Premonition

An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

Premonition ISBN 9781419914799 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Premonition Copyright © 2008 Lynn LaFleur Edited by Raelene Gorlinsky. Cover art by Syneca. Electronic book Publication February 2008 With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/) This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

PREMONITION

Lynn LaFleur

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following word marks mentioned in this work of fiction: Charlie Brown: United Feature Syndicate, Inc. Chevy Tahoe: General Motors Corporation Jeep Wrangler: DaimierChrysler Corporation Sacramento Bee: McClatchy Newspapers, Inc.

Seven of Cups The Daydream Card. Reversed Divination: The fog lifts and persistence is rewarded. Kari Winchester considers her visions a curse. Her current vision shows her a young girl in trouble. She knows she has to do everything she can to help the girl. Complications in her quest deflate her spirit and she considers giving up the search before she begins. When she picks the Seven of Cups in a Tarot reading, her determination is restored. She won’t give up until the girl is found…and safe.

Premonition

Chapter One Kari Winchester sighed softly as she clicked the delete button to erase another unwanted e-mail message. Despite the newspaper’s excellent junk mail filter, several unwanted messages appeared in her inbox daily. She especially liked the ones that offered to increase her penis size. Since she’d never possessed that particular appendage, she didn’t know how it could be increased. Some people really needed to get a life. She deleted another, then another. She was about to click on a fourth to send it to the trash when the subject heading caught her eye—“Lake Tahoe Casino Now Open After Remodeling.” Lake Tahoe was an easy and beautiful drive from Sacramento. Kari made trips there or to Reno two to three times a year, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends. Lately, she hadn’t gone anywhere not related to work. She’d been so busy at the newspaper the last few months, anything fun had been pushed down on her priority list. There’d been little fun in her life lately. Maybe it was time she pushed it back up the list. Kari clicked on the e-mail to open it. A beautiful, full-color picture of the hotel and casino appeared on her screen. She’d been to the Tahoe Towers on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe once. The décor had been incredible then. She could only imagine how lavish it must be after the remodel. She scrolled down the page to see more pictures of the hotel. The lobby had been completely refurbished in shades of ruby, emerald and sapphire with gold accents. Another picture showed the same color scheme had been duplicated in the five restaurants and the guest rooms. A person couldn’t help but feel pampered lying beneath that silken canopy over the king-size bed. 5

Lynn LaFleur

She should go. She hadn’t taken more than a day off in over six months. It was time for some fun. The trip would be more fun with a man, but she’d have to settle for going alone or asking a girlfriend to go with her. Kari could barely remember the last time she’d had a date, much less been involved with a man. Her last relationship had been a disaster. It had started out wonderful, but quickly ended when one of her visions occurred. She’d tried explaining to Bobby what she saw in her mind. He’d looked at her as if she’d grown two extra heads. So much for that relationship. After pressing the print button, Kari walked over to the printer to pick up the message. As soon as she touched the paper, her legs threatened to buckle. Her vision blurred as a form took shape in front of her eyes. She saw a dark-haired girl….dirty, her clothes torn, lying on the ground. She couldn’t be more than eighteen years old. She was going to die. The vision faded as quickly as it had appeared. Heart pounding, Kari closed her eyes and concentrated on what she’d seen. Tall trees. Rocks scattered across uneven ground. A small creek bubbling nearby. All of those combined had to mean the girl was in the foothills between here and Nevada. But where? There were literally hundreds of square miles in the foothills. She had no idea where to begin looking. Kari’s first instinct was to call the police and tell them about her vision. She quickly ignored that instinct. She’d contacted the police many times over the years when one of her visions revealed someone in trouble. Since she had no “proof” of anything, they’d politely escorted her to the door with a don’t-call-us-we’ll-call-you attitude. If she could’ve actually saved someone’s life, found the person responsible for burning down a house, stopped the bank robbery, perhaps the police would’ve taken her visions seriously. Unfortunately, that hadn’t happened. Her visions were real. Everything she saw in her mind actually happened, but the visions came too late to change anything. She couldn’t pinpoint an exact time. She 6

Premonition

couldn’t always find the area where her vision took place. Whenever she did, she arrived too late to do anything. The event had already happened. She was determined the same thing wouldn’t happen this time with this girl. Kari would not let her die. Unsure of what to do first, Kari returned to her desk so she could study the e-mail closer. Somehow, the hurt girl had something to do with the Tahoe Towers. She’d looked so young in the vision, much too young to work in a casino. Perhaps she was the daughter of a guest or an employee, or perhaps the owner. Her stomach churned at that thought. It always churned when she was right. Laying the piece of paper on her desk, she brought up her internet browser. Minutes later, she’d discovered that Brenda Blackstone, seventeen-year-old daughter of the Tahoe Towers’ owner Leon Blackstone, had been missing since early yesterday morning. “That’s her,” Kari mumbled. “Brenda Blackstone is the girl in my vision.” “Are you talking to yourself again, Kari?” She jerked from surprise at the sound of her editor’s voice behind her. Kari looked over her shoulder at Gifford Lansing. His mouth quirked with a teasing grin. “Hey, Giff.” He leaned over and peered at her computer screen. “Catching up on the news?” “Kinda.” “I did a story on that girl. You obviously didn’t read the morning edition.” “When do I have time to read the paper?” Giff chuckled. “Is that your way of telling me I work you too hard?” “Well, now that you mention it…” “I know a con when I hear one. I suppose you’d like to have tomorrow off.” He’d brought up the subject of time off. Kari decided she should strike now, while he was in a good mood. He was a terrific boss and a good friend, but she knew when 7

Lynn LaFleur

she could push him and when she couldn’t. “Actually, I was hoping I could get more than tomorrow.” “A three-day weekend isn’t enough?” “I was thinking about going up to Lake Tahoe. I brought back eight hundred dollars the last time I played. If I’m on a roll, I might want more than three days.” “You stay longer than three days, you’ll lose it all.” “Not if I don’t spend my winnings. And I don’t. I only spend the casino’s money.” “So sometimes your trips are only two hours long.” “True.” Giff straightened. His eyebrows drew together as he rubbed the salt-and-pepper goatee on his chin. Kari recognized that look…the I’m-not-sure-if-I-can-do-this-rightnow look. He had to give her the time off. Brenda Blackstone’s life depended on it. Literally. “I suppose I can let you have Monday too. Robin can fill in for you. She’s been doing well with Sue’s help. Maybe it’s time to let her create some of the smaller ads on her own.” Relief rushed through Kari’s body. She prayed she wouldn’t need that extra day, but just in case… She smiled. “Thanks, Giff. I appreciate it.” He winked at her. “Hope you break the casino.” Once Giff left, Kari called up the website for the Tahoe Towers. Bypassing the pages on the hotel’s many amenities, she continued searching until she found a telephone number. So what if she created display ads instead of writing hard news stories? Leon Blackstone didn’t have to know exactly which position she held at the Sacramento Bee. If she had to tell a white lie to get in to see him, it would be worth it to save Brenda’s life. Face to face, she’d somehow convince him she was telling the truth and had seen his daughter in a vision. Kari picked up her phone and dialed the casino’s number.

8

Premonition

Slade Blackstone stood when his father entered the living room. Lines of worry bracketed Leon’s mouth, and his normally intense dark brown eyes looked dull. His silver-streaked, shoulder-length hair lay on his shoulders instead of pulled back in a neat ponytail. The last thirty-six hours had been a nightmare. Worry over Brenda had taken the life from his father’s spirit, making him look every one of his fifty-seven years. “Any luck?” Leon asked. Slade shook his head. He hated disappointing his father. “No, sir. The police still don’t have a lead.” Leon sighed heavily as he dropped onto the couch. “Why isn’t someone contacting us, demanding a ransom?” Slade returned to his chair. Leaning forward, he clasped his hands together between his wide-spread knees. “Maybe they want you to worry a while longer so you’ll be more willing to pay.” “Goddamn it, I’ll pay! I just want—” His voice cracked. “I just want my little girl back.” Leon closed his eyes tightly. Slade could feel the pain, the sorrow, coming from his father’s soul. He wished he could help the man he admired more than any person he knew. Slade hadn’t been crazy about the idea of his father marrying a woman nineteen years his junior. It seemed a betrayal to Slade’s mother. A mere two years had passed since his mother’s death when Leon met Alora. Slade didn’t think that was nearly enough time to get over the loss of the woman whom his father had always said was his one true love, his soul mate. She hadn’t been much of a soul mate if he could forget her in only two years. Alora hadn’t wanted anything to do with Slade, and that had suited him fine. The less he saw of her, the better.

9

Lynn LaFleur

Then Brenda had arrived. Slade became a big brother at sixteen…a reluctant big brother. He had no room in his life for a stepmother, let alone a stepsister who had to have her diaper changed every ten minutes. One look in the newborn’s big blue eyes, one touch of her dark head of hair, and he was a goner. He adored his baby sister. Leon opened his eyes and looked at Slade. “You’ll keep me posted? I want to know any bit of information, no matter how tiny.” “Of course. Meka will call me if the police get any kind of lead.” “Meka is a good man.” “Yes he is, and a great cop. He’ll do everything he can to find Brenda.” “I know he will.” Slade sat back in his chair and rested one ankle on the opposite knee. “How’s Alora taking this?” “Not well at all.” “I can understand that. Brenda is Alora’s only child.” “She’s my child too.” A spark of anger appeared in Leon’s eyes, reminding Slade of the strong man that he usually saw when he looked at his father. “We should comfort each other now, not argue. She blames me for Brenda’s abduction.” “Dad, it isn’t your fault—“ “Hell, I know that!” He waved a hand toward the master bedroom. “Tell her that. Tell her she isn’t the only one who had a child stolen from her.” Leon surged to his feet and began to pace. “She said I should’ve had a bodyguard for Brenda, that she’s always been a walking target.” He stopped pacing directly in front of Slade’s chair. “Tell me how I was supposed to convince Brenda she should have a bodyguard. The girl is totally independent and always does whatever the hell she wants.”

10

Premonition

Slade stood and looked his father straight in the eyes. “Alora made Brenda that way by spoiling her rotten.” “And I allowed it to happen.” Leon’s shoulders slumped. “I allowed Alora to give Brenda anything she wanted. I was always so busy with the hotel, I left the child rearing to my wife.” Slade doubted if Alora would’ve had it any other way. Still, he wouldn’t allow his father to feel guilty. “Dad, Brenda is strong as well as independent. She’ll get through this.” A look of anguish crossed Leon’s face. “What if… What if they hurt her, Slade?” Slade had wondered the same thing. It ate him up inside to think of what some deranged man could do to his baby sister. But he wouldn’t allow his father to see his concern. Slade had to remain strong since his father couldn't. “If anyone tries to hurt Brenda, she’ll scratch out their eyes. I’ve been teaching her some karate moves. She can take care of herself.” For the first time since his father walked into the room, his features relaxed. He chuckled. “Yes, that’s true.” “Hang in there, Dad, okay?” Slade clasped his father’s shoulder and squeezed. “I’ll check in with Meka again.” The door to the suite opened. Slade glanced at Leon’s assistant, Madeline, as she walked into the room. She crossed the floor and held out a piece of paper to Leon. “This call came through the front desk. A Kari Winchester from The Sacramento Bee claims she knows something about Brenda’s disappearance.” Leon’s gaze flashed to Slade. “A reporter wanting a story?” “Or the kidnapper pretending to be a reporter.” “A woman? A woman kidnapped my daughter?”

11

Lynn LaFleur

Unusual, but Slade knew it wasn’t impossible. He’d worked on kidnapping cases in the past where a woman was the mastermind. “She probably wants to talk ransom.” He took the paper from his father’s hand. “I’ll follow up on this, Dad.” “Get my girl back, Slade. I don’t care how much this Kari Winchester wants. Just get my baby back.”

12

Premonition

Chapter Two The pictures in her e-mail hadn’t exaggerated the opulence of the hotel room. Kari stood at the end of the canopied bed and turned in a small circle, taking in the sheer wealth surrounding her. She couldn’t even fathom how much Leon Blackstone had to be worth to own a hotel like this. She hadn’t been to the Tahoe Towers in at least two years, usually choosing Reno or the South Shore over the North. One look out the window at majestic Lake Tahoe and she realized how wrong she’d been. The lake, the trees, the dusting of snow on the mountains…everything was so beautiful. She sat on the end of the king-size bed and sighed. No response from Leon Blackstone to the phone call she’d made to him. Kari hadn’t wanted to go into a lot of detail with a staff member on the phone, so had simply said she had news of Brenda’s disappearance for Mr. Blackstone. She’d been sure he’d at least return her call. He had to be out of his mind with worry about his missing daughter. The ringing of her cell phone had Kari scrambling to her feet and digging in her jacket pocket. A quick look at the display didn’t help her for she didn’t recognize the number. She did, however, recognize the local area code. “Hello?” “Kari Winchester, please.” The deep male voice sent a shiver down her spine, but not a shiver of fear. This sensation felt sensual, wicked. It made her think of soft sheets and naked skin. It’s been much too long since I’ve been involved with a man. Kari cleared her throat. “This is she.”

13

Lynn LaFleur

“This is Slade Blackstone. You called my father and said you have information about my sister.” “I don’t exactly have information. I have a…theory.” “A theory.” Kari didn’t want to explain this over the telephone. Slade Blackstone wouldn’t believe anything she had to say, and she couldn’t blame him. She needed to see him face-to-face so she could convince him she told the truth. “Mr. Blackstone, could we meet in person?” “I think that’s an excellent idea. Where are you?” “I’m at your father’s hotel.” Silence, for several seconds. Kari was about to ask if he was still there when Slade Blackstone spoke again. “I’m in Truckee. Are you familiar with the town?” “Some. I’ve driven through it a couple of times.” “There’s a restaurant called The Tarot Café. It’s a two-story converted log house on Bridge Street. Two of my friends own it.” “I can be there by one-thirty.” “I’ll meet you there.” “Okay.” Kari disconnected the call. She dropped her phone back in her pocket, then wiped her damp palms on her thighs. Convincing Slade Blackstone that she had a vision of his sister wouldn’t be easy. She’d shared her information with people over the years, only to be snubbed or avoided as if she were contagious with a dangerous disease. Reactions like that had taught her to stay quiet, not share the secret of her gift with anyone. A gift was supposed to make you happy. Nothing about her premonitions made Kari happy. She straightened her shoulders. She’d convince Slade Blackstone that Brenda was in trouble and they’d find his sister. 14

Premonition

This time, she wouldn’t be too late.

Kari stopped inside the front door of The Tarot Café and looked around the rustic room. Thirty tables were dressed with forest green, cream and aubergine tablecloths. Vases of dried wildflowers sat beside glass hurricanes holding cream or aubergine pillar candles. Beaded curtains covered the windows, a rock fireplace filled one wall. The other walls were adorned with paintings of different Tarot cards. The scent of cinnamon and coffee filled the air. She searched for a man sitting alone who could be Slade Blackstone. The only occupants in the café were three couples and a table of four women. Kari glanced at her watch. She was right on time, so he must be running late. A lovely, petite woman with a halo of golden curly hair glided toward her, wearing a flowing blouse and calf-length skirt in shades of blue. A smile turned up the corners of her full lips. “Hello. Welcome to The Tarot Café. I’m Synda. Would you like a table?” Kari returned Synda’s smile. “Yes, please. I’m supposed to meet someone here. He said he’s a friend of the owners.” Synda tilted her head. “I’m one of the owners. What’s his name?” “Slade Blackstone.” Synda’s smile widened. “Yes, Slade is a very good friend of mine. He likes to sit next to the fireplace. Follow me.” Kari followed Synda to the table in the corner, closest to the fireplace. She sat in the chair that faced the door so she could see Slade when he entered…even though she had no idea what he looked like. She’d ended the phone conversation before she realized she hadn’t asked him for a physical description. “Would you like a menu?” Synda asked. Kari shook her head. “I’ve already eaten lunch, but the coffee smells wonderful.” “Today I have caramel drizzle, roasted hazelnut, or boring ol’ regular.”

15

Lynn LaFleur

“Boring ol’ regular will be fine. Lots of cream, please.” “I’ll be right back.” Kari hooked the handle of her purse over the back of the chair, then folded her hands together on the table. She released a shaky sigh. Okay, I’m here and about to meet Brenda Blackstone’s brother. Then what? She knew convincing Slade that she only wanted to help wouldn’t be easy. His father’s hotel was proof of the family’s wealth. Slade would probably think she was a gold digger or a con artist. If he did, he wouldn’t be the first person to think that of her. She should keep her visions to herself and never open herself up to pain when a person doubted her. The image of Brenda Blackstone’s dirty face flashed through her mind. I can’t ignore my visions. I have to try and help that young girl. “Here you go.” Synda set a dark green mug filled with steaming coffee in front of Kari. “I also brought you a piece of my raspberry-chocolate cheesecake. My treat.” She set the saucer of cheesecake next to the coffee. Kari’s mouth watered at the sight of the decadent dessert covered with chocolate drizzles and plump raspberries. “Oh, my.” “Exactly the response I like from my customers.” She smiled. “Enjoy.” Plucking a raspberry from the top of the cheesecake, Kari popped it in her mouth. The tart berry’s flavor exploded on her tongue. She moaned softly. A gal could quickly become addicted to something that tasted so wonderful. Kari dug into the creamy concoction with her fork. She raised her gaze to the door as she lifted the fork to her mouth. A man entered the café. Her hand froze in midair, her mouth open. His black T-shirt stretched over broad shoulders and a wide chest. He stood straight and tall, an inch or two over six feet. Dark brown hair was pulled back from his tanned face. His posture combined with dark eyes, high cheekbones and a strong jaw made him not only handsome, but…regal. Wow. What a hunk. 16

Premonition

He scanned the room as if looking for someone. His gaze zeroed in on her. Eyes narrowed, he walked toward her table. That gorgeous specimen is Slade Blackstone? Kari laid her fork back in her saucer. She couldn’t possibly swallow the bite of cheesecake now. He slipped into the chair opposite her. “Ms. Winchester.” He uttered a statement, not a question. Kari nodded. Synda arrived with an empty mug and a full coffee pot. “Hi, Slade. Coffee?” “Please.” He glanced at Kari’s dessert. “And a piece of that cheesecake.” “Coming right up.” Kari added cream to her coffee. She could feel Slade watching her every move. Warmth quickly climbed into her cheeks. She wasn’t used to a man looking at her so intently. He rested his arms on the table. “You said you have information about my sister.” “I do. Sort of.” He frowned. “What do you mean, ‘sort of’?” It was so hard for Kari to talk about her visions, especially to someone she didn’t know. “Mr. Blackstone, what I’m about to tell you is… You won’t believe it, but I swear it’s true.” One dark eyebrow arched, but he said nothing. “I’ve seen your sister…in a vision.” Slade slowly sat back in his chair. “A vision.” Kari nodded. “I didn’t want to talk about my visions over the phone. I needed to tell you in person, to make you believe me.” Pushing her saucer and mug aside, she clasped her hands and leaned closer to him. “I received an e-mail yesterday about the reopening of your father’s hotel. I printed it out and as soon as I touched the piece of paper, I saw Brenda in my mind. She was alone and dirty, her clothes torn. I saw a lot of trees and a brook flowing over rocks. She has to be in the foothills.” 17

Lynn LaFleur

“Do you have any idea how vast the foothills are?” “Of course I do. But it’s a start. Perhaps there’s a place she liked to go, a place where she didn’t believe anyone would look for her.” Slade rubbed his upper lip. “Where’s your proof of this…premonition?” “I don’t have any proof—” “I didn’t think so.” She continued as if he hadn’t interrupted her. “But I saw her as clearly as I’m seeing you right now. She was all alone. There were trees, like I said, and a brook and…” She stopped and tried to recreate the vision in her mind. “There were rocks all over the ground.” “Well, you’ve just described several hundred square miles of this area.” He’s gorgeous, but also incredibly stubborn. “I know this sounds weird. You aren’t the first person who’s looked at me like I don’t have all my crayons in the box. But I assure you on my life that my visions are real.” “So you conjure up these visions whenever you want to?” “No, it doesn’t work that way. I have no control over them. They simply…happen.” “How convenient.” Kari sighed to herself. She should be used to this type of reaction, but she wasn’t. It still hurt when someone didn’t believe her. “Won’t you at least help me try to find her? She’s your sister.” His eyes narrowed to slits, his lips turned down in a fierce scowl. “And you’re a con, trying to make a buck on someone’s misfortune.” Kari swallowed hard, not surprised at his accusation. Still, she wouldn’t give up. She had to make him believe her, to help her find Brenda. “I never asked you for a dime!”

