Dreams That Bind Us (Romancing The Keys #3)

Chapter 8

K ey West

James stood at the window of his office as he scanned the street. His anxiety had been riding high all day, wondering if Anna would show as promised. The way she’d become animated last night as they talked about her grandfather’s truck had felt like a breakthrough. But he knew she was still incredibly skittish around him.

He had been thrilled when Annette invited him to the book club, knowing Anna would be there. And he'd really pushed his luck most of the night sitting next to her on that couch, touching her every chance he had, getting in her space and making her squirm.

He had found a perverse pleasure in the way she wiggled every time his leg brushed hers or the way her entire body shivered when his fingers trailed along her arm.

The stubborn woman insisted she wasn’t interested in anything more than a professional relationship, but he knew it wasn’t true. If his dreams were any indication, she was as obsessed with him as he was of her.

The way he looked at life now, time was too precious to waste. Why fight their intense attraction when they could spend their time in more pleasurable pursuits together?

He glanced at his phone one more time, praying he wouldn't see a text from her saying something had come up. Scoffing, he shook his head. This was definitely becoming his new normal.

There had never been a time when he'd been this worked up over a woman; planning, pacing, and worrying had become his full-time job. This afternoon alone, he'd made five trips to the grocery store in a four-hour span, made three revisions to the dinner menu, and had at least two outfit changes.

Pretty damned pathetic. I’m a New York real estate mogul for Christ’s sake!

But there was something about Anna aside from the erotic dreams he had of her every night. Something that pulled him in like a moth to the flame. It wasn't just her ethereal beauty, and there was plenty to talk about there, but rather the intelligence and hint of vulnerability in her eyes, the spine of steel, the hint of vixen he could see in her demeanor.

She was such a mystery, and he wanted to peel back each layer to learn every desire and secret she held so he could make them come to life.

But would she let him?

Just then, a deep rumble drew his gaze to the left. His shoulders dropped and a sigh of relief whooshed out of him as Anna's truck parked in front of his house. Like its owner, the antique Power Wagon was rare beauty with its two-tone grayish-silver hood and cherry red side body and truck bed.

It rode high, looking more like a jeep with a four-inch lift, and he found it amazing that Anna could even climb into the cab without assistance. But he'd watched her launch herself into the driver’s seat just last night.

He huffed a soft laugh, watching as she craned her neck to look up at the house. Her reluctance was palpable, but he wasn't about to back down. She was softening to him and with any luck, he'd ramp up the heat even more tonight.

Just the thought of her walking through this house brought a strong sense of satisfaction, as if she'd be where she belonged. He only had to find a way for her to admit it to herself.

Anna finally climbed out of the truck and rounded the front end. He smiled as his eyes drank in her small frame encased in practical khaki work pants, an open blue, button-down shirt, with a white tank top underneath that molded to her breasts. Despite the utilitarian nature of the outfit, it emphasized her figure. Her curly, white-blonde hair was tied back in a high ponytail that highlighted her delicate cheekbones.

She looked comfortable and perfect, like something he wanted to devour and could never get enough of. It was obvious she'd come directly from her workshop and he didn't feel an ounce of regret making her work so much.

She clutched a small book in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other. James huffed out a breath. He'd told her not to bring anything, stubborn girl. But it said a lot that she’d been thoughtful enough to think of something. And frankly, he was just happy she was finally here.

At this point, I'll take what I can get.

He rushed down the stairs as the doorbell rang and swung the door wide, knowing full well a goofy grin was splayed across his face. He couldn't find it in himself to care.

"Anna," he breathed out, his voice strangely guttural. Her sweet, honeysuckle scent danced around his head, making him dizzy, and he fought the urge to pull her close and bury his nose in her hair. He watched with satisfaction as her beautiful teal eyes dilated and her plump bottom lip dropped slightly, as if his voice was an aphrodisiac.

Anna didn't say anything for a long moment, just stared as if hypnotized. Her normal frown was gone, and instead she appeared bewildered. Again, he'd take that as a win.

James swept his arm toward the living room. "Please. Come in."

