Dreams That Bind Us (Romancing The Keys #3)

Chapter 12

K ey West, One week later

Paradise West was a beehive of activity as Anna parked her truck along the curb. She blew out a slow breath as she watched several people hustle through the inn's main gate.

Aunt Louise had arrived two hours ago and immediately requested the pleasure of Anna's presence. However, work demanded her attention, delaying the reunion several hours. The type of stain she’d been applying to a hope chest was temperamental at best and required her complete concentration for the proper application. Her aunt's summons had to wait.

The sound of energetic jazz from the inn’s courtyard surrounded Anna as she hopped out of the truck. It was four o'clock, which was happy hour at Paradise West and that meant music, drinks, h'ordeurves, and coffee, among other things.

As the manager of Paradise West, Annette had excelled at creating a relaxing ambiance for the inn's guests. Even locals began to attend if they were in the neighborhood and it just so happened that many, many locals found themselves conveniently in the neighborhood for this happy hour. The fact that one of the drinks on offer was The Royal Conch Society’s famous Sangria probably didn’t hurt.

Anna strolled past the front porch toward the back, following the sound of voices and smiled when she found a small group crowded around the small bar in the courtyard’s far corner. Not surprising. Several people lounged near the pool with fancy, fruited cocktails in hand.

"Ah, my dear, look at these cards!"

Anna's head swiveled to her left at her aunt's clear voice, speaking with intuitive authority.

As expected, Aunt Louise was perched on the edge of a stone bench, a small table set in front of her as she laid out three tarot cards for her current patron who watched on with rapt attention. Anna looked on attentively as her aunt continued the reading.

"Oh my. This is very good. Let's start with this one." Aunt Louise tapped one finger on the first card. "The Ace of Cups signifies new love coming your way. But this one." She moved to the next card. "The Lovers, normally means a deep, emotional connection with your lover. But placed next to the Ace of Cups it means you'll have a big decision to make in the near future."

"Anna! It's good to see you." Annette stepped next to her and gave her a side hug. She motioned with her chin. "Your aunt set up that table the moment she arrived and has been going nonstop. This might be her fiftieth reading, and she doesn't even look tired."

Anna chuckled. "Aunt Louise can go all day. She loves this. Readings energize her, rather than wear her out. When she gets tired or upset, she usually scouts out someone for a reading. It’s a dopamine hit."

"Well, that's good to hear. The Royal Conch ladies haven't arrived yet and they'll want her to do her tarot thing during the party."

Anna glanced at Annette. "Party?"

"Oh, I forgot to text you. Sorry. Pregnancy brain. I swear I can't remember a thing these days." Annette sighed, rubbing her forehead. "They've planned a welcome party for your aunt this evening and invited half of the island. Miriam even hired caterers so I wouldn't have to worry about preparing food, which was very thoughtful."

Anna grimaced. The entire scenario sounded like a nightmare. Crowds were anathema to her and something to be avoided at all costs. It was exhausting to block that amount of psychic energy for any length of time.

"I can tell from your expression that you're thrilled." Annette giggled. "I think I made the same face when Flora called me this morning. But they've handled all the arrangements, so all I have to do is sit back and let Gus pamper me."

Anna snorted, watching her aunt. "I never thought her arrival would create such a fuss."

"Oh, your aunt is very well known in Key West, more like a local celebrity. Flora mentioned that several locals still have regular video readings with her."

"Not surprising, since she grew up here." Anna released a huge sigh. She could tell tonight would be a trial for her nerves. Maybe she could fake a furniture emergency...

"What time does the party start?"

"Six o'clock." Annette glanced at her watch. "The caterers should arrive in a couple hours."

Anna grunted. She'd need to run home and change. Her stained khakis and unraveling tank top wouldn’t work for an evening of rubbing elbows with Key West society.

I wonder if I should invite James?

She’d spent some of her free time at his house over the past week, and even stayed the night a couple of times. But she was starting to crave James in a way that alarmed her. So much so, that for the last few days she had found convenient excuses to not drive into Key West.