18

Premonition

“Not me, no. But you’re staying at my father’s hotel. How soon do you plan to hit him up with this premonition theory? He’s loaded. Of course, I’m sure you’ve done your homework and already know that.” Her chest tightened at Slade’s implication that she would try to con anyone out of money. “I only want to help Brenda before it’s too late. I don’t want any money from you or your father.” “That’s good, because it isn’t going to happen.” He pushed back his chair and stood. Placing his hands flat on the table, he leaned toward her. “Let me assure you, Ms. Winchester,” he growled, “you won’t get within fifty feet of my father. I promise you that.” Synda arrived with Slade’s treat. “You’re leaving? You haven’t eaten your cheesecake.” “Put it on my tab and give it to someone who’ll enjoy it.” He dropped a kiss on her cheek. “I’m outta here.” Kari watched him storm across the floor and out the front door. Tears pricked her eyes. She understood why Slade would be skeptical of her visions, but he could at least go along with her if it meant finding his sister. “He’s a proud man,” Synda said softly, “and very protective of his family.” “Then why won’t he listen to me? I want to help find Brenda.” “Slade hasn’t had an easy life, despite his family’s wealth. He was a policeman in Reno for ten years. He gave it up to start his own private investigation firm. His office is two blocks from here.” She slipped into the chair Slade had vacated. “Maybe I can help you.” “How?” “Perhaps the cards can help find Brenda. Let me do a reading for you.” “A…reading?”

19

Lynn LaFleur

Synda nodded. “My partner Leandra and I do Tarot readings for our customers. I’d like to do one for you.” Kari knew nothing about the Tarot. Since visions were a large part of her life, she would never say she didn’t believe in something simply because she knew nothing about it. “Okay.” Slipping her hand into the pocket of her skirt, Synda drew out a beaded velvet pouch. She removed a colorful but obviously well-used deck of cards with ornate artwork on the back and placed them in the center of the table. “Shuffle them for me, as much or as little as you’d like.” Kari picked up the cards and held them in both hands before shuffling them four times. She returned them to the table. “Cut them into three piles, then combine the piles into one and turn over the top card.” Kari did as instructed and turned the top card face up. The Seven of Cups. “Ah, the Daydreams card,” Synda said, smiling. “Is that good?” “Upright, the way you see it, the card indicates a lack of focus or a sense of confusion. But reversed, the way I as the reader see it, means the fog is lifted and persistence is rewarded.” She smiled again. “Your quest will be successful.” She’d take anything positive she could get right now. “Thank you, Synda. I hope you’re right.” She lifted her purse from the chair and took out her wallet. “Let me pay you for my coffee.” Synda shook her head. “You owe me nothing. I hope to see you again soon.” “That would be nice.” Armed with a new confidence, Kari left the café to drive back to the Tahoe Towers. Despite Slade’s promise that she’d never get near his father, she would find a way to convince Leon Blackstone to talk to her.

20

Premonition

Synda picked up the deck from the table and shuffled it once. She cut the deck three times, then combined the piles into one, as she had instructed Kari to do. Taking a slow breath, she turned over the top card. The Lovers. Synda smiled. “You’ve finally met your match, Slade Blackstone.”

21

Lynn LaFleur

Chapter Three Slade’s long strides quickly ate up the distance between the Café and his office. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so angry. Imagine that little slip of a woman trying to blackmail his father. Kari Winchester could claim she was only trying to help find his sister. Slade knew better. She was a total con, trying to get money from his father while he’d do anything to get his daughter back. Slade hated that Kari turned out to be a crook. She had the most incredible blue eyes he’d ever seen…as blue as the Pacific and surrounded by long brown lashes. A man could lose himself in those eyes while he kissed those full lips and slowly thrust into her body. He wondered if her nipples were pale pink or deep rose. You have no business thinking of her nipples or anything else about her. He pushed the erotic image from his mind and unlocked the door to his office. He had to call his father first and tell him about the gold digger. Leon answered after one ring. “What did you find out about Kari Winchester?” “That she’s a con.” “A con? She isn’t behind the kidnapping?” “No. At least, I don’t believe she is. I’ve worked with kidnappers when I was on the force. She isn’t the…type to kidnap someone.” “You have the experience, son. I trust your judgment. So if she didn’t kidnap Brenda, why did she want to talk to me?” Slade dropped into the chair behind his old metal desk. “She claimed she saw Brenda in a vision and wanted to help find her.” “She’s psychic?”

22

Premonition

“No, Dad, she isn’t. She was vague about Brenda. She couldn’t give me one piece of proof that she knew anything.” “Sometimes proof isn’t possible. You know that better than most people.” Leon sighed softly. “Slade, you’re a Native American. I know you’re proud of your heritage.” “Yes, I am. Very proud.” “Your mother was a Seer. You believed in her visions.” “That’s completely different—“ “Why? Isn’t it possible this Kari Winchester could possess the same Gift as your mother?” His parents came from the Maidu tribe. Slade had grown up with tales of his ancestors and the Native American people. A deep love of the land and the spiritual had been instilled in him from the time he was a young boy. His mother had seen to that. He believed in psychics and Seers for he’d seen proof of them. Kari Winchester hadn’t shown him any proof. Slade pinched the bridge of his nose. “It’s possible, but I don’t believe it.” “Don’t you think you should follow up on whatever Kari Winchester tells you, in case it is true?” Even though he didn’t believe a follow-up with Kari would produce anything positive, Slade didn’t want to disappoint his father. “Tell you what. If she comes up with anything, anything that might lead to Brenda, I’ll check it out. How’s that?” “Keep me posted, even if you don’t think it’s important.” “Will do.” Slade hung up the phone. Leaning back in his chair, he propped one ankle on the opposite knee while he thought about what he should do next. He’d had Kari meet him at the Café because it was neutral ground. He could’ve had her meet him here, in his office, but he hadn’t wanted her to know where he worked. He didn’t trust her. If she’d

23

Lynn LaFleur

stoop so low as to use his sister’s disappearance to blackmail his father, there was no telling what else she might do. He had Kari’s cell phone number. He had to call her, offer to meet her again. He could even grovel a bit and apologize. That thought left a bad taste in his mouth. Footsteps on the wooden floor in the foyer grew louder, as if someone were heading his way. Slade straightened in his chair. The steps stopped a moment, then continued toward his office. Kari Winchester stepped through his door. “I had another vision,” she said. So much for her not knowing where I work. He motioned to the chair in front of his desk. “Sit down, please.” She perched on the edge of the vinyl chair, her gaze sweeping the room. Slade knew exactly how his office looked. Several of the other tenants had modernized their offices in the old building. He hadn’t bothered with more than a fresh coat of paint for he didn’t need a lot of room. He’d bought the desk, chairs and file cabinets at a government auction. The few furnishings in the office were outdated, other than his computer. Slade had never needed top-of-the-line. Everything in his small office suited him fine. “Not what you imagined, huh?” Her attention swung back to him. “I have no idea what a private investigator’s office should look like.” “Depends on how much money he has. You know my family has a lot of money.” She frowned. “Mr. Blackstone, you don’t have to keep reminding me of your family’s wealth. I don’t care. The only thing I care about is finding your sister.” “I can’t help wondering why. You don’t know my sister. Why do you care what happens to her?” “Because I don’t want another—”

24

Premonition

She stopped and looked away again. Slade waited for her to continue. She blew out a breath that ruffled her dark bangs. “Look, I know you don’t believe me. I can understand that. But please, help me help her.” He’d promised his father he’d listen to Kari if he saw her again. He’d keep that promise, despite any misgivings he still felt. “You said you had another vision.” Kari nodded. “I was driving back to your father’s hotel. About five miles out of Truckee, a sharp pain flashed through my right ankle. It was so bad, it brought tears to my eyes. I pulled over to the side of the road. I sat there for a minute or so, then decided to get back on the road. That’s when I saw trees again, and rocks. Then I saw Brenda lying on the ground next to those rocks. I think she was unconscious.” She leaned forward and gripped the edge of his desk. “I saw her. She’s in trouble. You have to help me find her.” “Even if I wanted to help you, there are thousands of acres of wilderness around here. Where would we look?” Kari rubbed her head, as if she were trying to bring back the vision she’d seen in her mind. “There was a rock wall nearby, about seven feet tall. Part of it looked like…some kind of wild animal. A wolf? Or maybe a coyote.” She looked back at him. “Does that help any?” Slade’s eyes widened before he could stop his reaction. She’d described a place where he’d gone hiking many times. Of course, so did hundreds of other people, and he imagined many of them took pictures that they posted on websites or photo programs over the Internet. Kari worked for a newspaper. With her connections, she could have easily researched the area and found out about that rock formation. She pointed one finger at him. “You know that place, don’t you? I can tell by your expression.” “Yes, I know the place. So do a lot of people. You could’ve found out about that rock formation from a book or website.” Kari huffed out a breath. “You’re a stubborn man, do you know that?” 25

Lynn LaFleur

“You wouldn’t be the first person to tell me that.” “Fine.” She stood, fists clenched at her sides. “I’ll find the place by myself. I don’t need your help, or anyone else’s.” She made it as far as the door before Slade sighed. “Wait.” She stopped, but didn’t turn. “You’ll find it a lot faster if I take you there.” Back straight, fists still clenched, she faced him. “Then let’s go.” “Now?” “Yes, now. We have to hurry.” “Kari, it’s after two. The sun sets in four hours. We don’t have time to search.” “How long will it take to get to that rock?” “About two hours. We can drive most of the way, but we’ll still have to hike in.” “Then we have time. She’s hurt, Slade. We have to find her.” He liked the way she said his name. He also liked the way her blue eyes flashed when she was angry. He’d always had a weakness for blue eyes. He wondered if they flashed like that when she came. Now isn’t the time to think with your cock, man. “All right.” Slade stood and rounded his desk. “We’ll have to hike about two miles. Are you in shape?” She raised her chin and looked directly into his dark eyes. “Yes, I’m in shape. I work out faithfully.” He glanced at her feet. “You’ll need something to walk in besides those fancy shoes.” “No problem. I have hiking boots in my car.” “Get them. I’ll get my backpack and meet you back here in half an hour.” “Twenty minutes.”

26

Premonition

She turned and left his office. Slade grinned at her bossy command. The woman obviously had a mind of her own. As quickly as it came, his grin disappeared. He still had reservations about her psychic ability, but he had to commend her for her tenacity. Whatever she wanted out of this, she was determined to get it. Slade was just as determined that Kari Winchester would never hurt anyone in his family. He could accomplish that by staying close to her, watching her every move. Watching that delectable ass when she walked wouldn’t be a hardship at all.

The pine trees, fall wildflowers and tall snow-topped hills were all sights Kari would never tire of seeing. She would’ve enjoyed the breathtaking scenery around her more if she wasn’t in agony. Each step sent another jolt of pain through her heels. Kari clenched her teeth and kept walking. She couldn’t stop now, not when she and Slade were so close to finding Brenda. Kari quickly discovered wearing new hiking boots over steep, rocky terrain wasn’t the smartest thing she’d ever done. Despite the thick socks she’d donned, the blisters on her heels had to be the size of quarters by now. She couldn’t complain, not when Slade carried a backpack full of bottled water, granola bars, a first aid kit, a flashlight and two lightweight blankets, while she carried nothing. She’d tied a thick zippered sweatshirt around her waist, but that couldn’t compare to Slade’s loaded pack. He kept trudging on, his back straight, his stride sure and confident. She admired his broad shoulders, long legs and tight butt. His dark skin and facial features spoke of a Native American heritage. With a last name like Blackstone, she assumed his looks came from his father. His strong arms and flat stomach proved he didn’t spend all his time sitting behind the desk in his office.

27

Lynn LaFleur

She studied his long dark brown hair that he’d pulled back and tied with a strip of leather. She could imagine tugging the leather from his hair, letting it fall around her face as he kissed her. With his full, sculptured lips, he had to be an incredible kisser. He really was a handsome man. Kari couldn’t help wishing they’d met under other circumstances. He might actually like her. “You know this area well,” Kari said. “Do you hike here often?” “As often as I can.” “It’s really beautiful.” Slade stopped and turned to look at her. “You like the mountains?” “What’s not to like? A person could never get tired of seeing the hills, the trees, the flowers. I love the glimpses of the Truckee River along I-80 on the drive to Reno.” “Yeah, me too. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else but in the mountains.” “Do you ski too?” Slade nodded. “How about you?” “No, but I’ve always wanted to. Every year, I tell myself I’m going to take lessons. Then winter is over and it’s too late for the lessons.” “It isn’t too late this year.” “That’s true.” His gaze passed over her body, lingering on her breasts. A surge of warmth flowed down her spine at the interest in his eyes. He shifted his backpack on his shoulders. “We’d better keep moving.” He started walking again. Kari winced when she took the first step. She would definitely pay for wearing new boots over the next several days. Any pain she felt would be worth it when they found Brenda. “How much farther?” she asked after walking another one hundred yards. “About a quarter mile.” He glanced at her over his shoulder. “I’m surprised you don’t know that, since you’re psychic.” 28

Premonition

“I’m not psychic. I just have visions.” “Oh, excuse me. I didn’t realize there’s a difference.” She could’ve popped off with a smart remark, but Kari decided it wouldn’t help him believe her. The only thing that would make Slade believe in her visions would be to find Brenda. The steep climb leveled off. Kari could see the rock formation ahead of her. The face and shape of a wolf took form the closer she got to the wall. Her heartbeat sped up, her breathing quickened. This time, she’d be successful. This time, she’d find someone before it was too late. Slade stopped at the wall and slowly turned in a complete circle. “Is this the place?” “Yes.” “So where’s Brenda?” She should be here. Kari had seen the wolf formation so clearly in her mind. Brenda had been lying on the ground near that rock wall. “She was here. She had to have been here.” “Well, she obviously isn’t here now.” The scorn in his voice stabbed at her heart. She’d been so sure this time. “Let’s look around. Maybe we’ll find some sign—“ “We won’t find any sign, Kari. She isn’t here.” “We can take a few minutes and at least look around. Don’t you want to find your sister?” He sighed and Kari thought he’d refuse. Then he nodded. “Okay, we’ll look around for a few minutes.” Kari followed Slade farther up the hill. She helped him search the ground for any new footprints, the tree branches for a piece of torn clothing. He checked under low bushes, kicked aside rocks. They made a large circle of the area before returning to the wolf wall.

29

Lynn LaFleur

Nothing. No sign of Brenda at all. “I knew this was stupid,” Slade said, his eyes narrowed in anger. “Brenda’s never been here. I don’t know why I let you talk me into coming.” He adjusted the backpack across his shoulders, then stormed past her. “The sun will be behind those mountains in an hour. We’ll have to walk part of the way in the dark. Let’s go.” Kari stood still, trying to absorb any feeling that Brenda had been here. She couldn’t sense anything. Of course I can’t. I have no control over the visions. I can’t make them happen. They just do. Tears stung her eyes. Once again, she’d failed to help someone she so desperately wanted to help. Slade’s long strides had already taken him several feet away from her. Kari wiped the moisture from her eyes and took a step forward. She cried out at the pain in her feet. Her socks felt wet, as if her heels were bleeding. She couldn’t possibly walk the two miles they’d traveled to get here. “Slade, wait!” He continued walking as if he hadn’t heard her…or was ignoring her. She had to stay up with him. She thought she could find her way out of here, but she couldn’t take the chance of getting lost. She didn’t even have her cell phone with her to call for help if she needed it. Two steps and her feet gave out. Kari landed in a heap on the ground. Tears filled her eyes again and overflowed. She couldn’t find Brenda, she couldn’t walk. She couldn’t do anything right. Kari’s breath hitched. Covering her face with her hands, she let the tears fall.

30

Premonition

Chapter Four Slade had traveled about seventy-five feet before he glanced over his shoulder. Instead of seeing Kari right behind him, he saw her slumped on the ground next to the wall, her head lowered. “Shit,” he muttered. His parents had raised him to respect women and be a gentleman at all times. Kari wasn’t making it easy for him to be a gentleman. Huffing out a breath, he retraced his steps back to Kari. Ready to snap at her for not following him, he knelt on one knee before her. His harsh words died in his throat when he saw the tears flowing down her cheeks. A woman’s tears had always turned him to mush. No matter the reason for tears, he wanted to take her in his arms and do whatever he could to make her feel better. “Hey,” he said softly. She lifted her head. The tears made her eyes look like sparkling sapphires. God, you’re stunning. Slade cleared his throat. “What’s wrong?” “Ev-everything. I was so su-sure we’d find Brenda here. My vi-vision was so clear this time.” “This time? Aren’t your visions usually clear?” “Yes, usually, but sometimes they’re unfocused and hard to see. I get a general impression of someone, but their features are fuzzy. Brenda’s face was so clear to me.” She waved a hand at the rock wall behind her. “That wolf was so clear.” More tears fell down her cheeks. “I don’t understand wh-why I have these stupid visions when I’m too l-late to help anyone!”