She blinked and stepped in, glancing around as her eyes scanned the large front room. Was she looking for booby traps or expecting to be ambushed?

He bit back a chuckle at the thought.

She shoved the wine bottle toward him. "Here. I picked this up for you."

James glanced at the label, his brows shooting up. It was a rose' from a winery he'd never heard of before, not something a shopper would see every day.

"Huh. It's from Long Island." He read the label, turning the colorful bottle this way and that. "Where did you find this?"

She pointed over her shoulder, looking uncomfortable. "There's a little shop down on Simonton Street that has the best wines you'll find. It can be a little pricey at times." She shrugged. "But it's worth it. The shop owner really knows what he’s doing."

She tapped the bottle. "This one is my favorite. I thought you might like it since it's close to your home."

He didn't correct her and again marveled at her thoughtfulness. Key West was now his home, though she couldn’t be faulted for focusing on his past. He smiled, noting again how tiny she really was, how the top of her head barely reached his shoulder. If he didn’t know better from his dreams, he would wonder if they would even fit together.

"It looks great. Thank you."

Neither moved for several moments, both quietly drinking each other in. Finally, she held up the small, white book in her hand. "This is for you, too."

She stepped closer and turned so he could see the book as she thumbed through it, describing the content. Her words became a buzz and focus was impossible. Her arm repeatedly brushed his side as she turned the pages and he fought the urge to lean into her.

Damn, I’ve got it bad.

"…but this house has a lot of history," Anna continued, unaware of his struggle. "In fact, it's one of my favorites in Old Town. I've always wanted to see what it looked like inside."

She came to a page in the middle, a grainy old photograph from 1910 featuring the house with several people lounging on the upper balcony.

"It was built in the 1880s, and after the original family sold it, became a boarding house for several decades." Her finger tapped on an old drawn diagram of the house's interior. "You can tell how the layout would have been perfect for it."

She glanced at him, her aquamarine eyes glowing with excitement, making his chest tighten. "Does it still look like this? There are thirteen or fourteen bedrooms, right?"

"Fourteen, yes. Two on the first floor, ten on the second, and two on the third floor. There are a few differences now from the original layout. But it's pretty close to what it was," James answered. "One of the things I loved about it was what the previous owner did to reclaim the property by turning it into a family home. Word was, when they bought it eight years ago, the interior hadn't changed since the 1930s. I'm sure you can imagine what it must have looked and smelled like."

Anna nodded. "Yes, that's right. It took them nearly four years to complete the renovation. Jack and Gus have even worked on it over the years."

"I'd believe that. It looks great now. It's very functional and modern, yet still has its historic touches."

The corner of Anna's mouth curled but didn’t quite reach full smile status. She pushed the book toward him. "Well, this is for you. I thought you might like to read the history of the place. I'm looking forward to the tour."

He was briefly awed that she'd thought enough of him to grab this book and wanted to see inside his home. It had to mean something, right?

"Thanks, Anna, for the book. I deeply appreciate it." His voice involuntarily did that gravelly thing, and he watched in fascination as her eyes dilated again. He bit back a grin. Anna wasn't nearly as immune as she tried to project. "I'd love to give you that tour now. Or would you prefer to wait until after we eat?"

Just as the words left his mouth, her stomach made the decision for them, issuing a tremendous series of growls. Anna grimaced and clutched her belly. "I'm sorry. I haven't eaten anything today."

"Of course. You've probably worked all day, haven't you?" James chuckled and turned toward the kitchen. Couldn't fault the woman for her work ethic. "Okay: food first, tour second. Follow me. The kitchen is this way."

He heard her sniff the air behind him. "What’s that smell? It's incredible."

"I felt like a little taste of home tonight. It's my favorite soup, seafood chowder, with fresh Italian bread and artisan butter."

"Mmmmm," Anna purred. James grit his teeth at the sound. His pants immediately tightened as he pictured her sprawled on his bed, making that sound just for him. It was a good thing she was walking behind him and didn't catch the expression on his face. It would have had her running for sure. This woman was determined to drive him insane.