She recognized the level of attachment she felt for James. And in her experience, it usually led to disaster. Her immediate instinct was to put distance between them.

Besides, it was better for her sanity to have a few nights away from him. Have some breathing room to think clearly, get some perspective, and let her brain make the decisions, rather than her heart.

"Who's been invited?" Anna asked absently, watching her aunt's expressive face as she guided the young woman through her reading.

"I have no idea," Annette replied as her eyes scanned the courtyard. "The ladies took care of it. They just told me half the island. Which in my experience, could mean anything."

Anna's gaze cut to Annette. Her pulse jumped at the mere thought of what the Society ladies could organize. As the crowned wild matrons of the island, it wouldn't be unheard of for them to order strippers and drag queens to celebrate. In fact, some of their best parties had provided exactly that, along with copious amounts of alcohol in the finest Key West tradition.

"There’s my beautiful niece! You're finally here," Aunt Louise called out from her perch, the space across from her now empty. She stood, arms out wide. "Come give me a hug."

Anna walked into her aunt’s embrace for a prolonged hug, enjoying the comforting embrace. Aunt Louise released her after several moments, then held Anna's arms out to the side.

"You look different, rested," she commented, her head tilting to the side as she studied Anna. A feline smile spread across her face. "I knew it. I knew it! You finally took my advice, didn't you. You've slept with him."

Anna sputtered, but Aunt Louise waved it away with the toss of a hand. "No sense lying to me, girl. Don't even try it. I know. The third eye never lies." Her eyes narrowed as she leaned forward, her gaze moving over Anna's burning face. "You're glowing and it's about time. Oh, I cannot wait to meet him."

Aunt Louise peered around Anna. "Where is he?"

"Where is who?" Anna replied, deliberately being obtuse.

Aunt Louise tsked and slapped her arm lightly. "You know exactly who I'm talking about. I want to meet your man, James. Where is he?"

"I have no idea. I drove here from my warehouse. He's probably working."

"Mmmhmmm." Aunt Louise stared at her worn and stained khakis for a moment and then the torn tank top, her nose wrinkling. "I hope you're not wearing this outfit to my welcome soiree this evening." Her voice dripped with disapproval.

"I thought I was coming over here for a quiet visit. I had no idea there was a welcome soiree planned. Annette just told me." Anna edged to the side. "I'll run home and clean up."

A solitary brow rose over Aunt Louise's left eye. "Just make sure you find your way back here, okay. No staying home because you're tired or you get distracted with work. Oh, and bring your man with you. I want to meet him."

"Yes, I know," Anna said with a sigh. "I haven't spoken to him today. I don't even know if he's available. He's probably not."

"He'll make time for me." Aunt Louise gave Anna a peck on the cheek. "Now you head home and clean up. And wear one of those pretty sundresses we picked up in Delray last month."

"Yes, your Majesty. Should I bring you grapes too?" Anna sassed, but inside she felt all the enthusiasm of someone walking to the executioner’s block. She knew there was no getting around this. "I'll be back in a couple of hours."

Aunt Louise sent her a batch of air kisses, then waved over her next client, who scurried forward in a flurry.

Anna rolled her eyes as she walked around the main house and turned as Annette called her name.

"You're leaving already?" Annette asked from the swing on the inn's front porch, rocking slowly with Henriette and her brood of chickens clustered near her feet.

"I've been ordered to clean up for the event," Anna snarked and held out her arms. "Apparently this is unacceptable attire for the evening."

"Okay!" Annette grinned. "See you in a bit. It'll be fun!"

Anna waved as she hopped in her truck. Forcing out a sharp breath through her pursed lips, she considered sending a text to James, wondering if it would be a mistake to invite him to the potential disaster of an evening. She shook her head as she pulled away from the curb. It was going to be a long month with her aunt in town.

James heard the music the moment he stepped from his car. The corner of his mouth lifted. The party had started without him. He jogged up the porch stairs and the door swung wide as he lifted his hand to ring the doorbell.