31

Lynn LaFleur

She covered her face with her hands. Sobs shook her shoulders. Slade felt helpless, unsure what to do. He’d known women who could turn on tears like a faucet. He didn’t believe that about Kari. Her misery seemed too deep to be fake. “Hey, hey, don’t cry.” He took her wrists and gently pulled her hands away from her face. “I’ll find my sister. I won’t stop looking for her until I do. But the sunlight is disappearing fast. We have to go.” “Please, can’t we look around a bit? Maybe there’ll be some sign of her, something she left or dropped.” Slade sighed heavily. His father had decided to keep it quiet from the media about a kidnapping, despite Slade’s objections. Even though they hadn’t received any ransom request yet, they still believed Brenda had been kidnapped. Her disappearance made no sense unless someone had forced her to go with him. Or her. No. There’s no way Kari could be involved with Brenda’s kidnapping. She’s too upset at not finding Brenda. “Kari, my sister isn’t here. She hasn’t been here.” “How can you be so sure?” “Because she was kidnapped.” Kari’s eyes widened. “Kidnapped?” Slade nodded. “But there wasn’t anything about a kidnapping in the news release.” “My father decided to keep it quiet until we received a ransom demand. He thought if we treated this as if Brenda ran away, the kidnappers would cooperate better since no one would be looking for them.” “And you agreed to that?” “No, I didn’t, but I had to respect my father’s wishes. I have friends on the Reno police force unofficially investigating for me. No leads so far.”

32

Premonition

Confusion filled her eyes. Frowning, she rubbed her forehead. “I’ve never been wrong. I’ve had visions for years and I’ve never been wrong.” “I wish you weren’t. I wish we’d found Brenda right here, by that rock wall.” “We could still look around, just in case.” The sun dipped behind the mountains, leaving them in shadow. Slade felt the drop in temperature immediately. “Kari, we have to go. It gets cold quickly once the sun goes down. That sweatshirt you tied around your waist won’t protect you from freezing temperatures.” He squeezed her upper arm. “I have a good friend—Meka—on the force. I’ll check with him as soon as we get back to Truckee, see if he has anything new. Okay?” She hesitated, but finally nodded. “Okay.” Slade stood and tugged Kari to her feet. She released a cry of anguish and collapsed back to the ground. He dropped to his knees. “What’s wrong?” “I can’t walk.” He looked at her feet, noting the brown hiking boots. It was probably the first time she’d worn them. “New boots, huh?” Kari nodded. “I didn’t know my first hike in them would be two miles.” “I told you we’d have to hike about two miles.” “I know you did. I just…didn’t think. I wanted so badly to get here.” “Yeah, I know you did.” Slade untied the left one and slowly slid it off her foot. The heel of her white sock was completely red with blood. “Damn. Why didn’t you tell me you were developing blisters?” “Because I didn’t want to stop.” Bossy and hard-headed both…traits which his friends had used to describe him. Perhaps he had more in common with Kari Winchester than he’d thought. Slade shrugged off his backpack and unzipped it. “I’ll clean and bandage your heels, but I doubt if you’ll be able to walk.” 33

Lynn LaFleur

“So how do I get out of here?” He removed the first aid kit and a bottle of water from his pack. “I’ll carry you.” Kari snorted. “You can’t carry me two miles.” Slade chuckled at her unladylike snort. He thought it cute. “I’ve gone farther carrying a lot more.” “Not over rocky terrain and at night.” “Piece of cake.” He poured water over both her heels to dampen the dried blood that made her socks stick to her skin. “I’ll let you take off your socks. I don’t want to hurt you.” She looked into his eyes a moment. “Thank you,” she said softly. Slade returned her look, then his gaze dropped to her mouth. He watched her tongue moisten her bottom lip. He imagined pressing his lips to hers, sliding his tongue between them to taste her… The image vanished when she lowered her head. Slade blew out a breath. He had no business imagining anything to do with touching or kissing Kari. It’d been a while since he’d been involved with a woman, but that didn’t mean he’d let his hormones override his common sense. Nothing was more important than finding Brenda. Slade winced when Kari removed her socks. “You really did a number on your heels.” “Yeah. Not too smart, huh?” “No problem.” He opened the kit and took out moist towelettes, antiseptic cream and bandages. “I’ll clean and bandage them. You won’t be able to walk in those boots again right now, but your heels will feel better.” “Slade, you can’t carry me out of here.” “I don’t see where we have another choice.” He gently wiped the rest of the dried blood from her feet. “I told you, I can carry you. You can’t weigh…what? One twenty? One twenty-five?”

34

Premonition

“Something like that.” He chuckled. “Sorry. I forgot a guy isn’t supposed to mention a woman’s weight.” Her eyes twinkled with amusement. “Yeah. Where are your manners?” “I lost my head a moment.” He unscrewed the lid from the antiseptic and squirted out a generous drop on his fingers. “I actually do have manners, even though you haven’t seen them.” “I can understand why you didn’t believe me.” She sighed. “A lot of people haven’t.” Slade looked at her face before returning his attention to her feet. “How long have you had the visions?” “I thought you didn’t believe in my visions.” “Tell me more so I’ll understand.” He glanced at her again. “So how long?” “Since I was a teenager.” “And you’re how old now?” A hint of a smile touched her lips. “That’s the other question you never ask a woman, Slade.” “Damn. Screwed up again. Is there anything else I’m not supposed to ask?” “Those two are the biggies.” He fastened the bandage with two pieces of white tape, then repeated the process on her other heel. “That’s the best I can do. We’d better head back. We have about fortyfive minutes before it gets dark.” “It took us over an hour to get here.” “We don’t have a choice. It’s October, Kari. The temperature will drop into the thirties. We aren’t dressed for that kind of weather.” She leaned closer to him, as if she wanted to be sure he understood exactly what she said. “You cannot carry me.” “Look, you’ll carry my pack, I’ll carry you. It’ll work.” 35

Lynn LaFleur

“Slade—“ “End of discussion. Put on your boots so your feet won’t get cold. I’ll put your socks in my pack.” “You’re stubborn, do you know that?” “I’d say we both possess that trait.” He put her socks into a zippered bag he’d removed from his backpack and dropped the bag back into his pack. “Boots on, Kari.” With a disgusted sigh, she did as he said. Slade tugged her to her feet. “Do you want to put on your sweatshirt first?” “I guess I’d better.” Kari untied the arms from her waist and slipped on the fleece jacket. “Having this knot in the middle of your back wouldn’t exactly be comfortable.” “That’s true.” “What about you? Don’t you have some kind of jacket?” “I’m fine.” “Stubborn,” she muttered as she zipped her sweatshirt. Slade grinned. He liked her. A few hours ago, he wanted nothing to do with her. The more time he spent with her, the more he realized he wanted to know her better. He helped her don his backpack, then turned and squatted so she could climb on his back. “Let’s go.” “Are you sure?” “I’m sure. Let’s go before we lose all the light.”

***** Kari had asked Slade twice if he wanted to stop and rest. Twice he’d told her no. She wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but the sun had disappeared a long time ago. Not even a sliver of moon lighted their way. Kari figured Slade must be part nocturnal creature since he didn’t stumble once over the rocky ground. There were

36

Premonition

millions of stars in the sky, but she doubted she’d be so sure-footed without a full moon to guide her. She clutched his shoulders and wrapped her legs around his waist, trying to become one with him to make his load easier. After asking him several questions about Truckee and the area in general, she’d stopped talking. He didn’t need to waste his breath answering her questions when he needed his strength to walk. She wondered how many other men would be so generous as to carry her two miles. No one she knew, that was for sure. So far, her experience with the opposite sex had consisted of boring dates and groping hands. The loss of her virginity certainly hadn’t been earth-shattering…more like an is-that-all-there-is moment. Subsequent lovers hadn’t been much better than the first fumbling boy. Slade shifted his hands beneath her legs, drawing her farther up his body. Her breasts rubbed against his back. They’d done that practically every step of the journey. Despite the layers of clothing between Slade’s back and her breasts, the constant movement as he walked kept her nipples hard. It wasn’t the right time to think about sex, but Kari couldn’t help her thoughts. She hadn’t been this close to a man in a long time. She couldn’t remember ever being this close to a man as attractive as Slade. His soft hair tickled her cheek. The light sheen of perspiration on his skin released a musky, male scent that made her toes curl. She imagined opening her mouth over his neck, picking up the salty taste on her tongue… “Not much farther,” Slade said. His comment snapped her hormones back under control. “Good,” she croaked. Kari cleared her throat and tried again. “Good. I’m sure you’re ready to drop me.” “Nah. You aren’t so bad.” “Gee, thanks.” She caught a flash of white teeth as he grinned at her over his shoulder. “Would you rather I say you feel like a sack of potatoes?”

37

Lynn LaFleur

“Actually, I do feel like a sack of potatoes. My legs are numb.” “Too long in one position. Be careful when I put you down.” Slade’s Jeep came into view a few minutes later. Kari sighed from relief. She wanted nothing more right now than to stretch. “I’m going to set you on the hood,” Slade said. “Your legs probably will buckle if you try to stand.” “Okay.” Tiny pinpricks darted down her legs to her feet when she released Slade. She groaned. “Oh, wow.” Slade stretched his arms high over his head and twisted from side to side. “Feels like a million needles in your legs, huh?” “At least.” She shrugged off the backpack, letting it fall behind her, then began rubbing her thighs to get the circulation moving again. “Here, let me do that.” Slade stepped between her legs. He touched her right thigh, gently massaging the cramped muscles. Kari bit her tongue to keep from groaning again…but not in pain this time. Slade’s fingers made the pinpricks disappear, yet caused a totally different type of feeling deep inside her core. He worked all the way down her leg to her ankle before switching to her left leg. Kari watched his face the entire time. Her eyes had adjusted to the darkness, letting her make out his features. He seemed intent on his task, as if he wanted nothing more than to touch her. Her clit began to gently throb. “You don’t…you don’t have to do that.” “I don’t mind.” Slade looked into her eyes when his hands reached the top of her thigh. “I don’t mind touching you at all.” Slowly, he leaned forward until his lips covered hers. 38

Premonition

Chapter Five Brenda paced across the warped wooden floor. Where was he? He’d left this morning, saying he’d be back in two hours tops. Two hours had passed at least twelve hours ago. Hugging herself, she turned in a slow circle and looked at the run-down cabin. It was damp and cold and lonely. The dirty windows were bare of curtains. The few pieces of furniture were old and smelled musty. A far cry from her opulent bedroom in her parents’ suite at the hotel. Brenda shivered. She pulled her denim jacket closer to her chest, but that did little to keep out the cold. The few logs that had been piled by the fireplace had quickly disappeared. She had no way to get any others, and the fireplace was the only source of heat. The few candles she’d found in a kitchen drawer had been burned. Darkness would soon fill the small cabin. She had to get out of here. Knowing there was nothing she could do tonight, Brenda curled up in a corner of the lumpy couch. She pulled the moldy quilt over herself and closed her eyes tightly. Tears seeped from between her lashes and dribbled down her cheeks. Tomorrow. Somehow, she’d get out of here tomorrow.

***** A soft caress. The gentle slide of wet flesh. A flick of tongue. Warm breath on her cheek. Kari absorbed all the feelings and sensations of Slade’s kiss. Heat spread through her body. Her mind whirled. Her stomach fluttered. Moaning softly, she gripped his upper arms and parted her lips. 39

Lynn LaFleur

She heard him inhale sharply. The next moment, he cradled her face and tilted her head. His gentle, exploring kiss turned fierce. He nipped her bottom lip, then soothed the bite with his tongue. Kari felt that tender lick all the way to her womb. His tongue darted into her mouth, giving her a deeper taste of him. Mmm, he is definitely an incredible kisser. The kiss ended with a slow lick of her lips. Kari struggled to open her eyes. Her heart pounded as if she’d been the one who had carried over one hundred pounds for two miles. She looked up into his face, silently cursing the darkness that didn’t let her clearly see his eyes. “Very nice,” he said, his voice hoarse. Kari nodded. She couldn’t possibly speak now with desire clogging her throat. A sudden breeze blew across them, making her shiver. The temperature had dropped significantly since sunset. She hunched her shoulders when another shiver passed through her body. “You’re cold. I’m sorry. I should’ve started up the Jeep right away so it’d get warm.” “I was warm as long as you were kissing me.” His teeth flashed in a wicked smile. “Is that a request for another kiss?” She hadn’t meant to be so direct, but since he’d asked… “I wouldn’t object to several more kisses.” “Sounds like a hell of an idea to me.” He covered her lips with his. Kari moaned again and gripped the front of his Tshirt. Slowly she released his shirt and let her hands travel over his shoulders and chest. Broad, firm, muscled. Her fingertips wandered down his flat stomach and around his waist. He had the type of body that most men would envy. And most women would love to caress.

40

Premonition

He kissed her jaw, her cheek, the side of her neck. Kari tilted her head, giving him better access to the sensitive area beneath her ear. Holding her waist, he pulled her closer to the edge of the hood. Kari’s breath hitched when she felt the hard ridge of his cock between her thighs. “Yeah,” he breathed into her ear as he shifted his hips from side to side. Each movement brushed her clit. “You’re warm here. It feels good.” A tug on her earlobe with his teeth sent a chill down her spine. This time, she enjoyed the chill…and wanted more. The sound of a zipper broke the stillness. Kari glanced down and watched Slade part her sweatshirt. His hands tunneled beneath her T-shirt. Despite the quickly cooling air, they were warm. He ran his fingers up and down her sides. His thumbs brushed the underside of her breasts. “Do you want me to stop?” She shook her head. Kari felt the tightening of her bra when Slade unfastened it. His warm palms cradled her breasts as he kissed her again. His lips sipped at hers, his tongue caressed, while thumbs and forefingers plucked at her firm nipples. She almost purred, the pleasure was so intense. He ended the kiss with a gentle nip of her bottom lip. “Your breasts are bigger than I thought.” “Is that bad?” “Hell no.” A rasp of his thumbs made Kari inhale sharply. “They’re perfect. I’d like to spend several hours playing with them.” He squeezed her breasts, flicked her nipples with his thumbs. Kari arched her back, pressing them harder into his palms. “Oh, yes. I love that. More.” Placing his hand on the small of her back, he pressed his cock firmly against her mound. “Do you feel that?”

41

Lynn LaFleur

“Mmm, I certainly do.” “I want to be inside you.” “I want that too.” “Don’t you think—“ “No, I don’t want to think. I only want to do this.” Kari tugged on his shirt until he was close enough to kiss. She held the soft cotton in one fist. Her other hand slid down the front of his body until she grasped his hard flesh through his jeans. He was thick and long and more than filled her hand. She smiled to herself at the sound of the groan deep in his throat. “Isn’t that better than—“ She didn’t get the chance to finish her question. Slade’s lips swooped down on hers in a ravishing kiss. He held her jaw with one hand while arching his shaft firmer against her pussy. His tongue dove into her mouth. Kari drew his tongue deeper, sucking it the way she would his cock. “My God, you’re hot,” he growled. He pushed her backward until she lay flat on the hood, her widespread legs dangling over the front. Slade removed her shoes, then unfastened her jeans. One tug and jeans and panties disappeared. He slid his thumb over the slick folds between her thighs. “Damn, your pussy is dripping.” Kari gasped when he touched her clit. “Right there. Oh, yes, right there.” He moved his thumb faster over her clit and added his fingers to the loveplay. They slid over wet flesh, journeyed through swollen folds. “Is this what you need?” “I need… Oh!” She gasped and lifted her hips. Slade certainly knew how to touch a woman to make her head blow off. “I need you inside me.” “Not until you come. I want to watch.”

42

Premonition

He’d barely said the words when the orgasm sped through her body. She bucked against his hand, drawing out every last bit of sensation she could. A climax normally didn’t happen so quickly for her. She didn’t know if she’d come so fast because it’d been a long time since she’d had sex, or because Slade had magic fingers. She’d bet on his magic fingers. Slade watched Kari’s eyes drift closed. He loved watching a woman after she’d experienced a climax. Her chest rose and fell rapidly with her heavy breaths. He couldn’t see her skin clearly in the darkness, but knew it was flushed and dewy with perspiration. Her nipples would be hard pebbles, her pupils dilated. Her clit had retreated back inside its hood. Slade continued his gentle caressing, hoping to coax it back out so he could make Kari come again. He’d like to spend the rest of the night making her come again and again. The subtle shifting of her hips proved his touch was affecting her. More cream oozed from her pussy. Slade lifted his hand to his mouth and licked his fingers. “Damn, you taste good,” he rasped. “Please tell me you have a condom in your wallet.” “First aid kit in my backpack.” She grabbed the pack and dragged it closer to Slade. He fumbled for the kit, silently cursing when he couldn’t find it quickly. His cock lengthened, thickened, making demands that he couldn’t ignore much longer. He finally found the kit and flipped it open. He unfastened his jeans, pulled his shaft from his briefs and sheathed his hard flesh. With one movement, he thrust inside her to his balls. Kari moaned loudly. “Oh, yes, yes! That feels so good.” Slade gritted his teeth, not daring to move yet for fear he’d come too soon. “You’re tight. And wet.” “And you’re huge.”

43

Lynn LaFleur

Clutching her hips, he began to pump his rod into her channel. “Not huge, just above average.” “There’s nothing average about that horse cock.” Slade couldn’t help it. He laughed. He was so turned on, his cock was so hard it almost hurt, and she made him laugh. “Are you complaining?” “What, you think I’m crazy? I love it. More.” Not one to disappoint a lady, Slade moved faster. It wasn’t enough. Taking Kari’s hand, he pulled her into his arms and gripped her buttocks so he could drive deeper. Now he could get all the way inside her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her legs around his waist, and kissed him. Perfect. Pleasure grabbed his balls. His rod jerked. Slade released a fierce growl as the climax rushed through him. Closing his eyes, he rested his forehead against Kari’s. “Damn.” “I’ll go along with that.” He swallowed hard and wondered when he’d be able to speak again without his voice sounding breathless. “You didn’t come again.” “You won’t hear one word of complaint from this gal.” Slade kissed her once, twice. “Spend the night with me and I promise you’ll come again.” She smiled. “Sounds like a hell of an idea to me.” Slade laughed at her repeating the same words he’d uttered before they’d had sex. “Then we’d better go before we freeze our asses.”