Time to change the subject. At this rate, he'd pounce on her within the next fifteen minutes. "Did you get a lot crossed off your backlist today?"

"I did!" Her voice picked up in pitch, the love of her work obvious from her tone. "I finished several pieces and prepped them for delivery. As fast as I'm working right now, I might have most of them done before I get your next order."

James snickered. "I'll warn you. That's coming sooner rather than later." He led her through the wide, open doorway of the kitchen and strode to the stove top where the pot of seafood chowder bubbled. The kitchen had been outfitted for commercial use with large, double ovens and an oversized refrigerator. The fifteen-foot white marble island had been laid out so guests could sit comfortably along the far edge.

When he'd first walked through the home, he'd pictured young children sitting at the long kitchen island coloring or doing homework. It was a great space for a family. That image had sold the place to him.

He gestured toward the large oak table, one that previously sat on the showroom of the furniture gallery. "You can have a seat there or pull out a barstool from under the island. Whatever is most comfortable."

Anna's eyes trailed across the room toward the far wall where the console cabinet he'd nabbed from her warehouse sat. He'd fallen in love with that piece the moment he'd spotted it sitting alone in the back corner of her workshop. It's light, cherry finish highlighted the etchings Anna had painstakingly carved into the long doors, along with the elaborately hand painted sides and top.

"It looks great there, doesn't it?" he asked softly, wondering if she regretted selling it. Too bad. He wasn't giving it up. She'd have to stick around to see it. Or just move in here.

He smiled to himself.

Yes. That would be even better.

Anna nodded absently. "I made that cabinet over five years ago and never had the desire to sell it. It was one of my favorites." She pivoted, her eyes connecting with his. "When I saw you admiring it, I knew it was time to let it go. I’m glad I did. It fits this house."

James shrugged. "It's beautiful. I knew it would be perfect for this kitchen."

Her mouth twisted to the side, as if she was trying to keep herself from sharing too much. He watched in relief as her face finally relaxed and she grinned.

James would have sworn the heavens opened up and a lightning bolt shot straight to his heart. It was the first time she had truly smiled at him when she wasn’t trying to scare him off.

"You weren't wrong." She pulled out a tall white stool and sat at the island, her hands clasped in front of her, looking very much like a little girl waiting for instructions from a teacher.

The tension drained from his shoulders and he placed the plate of warm, sliced bread and the butter dish in front of her. "Here. You can get started with this. It'll take the edge off." He returned to the pot of soup, adding one last handful of fresh dill and chives to enhance the flavor.

"Mmmmmm!"

His body tightened at her delighted moan, and he clamored for control. He ordered his suddenly hard cock to stand down immediately, but the damn thing wasn't interested in his commands. It was focused solely on Anna and the delicious sounds she made behind him. Her decadent moan had awakened the beast, and it wasn't about to relent until she was splayed beneath him.

"This bread is so good. Did you get it at Fabrizio's? The bakery in the old navy depot?"

James nodded, not daring to turn around. He had to think of something… business deals… that irritating investor meeting from yesterday afternoon.

Yeah, that's it! Those slimy bastards thought they could take me for a ride and I shut them down quick.

He heaved a sigh of relief as his cock wilted.

"James, are you okay?" Anna asked, concern in her voice. He hadn't realized he'd made the irritated sound out loud until she asked the question.

James glanced over his shoulder. "Yeah. I'm just relieved the flavors turned out right. I wasn't sure how these scallops would work in the soup."

Her brows shot up, eyes twinkling. "You put scallops in it?" Her voice was breathy, just like it had been in his dream last night. "It's my favorite seafood."

And that sound she made was his favorite sound. His cock twitched again in a warning. James turned back to the soup, glaring into the pot.

Control, dammit! Exercise just a bit of control.

With a huff, James grabbed two bowls from the cabinet and dipped up the soup, then set them on the island to cool for a moment. Then he pulled a chilled bottle of white wine out of the refrigerator and held it up for her.

"We'll have your bottle next time."

And there WOULD be a next time. Many, many next times.

"This wine will pair perfectly with the soup."