"You finally made it!" bellowed Cornelia as she stumbled sideways in a diagonal, swaying precariously on her feet. From the looks of it, he guessed she was at least three cups of sangria in, maybe more.

"We've been waiting forever," she slurred with a swat of her hand. "There's a certain someone, our guest of honor—” Cornelia blurted a massive belch. “Whose been waiting allllllll night to meet you," she continued without a beat, throwing her arms wide to emphasize the group's displeasure.

James glanced at his watch, the smile never leaving his face. It was five fifty-five. He was technically five minutes early since Annette's text said to be at Paradise West at six o'clock if he wanted to join the party.

He’d pouted that he hadn't been invited by Anna. In fact, there had been no messages at all from her in the last few days. No 'I've missed you, James' or 'I can't wait to see you, James' or 'I’d like you to come over and meet my aunt, James.'

Just silence. It had been three days—and he’d counted every damned one—since he'd last seen her and he was getting a little antsy. It was a tough balance to give her enough space to get comfortable with him without letting her withdraw completely. And he’d fought the instinct to drive to her warehouse and hover over her until she acknowledged his existence.

By the time he’d received Annette’s text about the party, his pout had spiraled into a full-fledged grump. And after his last meeting ended, he'd decided to call it a day. He’d been in no mood for further negotiations or presentations and decided to expend his frustrations in a grueling workout. The release of endorphins was great, but it hadn’t made a dent in his melancholy from Anna’s absence.

His mood was still borderline, but it was picking up. She was here—he could feel her. What he needed to soothe his inner beast was Anna by his side, holding his hand, and not shying away from his affection.

He constantly worried she was fighting their relationship or trying to build up more walls even as he tore them down. It was driving him crazy. There had to be a way he could convince her they were meant to be.

His gut told him she'd pull away if she had too much time to think about it logically rather than with her heart. So he had to make his move soon.

Hell, after she'd stayed the night that first time, he was ready for her to move in which was not like him at all. She slept over a couple more times, but then the excuses began: too much work, back logged, deliveries, or pickups. It seemed she was doing everything she could to stay away.

Or maybe I’m just being sensitive and sulking because the girl I really want isn't throwing herself at my feet.

The irony was not lost on him. He'd always kept his girlfriends and dates at a distance, only giving them the minimal time and attention required of him before they became too demanding.

It was starting to feel like a complete role reversal with Anna.

Just when it seemed he'd made a breakthrough, moving two steps forward, she'd balk and move three steps back. Maybe this was the Universe sending him a huge heaping plate of Karma for the way he’d handled relationships in the past.

Whatever it is, it's frustrating as hell!

Regardless, he wasn't giving up. Ever. She could try to hold him off, but he'd never let Anna go.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Come in!" Cornelia huffed, stomping her foot. "We don't have all night."

"Cornelia, quit pestering the boy and let him through the door," Miriam shouted out over the music.

With a chuckle he followed the tipsy woman into the main room, and what he found stopped him in his tracks.

Holy shit!

They really were throwing a party. A real party. He'd assumed this would be a small get together of just the Royal Conch Society, Anna’s aunt, and a few close friends, but as he scanned the room, he noticed most of Key West's Who's Who were crammed into the inn's main room. Luckily there were several familiar faces as well.

Jack and Charli stood in the far corner, chatting with the mayor. Their baby, Amelia Dorothea or Dottie to everyone, played with Gus and Annette on the large couch. Several of the Royal Conch ladies danced on the small dance floor in front of the DJ booth. Waiters and waitresses ran in and out of the kitchen with platters, and the bar on the far wall had a crowd at least five deep at all angles pestering the two bartenders.

He smiled, taking in the scene. This felt more comfortable than any posh New York party he'd been forced to attend.

His gaze swept the room for the one person he wanted to see, and frowned when he didn't spot her. There were only so many places she could hide in this house.

Well, in fairness, there were many places she could hide within Paradise West. The main building itself was huge with four floors and a ton of rooms, most of which were full of paying guests. He was surprised they would be okay with the noise, but on reflection, they were more than likely down here, too, rubbing elbows with Key West's locals and enjoying the party.

