over her shoulder. "There's a mechanic on Stock Island who works on old cars. He helps me out when I need it. The rest is just maintenance." She studied the faded red on the passenger door. "I do need to get an update on her paint job, though. But I'll have to take her all the way to Miami to do that."

"Well, I think she's gorgeous." James walked to the driver's side. "Here let me." With a flourish, he opened the door for her and waited patiently while she scrambled in. He shut the door and stacked his arms on the open window.

It shocked her how relaxed she suddenly felt around him. Not even an hour ago, she was desperate to get away. Now she sat here grinning, enjoying their exchange.

A lock of brown hair dropped over his brow, his green eyes glowing in the night, the angles of his face highlighted by the flickering streetlight. She wanted to brush it back.

"So, I'll see you tomorrow." It wasn't a question.

Anna nodded, trying not to notice how boyishly handsome he looked. It messed with the wiring in her brain. She started the truck with a loud crank and gave him a brief wave as she pulled away.

How the hell will I survive tomorrow night?