Anna lifted a delicate shoulder, exposing a patch of skin inside her collar. He eyed it longingly, wanting to nibble along the creamy flesh until he reached her neck. "Whatever works best," she murmured.

She bit into a piece of buttered bread and his pulse ramped up. "This is soooo good."

He watched in agony as she swiped a finger in a puddle of melted butter and popped it in her mouth. Nearly coming in his pants, he gawked as her lips work at the digit, her eyes closed.

She'd looked just like that in his dreams the night before, on her knees in front of him, her mouth working wonders on his cock. It was complete agony, knowing he couldn't round the island and push between her legs.

Yet.

James pulled in a calming breath as he moved to the wine cabinet across the room. He plucked out a wine opener and poured two glasses, concentrating on the task at hand. He pictured the men in his video call from the day before, particularly the one with the uncomfortably obvious combover and varicose veins that outlined his bellicose nose.

The bastard thought I was an idiot and wanted to bilk me of several million dollars. Think of that instead of her sweet mouth as it trails down my chest…

James grimaced as he fought the image of her out of his brain. It eventually worked, and he turned, handing her a glass. "Shall we make a toast?"

Anna slow blinked. She was relaxed and completely unaware of the war going on inside him. "What should we toast to?"

Our budding relationship? Incredible sex? An insane love life? Re-enacting my dreams?

"To our future partnership," he blurted out, his voice taking on that deep and gravely tone. "May it bring us both plenty of pleasure and satisfaction."

He watched with delight as her deep, aquamarine eyes glazed over, her mouth parting deliciously.

"Cheers!" He tapped her glass with his, studying the way it took her several moments to register what he'd said.

Oh, this is gonna be fun.

Anna focused on the flexing, muscular butt in front of her, fascinated by the taut globes that shifted with each step. She’d lost the ability to concentrate on anything but James. It seemed like a spell had been cast on her the moment she walked through the front door of this house.

She didn't want to fight her attraction to James anymore, and she knew her dreams had a lot to do with it. The one last night had taken a particularly surprising turn when she had been the initiator, ripping the shirt from his shoulders, pleasuring him on her knees, and then pushing him to the bed. She'd mounted him with complete abandon and hadn't stopped until they had both been drained.

Now she concentrated on the way his body moved, the way his peridot eyes twinkled, the dark locks of hair that dropped charmingly over his forehead, his close-cropped beard framing his square jaw, the broad, built shoulders, the sprinkling of chest hair that teased from the parted neck of his linen shirt. The list could go on and on.

The man was built like a god and her mind circled constantly with various thoughts and observations of his gorgeous body, often in combination with scenes from her oh-so-vivid dreams.

"This is my office," he announced, his voice casual as they stepped into the first room off the second-floor landing.

It was annoying how completely unaware he was of her inner turmoil. Of course, it would be a total disaster if he did know what was going on in her head.

Or would it?

"You don't like it?"

Anna blinked. "Pardon?"

His brow furrowed as he studied her. "You were staring at the wall when I asked what you thought of my office." His eyes dropped to her lips and she tightened them in reflex. "Three times."

To her horror, a ridiculous, nervous giggle bubbled from her mouth.

She tapped her forehead with her index finger while her brain scrambled for an answer. "Sorry. I was… I was thinking about my aunt's upcoming visit. She texted me yesterday that she's decided to extend her stay."

James nodded, his eyes softening. "Family can be difficult sometimes."

"No." Anna waved her hand in the air. "Aunt Louise isn't like that. She's been my surrogate mother since my parents died." She glanced around the room. "I was just thinking that it'll be difficult to work when she's here. So I need to clear out more orders before she arrives."

She put her hand on his arm, her fingers flexing. She noticed for the first time how firm and warm he was, making her wonder if he was as muscular and built as he was in her dreams. "Don't worry, you'll like her."

His eyes dropped to her hand and paused for a moment, then his gaze snared hers. His lips curled in a satisfied smile that nearly took her breath away.

"I'm sure I will," he finally quipped. "So what do you think? I love the light in here." He gestured to the three large windows in the north wall.