His eye caught a flash of movement to his left and he turned to see Rico rushing from the kitchen, the swinging doors swaying from the force of his exit. The normally confident ladies’ man was hunched with a spooked expression on his face, his jaw clenched. And if James wasn't mistaken, Rico was a bit green around the gills.

"Hey Rico," James called out as the alarmed man strode quickly past him, clearly making a beeline for the front door. "Are you okay?"

Rico pivoted, his eyes wild. "No, man. No!" His face was pinched with panic. "I'm not okay."

James frowned. "What's going on?"

"It's that damned…" Rico tossed a hand in frustration. "Witch woman in there telling me things. Bad things, man." With a growl, Rico stomped from the house and slammed the front door.

James glanced around, wondering if anyone else had witnessed the meltdown. But it was as if he and Rico had been the only two people in the room.

"Don't mind him," injected a sugary voice behind him.

He turned, his gaze moving to a tall, older woman as she strolled majestically from the kitchen. "He received some news he didn't want to hear," she finished, a serene smile on her face.

She had perfectly coiffed blonde hair and was statuesque in a floor-length flowing neon pink dress. There was no way anyone would ever miss her. She had an aura about her that practically demanded attention.

And right behind her followed the one woman he'd been searching for.

Anna…

His eyes drank her in, cataloging every detail. She looked uncomfortable in the crowded room, nervous and fidgety, but radiantly lovely. He wanted to plant a deep and thorough kiss square on her lips to let everyone—especially her—know she was his.

She was sheathed in an elegant teal blue sundress that matched her eyes perfectly and lovingly wrapped her sweet, feminine curves. The spaghetti straps emphasized her creamy, toned shoulders and the dress flared lightly, ending mid-thigh. She was manna for his eyes.

He deduced the woman in front of her was Louise and despite the fact that her aunt was nearly a foot taller than Anna, closer to his own height, he could see the resemblance. They both had the same blonde hair, the same peachy complexion, and the same radiant blue eyes.

Louise's shrewd gaze gleamed as she lifted a hand to him. "You must be James. I’ve been waiting for you to arrive," she teased.

He chuckled as he bent over her hand and planted a light peck. "And you must be Aunt Louise. I've been looking forward to meeting you."

Louise's brows arched and she threw a disbelieving glance at Anna who stood off to the left, her saucer-wide eyes on him. "She told you about me? That's interesting."

Louise pursed her lips as she studied him, as if she were peering into his soul.

"Impressive…" Louise muttered under her breath. "Definitely impressive."

Not sure what that means, but it sounds good.

"It's nice to finally meet you in person, James."

"The pleasure is all mine, I assure you." His gaze moved to Anna and his heart skipped a beat as she stared back with liquid eyes, an uncertain look on her face.

She looked nervous and unsure. He wanted to wipe it all away and make her smile.

"Actually Anna has told me quite a bit about you,” James added. “She mentioned you grew up in Key West and then moved to Delray Beach."

"That's right. My family moved to Key West when I was very young."

James nodded. “It makes sense, then, that so many people would show up tonight to welcome you.” Grinning, he took an angled side step to stand in front of Anna.

"But if you'll pardon me, I've been waiting all day to see this one." He wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her in. He held back a snicker, enjoying the way her mouth dropped open on a gasp.

Weren’t expecting that, were you, Kitten?

He cupped Anna's cheek as his mouth swooped down to capture hers. She went slack in his arms for the first few moments, then she came alive, her arms tightening around his neck as she returned the kiss. He growled when her tongue drove into his mouth, tangling with his.

"Alright, you two! Knock it off." Gus called out from the couch. "There are children present."

James lifted his head, forcing his eyes to focus. "She’s too young to understand, but if it makes you feel better cover her eyes."

"Don't forget this one." Gus put a possessive hand over Annette's belly. "Do you not see this? He's impressionable, too."

Annette swatted him away. "Oh, stop it. James isn’t doing anything you haven't tonight."

Gus gave her a lascivious grin. "Yeah, but it's fun when I do it." He pointed at James. "That I can do without. My gag reflex is starting to act up."