*****

44

Premonition

Unlike the drive from Truckee earlier this evening, Kari enjoyed the ride back to town with Slade. Although mostly silent, the silence was comfortable this time instead of thick with tension. That wasn’t true. Kari felt a different type of tension in the air…the one that spoke of naked bodies, entwined limbs, and rumpled sheets. Although they’d already had sex, her body still hummed with desire. She could hardly wait to get Slade in bed where they could take their time, learn each other’s bodies. She wanted to drag her tongue down his chest, over his stomach. She wanted to take that magnificent cock in her mouth, feel it swell as she sucked it. A thrill whooshed down her spine at the thought. The mental picture of Brenda lying near the wolf wall flashed through Kari’s mind. It still bothered her that her vision had been so wrong. That had never happened to her. She’d had dozens of visions since her first one and they’d always come true. She’d never been able to stop whatever was about to happen to the person in her vision. This time, she’d wanted it to be different. This time, she’d wanted to save Brenda before anything bad happened to her. Apparently, she had nothing to worry about. Kari laid her hand over her churning stomach. If I have nothing to worry about, why do I feel this gnawing feeling inside that Brenda is in trouble? And not kidnapping trouble, but lifethreatening trouble. “You’re quiet,” Slade said into the silence. “Just thinking.” “Would it sound like my ego talking if I said I hope you’re thinking of me?” Kari chuckled. “Yes, it would sound like your ego.” “Rats.” This time Kari laughed out loud. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone but Charlie Brown say ‘rats’.”

45

Lynn LaFleur

Slade grinned. “I could’ve said something more…colorful, but I’m trying to show you I do have manners.” His grin faded and he glanced at her. “Seriously, what are you thinking about?” It would be useless to say she’d been thinking of Brenda again. She and Slade were growing closer. She didn’t want to do or say anything to hinder the new feelings developing between them. Instead, she said what she thought he’d want to hear. “You.” He held out his right hand, palm up. Kari placed her left in it and entwined their fingers. “So what, exactly, are you thinking?” “About how handsome I thought you were the first time I saw you in The Café. About how you didn’t complain once when you had to carry me. About our kisses and how they make me feel.” “And how do they make you feel?” he asked, his voice low and husky. “Warm. Breathless. All fluttery inside.” “Is fluttery good?” “Fluttery is very good.” He raised their hands to his mouth and kissed the back of hers. “It’s been a long time since a woman has affected me this strongly.” “I feel the same way about you.” The lights of Truckee appeared when Slade topped a hill. “How about if I buy you dinner before we head to my place?” Kari’s stomach growled loudly as if answering his question. He chuckled. “I guess that means dinner is a good idea.” “It’s been a long time since lunch.” “For me too.” He pulled into the parking lot of The Tarot Café and turned off the ignition. “There are several great restaurants in town, but this is my favorite. Plus Synda and Leandra are good friends.” “You’re the expert on the restaurants. I’m easy.” 46

Premonition

“Mmm, that sounds promising.” Before Kari could respond to his remark, Slade opened his door and stepped out of the Jeep. She smiled to herself as she opened her own door. She liked the teasing Slade much better than the angry, suspicious one she’d met earlier today. She joined him in front of the Jeep. Slade glanced down at her feet. “Can you walk okay?” “Yeah, if I go slowly. You did a great job with the first aid.” Taking her hand, Slade led her up the steps to The Café. A tall, slender brunette greeted them when they entered the restaurant. She smiled and gave Slade a quick hug. “Hi.” “Hey, Leandra. Do you have a table for a couple of hungry people?” “Absolutely. Follow me.” She led them to the same table near the fireplace where they’d sat this afternoon. Kari listened to the easy banter between Leandra and Slade as they spoke for a few moments. They were obviously very good friends. Leandra handed each of them a menu and said she’d be back with glasses of water. Once she left, Kari opened her menu. “Do the owners hold this table especially for you?” “No, but I sit here whenever it’s available. It gives me a good view of the entire place.” “Once a cop, always a cop?” “You got it.” “So why did you quit?” “I did a four-year stint in the Marines before I enrolled in the police academy. After fourteen years, I’d had enough discipline and following rules. Now I make my own rules.”

47

Lynn LaFleur

Her rumbling stomach drew Kari’s attention back to her menu. “Everything looks wonderful. Do you recommend something?” “You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Synda’s a great cook. I’m having a steak, the biggest one they have in the kitchen.” “Do you need to build up your strength after carrying me for two miles?” He leaned forward and rested his arms on the table. His eyes narrowed and he licked his bottom lip. “I was thinking more about building up my strength for later, at my house. I promised you another orgasm, remember? I’m a man who always keeps his word.” The heat in his eyes seemed to touch every part of her, sending her body temperature up several degrees. Kari unzipped her sweatshirt and let it fall over the back of her chair. A cocky grin turned up one corner of Slade’s mouth. “Too warm?” “It’s comfortable in here.” “And here I was hoping you might be thinking of when we leave here and getting all…fluttery.” She only needed one look from Slade to feel fluttery. Suddenly, Kari lost her appetite…at least for food. She closed her menu and laid it on the edge of the table. “We could get our meals to go.” Leandra returned to their table, water glasses in hand. “Are you ready to order?” “Yes,” Slade said, looking at Kari instead of his friend. “Give us two of your best steak dinners to go.”

48

Premonition

Chapter Six Slade unlocked the back door to his house and flipped a light switch. Recessed lighting illuminated the oak cabinets and white appliances. He stood aside so Kari could enter before him. He watched her glance around the room, pleasure clearly showing on her face. She smiled at him. “It’s wonderful.” “Thanks. I’ve been working on it for several months.” “You’re remodeling?” “Yeah.” Slade set the plastic bag holding their dinners on the center island. “It was built in the fifties and pretty run down. But I liked the design and the challenge. I’ve worked on it evenings and weekends and whenever I wasn’t busy on a case. I had to completely gut the kitchen and start over. The previous renters had destroyed it, along with most of the house.” “You’re a man of many talents.” “I’ve enjoyed it.” He opened a cabinet and removed two wineglasses. “I like working with my hands.” “And you do it so well.” Slade looked at Kari over his shoulder. She’d removed her sweatshirt and stood with her elbows bent, her hands propped on the island behind her. The position pushed her breasts forward. “We are talking about construction, aren’t we?” “Are we?” A sexy smile touched her lips, one that Slade would love to kiss. He couldn’t. If he started kissing her now, he wouldn’t stop until they were naked on his bed. The next time they were together, he wanted to make love to her, not simply give her a fast fuck.

49

Lynn LaFleur

Although taking her on the hood of his Wrangler had been hot as hell. He walked back to her. Placing his hands next to hers on the island, he leaned down until he looked directly into her eyes. “You’re trying to spoil my plans.” “You have plans?” Slade nodded. “I thought we’d have a leisurely dinner, drink a glass or two of wine.” He touched a curl next to her cheek, rubbing it between his fingers and thumb. So silky. “I could use a shower. How about you?” “Sounds good.” Her voice came out breathless and raspy. He liked knowing his nearness affected her so strongly. He ran his thumb down her cheek to her jaw. “Then I thought we’d relax in my hot tub.” Her eyes widened. “You have a hot tub?” “I do. Are you interested?” She smiled. “Very. I love hot tubs.” Standing this close to her, he could see the silver specks in her blue eyes. He could easily stare into her eyes all night while he worshipped her body. “You’re so lovely, Kari.” A pink blush filled her cheeks. Slade thought it charming. “Thank you.” Unable to resist those full lips any longer, he dropped a gentle kiss on them. The tip of her tongue touched him and she clutched his shoulders. It would be so easy to forget the food and the shower and take her. The ringing of his cell phone broke the spell. Reluctantly, Slade ended the kiss with a slow swipe of his tongue. “I need to get that.” “Okay.” He turned and reached into the pocket of his jeans. Kari gazed at his broad back and firm buttocks in those tight jeans as he walked away from her. She sighed. There

50

Premonition

must be something seriously wrong with all the women in this area. A man as edible as Slade should’ve been snapped up a long time ago. She could set out their meal while he talked on the phone. Kari removed the foilcovered plates from the plastic bags. Slade must be a really good friend for Synda to send their dinners on her lovely plates instead of those awful Styrofoam to-go boxes. She peeled back the foil. A filet grilled to perfection sat next to parslied potatoes and buttered asparagus. She sniffed deeply and her stomach growled. Another piece of foil held three fluffy rolls. A plastic bowl contained two pieces of raspberry-chocolate cheesecake. The perfect dessert…after she and Slade made love again. A small metal rack holding three bottles of wine occupied one corner of the countertop. Kari checked the labels and found a nice bottle of Merlot. Slade had excellent taste. She loved this wine, but her budget called for drinking something less expensive. Rummaging through the drawers, she located silverware and a corkscrew. More exploring produced deep navy linen napkins. She arranged everything on the island, adding the bottle of wine as Slade came back into the room. One look at his face and she knew the phone call hadn’t been a pleasant one. “That was Meka.” Slade laid his phone on the counter. “No news about Brenda yet.” “I’m so sorry.” “Yeah, me too.” He released a heavy sigh. “I was sure we’d hear something from the kidnapper by now.” “Does that make sense? Brenda’s been missing for two days. Wouldn’t a kidnapper contact your parents immediately and demand money?” “Not necessarily. Sometimes the kidnapper likes to make his victim’s family suffer so they’re more willing to pay. My father is willing to pay just about anything to get his daughter back.” 51

Lynn LaFleur

Kari clasped her hands together at her waist. She wanted to stay with Slade, talk to him and get to know him better, but perhaps she should leave him alone. “Would you like me to go? Maybe you’d rather see how your parents—” “No, please don’t go.” He stepped closer to her and cradled one cheek in his hand. “I want you to stay. We don’t have to make love if you don’t want to, but stay with me.” Hoping to make him feel better, Kari teased with him. “Trust me, making love with you won’t be any hardship on me.” He chuckled, which was exactly what Kari wanted. “Me either.” He ran his thumb over her lips. “I want to see you naked.” She nipped his thumb. “I know the feeling. You were inside me tonight, but I didn’t get to see anything.” Heat flared in his eyes. “Careful. I’m feeling very much like a caveman right now. I could easily throw you over my shoulder and take you to bed.” “I’ve never had a man throw me over his shoulder.” She grinned. “I think I might like it.” “I’ll do my best to give you all kinds of new experiences tonight.” He leaned forward and kissed her. “But let’s eat first. You’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven when you taste Synda’s cooking.”

***** Kari swirled the last bite of her roll through the butter on her plate. Slade was right about her feeling as if she’d died and gone to heaven. She’d never had a more tender, delicious steak in her life. Slade peered at her empty plate. “I see you enjoyed your meal.” “I’m going to ask Synda to go home with me.”

52

Premonition

“I doubt if Leandra would let you get away with that. They’ve been together a long time.” Picking up the bottle of Merlot, he topped off their glasses. “Besides, she has to stay here in Truckee and keep feeding me.” “I never get to have any fun.” “Oh, I don’t know about that.” He leaned closer and nuzzled her ear. “I can think of lots of ways to have fun.” The gentle tug on her earlobe made goose bumps erupt over her skin. Her ears had always been sensitive to touch, almost as sensitive as her nipples. “I’m sure you can.” “I hope you’re proud of me,” he said before his tongue tickled behind her ear. Kari closed her eyes and tilted her head to give him more room for whatever he wanted to do with that wicked tongue. She hoped he liked oral sex, because she could hardly wait to feel it lick her pussy. “Why?” “I’ve shown a tremendous amount of restraint.” “Oh?” He moved even closer, sliding his right arm along the chair behind her. “I let you eat your dinner without touching your breasts one time.” She had to clear her throat to keep from laughing. “My hero.” His gaze dipped to her chest. One finger touched the tip of her left breast. Her nipple immediately peaked. “But now that you’re through eating…” He looked back into her eyes, his finger still caressing her hard nipple. “I see no reason for any more restraint.” “Is this where you throw me over your shoulder and take me to bed?” “Tempting, but I’d like to shower first.” Slade naked, water and soap suds flowing over his coppery skin. The sight would be magnificent. “Would you like company?” “Very much.” “Shouldn’t we do the dishes first?” 53

Lynn LaFleur

“They aren’t going anywhere.” He stood and tugged her to her feet. Hand in hand, Kari followed him as he led her through his living room and down a short hall. She caught glimpses of navy, dark green and crimson in the décor. Her attention was more focused on the man in front of her, not in his furnishings. She wouldn’t care if he lived in a tent, as long as he put out the fire raging through her blood. Lamps on either side of a king-size bed came on when Slade flipped the switch in his bedroom. Kari noted the same dark, masculine colors reflected in here. She continued to follow Slade through the room and into a large bathroom. An oversized rounded shower stall stood in one corner, next to an ocean blue four-person hot tub. Slade crossed to the tub and pressed a button on a wall panel. Pale lights filled the bottom of the tub. Another button and the water began to bubble. “It’s ready when we are.” He faced her again. Grasping the bottom of his T-shirt, he pulled it over his head and dropped it to the floor. Kari swallowed hard. Slade’s chest and stomach were free of hair and sculptured with muscle. No wonder he had no trouble carrying her for two miles. He motioned toward her. “Your turn.” “Can’t I watch you and drool for a while?” His lips quirked. “Fair is fair. I took off my shirt. Now you take off yours.” Kari hadn’t had many lovers in her lifetime. She’d certainly never stripped for one of them. She thought she should be embarrassed at the idea of taking off her clothes while Slade watched. Instead, the desire inside her turned even hotter. She tossed her T-shirt on top of his. She could see his throat work as he swallowed. “Bra too,” he rasped. The piece of lacy white lingerie joined her shirt on the floor. She stood before Slade, naked from the waist up, breasts thrust out proudly.

54

Premonition

Slade sat on the edge of the hot tub and untied his hiking boots, his gaze riveted to her breasts. His shoes fell to the floor, followed by his socks. “Come here.” She walked to him on legs shaky from wanting him so fiercely. Slade clasped her waist and dragged her between his spread legs. He parted his lips over the tip of her breast, drawing it into his mouth to suckle. Her legs would have buckled if Slade hadn’t been holding her to him so tightly. She gripped his shoulders when he switched to her other nipple. Back and forth, back and forth, nipping, sucking, licking…raising her pleasure with each tug of his lips. He didn’t release her nipple, not even when he unfastened her jeans and tugged them past her hips. “Slade.” Her voice was barely a whisper, but Slade clearly heard the desire in it. He slipped his hand inside her panties. Warm cream covered his fingers. He pushed two fingers inside her channel and thumbed her clit while continuing to suck her nipples. Moaning softly, she bucked her hips and rode his fingers. Damn, he loved that. The contractions deep inside her pussy grabbed his fingers. Slade waited until the pulsations had died before he withdrew his hand. He gave each nipple one last lingering kiss. “I like how fast you come.” “I don’t. Not usually. Your touch is…” Kari blew out a breath. “It’s perfect.” Cradling his face in her hands, she gave him a tender kiss. “You’re a very generous man.” “I enjoy giving you pleasure.” He cupped both breasts, his thumbs grazing the rosy nipples. “You have no idea all the things I want to do to you.” “That works two ways. I have a few ideas too, and all of them feature you naked.” Slade stood and unsnapped his jeans. “Then I’d better get naked.”

55

Lynn LaFleur

Once he’d peeled off his jeans and briefs, he straightened and let her look at him. Her gaze passed over his shoulders, chest, stomach and settled at his groin. His cock hardened even more under her scrutiny. He palmed it in one hand, slowly stroking himself while she watched. “Damn, you’re big,” she breathed. “Not too big for you to take me.” Slade dropped to one knee before her. He untied and carefully removed her boots so he wouldn’t hurt her heels. She used his shoulders for balance as he pulled her jeans and panties over her feet. When she was as naked as he, Slade pushed on the inside of her thighs, silently asking her to open her legs. Parting her labia with his thumbs, he admired the slick, pink folds. “Lick me,” she whispered. He sniffed first, taking her scent deep inside his lungs…that tantalizing scent of aroused woman. The tip of his tongue touched her clit, her lips. Kari moaned softly. “Oh, yes. Lick me.” He lapped up and down the folds and circled her clit. Her taste was a little sweet, a little salty and all woman. The position didn’t allow him to caress her as deeply as he wanted. He wouldn’t be happy until she came on his tongue. Slade pulled her hand behind his head as he stood. Bent at the waist, Kari dangled upside down over his shoulder. “Wha—” He swatted one buttock, cutting off her words. “I need more room.” The caveman roared to life inside him. It chanted take her, take her as Slade carried her to his bed. He spread her legs wide and lay with his head between them. Lowering his mouth to her pussy, he feasted.

56

Premonition

Ambrosia. Her cream was the most delicious thing he’d ever tasted. He pushed her legs farther apart so he could lap at every bit of her…clit, silky folds, anus. Each taste of her only made him want more. Kari grabbed his head and bucked her hips. “Oh, God, you’re good at that!” His cock was screaming at him to fuck her, yet he didn’t want to stop licking her. He shifted on the bed, rubbing his hard shaft against the bedspread to try and ease the ache in his balls. It wasn’t enough. He had to have her. She tightened her hold on his head and lifted her hips completely off the bed. Slade pushed two fingers inside her pussy again and felt the contractions from her climax. Now, the caveman demanded. Take her now. Slade crawled over to the nightstand to grab a condom. Once sheathed, he flipped Kari to her stomach. Grasping her hips, he pulled her to her knees and drove his rod inside her. So tight. So wet. So hot. Slade pressed deep, deeper, until his balls touched her. Then he began to pump. He thrust slowly, steadily, loving the feel of her warm channel surrounding his cock. The sexy moans coming from Kari’s throat urged him to move faster. Slade licked his thumb and caressed her anus in a circle. Kari threw back her head, arched her back and keened loudly. The walls of her pussy milked his shaft. Pushing his thumb into her ass, Slade thrust his rod all the way inside her channel and groaned out his release.