"It's a great space, but it’s too cluttered." She pointed to the corner crowded with several short side tables. "There should only be one cabinet there. Maybe put one behind your desk." She scanned the room as her inner artist took charge. "And you need some greenery in here. A few spider plants will help clean the air."

Her eyes moved back to him and she barely held back a flinch when she saw his soft look of longing. It was a sharp contrast from his previous predatory expressions she’d witnessed.

"Those are great suggestions. Thanks."

Anna bobbed her head awkwardly, her hand dropping to her side. "I love the flooring in here," she commented. "It's a great color." That wasn't a lie either. The light walnut finish enhanced the colors of the room.

"It is. It's bamboo." He held an arm toward the door. "Let me show you the rest of the house."

Anna forced herself to pay attention and made comments when he asked for her opinion. One particular room caught her interest as he led her to the end of the hallway. The master bedroom was located in the southwest corner of the house, and it boasted the most square footage of any of the rooms she’d seen on that floor. But even then, it wasn’t enough.

James had stuffed his massive bed and several overlarge dressers in a space that should have been double the size. Nothing fit right. To make it worse, the small bathroom adjoining the room was just that: way too small. It was more like a closet that featured a toilet and a shower.

"There are ten bedrooms on this floor, nine minus your office." She met his bright, seafoam gaze. "Do you need all of them?"

His brows shot up. "Are you suggesting I take walls down? Combine two rooms?"

"I was thinking more like three rooms. Two could cover the master bedroom and the third would be the bathroom."

"Huh." She watched greedily as he turned slowly in the middle of the room, scanning the walls. Her eyes lingered on the sexy flex of his jaw. Surprisingly, it made him look even more masculine. She hadn’t believed that was possible.

Did it get hotter in here, or is it just me?

"It would take special permits because the house is historic,” Anna commented. “But it's not impossible. Gus has a cousin who works for the city. They could expedite it if you want to speed up the process."

"I like the idea," James commented absently as he walked to the small bathroom. "This is too small for my tastes. I'd prefer to have a large porcelain bathtub in the corner, not just a shower."

A vision of James, wet in a large, white bathtub, played in her head. His head thrown back as her mouth moved down his corded neck… She shivered.

"Anna, are you okay?"

She jumped at his words. "Huh? I'm sorry, what?"

His eyes narrowed, and he edged closer. "You had a glazed look on your face. For a minute, I thought you might pass out."

She drew in a sharp breath and backpedaled several steps. "You know, I'm really tired. It's been a long day, and I just got a little lightheaded, that's all. I should probably go."

Concern flashed on his face. "Here." His hands circled her waist and he lifted her as if she was light as a feather, then plunked her on the side of his bed. "You rest here for a moment. I'll get you some water."

"No, it's okay. I just need to?—"

"Stay!" James gripped her upper arms when he muttered the command, sending a thrill through her body. "I'll be right back. Don't move."

Anna blinked at him, dazed and utterly turned on. She was on very dangerous ground and she knew it.

James rushed from the room, and she didn't move a muscle as she listened to him jog down the stairs. It was a bad idea to stay in this house a moment longer, but her body disagreed wholeheartedly with that logical assessment.

It took him less than a minute to return with a glass of water. "Here. Drink this." He squatted in front of her, his eyes level with her boobs. To his credit, his gaze didn't flicker from hers a single time.

He studied her while she sipped her water, his brow pinched with unease. "Does this happen often?"

"No, not really. I've just worked a lot over the last week and haven't slept well lately because of…" Heat flooded her cheeks when she realized what she was saying.

Oh my god! I nearly said I dream about him. Abort! Abort!

"Because of what?" he asked softly, dropping a knee to the floor. It brought him closer, and she wondered idly what he'd do if she shifted her legs apart.

She shivered. "It's nothing, really. I just have trouble sleeping sometimes."

He grunted and planted his other knee, bringing him even closer. "Have you always had this problem?"

"No. It's recent," she admitted.

His eyes sharpened, and he inched forward even more. His stomach was nearly touching her knees as his hands dropped to the mattress on either side of her hips. "How recent?"