James released Anna with a chuckle, noting the puffiness of her lips and the way she clung to him. Satisfaction surged through him. She wasn't immune, she was just scared. He could work with that.

"That was quite a greeting," Louise teased. She tapped his arm. "I simply must do a tarot reading for you, James. Follow me." She pivoted with a swirl of hot pink fabric and marched through the swinging kitchen doors like a general.

James threaded his fingers through Anna's before she could get away. "You're coming with me." He gave her hand a squeeze. "I'm not letting you out of my sight tonight." Then trailed Louise through the doors.

"Have a seat." Louise pointed to the chair opposite hers, shuffling her cards. James sat, pulling Anna into the seat next to him.

"Margie, dear." Louise spoke to the young server working at the kitchen counter. "Can we get three coffees, please? Cream and sugar?"

"Of course, Miss Louise!" Margie scrambled several cups onto a tray and began pouring fragrant coffee.

"First," Louise declared, her gaze burning into his as she set her cards down. "Let me see your hands."

James placed his hands in hers and watched as she squinted at the lines that crisscrossed his palms.

"Hmmmmm…" She hummed under her breath as she drew a finger along the long line that curved down around his thumb joint. Her eyes shot to his. "You'll have a long life, close to ninety-five years if I were to guess."

Then she traced the one that bisected his palm. "Most importantly, this one suggests you'll have a great love, one that will change the rest of your life."

James studied Anna out of the corner of his eye and waited for her to squirm away, but she didn't. She seemed to be holding her breath, mesmerized by her aunt's words.

Louise dropped his hand and sat up. "Excellent. Now for the reading." She shuffled the cards one more time, then splayed them out on the table in a perfect ribbon spread. A dealer in Vegas couldn’t have done it better. "Choose three cards from this deck and turn them over in front of you."

James followed the instructions, choosing from different spots in the deck, and turned over each one. The intricate drawings on the card faces meant nothing to him, but the prolonged oooohs and ahhhhs from Louise were promising.

Steaming cups of coffee were placed in front of them. "Here you go, Miss Louise. Please let me know if you need anything else." Margie's reverent tone bordered on hero worship.

"Thank you, Margie," Louise answered without halting her study of the cards. "And don't forget what I told you, dear. Your catering dreams are right around the corner waiting for you. You just have to move toward them and they will be realized. Success is waiting for you."

"Yes, ma'am!" Margie's eyes sparkled with excitement as she scurried away.

“Pardon me, Louise,” James said, halting the reading before turning his gaze to Margie. “Are you a caterer?”

Margie stood frozen like a statue for a moment before bobbing her head. “Y-y-yes,” she stuttered. “I’ve worked for several hotel chains in the Keys. But I want to start my own catering business in Key West.”

James dug a business card from his back pocket and handed it to the startled woman. “Call this number, and my assistant will speak with you about what we’re looking for. My hotel, The Majestic, is opening soon and we need a team of caterers if you’re interested.”

Margie’s mouth dropped as she stared at the card reverently. “Thank you, Mr. Armstrong,” she breathed. “I’ll call her first thing tomorrow.”

Louise chuckled. “You see what I mean, Margie? Your good fortune is literally around the corner.” She gave James a pleased smile. “Very nice. Now let’s begin.” She returned her attention to the three cards on the table, humming under her breath as she examined the first one.

"Okay." Louise sat back, a satisfied smile on her face. "Oh, my. This is as good as I thought it would be. You've been a fortunate boy all your life, haven't you?"

James shrugged a shoulder, not wanting to give anything away. "I've done alright."

Louise arched an eyebrow, not impressed with his answer. "Mmmhmm." She tapped the card on the table with her index finger. "This one signifies your past."

James stared at the picture depicted on the card: a large, blaring sun with a naked child riding on a white horse, and yellow sun flowers dotted the background. What Louise could read from the card, he had no idea, but he was rapt with interest as she explained its significance.