57

Lynn LaFleur

Chapter Seven So much for my plan to make love to her instead of another fast fuck. Slade slowly withdrew from Kari’s body. He lay on his side on the bed and tugged her close, her back to his chest. Wrapping his arms around her, he savored simply holding Kari. It had been ten years since he’d loved someone. Sex wasn’t a problem for he knew several women willing to spend time with him, both here in Truckee and Lake Tahoe. Caring about someone, wanting to be with her, learn more about her… He hadn’t experienced that kind of desire in a long time. Kari had whirled into his life and turned it upside down. “Wow,” she said, breaking the silence. “I was thinking more along the lines of spectacular.” “That too.” He kissed her neck, the curve of her shoulder. “I’m sorry that was so fast. I got…carried away.” She rolled to her back. Her eyes twinkled with mischief. “Did your caveman take over?” Slade chuckled. “Yeah, he did.” “Well, I can’t complain since I had three orgasms.” “Four, if you count the one on my Jeep.” “I certainly can’t forget that one. I haven’t made out on a car since I was in my early twenties.” She slid her knuckles across his chest. “I hope your caveman stays around a while.” “Liked that wild ride, huh?” 58

Premonition

“Mmm, yes.” Her hand slid lower, brushing over his stomach. “You’re an amazing lover.” “So are you.” He interlaced their fingers as he kissed her. Now that his internal caveman had been temporarily sated, Slade wanted to savor Kari, maybe spoil her a bit. “Still up for the hot tub?” “Only if I can get my legs to work.” “A shower will revive you. I’ll even wash your back.” “I can’t turn down an offer like that.” Slade stood and reached out a hand to help her stand. “Do you want me to carry you over my shoulder again?” “I’ll walk, thanks. But hold that thought.” A flick of Slade’s wrist and water flowed from the six jets in his shower. Once he was satisfied with the temperature, he stood back and let Kari enter the stall first. She tilted her head back and let the water flow over her face and down her body. “Now this is decadent.” She stretched her arms over her head. “It feels like my whole body is being caressed.” Slade’s gaze slowly traveled over her. He liked that she wasn’t modest with him, that she’d let him look at her as much as he wanted. With her arms over her head and her breasts lifted, he couldn’t resist the temptation to touch her. He stepped behind her and splayed his hands across her stomach. “I’ll be happy to help with the caressing.” Kari leaned back into him. “You did mention washing my back.” “So I did. I forgot to get a wash cloth.” He slid his hands up to cover her breasts. “Guess I’ll have to use my hands.” “That isn’t my back you’re fondling.” “Details.” He lifted and squeezed her breasts. “You want to get clean everywhere, don’t you?” 59

Lynn LaFleur

“Of course.” Picking up the bottle of liquid soap from the corner shelf, Slade squeezed a generous amount on Kari’s breasts. He ran his hands over her flesh, working up a thick lather. Each time he passed over her nipples, he gave them a gentle tug. Her breath hitched. “You’re making extra sure my nipples are clean.” “Oh, yeah.” He nipped her earlobe as one hand traveled down her body. “And this delicious pussy.” He cupped her mound, his fingers dancing over her labia. “God, you’re sweet here.” She spread her legs a few more inches. “You have magic fingers, Slade.” “I like touching you.” One fingertip brushed her clit. “I want you to come again.” Her bark of laughter made him smile. “You don’t want to come again?” “Slade, I can’t. Trust me.” “I’ll bet you can. I’m willing to touch you until you do.” His tongue traced the curve of her ear. “Or lick you.” He pressed his hardening cock between her buttocks. “Or fuck you.” “Or all three?” “Works for me.” “I like how agreeable you are.” Kari stepped out of his arms and turned to face him. “But I think it’s time I washed you.” The feel of Kari’s lather-coated hands gliding over his flesh was sweet torture. Slade closed his eyes and savored her touch on his shoulders, chest, stomach, thighs. He couldn’t help but notice she bypassed his cock. It jutted out from his body, begging for attention, so she must have seen it. The little vixen was purposely trying to drive him crazy. He opened his eyes when she asked him to turn around. Propping his hands on the wall, he lowered his head and waited for her to touch him again.

60

Premonition

He jerked in surprise when her soap-slick finger caressed his anus. Then he groaned in ecstasy. She pressed her breasts against his back. “Do you like that?” “Yeah.” Her caress became firmer, her finger moving in a circle on the sensitive area. Slade pushed his buttocks back at her, searching for even more of the delicious sensation. He released a guttural growl when she pushed that finger into his ass. “Jesus, Kari!” “You said you like it.” Her other hand gripped his shaft and began to pump it. “How about if I do this too?” Slade couldn’t answer her question because his tongue wouldn’t work. Kari turned his brain to mush so he couldn’t think…he could only feel. Her finger was doing luscious things inside him, giving him pleasure he hadn’t realized he could experience. He hadn’t lacked for lovers in his life. None of them had made his desire burn as hotly as Kari. With his orgasm mere seconds away, Slade grabbed both her wrists and dragged her hands away from him. “Enough!” She nibbled his shoulder blade. “Why did you stop me?” “You know exactly why I stopped you.” He turned to face her, pushing her to the wall with her hands over her head. “I come inside you or not at all. Got it?” “Got it,” she whispered. She lifted her chin and gave him a sultry smile. “Then come inside me.” The caveman roared back to life. Slade devoured Kari’s mouth in a tongue-dueling kiss before turning off the water. Grabbing two thick towels from the cabinet, he tossed one to her and quickly swiped his own over his body. He dropped the towel on the floor and scooped up Kari in his arms while she was still drying her hair. She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m not dry yet.” 61

Lynn LaFleur

“Neither am I.” He laid her diagonally on his bed and followed her down, covering her body with his. “I can’t wait any longer to be inside you again.” Kari arched her back when Slade cradled her breast and began to suck her nipple. She slid her fingers into his wet hair and held his head so he wouldn’t move. He laved at the areola, lapped at her nipple, sucked again, then switched to her other nipple. While his mouth did amazing things to her breasts, his fingers played with her pussy. Kari spread her legs as wide as she could. Her body grew warmer, her channel slicker, with each pass of his fingertips over her clit. She couldn’t come again. It wasn’t physically possible for her to come again. Her body wasn’t capable of more than four orgasms in one night. He pushed two fingers inside her and pressed upward into her G-spot, stroking, caressing. Kari shattered. The bed dipped. A drawer slid open. Plastic tore. Kari managed to open her eyes when Slade’s thighs brushed the inside of hers. She looked into his eyes as he slid into her body. Entwining his fingers with hers, he held her hands next to her head while moving into her. “I love how wet you are,” he said before kissing her. Kari parted her lips and touched Slade’s tongue with her own. She wrapped her legs around his waist and accepted his easy thrusts. He pumped slowly, as if he had all night to love her. “Hold on to me. I’m going to roll us over.” The next moment, Kari sat astride Slade, his cock buried all the way inside her. She propped her hands on his chest and continued the slow, easy movements…lifting until he almost slipped out of her, then lowering herself and completely taking him again. He ran his hands over her breasts, her waist, between her thighs. “Damn, Kari, you feel good. Keep moving like that. Yeah, just like that.”

62

Premonition

“How about this?” Kari tightened her internal muscles. Slade growled low in his throat. She grinned. “I’ll take that as a yes.” “You’re evil, do you know that?” She leaned forward and swept her breasts over his chest. “I like to be evil.” One quick flip and Kari found herself on her back again. Slade hooked one of her legs over his arm and drove his shaft deep. “I can be evil too.” He varied his movements as he fucked her. Thrust, circle, thrust, circle. Each circle of his hips brushed her clit. Kari clutched his biceps and threw her head back, moaning loudly as another orgasm gripped her. Another thrust, another circle, and Slade trembled. Slade’s warm body covered hers, his slick skin sticking to hers. Kari didn’t care. She lay still, too exhausted to even wiggle her toes. Seconds passed, perhaps minutes, before he stirred. He kissed her shoulder, her neck, her jaw. “Told you I could make you come again.” Exhaustion didn’t keep Kari from laughing at the smug tone of his voice. “Yes, you did.” He raised up on his elbows. “I hope you don’t want me to move, because I don’t think I can. My legs are dead.” “As well as every other part of you.” He chuckled. “That’s true. At least for a while.” He kissed her softly. “But watch out when I get my strength back.” “I’ll be ready.” Slade enjoyed her taste so much, he kissed her again. He liked the way she responded to his kisses, his caresses…as if she couldn’t get enough of him. She obviously loved sex. Right now, even when they were both too tired to consider making love again, she returned his kiss with a passion he’d rarely experienced in a woman. 63

Lynn LaFleur

He hadn’t thought he’d ever lose his heart to a woman again. He was close to doing that very thing with Kari. Her fingers skittered up and down his spine. “We aren’t ever going to make it to the hot tub, are we?” “Doesn’t look that way. I’ll turn off the jets while you get in bed.” Slade returned to the bedroom to find Kari lying on her side beneath the covers, facing him. His heart clenched at the sight of her hair spread out over the pillow. He could easily imagine having her in his bed every night. “Comfortable?” She burrowed her head into her pillow. “Very.” Her sapphire eyes lit up when she smiled. Slade couldn’t resist kissing her again. He leaned over and dropped a gentle peck on her lips. “I’m going to check the thermostat. I didn’t adjust it when we got here and it’s supposed to get down close to freezing tonight. Be right back.” Slade expected to find Kari still bundled beneath the covers. Instead, she sat with a pillow propped behind her back, leaning against the headboard. The light had disappeared from her eyes, to be replaced with concern. “What’s wrong?” “How cold is it supposed to get tonight?” “Mid thirties. There’s a chance of snow tomorrow.” He slid into bed next to her, using his own pillow to support his back. “I replaced the heating unit first thing. We’ll be fine.” “I’m not worried about us. I’m worried about Brenda. She’ll be out there with no protection.” “Kari, I told you—“ “You told me Brenda was kidnapped. I know. But I can’t help feeling she’s in trouble. Yes, being kidnapped is trouble, but it’s more than that. I believe she’s hurt, or she’s going to be hurt soon.” She shifted on the bed, turning to face him. “I don’t

64

Premonition

understand how the visions I’ve had of Brenda could be wrong. That’s never happened to me.” “Couldn’t there be a first time?” “I suppose, but it’s strange. I saw her so clearly. And that wolf wall. I saw it in my mind as if I were standing in front of it.” Slade didn’t think Brenda was anywhere near the wall. He and Meka both believed she’d been kidnapped. The kidnapper wouldn’t put Brenda into any kind of danger because he wanted to collect the ransom. She’d be giving the jerk hell, but she’d be safe. “Kari, I don’t believe Brenda is in physical danger. If I did believe that, I’d be out there combing every inch of wilderness until I found her. She can be a pain in the ass, but she’s my sister and I adore her.” He stroked her hair, sifting the strands through his fingers. “My friend Meka has worked a lot of kidnapping cases. He believes that’s what happened to Brenda. I have to trust he knows what he’s doing.” “He could be wrong.” “Yes, he could. I don’t think he is.” Worry still creased Kari’s forehead. Wanting to erase the concern from her eyes, he tipped up her chin and kissed her softly. “Tell you what. We’ll go back to the wall after breakfast and take another look. We’ll stay as long as you want. How’s that?” Her eyes lit up again with her smile. “Thank you, Slade.” He turned off the lamp, slid beneath the covers and drew Kari close to him. She lay with her head on his shoulder, her arm around his waist. Her warm breath caressed his chest. He closed his eyes, feeling more content than he had in a long time.

65

Lynn LaFleur

Chapter Eight The sky began to lighten with the early signs of dawn. Brenda stood at the kitchen window, staring at the dark clouds moving in. It would snow soon. She knew that from all the lessons Slade had given her on how to read the clouds, the trees, the wildlife. He’d always told her she could learn a lot from nature if she’d simply pay attention to it. He’d taught her so many things, been so patient with her…even when she’d been a brat and a pest. She knew she excelled at being a brat and a pest. Turning away from the window, Brenda opened each of the three cupboards. She’d looked in them last night and hadn’t found any food, but she looked again anyway. Nothing. Her empty stomach growled. It had been doing that since yesterday afternoon. She had never been hungry for this long. A call to the hotel’s kitchen had always provided her with whatever she wanted to eat in twenty minutes or less. There certainly wasn’t any room service here. Leaving the cupboards standing open, Brenda returned to the small living room. A violent sneeze shook her entire body. She picked up the quilt from the couch and wrapped it around her shoulders. She’d never been so cold in her life. Her toes were completely numb. She’d slept no more than two hours last night for she kept waking up from the cold. She was hungry, thirsty, dirty and scared. She wanted something to eat and drink, a shower, clean clothes. She wanted to be in her room at the hotel, all safe and warm, with her parents and Slade surrounding her. Instead, she stood in the middle of a rundown cabin with holes in the walls big enough to drive her vintage Corvette through. How could he have left her here? 66

Premonition

Brenda knew she had no choice. She had to get out of here, now, before the snow started falling and it got even colder. She opened the front door. The wind hit her directly in the face. Tears stung her eyes and she sneezed again. She didn’t know which way to go. He’d brought her here three days ago, but she hadn’t paid attention to how they got here. Think, Brenda! Remember what Slade taught you about finding your way in the wilderness. She had no choice but to pick a direction and go. Tightening her hold on the filthy quilt, Brenda started walking.

***** Slade rolled over and bumped up against Kari’s back. Her skin felt warm and smooth. His cock immediately woke up and grew hard, ready for a repeat of last night’s incredible sex. Knowing this wasn’t the time for sex, Slade ran his hand over her shoulder instead. “Hey, sleeping beauty. It’s almost nine.” She snuggled into her pillow. “Don’t care.” “We’re going back to the wall, remember?” She rolled to her back and blinked sleepily at him. “The wall?” “Yeah. I promised I’d take you there this morning.” He chuckled at the blank look in her eyes. “You aren’t a morning person, are you?” “No. If you say you are, I may have to hurt you.” “Would coffee help?” “Definitely.” She smacked her lips and grimaced. “And a toothbrush.” “New one under the sink. Help yourself. I’ll start coffee while you dress.” After donning a thick robe, Slade padded to the kitchen. Humming under his breath, he made the coffee preparations. It was amazing how good a guy could feel after a night of hot sex.

67

Lynn LaFleur

He’d pressed the button on the coffee maker to start it brewing when the telephone rang. Meka’s number showed on the display. “Hey, man.” “Hey, back. And before you ask, I don’t have any news on Brenda.” “Damn. My dad has to be climbing the walls.” “He’s not exactly a happy camper. I spoke with him a few minutes ago.” “I’ll call him later. I have something to do this morning.” “Does that something have anything to do with Kari Winchester?” Slade crossed to the refrigerator and removed a container of liquid creamer. “How do you know about Kari?” “Your dad told me while we were talking.” Taking two thick mugs from the cabinet, Slade set them next to the coffee maker. “So?” “So it made me uncomfortable for a stranger to show up claiming she knew something about your sister so soon after Brenda’s disappearance. I ran a check on her.” Slade froze with his hand on the coffeepot’s handle. “You did what?” “You won’t be upset when I tell you what I learned. Are you aware Kari Winchester is over seventy-eight thousand dollars in debt?” “Seventy-eight…” Stunned, Slade couldn’t say anything else for several moments. “Are you sure?” “Very sure. And that doesn’t include a mortgage. She has a loan through her bank and is almost to her limit on five credit cards. She makes a decent salary, but not enough to keep her from almost drowning in debt. That probably doesn’t seem like a lot of money to you, but it’s a lot to a normal person who didn’t grow up with money.” Tiny snowflakes began to fall outside the kitchen window. Slade stared at them as he tried to digest what his friend had told him. Kari was drowning in debt. He knew from years on the force that a person would often do something totally out of character when desperate. Seventy-eight thousand dollars in debt had to make Kari desperate. 68

Premonition

He wondered if it was enough to make her kidnap Brenda. “Is she with you?” Meka asked. “She’s getting dressed.” “Sounds like she moved fast. Got you in bed in one day.” “I didn’t exactly fight her.” He rubbed his forehead and blew out a breath. “Kari couldn’t have had anything to do with Brenda’s disappearance.” “How can you be sure?” “She isn’t the type.” Meka laughed. “C’mon, Slade, you were a cop. There are no ‘types’. The goodnatured guy next door can murder his entire family if his buttons are pushed.” Slade didn’t want to believe anything bad about Kari. He wanted to believe she was real, that she actually cared about Brenda…and him. She’d been so hot in his bed, so willing. That couldn’t have been an act. He knew she’d climaxed. He’d felt the contractions deep inside her pussy. She couldn’t fake those. “Be careful, man,” Meka said. “You have great instincts. Use them.” “Yeah. Thanks, Meka.” Slade pressed the off button and laid the phone on the counter. His stomach churned, the way it did when he knew something wasn’t right. Unfortunately, he couldn’t tell whether the churning meant his friend was wrong about Kari…or he was right. “The coffee smells great.” He turned to see Kari behind him, a smile on her lovely face. His heart clenched at the sight of her. Meka couldn’t be right about her. He simply couldn’t. “Do you take cream or sugar?” he asked. “Cream, please. Lots.”

69

Lynn LaFleur

She stepped next to him while he poured coffee into the two mugs. Her scent drifted to him…light, flowery, totally feminine. It made him want to take her in his arms, hold her close to him for the rest of the day…the rest of his life. “Mmm, very good,” Kari said after taking a sip. “I’m used to the sludge my boss makes in the morning.” She’d mentioned her boss, which gave Slade the perfect opportunity to question her about her job and finances. “Do you like working for the newspaper?” “I do. I enjoy my work very much. I like to be creative.” Slade sipped his coffee, hoping he sounded merely curious and not like he was drilling her. “It doesn’t pay much, does it?” She shrugged. “I get by.” “Do you have to live by a budget?” “Doesn’t everyone?” Not exactly an answer to his question. Slade decided to try another direction. “Do you live in a house or apartment?” Kari set her mug on the counter. “Why are you so interested in my finances?” He shrugged. “Just learning more about you.” She stared at him for several moments. “I don’t think so.” She laid her hand over her stomach. “I get a sinking feeling here that there’s more to your questions than simply getting to know me.” Honesty had always been important to Slade. He didn’t lie, and hated when people lied to him. Kari deserved nothing less than what he expected. He set his own mug next to hers. “I talked to Meka a few minutes ago. He ran a check on you and—“ “You had your friend check me out?” she demanded, her eyes wide. “No. He did it on his own, to protect me.” “Protect you? I’m five-five and you’re…what? Six feet? Maybe six-one? You really need protecting from me, Slade.” 70

Premonition

“I’m not talking about physically, Kari.” “Then what are you talking about?” Slade took a breath and released it slowly. “Meka told me you’re over seventy-eight thousand in debt.” He thought he saw the sheen of tears before she looked away from him and blinked several times. When she looked back at him, her eyes were dry. “So that makes me the perfect candidate to kidnap your sister, right?” “It makes you look…suspicious.” “But not suspicious enough to kick out of your bed, right?” “I didn’t know about your debt before we had sex.” “I see. If you’d known about this supposed debt of mine, then you never would’ve fucked me. Is that right?” He winced at her cruel words. Yet he wondered if she was right. He’d been attracted to her since the moment he saw her, but fought that attraction because he thought she was a crook. He’d softened toward her up on the hill yesterday, when she’d seemed genuinely concerned about Brenda. Once he believed she truly cared about finding Brenda, he’d allowed his feelings to blossom, deepen. Now, he didn’t know what to think or how to feel. “Are you telling me you aren’t in debt?” Anger flashed in her blue eyes. “I’m not telling you anything. It’s none of your business.” She clenched her fists at her sides. Her body almost shivered with rage. “I will tell you one thing. I had another vision while I was in the bathroom. Brenda is at that wall. She’s cold and hurt. Since you apparently aren’t going to help her, I’ll do it myself.” She whirled around and headed for the back door. Slade hurried after her and grabbed her arm. “Kari, wait!” Kari stomped on his bare foot with her hiking boot.