She chewed her bottom lip, watching dazedly as his eyes dropped to her mouth, then lifted one shoulder. "A few months or so."

"Interesting," he murmured, the deep tenor of his voice vibrating through her body. "I've had problems, too. At first I thought it was just the move and the dramatic change in lifestyle from New York City to Key West, but I was wrong."

Anna angled toward him, her body moving of its own accord as if drawn in by a magnet.

I could just lean in now and kiss him. See if he tastes as good as he does in my dreams. It would be so easy.

"You were wrong?" she breathed, certain he'd hypnotized her. The muscles in his jaw flexed as if he were grinding his teeth. She jolted as his hands turned to cup her hips. A ragged breath escaped her lips, loving the feel of his hands on her.

He nodded slowly. "It's not Key West that has a spell over me." His chin tilted up, his lips nearly brushing hers. "It's you."

A shuddering moan escaped her as his mouth captured hers, energy shooting through her as if she’d touched a live wire. A multitude of sensations bombarded her unlike anything she'd ever felt before. She wondered idly if she was having an out-of-body experience.

Her hands dropped to his shoulders, clenching into fists in his shirt as she kissed him back, arching into his chest. He growled and flexed his hands, pulling her flush against him, his arms wrapping around her like steel bands.

Anna gasped, her legs instinctively parting to make room for him. His tongue took advantage and dipped in for a taste, tangling with hers.

Her fingers threaded through his short, silky hair, bringing him even closer as she whimpered. She was quickly losing any semblance of control and knew she was ready to throw all restraint out the window. His muscled arms clenched as his hands cupped her ass.

It's even better than the dreams.

That thought shot a flare of panic through her and Anna yanked away, using her grip in his hair to draw him back. He was undeterred, his mouth dropping to her neck where it traced a hot path along the sensitive column.

A guttural moan ripped from her chest as sensation flooded her. She tilted her head, giving him better access and James greedily devoured her tender, exposed flesh, tasting every inch.

Anna jumped when his teeth scraped her collarbone, sanity creeping in. She pressed at his shoulder. "We have to stop," she croaked, her voice unrecognizable.

His tongue swiped a path to her chin, ignoring her.

"James, please."

He withdrew reluctantly, his eyes closed and face contorted as he fought for control. His hands clenched on her lower back as he pulled in a deep breath. He let it out with a rush and met her eyes.

"I'm sorry if I frightened you," he murmured.

She nodded, biting her swollen lip, shivering when his searing gaze followed the movement.

"But I'm not going to apologize for kissing you." The green of his eyes intensified. "And if you don't stop biting that lip, we're gonna end up in this bed. Once we get in there, we won't be leaving for quite some time."

Anna's mouth dropped open. No man had ever talked to her like that…except in her dreams.

James stood and held out a hand which she took as she slowly moved off the bed. He stared at her for several quiet moments and Anna looked her fill as well, taking in the countless white specs that made his eyes such a brilliant shade of green.

He stroked his thumb across the back of her hand and the tension in her shoulders receded, that small action soothing her frazzled nerves.

"I have a favor to ask," he said softly.

Her brows lifted. "Yes?" She didn't think she had it in her to deny him anything.

"I'm looking at a property on Sunset Key tomorrow and wondered if you'd go with me for the walkthrough. We'd take the ferry over and probably be there for a few hours. Afterward, I could treat you to dinner as a thank you."

Anna blinked. That was the last thing in the world she expected him to say.

When she didn't answer after several seconds, he added, "You have a much better eye for space and you know the Key West area. It would be nice to have a local on my side for this."

Her lips curled up. "I'm sure you could have anyone you wanted for this."

His hand squeezed hers. "I only want you."

Anna shivered at the double entendre that he laced into his words. She gave him a firm nod. "Okay."

His face transformed with a breathtaking smile, softening his hard edges. "Thank you. Meet me here tomorrow at one?"

"I can do that." Anna wondered idly if she were going insane. Not only was she was ready to jump into his bed, but she was willingly giving up the majority of a workday for him. It was unheard of. What was happening to her?

Could I be under a spell? Or have I been putting off the inevitable?