"You've had much success in your life with many opportunities placed in your path. You haven't squandered any of them and have thrived because of it." Her turquoise eyes speared into his and she was quiet for several moments. "But you've had a recent loss that sent you into a tailspin, not knowing which way is up. It is why you're here."

James blinked. This was a little close to home, but she could have heard from several people today that he'd recently lost his mother.

"When you receive the message from your mother, do not be alarmed," Louise added cryptically. "She is always with you and knows what you’re doing to honor her memory. She wants what is best for you."

James jerked, the shock of her words sending his pulse thrumming. This was definitely too close to home. A weight dropped onto his thigh and he calmed immediately, glancing at Anna who stared at him with reassuring eyes. She squeezed his leg and nudged her chin toward the table.

He pulled in a deep breath through his nose and looked at the cards. Louise's finger moved to the middle card. "This one is interesting because you've already had so much success in your past."

The card held an image of an old armored king in a large chair. Again, it didn't mean much to James, but he continued to listen.

"The emperor represents success in your career," Louise continued. "You're currently in several business deals with the intention of crafting a new reality for yourself." She pursed her lips as she stared at him. "You will be incredibly successful. In fact, in many ways, you are like King Midas. Know that everything you touch turns to gold."

Louise turned to the next card and James watched as a sly smile crept across the woman's face. "Now this is exactly what I'd hoped to find."

Her gaze darted to Anna, who seemed to be holding her breath, eyes wide. "The Lovers card signifies that not only have you found your soulmate, but it will be a great romance, one that will continue the rest of your life."

James sat straighter in his chair, anticipation thrumming through his body. Now they were getting somewhere.

"Oh James, I'm so happy for you. This union will give you everything you've been missing in your life and always wished for: love, companionship, and a family. Your four children will bring you so much joy. I cannot wait to hold them." Louise wiggled her shoulders as she sipped her coffee. "And I will be their grandmother," she added casually.

James couldn't breathe for several seconds. A family and children with Anna? He couldn’t say yes fast enough.

Although this was the last thing he'd expected tonight, he was thrilled and knew Louise was spot on. In a matter of moments, Anna's aunt cleared the cobwebs in his head and wiped away his melancholy. Now all he had to do was convince Anna. Judging from the way she clung to him, he knew he had a shot.

"This has been my best reading yet today." She leaned over conspiratorially, her eyes gleaming. "And you're the eighty-third reading I've done since I arrived at noon."

His brows shot up. "Wow. That's a lot. I'm amazed you were willing to do mine."

Louise flapped a hand in the air. "Pffft. This is my mission in life, what I live for. Helping others see their paths is euphoric for me. And seeing the image of your beautiful children in my mind was the best part yet." She gave him a sassy wink.

Anna choked on her coffee, spraying the cards on the table. James patted her back, and she continued to hack at the hot liquid she'd accidentally inhaled.

"Are you okay?" he asked, worried she'd hurt herself.

"She's okay, dear." Louise eyed her niece with a smug grin. "Anna has been fighting the connection between you for several reasons, but mostly because she fears she’ll lose herself and have her heart broken."

"Lose yourself? What does that mean?" James frowned, his gaze shooting between the two women who were currently holding a staring contest, with Anna’s glare a polar opposite of Louise's serene glow.

"Anna." He nudged her. "What does she mean?"

"Oh my god! This is where you've been hiding!"

All three jumped at the loud interruption and turned to find Hazel and Flora holding open the kitchen's heavy swinging doors. "We want to make a toast to your arrival, Louise," Flora insisted. "But we need you in here while we do it."

Hazel hustled over, latching onto Louise's left arm. "And after that, it's my turn for a reading. I just know there's a sexy stud on my horizon, someone tall, dark, and handsome who's looking for an older woman. I'm total cougar material, Louise, I just know it."

Louise sputtered a laugh, carefully placing her coffee cup down. "Okay, okay. It looks like this reading is over." She glanced at James. "If you want more information about what I've just told you." She nudged her chin toward Anna. "She can help you…with ALL of the answers." With another sly wink, she disappeared with Hazel and Flora.

A loud cheer erupted from the other room.