71

Lynn LaFleur

“Fuck!” he roared. “Never again, buster.” She snatched his keys off the hook by the back door and ran out. Still cursing under his breath at the pain in his foot, Slade hobbled through the open door and saw her climb into his Jeep. “Kari!” She ignored him. The garage door rose and she peeled out, tires squealing. “Shit,” he muttered. Limping back inside his kitchen, he picked up the telephone and quickly punched in a number. “Good morning, The Tarot Café.” “Leandra, it’s Slade. I—“ “Hi, Slade!” she said before he had a chance to finish his sentence. “Are you coming in for breakfast? Synda is making blueberry waffles for the special.” “No, not today. Listen, I need to borrow Synda’s Tahoe.” “Sure. That won’t be a problem. When do you need it?” “Now.” “Now?” “Right now. I need someone to bring it to me.” “Are you okay?” “I’ll explain everything later. Just have someone bring it to my house, please.” “It’ll be there in ten minutes.” Slade hung up and hurried to his bedroom as fast as he could with his throbbing foot. Ten minutes would give him enough time to dress. Then he had to find Kari before she did something stupid…like get hurt.

***** Kari swiped at the tears on her cheeks. The jerk wasn’t worth her tears. How dare he accuse her of being in on Brenda’s disappearance after their closeness last night? 72

Premonition

They’d communicated freely, openly, and not only in bed. He’d talked about his family. He’d told her about his mother’s death and how hard it had been on him to watch his father remarry. He’d shared memories of Brenda. How could he possibly believe she could be so cruel, so uncaring, to hurt his sister? And to ask about her debt. She could’ve told him the truth, but he never should have questioned her about it. He should have trusted her instead of making her feel as if she were in a room with a cop and a bright light shining in her face. She’d actually thought she was falling in love with him. Fat chance of that. She could never love a man who didn’t trust her. Kari wiped her eyes and cleared her throat. She didn’t need Slade’s help to find Brenda. She could find that wall on her own. Luckily, she had a great sense of direction. She’d paid attention yesterday when she and Slade were walking to the wall, despite the pain in her feet. She knew she could find it again. A glance in the rearview mirror showed her Slade had left several articles of clothing in the backseat. She saw a couple of sweatshirts and a heavy denim jacket. Good. She’d need something for herself, and something to carry for Brenda to wear. Slade’s sister would be at the wall this time. Kari would take Brenda back to her parents’ hotel, then pack her own things and head back to Sacramento…and away from Slade Blackstone.

73

Lynn LaFleur

Chapter Nine Brenda’s legs felt heavier with each step she took. Everything Slade had taught her led her here. It had to be close. Once she found it, she’d follow the trail to the road. Someone would find her. They had to. She shivered from head to toe. Cold, thirst, hunger, fear…they all combined to terrify her. She stopped and looked up at the sky. Snowflakes fell on her eyelashes. She blinked them away and continued to stare at the gray sky. Her father had tried to teach her to be proud of her heritage. Brenda had heard what her father said, but had never really listened. It hadn’t mattered to her that she was half Native American. It had been more important to her to go shopping or hang out with her friends than learn about her ancestors. She wondered if she was being punished for not paying attention to her father. Shifting the quilt around her shoulders, she took off again. She had no idea how far she’d traveled, or how long it had taken her to get here. She was so tired she could barely think, but concentrated on placing one foot in front of the other. She had to keep moving. She stopped abruptly and blinked, trying to clear her vision. Yes, there it was. A smile broke over her face. She’d found the wolf wall. Slade would be so proud of her. Brenda quickened her step, her attention focused on the wall. She stumbled in the deepening snow. Pain shot through her right ankle. She cried out and started to fall. Her eyes widened when she saw the large rock poking up from the snow. She tried to catch herself, but had nothing to grab to break her fall. An even sharper pain took her breath when her head hit the rock. Then…nothing. 74

Premonition

***** Slade turned on the wipers to clear the snow from the windshield. It had barely been snowing when he left Truckee. The higher in elevation he climbed, the heavier the snow fell. There would be several inches on the ground by nightfall. He prayed he found Kari long before nightfall. She shouldn’t have taken off without him. Maybe she could remember how to get to the wall, but she didn’t know the trail the way he did. Holes and large rocks peppered the entire path. With the snow quickly accumulating, she wouldn’t be able to see the obstacles. She could fall in a hole, or trip over a rock and break her leg. Damn it! He never should’ve let Meka’s suspicions color his trust. Kari could be a million dollars in debt and she’d never hurt anyone. He knew that in his gut…and his heart. He didn’t believe Brenda was anywhere near the wall, but he still should’ve taken Kari there as he’d promised he would. Slade pressed the accelerator. The Tahoe shot forward, tires slipping on the slick road surface. Years of driving in snow gave him the experience to know how fast he could drive and retain control of his vehicle. He pushed himself and the Chevy a bit more, eager to get to Kari as quickly as possible. She could be hurt right now. No. She’s fine. She has to be fine. He took the cutoff from I-80 and continued the climb. Eight miles in, he turned onto a dirt road that led to the parking place he used when he hiked in this area. He saw his Wrangler in the same spot where he’d parked yesterday. A dusting of snow covered it, but not a heavy one. He estimated that Kari had been here no more than twenty minutes. That meant he could still catch her.

*****

75

Lynn LaFleur

Kari stopped and checked the landmarks around her. She’d been here only once, and the accumulating snow made it difficult for her to figure out which way to go. There. She remembered that misshapen pine tree that leaned to the left. Yes, she was definitely going in the right direction. The wolf wall couldn’t be more than a half mile farther. She remembered her Tarot reading with Synda. The Seven of Cups card indicated her persistence would be rewarded. Brenda was here. She knew it. She began to walk again, but stopped once more when she thought she heard her name. She waited several seconds, yet didn’t hear anything else. Deciding it was only her imagination, she continued on the path. “Kari!” She stumbled at the sound of Slade’s voice. Quickly righting herself, she pressed on, ignoring the sound of her name again. “Kari! Wait.” His voice sounded closer, and she could hear his footsteps. She stumbled once more, but Slade grabbed her around the waist and stopped her from falling. She jerked away from him. “Don’t touch me.” “Kari, I’m sorry—“ “Save it.” She took off again, wanting to get away from him, and needing to find Brenda. She knew Slade’s sister was at the wall, right now, hurt and probably scared out of her mind. Slade fell into step beside her, walking silently. She almost told him to go to hell, but stopped before she said anything. He should stay with her. When they found Brenda at the wall, that would prove to him that she’d told him the truth about her visions. The snow came down heavier, making it difficult to see and move. Kari’s lungs burned from breathing in the cold air. Her boots felt as if someone had poured lead into

76

Premonition

them. She’d bandaged her heels this morning, but they were beginning to ache again. She wished she could lean on Slade, use his strength to help her the rest of the way up the hill. Tears clogged her throat. It hurt to think of what they could have had together, if only he’d trusted her. “Kari, this is ridiculous. Brenda isn’t anywhere around here. You have to be cold. Let’s go back.” She could hear the exasperation in his voice. That made her more determined to prove him wrong. “No. She’s at the wall.” Kari glanced at him. Snow clung to his hair, his jacket. “I won’t desert her.” His brows drew together in a frown. “You really are stubborn.” “Yes I am, when something is important to me.” She could see the wall in the distance. Only a few more yards to go. Kari’s heartbeat quickened. She wanted so badly for her visions to help someone this time. Her stomach dropped a little the closer they got to the wall. She didn’t see anyone. There were no footsteps, no signs in the snow that anyone had been there. “I don’t understand. Brenda has to be here.” Slade took her arm and turned her to face him. “I know you wanted her to be here,” he said gently. “So did I. But she isn’t.” He touched her cheek with his gloved fingers. “Let’s go back to my place, okay?” The tenderness in Slade’s eyes touched her heart. How easy it would be to give in, let him take care of her. Now that she’d remained still for several moments, her body began to tremble from the cold. Despite the extra layers she’d donned, the snow had seeped through. She doubted if one inch on her body was still dry. If she was this miserable, Brenda must be even worse. Kari shook her head. “I’m going to look for Brenda.”

77

Lynn LaFleur

His eyes narrowed, irritation replacing the concern Kari had seen moments ago. “Stubborn only goes so far, Kari. Brenda isn’t here!” “I’m not giving up until I at least look!” Slade sighed heavily. Obviously, Kari wasn’t ready to give up this ridiculous search. He had no choice but to go along with her. “Then we’ll look.” “You don’t have to humor me.” “I’m not leaving you alone. If you feel so strongly that Brenda is here, then I’ll help you look.” She stared at him a moment. He could see the indecision in her eyes, as if she didn’t know whether or not to believe him. “You know the area. Which way should we go?” He had no idea since he didn’t believe Brenda was here. He turned in a slow circle, studying the area. “Let’s go farther up the hill.” “I was afraid you’d say that,” she muttered. “Lead the way.” He’d like to lead the way back to their vehicles. Instead, he turned to his right and began to climb. Kari fell into step beside him. They’d trudged through the snow for several minutes when Kari grabbed his arm, pulling him to a stop. “Wait. We’re going the wrong way.” “How do you know?” She didn’t answer his question, but turned and started back the way they’d come. “Kari, how do you know this is the wrong way?” “I just do.” Definitely stubborn. Slade sighed to himself and hurried to catch up to Kari. He followed her to the point where they’d started, and as she kept on walking. The snow fell harder, the depth now covering his ankles. It almost reached to the middle of Kari’s calves. Moving had to be difficult for her yet she continued, never slowing down despite how tired she must be by now. She truly believed Brenda was nearby and was determined to help her. 78

Premonition

His admiration for her rose several notches. Suddenly, she stopped. Her chin rose, her eyes narrowed. “What is it?” Slade asked. “I heard something.” He heard nothing but the wind. It had picked up in the last few minutes, along with the snow. “What did you hear?” “I’m not sure. It sounded like…” She pushed her wet hair behind her ears. “It sounded like someone crying.” She turned her head from right to left, scanning the area. Her gaze zeroed in on a pile of snow-covered rocks one hundred feet from where they stood. “There’s something over there.” Slade followed her pointing finger. At first, he saw nothing out of the ordinary. As his gaze focused, he saw colors in the snow at the base of the rocks…a slash of red, a dot of orange, a sprinkle of blue. Definitely not simply a pile of rocks. Slade’s heart clenched and his breath hitched. Perhaps Kari’s vision had been right and that was his sister lying in the snow. “Follow behind me,” he said. “Let me clear a path for you.” He moved as quickly as possible, his knee-high boots pushing aside the snow so Kari could walk in his footsteps. He could hear her rapid breathing. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw her flushed cheeks, her droopy eyelids. She had to be ready to drop from exhaustion. “Why don’t you wait here? I’ll check out whatever that is.” “I’m fine,” she wheezed. She wasn’t fine and Slade knew it. He also knew she wouldn’t give up, not when she’d come this far in her search for Brenda. The colors joined together into a piece of fabric. A blanket, or perhaps a quilt. Slade could see dark hair peeking out from the snow. Now he could hear weeping…the deep, pain-filled crying that came directly from the soul.

79

Lynn LaFleur

“Brenda,” he whispered. Then, in a stronger voice, “Brenda!” She lifted her head. Slade’s heart stopped when he saw blood on her face. He hurried the last few feet, dropped to his knees beside her, and drew her into his arms. Sobbing, his sister clung to him while he rocked her back and forth. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.” “Sl-Slade. I w-was so afra-aid you w-wouldn’t find me.” “Shhh. It’s over. You’re safe.” He drew back and cradled her face in his hands. She winced when he touched the side of her head. Gently, he pushed back the hair at her temple. Rage turned his blood hot when he saw the cut. “Who did this to you?” “No one. I tripped and hit my head on a rock. I think my ankle is broken too. It really hurts.” Slade’s anger abated when he learned her kidnapper hadn’t hurt her. He silently cursed when he realized he couldn’t do anything to help the cut on her head or her hurt ankle. “I didn’t bring any first aid with me, Brenda. I’m going to take you to the hospital in Reno, okay?” “Okay.” Her face looked so pale and she could barely keep her eyes open. Slade worried that she wouldn’t have the strength to wrap her arms around his neck. “I need to carry you on my back. Can you hang onto me?” She nodded. “Good girl.” “I have a sweatshirt beneath my coat,” Kari said. Slade had been so concerned about his sister, he’d forgotten Kari stood behind him. He looked at her as she unfastened his heavy denim jacket. She pulled out one of his sweatshirts. “It’s a little damp, but dryer than that quilt.”

80

Premonition

“Thanks, Kari,” he said past the lump in his throat. She continued to amaze and please him with her thoughtfulness and caring. He unwrapped the quilt from his sister’s shoulders. “Brenda, this is Kari. She helped me find you.” “Hi, Brenda,” Kari said, smiling. “Hi.” “Do you need some help taking off your jacket?” “I can do it.” She tried to pull off the wet jacket, but Slade could see the stiffness in Brenda’s fingers. After the second attempt, he decided to help her. Kari beat him to it. She knelt beside Brenda and tugged on the jacket’s sleeves. “Not easy taking off that wet denim, is it?” “No,” Brenda said weakly. The lump in Slade’s throat grew as he watched his usually independent sister let Kari dress her as if she were a toddler. He needed details of how long she’d been out here in the cold, but didn’t want her to talk and get even more tired. Whatever happened to her, she’d have to tell him later, after she’d regained her strength. Kari gathered up the jacket and quilt and pushed herself to her feet. She swayed before righting herself again. Slade wished he could carry her too, but knew Brenda wouldn’t be able to walk at all. He turned his back to his sister. “Climb on.” The snow stopped falling as Slade led the way down the hill. He looked over his shoulder often at Kari to be sure she stayed up with him. He’d stop if she needed to, but he wanted to get Brenda to a hospital as quickly as possible. Kari walked with her head down, her shoulders slumped. Her exhaustion showed with each step she took, yet she stayed two feet behind him the entire journey to the vehicles. “I’d appreciate your help with Brenda. Will you ride with me?” “Of course I’ll help her.” “Synda’s Tahoe has more room, so we’ll take it. I’ll have someone pick up my Jeep later.”

81

Lynn LaFleur

Kari nodded as she opened the liftgate. Slade gently lowered Brenda to the ground, then helped her crawl into the back of the vehicle. He’d already lowered the back seats for more room. She wouldn’t be able to stretch out, but at least she could lie down and rest. She did just that, curling up into a ball, her body shaking. “Synda always carries a pile of blankets with her to cover up supplies when she shops. Will you help Brenda get undressed? She needs to get out of her wet clothes. So do you. I’ll turn on the heat and aim the vents toward you.” “I’m fine. My concern is Brenda. She needs water too.” “I brought a couple of bottles, but I don’t want to give her too much until a doctor sees her.” “I won’t let her drink more than a few sips.” “Good.” There was so much he wanted to say, so much he needed to say. He touched her cheek, caressing it with one finger. “Thank you, Kari,” he said softly. She stared into his eyes a moment before stepping back. His hand dropped to his side. “Let’s get her to the hospital.” She climbed into the Tahoe beside Brenda. Once the gals were settled and Slade had the heater on full blast, he picked up his cell phone from the passenger seat. He punched in Meka’s number while pulling away from the parking space. “Kari and I found Brenda,” he said as soon as his friend answered. “What?” “I’ll explain later. I’m taking her to Saint Mary’s in Reno. I’ll hit I-80 in a few minutes. Is it snowing there?” “No. The snow didn’t make it over the mountains.” “Good. Tell your CHP buddies I’m on my way. I’m in Synda’s Tahoe and I’m not the least bit worried about a speed limit.” “I’ll take care of it.” Slade called his father next. Leon answered after the first ring. “Any news, son?” 82

Premonition

“Great news, Dad. Brenda is with me.” “Brenda is…” His voice broke. When he spoke again, it was barely a whisper. “You found my baby?” “Yeah. I’m taking her to Saint Mary’s. We’ll be there within an hour.” “You’re taking her to the hospital? She’s hurt?” “Not seriously. She’ll be fine. I’ll tell you everything when I see you.” “Alora and I will meet you there.” “Tell Alora to bring some clothes for Brenda. Hers are wet.” “Yes, of course. We’ll see you soon.” Slade tossed his phone on the passenger seat. He looked in the rearview mirror to check on the gals. Kari had traded his denim jacket and her T-shirt for the sweatshirt Brenda had worn. She lay curled behind a blanket-draped Brenda with her arm around his sister’s waist. Both of them were asleep. The two women in his life who meant the most to him. He had to make sure Brenda received the care she needed. Right now, that was the most important thing he had to do. Once she was settled and he knew she’d truly be all right, then he had to apologize to Kari for being a fool and not trusting her.

83

Lynn LaFleur

Chapter Ten Kari sank into a chair in the ER waiting room and closed her eyes. She didn’t think there was a part of her body that didn’t ache. Long, leisurely walks and a couple of days a week at the gym hadn’t prepared her for two days of uphill hiking, especially through snow. She’d be so sore tomorrow, she wouldn’t be able to move. Every ache, every pain, was worth it. She’d found Brenda. Sleep would be the most wonderful thing in the world right now. Kari had napped on the way here, but the few minutes she’d snatched wasn’t nearly enough. Food ranked right up there with sleep. Other than two sips of coffee this morning and a bottle of water in the Tahoe, she’d put nothing in her stomach since dinner last night. She couldn’t even buy a bowl of soup at the cafeteria for she had no money with her. Soup sounded good right now…so good she thought she could smell it. “Here,” Slade said next to her. She opened her eyes to see him holding a tray bearing two bowls of chicken noodle soup and two cups of coffee. Kari’s stomach growled loudly. Slade chuckled. “Yeah, I’m hungry too.” He sat beside her and set the tray on the low table in front of them. “I thought we could use some nourishment while waiting for the doctor’s report on Brenda.” Kari dug into her soup. The broth was weak and the noodles overcooked, but it tasted delicious. “Thank you.” “I’m the one who should be thanking you for finding Brenda.” “You’ve already thanked me for that.” “Not nearly enough.” He sipped his coffee, then cleared his throat. “I also owe you an apology. A big one.”

84

Premonition

She didn’t want to hear this. Sure, he wanted to apologize now, since she’d proven herself. She’d wanted his trust this morning when he spoke with his police friend. That hadn’t happened. She took another spoonful of soup to keep from commenting. Slade watched Kari silently eat her soup for a few moments before he picked up his own bowl. She’d risked her life for his sister today. She deserved to know why he’d been so quick to believe something bad about her. Talking about what a fool he’d been wouldn’t be easy. “Slade!” He looked up to see his father and stepmother hurrying toward them. Setting his empty bowl back on the tray, he stood to greet them. Leon drew him close for a quick hug. “Where is she?” “The doctor is checking her over now. He’ll be out to talk to us soon.” “We can’t see her?” Alora asked. He shifted his attention to his stepmother. She looked beautiful, as always, with her blonde hair perfectly styled and her makeup in place. Still, Slade could see the evidence of crying in her eyes, the lines of fatigue around her mouth. “Not until the doctor finishes his examination. It shouldn’t be much longer.” Kari stood beside him. Taking her elbow, he tugged her closer to his side. “Dad, Alora, this is Kari Winchester. She’s the one who found Brenda.” Leon reached out and took both of Kari’s hands in his. “You are the Seer, the one with vision.” He squeezed her hands. “Thank you for finding my daughter.” Kari smiled. “I’m glad I could help.” A young doctor wearing jeans and a blue T-shirt beneath his white coat walked toward them. His gaze passed over each of them before lighting on Leon and Alora. “Are you Brenda’s parents?” “Yes,” Leon said. “How is my daughter?”

85

Lynn LaFleur

“Tired. Dehydrated. The cut on her head wasn’t deep, but required a few stitches. Her right ankle is broken. Her foot will be in a cast for several weeks.” “But she’s all right?” The doctor smiled. “She’s young and healthy. She’ll be fine. I would like to keep her overnight, though, to make sure she gets enough fluid back in her system.” “May we see her?” Alora asked. “Of course. She’s sleeping now, but I know you want to see for yourself that she’s fine.” “You and Alora go ahead, Dad,” Slade said. Leon squeezed Slade’s shoulder. “Thank you, son.” Slade waited until Kari returned to her chair before sitting beside her. She picked up her coffee and sipped it. She didn’t look at him. He waited for her to speak, but it soon became apparent that she wouldn’t. “This isn’t exactly the place for a serious conversation, but I need to talk to you, Kari.” “You’ve already thanked me and apologized. We have nothing else to talk about.” She still didn’t look at him. Slade’s hope began to crumble. “I’d like to explain why I didn’t trust you.” Finally, she turned her head toward him. Her eyes were dull, her lids heavy. “I’m really tired, Slade. A serious conversation is way at the bottom of my to-do list.” He wanted to touch her. He needed to touch her. Lifting his hand, he drew one finger slowly down her cheek. “Maybe the doctor should take a look at you.” She shook her head. “I’ll be fine once I eat something solid and get some sleep.” “There are plenty of places to eat in Reno. We can go to—“ “No. I’d like you to take me to your father’s hotel. I want to be alone.” Slade dropped his hand from her face. “You aren’t going to give me a chance, are you?” 86

Premonition

“I want to leave as soon as you check on your sister.” Pushing Kari wouldn’t work. He knew his mistrust had hurt her. He didn’t blame her for not wanting to have anything to do with him now. Patience was a big part of being a cop and a PI. It wouldn’t be easy, but he had to remember that and give Kari the space she wanted. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Slade saw his father and Alora sitting by Brenda’s bedside. Her eyes were closed, but her face didn’t look nearly as pale as it had when he and Kari found her in the snow. His heart beat easier knowing his sister would be back to her normal bratty self in a few days. Leon looked up and saw him. Slade jerked his head to the side, silently asking his father to leave the room. Leon whispered something to Alora, then rose and walked toward Slade. “I’m taking Kari back to the hotel. She’s really tired.” “Of course. She must be exhausted, and hungry. Please take her to one of my restaurants.” “She won’t eat with me. I’m not exactly her favorite person right now.” “Why not?” Slade blew out a breath. “I fucked up, Dad. It’s that simple. I didn’t trust her visions. I thought she could’ve been the one who’d kidnapped Brenda. I hurt her deeply.” “Yes, I can understand that.” He laid his hand on Slade’s shoulder. “Are you serious about her?” “I…think I could be. I like her. She’s bright and intelligent and caring.” “And lovely.” “Yeah, I noticed that too.” “Then there’s only one thing you can do, son. You have to unfuck whatever you did.” 87

Lynn LaFleur

Slade laughed out loud, drawing a stern look from a passing nurse. He cleared his throat to get his laughter under control. “You do have a way with words, Dad.” Leon grinned. “I’m always honest. You know that.” The amusement faded from his face. “Why don’t you stay at the hotel? There’s no reason for you to drive back to Truckee tonight. You can borrow some of my clothes. I believe the Alpine Suite is available. I’ll call Madeline to be sure. Unless you’ll be staying with Kari—” “No, I won’t be staying with Kari. She wants to be alone. And I don’t need a suite. A regular room will be fine. Or I can crash on your couch.” “Use the Alpine. You’ll be comfortable there. I insist.” Slade knew arguing would be useless. Besides, he figured part of Leon’s offer of a suite was to have his son close tonight. “Okay. Thanks.” “Alora and I will sit with Brenda a while longer. I’ll talk to you in the morning.” “Goodnight, Dad.” Slade found Kari standing near the door when he returned to the waiting room. She must be eager to get away from him. “Ready to go?” he asked. “Yes, but I have a problem. My purse is in my car at your office. I don’t have any I.D. or money or the key card to my room.” “That isn’t a problem. I’ll contact Dad’s assistant, Madeline. She’ll get you another key card. I can loan you some money.” “I’ll pay you back tomorrow, when we return to Truckee.” She made it sound so final, as if she had no intention of ever seeing him again. His hope crumbled a bit more, but he wouldn’t give up…not until he’d explained everything. For tonight, he’d leave her alone. Tomorrow he’d begin his campaign to convince her they could have something very special together.

*****

88

Premonition

Kari stood at the window, staring at majestic Lake Tahoe spread out before her. It was so beautiful here. She could easily spend the rest of her life enjoying this incredible view every day. Reality meant she had to head back to Sacramento today and return to her job tomorrow. She’d done what she wanted—she’d found Brenda before anything serious happened to the teenager. It could’ve been much worse than a broken ankle and a case of hypothermia. Her stomach rumbled. Despite having next to nothing to eat all day yesterday, she hadn’t been able to make herself eat once she returned to the hotel. She could’ve dined in any of the restaurants, or ordered room service. Her churning stomach had made eating impossible. Slade’s mistrust had angered her, but it had also hurt her. She couldn’t seem to get past the hurt. She glanced at her watch. He should be here within thirty minutes to take her back to Truckee. He’d told her last night that he’d pick her up around nine. A gentle knock on the door drew her away from the view. He’d arrived early, but she was ready to go. The sooner she left, the sooner she could get back to her normal life. Alone. She didn’t expect to see Slade’s father standing outside her door. “Mr. Blackstone.” He smiled. “Good morning, Kari. I hope I’m not disturbing you.” “No, of course not.” She opened the door wider and stood aside so he could enter. “Please come in.” She closed the door and joined him in the middle of the room. Unsure of what he wanted, she waited for him to speak. “I trust your room is comfortable?” he asked. “Oh, yes. It’s lovely.” “There is no charge, of course.”

89

Lynn LaFleur

She blinked in surprise. “Excuse me?” “Surely you don’t think I’d charge you to stay here, not after you saved my daughter’s life.” “I don’t expect any payment, Mr. Blackstone.” “Leon, please. I know you don’t expect anything, but I want to give it to you.” He reached into his shirt pocket and withdrew a piece of paper. “I’d also like to give you this.” He held out the paper toward her. Kari hesitated a moment before accepting it. She unfolded a check made out to her for two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Her mouth dropped open. “I assume the amount is acceptable?” Kari stared at all those zeroes while trying to decide what to say. She couldn’t accept it, even though it would solve so many of her problems…and her mother’s. She folded the check in half again. “I can’t accept this.” “I want you to have it. Spend it on something you need, or blow it on something frivolous. Your choice.” “I don’t want to be paid for helping your daughter.” “Then consider it a gift…an early Christmas present.” “All the Christmas presents I’ve ever received wouldn’t amount to this much.” A sudden thought occurred to her, one that made her stomach clench with anger. Surely Slade wouldn’t have told his father of her debt. “Did Slade tell you to do this?” Leon’s eyebrows drew together. “No. Why would my son have anything to do with this?” She wasn’t about to discuss her financial situation with Leon Blackstone. “Never mind.” She looked at the check again, trying to decide what would be the right thing to do. “Sit down, Kari.”

90

Premonition

She sat on the end of the bed. Leon sat beside her, a respectable two feet away from her. “I’m a wealthy man. I’ve been very blessed with wise investments. I donate to charities, scholarships, food banks. But this…” He motioned toward the check in her hands. “This makes me feel good. I have no idea of your finances and I don’t care. It’s none of my business. But I want you to cash the check and spend the money however you choose. Please.” Tears sprang to her eyes. It was no wonder Slade had spoken of his father with such love and respect in his voice. Leon Blackstone was a very special man. “Slade and Brenda are lucky to have such a wonderful father.” He smiled tenderly. “No, I’m the lucky one to have two such wonderful children. Yes, Brenda can be a handful at times, but I went through the same thing with Slade when he was a teenager. If children could jump from age twelve to twenty, it would be so much easier on parents.” Kari laughed. She liked Leon very much. He was not only handsome and generous, but charming and funny. “Speaking of my son, he cares a great deal for you.” Her laughter abruptly died. “I don’t think so.” “He told me last night he hadn’t trusted your visions and that hurt you. He regrets that deeply. I hope you’ll give him a chance to explain and apologize.” A knock on the door saved Kari from having to respond to Leon’s request. “Excuse me.” She slipped Leon’s check into the pocket of her jeans as she walked to the door. Slade stood outside, dressed in black jeans and a dark purple T-shirt. A hint of woodsy aftershave drifted to her nose. Her toes curled with desire. His gaze passed over her face. “Good morning,” he said softly. “Good morning.” “Are you ready to go?” “Almost.” She opened the door wider. “Come in.”

91

Lynn LaFleur

Slade entered the room. Kari saw surprise flare in his eyes when he looked at his father. “What are you doing here, Dad?” “Having a nice conversation with Kari.” “About?” “It’s up to her whether or not she tells you.” He stood and smiled at Kari. “It was a pleasure talking to you.” She returned his smile. “For me too.” Leon glanced at his watch. “I arranged for breakfast to be served in fifteen minutes in Slade’s suite. Alora and I are going to the hospital to pick up Brenda. I do hope you’ll stay long enough to talk to her, Kari. I know she’ll want to thank you in person.” Kari had planned to leave for Truckee as soon as Slade arrived. The mention of breakfast made her stomach rumble loudly. Leon chuckled. “I’ll take that as a yes to breakfast.” He turned to his son. “Come to my suite about noon. Brenda should be settled in by then.” “Sure. See you later.” “Enjoy your meal.” Kari faced Slade after she walked Leon to the door. “Breakfast in your suite?” “Dad wanted me to spend the night. I think he felt better knowing his son was close.” Slade shrugged. “I told him a regular room was fine. He insisted on the suite.” “He’s a generous man.” “Yes, he is.” He took a step closer to her. “Are you going to tell me what you two talked about?” Not yet. She hadn’t decided whether or not to accept Leon’s check, or whether she would listen to Slade’s explanation of why he’d been so quick to mistrust her. “We should get to your suite before the breakfast arrives.” For now, having breakfast seemed like her best option. She was hungry and eating would give her time to think of what she should do about Leon’s check…and Slade. 92

Premonition

Chapter Eleven Slade opened the door to the Alpine Suite and let Kari enter before him. He set her suitcase at the end of the couch and watched her look around the spacious living room. Slade had stayed in all the suites. Other than his father’s and Alora’s suite, the Alpine was the most luxurious one in the hotel. “Do I dare ask how much this costs a night?” Kari asked. “I don’t know. I’d guess at least a thousand dollars.” “At least.” She laid her purse on top of her suitcase. “Way out of my price range, that’s for sure.” “Mine too.” The look she gave him clearly said she didn’t believe him. “Kari, my father has money. I don’t. I earn my living just like you do.” “He wouldn’t help you if you needed it?” “Of course he would. I could go to him right now and tell him I need fifty grand. He’d hand it over and never ask me a question. It feels good to know that. But I don’t run to my dad when times get hard. I make it on my own.” “But you have the security of knowing your father is there to help you. Most people can’t say that.” “Your father may not have the financial stability mine does, but he would probably do anything for you.” “My dad died last year.” Sympathy welled up in his heart. It had hurt like hell when his mother died. He couldn’t imagine life without his father. “I’m sorry.”

93

Lynn LaFleur

He heard a knock on the door. Slade silently cursed the interruption. She was finally talking to him and he didn’t want her to stop. “That’s probably breakfast.” Slade shifted his attention from the waiter setting their food on the dining room table to Kari standing at the window in the living room. He wished he knew what she was thinking. She looked so sad, so lost. He’d love to take her in his arms and hold her until she felt better. Once the waiter had left, Slade walked over to Kari. He lightly touched her shoulder. “Ready to eat?” She nodded. His father had outdone himself. Slade uncovered plates of ham, scrambled eggs, hash browns, mixed fruit and warm croissants, enough for four people. Freshlysqueezed orange juice and a carafe of coffee complemented the meal. “Looks like Dad wants us to eat hearty.” “I don’t think I’ll have any trouble eating. I didn’t have anything last night except that soup at the hospital.” Slade poured Kari a glass of orange juice. “You didn’t have any dinner?” She shook her head while tearing a croissant in half. “I couldn’t eat.” “Because you were upset with me?” She glanced at him, but quickly turned her attention back to her croissant. “I tried to talk to you at the hospital. You didn’t want to listen to me.” “I wasn’t ready.” “Are you ready now?” She took a bite of the flaky pastry and swallowed before speaking again. “I think so.” Now that she wanted to talk, Slade wasn’t sure where to start. He stalled by filling her plate with as much of the ham, eggs and hash browns that it would hold. “You don’t really expect me to eat all this, do you?” Kari asked. 94

Premonition

Slade paused while adding a spoonful of sliced strawberries to her plate. “I figured you were hungry.” “I’m a girl, Slade, not a linebacker.” The twinkle of laughter in her eyes pleased him. If she could tease with him, perhaps she was ready to forgive him. He smiled and began filling his own plate. “So eat what you can. That’s what my mom always told me.” “So did my dad.” She’d given him the perfect opening to ask about her father. He could wait to tell her about his disastrous relationship ten years ago. “What happened to him? Illness or accident?” “Both. He was in a car accident. Broken bones, internal injuries, head trauma. His heart stopped on the way to the hospital. The paramedics revived him.” She wrapped both hands around her coffee cup and took a sip. “My mom and I thought he’d be okay. He’d always been such a strong man, both emotionally and physically. But there were a lot of complications. He had one foot amputated and infection set in. He slipped into a coma and never came out of it.” She set her cup back on the table. “My mom had to make the decision to take him off life support. He died a few hours later.” “That must have been very difficult for your mother.” “They were so much in love,” she whispered. “I always envied that.” A long illness and hospital stay cost a lot of money, even if a person had insurance. “That’s why you have so much debt. You’re paying for your father’s medical bills.” “And helping my mom. She mortgaged their house to pay for his care.” “But you said he was in a car accident. Was it his fault?” “No.” “So there should’ve been a settlement.”

95

Lynn LaFleur

“It was a hit and run late at night, Slade. We never found out who hit my dad. All the bills fell on my mom. I had to help her.” He had to touch her, to offer her whatever comfort he could. Slade reached across the table and covered her hand with his. “No medical insurance?” “Yes, but it wasn’t much. Dad worked for a privately-owned auto parts store. His insurance was a small policy with a large deductible. He drove a ten-year-old car with only the basic insurance coverage, so no medical payments there. His life insurance paid for his funeral. That’s about it.” Kari had generously and unselfishly gone into debt to help her mother, and Slade had accused her of being a gold digger. He felt lower than a snail. Rising from his chair, he rounded the table and dropped to his knees by her. “God, Kari, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry about your dad and I’m sorry for hurting you.” She touched his cheek. “I know you are.” He took her hand and kissed her palm as he gazed into her glittering eyes. His heart seemed to expand, fill his chest, the longer he looked at her. The feelings inside him were so strong, he had to express them. “I’m falling in love with you.” “The feeling is mutual.” “So what do we do about it?” “I think this is where you’re supposed to kiss me.” Slade smiled. “I like that idea.” He stood and pulled her into his arms. Her lips parted as he covered them with his own. Her warm mouth tasted of coffee. He tugged her closer to his body, wanting to touch every part of her. The clothes had to go. He needed to feel her bare skin beneath his hands, his mouth. He needed to be one with her. “I want to make love to you.” She kissed him once, twice, before nodding her head.

96

Premonition

Slade wouldn’t let his inner caveman take over. Not this time. This time, he wanted to make love to Kari, show her with his body how much she meant to him. Lifting her in his arms, he headed for the bedroom. Housekeeping hadn’t come yet. He laid Kari on the white sheets that were mussed from his tossing and turning during the night. He kissed her full lips once more before he straightened and pulled his T-shirt over his head. Kari curled on her side and watched Slade undress. He looked into her eyes the entire time he removed his clothes. She moaned softly when he lowered his briefs. His cock was already hard and standing straight up. “See something you want?” he asked. “Very much.” She crooked her finger at him. “Come here.” As soon as he placed one knee on the bed, Kari leaned toward him and took his shaft in her mouth. He hissed. “Mmm, babe, no fair. I haven’t taken your clothes off yet.” She ran her tongue from the head to his balls and back again. “I think it’s kinky for me to be dressed and you naked.” She sucked his cock back into her mouth. He tunneled his hand beneath her hair and pulled away from her. “How about if we work on kinky later? Right now, I want to touch you, kiss you. I want to run my hands all over your body, then trace the same path with my tongue.” Her breath hitched at his sexy words. The man definitely knew what to say to make her weak. He unbuttoned her blouse, one slow button at a time. He kissed her neck, her shoulder, as he drew the cotton down her arms. Kari closed her eyes and threw her head back. She felt the gentle sting of his teeth on her neck, then a soft sucking. It took her a moment to realize what he was doing. “You’re giving me a hickey.”

97

Lynn LaFleur

“Mmmm,” he mumbled, his mouth still fastened to her neck. The gentle suckling sensation traveled through her body straight to her clit. It throbbed with each movement of his lips. “I haven’t had a hickey since I was sixteen.” He released her skin with a soft pop. “Well, now you have a good one, about the size of a quarter.” She laughed at his grin. She’d fallen in love with a man who loved to tease. “Are you marking me?” “You bet. I want the whole world to know you’re mine.” The teasing look faded from his eyes. He ran his hands up and down her sides and over her hips. “I mean that, Kari. Nothing can separate us now. I want to be with you. Only you.” Tears sprang to her eyes. His words were so beautiful, and she had no doubt he meant everything he said. The adoration in his eyes proved that. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him softly, gently. The tender kiss turned bolder when Slade parted her lips with his tongue and dove inside. Kari whimpered. She went willingly when he lowered her to the bed and stretched out on top of her. His hard cock pressed against the junction of her thighs. He shifted from side to side as they kissed, brushing her clit every time he shifted. She’d never climaxed without being touched on her bare flesh. She didn’t think it was possible to come without even taking off her clothes. Slade was quickly proving that belief wrong. “Feel good?” he whispered in her ear. “Yessssss.” “Come for me, babe.” Kari planted her feet on the bed and let her legs fall open. Slade kept thrusting his shaft, kept up the stimulation on her clit. She moved her hips until she found the perfect spot. There. Her breath caught. Her heart pounded in her ears. She dug her fingernails into Slade’s shoulders and gave in to the pleasure streaking through her body.

98

Premonition

Kisses on her neck and collarbone brought her back to earth. Kari opened her eyes to look directly into Slade’s intense dark brown ones. He rose to his knees and tugged her into a sitting position. Her bra soon joined her blouse on the end of the bed. “Lie back,” he ordered, his voice gruff. She did as he said, raising her hips so he could remove her jeans and panties. They landed on the floor along with her shoes and socks. Hands on his knees, his gaze passed over her breasts and mound. “You are so beautiful.” Kari opened her legs and arms to him. “Inside me. Now.” Slade shook his head. “Not yet.” He lay between her legs and slipped his hands beneath her buttocks. “Not until I do this.” Kari closed her eyes again when he licked her. His tongue moved slowly, so slowly, over her tender clit. He dipped down to lave her feminine lips and anus, then returned to her clit. He repeated his actions again and again, driving her desire higher with each round. The orgasm should’ve left her satisfied, yet she wanted more. Hooking her hands beneath her knees, she spread them wide. “That’s the way.” He tickled her moist flesh with the tip of his tongue. “You like it when I lick your pussy, don’t you?” “Oh, yes.” “Good, ‘cause I’m not stopping.” His tongue darted into her ass. “God, you’re delicious.” He tongue-fucked her ass and pussy, suckled her clit. Kari released her legs and grabbed Slade’s head, holding him in place. “There. Right there. Slade! Yes!” She arched her back and cradled her breasts, her thumbs flicking her nipples. Her body trembled. Slade pushed two fingers inside her channel and felt the contractions milk his fingers. He loved watching her climax.

99

Lynn LaFleur

Slade moved over her body. Slipping his arms beneath her knees, he spread her legs wide again. He looked into her eyes as he entered her with one long, smooth glide. Deep. Deeper. Push in. Pull out. Slade kissed her, mimicking the movements of his thrusting cock with his tongue. Kari pulled the leather band from his hair and clutched handfuls of it. She returned his ardent kisses while meeting every movement of his hips. He kept his thrusts slow, even, wanting to draw out Kari’s pleasure as long as possible. She slid her hands down his back and gripped his buttocks. “Faster.” Apparently she didn’t want slow and even. Slade picked up speed, driving into her as hard as he could. She whimpered in pleasure. Slade released her legs and slipped his hands beneath her buttocks. His fingers slid into her cleft. The moisture from her pussy slicked her anus. He easily pushed a finger inside her ass. She mewled and clutched his cheeks tighter. “You like my finger in your ass?” he panted between thrusts. “Yes.” “How about two?” He didn’t wait for an answer, but pushed another finger inside her. Her breathing became heavier, more labored. “Yeah, you do like that, don’t you?” “Yesssssss.” He pulled his fingers out, then pushed them back inside her. “How about my cock? Would you like that in your ass?” “Ahhhhhh!” Her body jerked, trembled. His own orgasm barreled through him before he could stop it. He wrapped his arms around Kari and growled deep in his throat when the pleasure skittered down his spine and grabbed his balls. It took several moments for him to lift his head and kiss her. “Wow.” “Yeah.” 100

Premonition

“That was…” “Incredible.” “I’ll go with incredible.” He lifted to his elbows so she could breathe easier. “I’ve always thought lovemaking improved as two people got to know each other. I don’t know how this could get any better.” Her fingertips danced up and down his back. “Maybe not better, but…different. There are a lot of things we haven’t tried yet.” “That’s true. And I’m very willing to try them all with you.” He nuzzled her neck, nipped her earlobe. “I promise you, I can do kinky.” “You mean like that last question you asked me?” “For starters.” “Mmm, I like the sound of that.” Slade kissed her, deep and long. “Are you as hungry as I am?” “Famished.” “Let’s eat our breakfast, then we can make love again before we go to my dad’s suite.” Kari smiled. “I like your ideas.”

101

Lynn LaFleur

Chapter Twelve Slade rapped his knuckles against the door to his father’s suite, then used his key card to open the door. Placing his hand on the small of Kari’s back, he led her into the living room. Madeline looked up from the desk next to the windows and smiled. “Good morning.” “Good morning. Madeline, this is Kari Winchester. Kari, Madeline White, Dad’s assistant for the last ten years. The hotel would fall apart without her.” She stood and walked toward them. “I don’t know about that.” Still smiling, she gave Slade a quick hug, then held out her hand for Kari to shake. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” “For me too.” “Leon and Alora are so grateful that you found Brenda.” “I’m glad I could help.” “Where are Dad and Alora?” Slade asked. “He told me to meet him here at noon.” “They should be here any minute. They picked up Brenda at the hospital about an hour ago.” The sound of a key card in the door drew Slade’s attention. He turned to see Alora holding the door open. His father pushed a wheelchair-bound Brenda into the room. The white cast on her lower leg contrasted with the black sweats she wore. His gaze quickly passed over her face. Other than some bruising where she hit her head, she looked good. “Hey, Bratchild,” he said, calling her by the nickname he’d given her. He knew that’s what she would expect. “Hey, back.”

102

Premonition

He knelt beside her chair and squeezed her knee. “How’re you doing?” She shrugged. “Okay. I have to wear this dumb cast for at least a month. A month! How am I supposed to drive with my right foot in a cast?” Slade looked up at his father and grinned. “She’s back.” “Yes, she is.” Leon touched Brenda’s hair in a loving caress. “You said you wanted to wait until we were all together before you told us what happened.” Biting her lower lip, Brenda looked from their father to her mother and back to Slade. Then her gaze landed on Kari. Indecision filled her eyes. Slade squeezed her knee again. “Hey, you can talk in front of Kari. She saved your life.” “Slade, it’s all right,” Kari said. “Brenda doesn’t know me. I understand why she doesn’t want to talk in front of me.” Madeline touched Kari’s arm. “How about some coffee in the kitchen?” Kari smiled. “Sounds good.” Leon rolled the wheelchair farther into the living room. “Let’s get you comfortable on the couch while we talk.” “I’ll do that, Dad.” Slade lifted Brenda from the chair and set her in her favorite corner of the couch. He gently raised the cast and Alora slipped a pillow under it. “How’s that?” “Wow, all this attention,” Brenda said with a nervous laugh. “I don’t know how to take it.” Slade didn’t understand her comment. Her parents—especially Alora—doted on Brenda. He’d nicknamed her Bratchild partly to aggravate her, but mostly because she was a spoiled brat. Alora sat at the end of Brenda’s feet. “Do you want something to eat or drink?” “No, Mom, I’m fine.” She folded her arms across her stomach. “I don’t know where to start.”

103

Lynn LaFleur

Leon sat on the coffee table in front of the couch. Slade sat next to his father, his hands clasped between his knees. “Maybe I should call Meka first, before you say anything, and have him bring a sketch artist.” Brenda frowned. “Why would do you that?” “So you can describe your kidnapper. I want to catch the bastard who did this to you.” The frown faded from Brenda’s face. She bit her bottom lip again and looked down at her lap. “You don’t have to do that,” she whispered. “Why not?” Leon asked. “He has to pay for taking you away from us.” She blew out a breath and lifted her head. “Because I wasn’t kidnapped.” Slade was so shocked at Brenda’s statement, he had no idea what to say. His father didn’t have the same problem. Leon’s eyes narrowed and turned stormy. “What do you mean, you weren’t kidnapped?” “I-I left on my own….with Carlos.” “Who the hell is Carlos?” “Leon, please.” Alora touched her husband’s shoulder. “Let her talk.” Brenda hooked her fingers together and twisted them. Slade recognized that as a sign she was about to say something she did not want to say. “Carlos works in the kitchen of the main restaurant. I…met him a few times after his shift. In the supply room.” Leon ran his hand over his face and back through his hair. “Do I want to ask what you did?” “Nothing, Dad, I swear.” More finger twisting and lip biting. “Well, we…kissed a little. And kinda…touched a little.” Leon surged to his feet and took several steps away from the couch. Slade winced at the rage on his father’s face. Oh, man. Dad is not a happy camper.

104

Premonition

Returning to the corner where Brenda sat, Leon pointed a finger at her. “You tell me everything, right now. Do not leave out one detail.” “Okay,” she said weakly. Brenda’s desperate gaze swung to Slade, as if asking for help. He gave a small shrug, silently telling her he couldn’t help her. Not this time. “Carlos said he wanted to see the ocean. It was just a…spur of the moment thing. He said he didn’t have the money for a trip, so I said I’d pay for it if he’d take me too.” “Where did you get the money? From your mother?” “No.” Tears flooded her eyes and she blinked quickly. “I-I took it from your safe.” “And how do you know the combination to my safe?” She glanced at Alora. “I saw Mom open it one day and memorized it.” “Oh shit,” Slade muttered. He was about to see his sister get killed, right here in his father’s living room. “How much?” Leon asked through gritted teeth. “T-ten thousand.” Alora gasped. “Brenda, how could you?” “Carlos told me to get as much as I could. I didn’t know how much we’d need! I don’t know what anything costs.” Slade figured that was probably true. Brenda never had to pay for her own gas, her food, her clothes. Alora took care of everything, including giving Brenda a generous allowance and credit card to use. His sister might pay to go to the movies out of her pocket, but she’d been sheltered otherwise. He leaned closer to his sister. “How did you end up at the wolf wall if you and Carlos were heading to the ocean?” “He-he told me his brother owned a cabin and he wanted me to see it. He dropped me there and said he’d be back in a couple of hours, that he was going to his brother’s house a few miles away and pick up some supplies. He never came back. I knew I couldn’t stay in that cabin without food or water, so I started walking.” 105

Lynn LaFleur

She wiped the tears from her eyes. Slade ached to hug her. She looked so miserable and a lot younger than seventeen right now. “I recognized the area once I left the cabin. I knew I’d hiked there with you. And if I could find the wolf wall, I could make it to the road.” “Did Carlos have the money when he left?” Leon asked. Brenda nodded. “I gave it to him before we started the trip.” She looked at Slade. “I trusted him. I thought he’d be back.” “But he didn’t come back,” Slade said. “Why didn’t you call me for help?” “I left my cell phone in his truck.” “No phone in the cabin?” She shook her head. “There wasn’t much of anything in that cabin.” “He left you there to die, Brenda. That’s reckless endangerment. A good prosecutor could get him for attempted murder.” “Murder?” she squeaked. “But he didn’t kill me.” “He left you, knowing you wouldn’t be able to get any help.” “Madeline!” Leon roared. “Madeline, come here.” She came scurrying into the room, Kari right behind her. “You bellowed?” “I have an employee who works in the main restaurant, Carlos…” He speared Brenda with a look. “What’s his last name?” “Morales.” “I want to know everything about him. Now.” Madeline hurried to her desk and computer. Slade wondered if he could sneak out with Kari before the fireworks began. No such luck. His father turned his fierce glare back to Brenda. “There will be changes made as of now. Your mother coddles you far too much. That stops.” “What?” Alora sputtered. “How dare you—“

106

Premonition

“I dare that and a lot more. If you hadn’t—“ Slade stood and faced his father. “You need to calm down before you say something you’ll wish you hadn’t.” Leon rounded on Slade with fists clenched, as if he planned to flay him the same way as everyone else. Slade stood his ground, looking his father straight in the eyes. Leon was normally a kind and generous man. When angered, he turned more ferocious than a lion. He could see the struggle in his father’s eyes as Leon gained control of his rage. “You’re right, son. Nothing is solved when done in anger.” Madeline walked up beside them. “Leon, Carlos Morales quit Tuesday without any notice.” “He quit? How long had he worked here?” “About two months. I talked to Cynthia in the kitchen. She said he told her he was going home. He’s from a small town somewhere in the middle of Mexico.” Slade cursed softly. “Did Cynthia know what town?” “No, but she’s going to pull his application and get back to me.” “Leave it alone,” Leon said with a sigh. “He’s gone.” “Dad, I can find him and bring him back.” “No. Brenda is safe. That’s all that matters.” He didn’t agree, but he wouldn’t go against his father’s wishes…even though he’d love to find the little punk and smash in his face for taking advantage of a naïve seventeen-year-old. “I think Kari and I should leave so you and Alora can talk in private.” Leon nodded. “All right.” Slade squatted next to his sister and took her hand. “Be good, Bratchild.” “I’ll probably be grounded for life.” “Nah. Just ‘til you’re thirty.” 107

Lynn LaFleur

Her lower lip trembled, her eyes glittered with tears. Slade squeezed her hand. “I’ll call you later, okay?” “Okay.” A tear rolled down her cheek. “Please don’t hate me, Slade.” “Hey, I could never hate you.” He wiped away the tear with his thumb. “Sometimes I’d like to spank you, but I could never hate you.” Slade kissed Alora’s cheek and hugged his father. “Go easy on Brenda. She’s been through a lot.” Leon nodded, then looked at Kari. “Thank you again for finding my daughter.” Taking Kari’s hand, Slade led her out the door. Once in the hall, he released a deep breath. “Well, that was fun.” “Why was your dad so upset?” “Brenda wasn’t kidnapped.” He pushed the down button on the elevator panel. “She ran off with one of the guys who worked in the restaurant.” Kari said nothing. Slade let her enter the elevator before him, then pressed the button for their floor. “You knew.” “Not…exactly.” “What, exactly, did you know?” “I never sensed anyone else with Brenda. If she’d been kidnapped, I would’ve known.” She held up one hand, palm toward him. “Don’t ask me how I’d know. I have no control over my visions.” “Yeah, I know.” She lowered her hand, slipping it into the front pocket of her jeans. “Does it bother you that I’m…different?” “You aren’t different. You’re special.” Her tender smile lit up her face. “Thank you.” The elevator doors slid open. Slade took Kari’s hand again as they walked toward the Alpine Suite. “My mom was a Seer. That’s what the Maidu call people who have 108

Premonition

visions. Knowing that about my own mother should’ve made me believe you without any hesitation.” “But you didn’t.” He opened the door to the suite and ushered her inside. “I haven’t been very trusting of women in a long time. Ten years, to be exact.” She curled up on the couch, her legs beneath her. “Why not?” Slade sat beside her and laid one hand on her thigh. “I got involved with a woman ten years ago. Meka was my partner when I was a cop. He didn’t like Joyce, didn’t trust her. So he set up a sting with his girlfriend, Lisa. Lisa invited Joyce to lunch. She had a tape recorder in her purse.” “Oops.” “Joyce talked freely about how she’d been looking for a rich guy and how she’d love spending all of my money.” “Which you didn’t have.” “Hell, I was barely getting by on my pay. A cop doesn’t exactly earn the big bucks. She’d met my dad, seen his hotel and casino. She assumed I had money too.” He blew out a breath. “She did give me a compliment. She said it wouldn’t be hard to stay with me for a while since I was so good in bed.” “Well, that’s definitely true.” Kari laid her hand on top of his. “Did you love her?” Slade nodded. “Yeah, I did. Stupid, huh?” “You didn’t know she only wanted money.” “Meka suspected it. I didn’t listen to him. Instead of the ruthless gold digger he saw, I saw a beautiful woman who was kind and caring and seemed to love me as much as I loved her.” Turning his hand over, he interlocked their fingers. “Meka’s a good friend. He looks after me. That’s why he ran a check on you. He figured you were a gold digger like Joyce, using your so-called visions to get money from my father. You

109

Lynn LaFleur

wouldn’t be the first woman since Joyce who’s looked at me like I’m a walking wallet.” He squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry I believed him.” “It’s over. We won’t talk about it anymore.” She released his hand and straightened her right leg. “Since you’re being so honest with me, I need to do the same with you.” She reached into her pocket, pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to him. Slade unfolded the paper to see his father’s check, drawn on his and Alora’s personal account. He released a low whistle. “Damn.” “Yeah, that was my reaction when I saw all those zeroes.” “Will this pay off your and your mom’s debt?” Kari nodded. “Easily, with a lot left over. I’m trying to decide whether or not to cash it.” “There’s nothing to decide.” He folded the check and handed it back to her. “Cash it.” “I didn’t expect payment for finding Brenda. That’s not why I wanted to help.” “I know that, babe, but my dad wouldn’t have given it to you if it wasn’t important to him for you to have it. He’ll be hurt if you don’t cash it.” Since she still looked uncertain, Slade teased her. “Besides, it’ll be a nice change for me to chase the woman with money.” Kari chuckled. “There is that.” She gazed at the check again. “I could pay off my debts and give the rest to my mom. It would pay off what she owes and leave her with a nice amount in the bank.” “Sounds like a plan.” Slade laid his hand on her leg. Her consideration of her mother warmed his heart. “You’re a very special lady, Kari.” Her eyes turned smoky. He liked when that look filled her eyes…the one that said she wanted to make love. “Are you in a hurry to head back?” “Not really. I’m supposed to have tomorrow off, but figured I’d go in since Brenda is safe.”

110

Premonition

“So you don’t have to be back in Sacramento until Tuesday?” She shook her head. “Nope.” He drew tiny circles on her thigh with his fingertip. “We can go back to my place and use the hot tub.” She smiled, slow and sexy. “We could try out the one here first.” “That’s right, we could.” Kari jumped up off the couch and ran toward the bedroom. “Race you!” Laughing, Slade took off after her. He was going to paddle that luscious ass when he caught her. He liked that idea…and all the other sexy, wicked images floating through his head. He planned to take at least fifty years to try all of them with her. The End

111

About the Author Lynn LaFleur’s writing career has included winning several writing contests. She was a semi-finalist twice in the prestigious Golden Heart Contest of Romance Writers of America. She served on the board of the RWA Chapter in Sacramento, California, for four years, as secretary and activities director. Lynn can’t imagine ever writing anything except romances. “I love writing about a man and a woman falling in love. If you enjoy the story I tell enough to smile in places, shed a tear at times, or get a warm and fuzzy feeling, that is my greatest reward.” After living on the West Coast for twenty-one years, Lynn is back in Texas. She works for her small-town newspaper during the day and writes books of romance at night.

Lynn welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

Tell Us What You Think We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email us at [email protected].

Also by Lynn LaFleur A Cupid’s Work is Never Done Coopers’ Companions 1: Rent-A-Stud Coopers’ Companions 2: Michelle’s Men Ellora’s Cavemen: Seasons of Seduction IV anthology Enchanted Rogues anthology Happy Birthday, Baby Holiday Heat anthology One Night of Pleasure Two Men and a Lady anthology

Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

www.ellorascave.com