Dreamlike State (The Magic of Black Forest Book 1) (6 page)

“Hello, Natalia, it looks like you had a really good time playing in the mud today.” He checked me out…from top to bottom…as I fidgeted with my hair and tried to make myself look decent. But, it was no use. Right now, I looked disgusting. As if he heard my thoughts he said, “Wow I didn’t think a woman could look as sexy as you do with all that mud in your hair.” A loud piercing laugh that seemed to echo through the trees followed.

“Yeah right! You’re being way too kind. I look like I was saved from drowning in the river and feel like it too. It was a great time and worth it. We should go together sometime.” He didn’t respond to that.

“I just stopped by to make sure you weren’t having any problems with the bears.” He pointed over to where the dumpster used to be.

“That was you? Papa Smurf… Err, Sam had said some guy asked him to move it. Again, thank you.” He was always rescuing or making it safe for me. I liked it. A huge grin spread across my face.

“You’re welcome. Just taking care of business. A ‘Knight in Shining Armor’s' job is never done. Here, I brought this for you. It’s the song you wanted a copy of.” He stared down at the ground like it was no big deal as he handed me a CD.

“Really -- YAY! I’ll listen to it tonight.” I did my happy dance; shook my hips and twirled while waving my hands in the air.

Thrilled with my response, his head snapped up and his lips curled into that glorious crooked smile I adored. I froze, gaping. He was so handsome. When I looked into his eyes, I melted. “You may have to make me another copy before I leave, I’ll probably have this one worn out by then.” Once I said those words, his face became serious and a frown formed on his lips. “What’s the matter?”

“Four weeks is going to go by quickly. I don’t think… This may not be a good idea.”

I knew what he was thinking. The thought had crossed my mind as well. In four weeks I'm going home and we won’t see each other anymore. It was hard to believe the feelings I already had for him when I just met him a few days ago. This was so unlike me. I’d never been drawn to anyone like this. I barely even dated.

“Bradley, we don’t need to think about it right now. We just met. Let’s spend some time together. It could turn out that you can’t stand me.” Boy, I hoped not.

He laughed. “I don’t think that’s possible. There is so much I want to know about you. And the questions I have for you…”

Before I knew it we were sitting on the porch swing and talking. With the sun going down and still soaked to the bone, it was getting a little cold. The chill of the evening sent a wave of shivers through my body. With chattering teeth I asked, “What kind of questions?”

“How about I stop by tomorrow to go hiking?” He leaned towards me and put his arm on the back of the swing. My body started to get warm all over and I could feel the blood rising in my checks.

“Natalia, you seem to blush a lot when I’m around. Is it me?” With my face so dirty, he shouldn’t have been able to see me blushing. Embarrassing.

I avoided his question by simply replying, “You’re so strange, Bradley, unlike anyone I’ve ever met. When will you be stopping by – tomorrow or the next day?” I’d rather know when he’d be coming by so I could be ready, unlike this time. I looked up at his smiling face. The feeling was amazing. I’m totally addicted to his smile. I leaned towards him and put my head on his shoulder, forgetting that I was dirty.

He sighed, the sound floated like a breeze through my mind. “I’d like to stop by tomorrow afternoon, would that be okay with you?”

“That would be great. How about three and afterwards, I can make us something for dinner? Do you like burgers and potato salad?” Darn, the words just spewed out of my mouth, making me sound desperate to be around him.

“Sure, three o’clock is fine. I don’t want you working on your vacation though, so how about I take you to dinner?”

“Well, how about we go for a hike and see about dinner afterwards. I really don’t want to keep leaving Seager alone every evening. It’s not right. Especially when I have everything I need for dinner here. Think about it tonight and tomorrow. You’re welcome to stay with us.” I tried to persuade him to stay for dinner tomorrow, but I wasn’t sure it worked. I guess I’ll have to wait and see.

I still had to drag myself into the shower before going to bed but I didn't want him to leave. Exhausted, I started to continuously yawn and tried to hide it.

Of course, he noticed. “How about you go shower and I’ll wait out here with Seager while he dries? When you’re done and ready for bed, I’ll go.” He gazed down at me before whispering in my ear, “Go on.”

The hot water felt good on my achy body. My muscles started to relax while I let the water run over my head and down my back. I had to wash my hair three times to get all the mud out. Chunks of mud rolled down my body into the tub. Every inch of my body had to be scrubbed several times. Afterwards, I just stood there until the hot water ran out. I was in no rush; it felt too good.

The shower woke me up a little. I got dressed in sweats and a tee shirt, brushed my hair and teeth.

When I opened the front door, he was standing right there -- directly in front of me. He reached out and pulled me towards him --- placing one arm around the small of my back and his other hand onto my hip. Pressing my body against his, he smelled my hair, and slowly moved down to my neck. “Mmmm, you smell lovely.” I let out an audible gasp. My heart raced and my breathing became heavy. Gently, he pressed his lips to my cheek kissing it. Letting go he whispered, “Have a good night, Natalia.”

I couldn’t move. I didn’t want it to stop, but he pulled away, chuckling.

“I love the way you blush.” He turned and left. Before getting into his truck he said, “Natalia, you should go in now and lock the door.”

I blinked a few times and snapped myself back into reality. “Okay. Remember you are coming over at three tomorrow. I’ll be waiting.” With that, I spun around, called for Seager and we went into the house. This time when I looked out of the window, he was there, waving and flashing that dazzling smile. I waved back and he pulled away.

“Seager, can you believe it? I think he likes me.”

“You think he likes you? Are you blind? If you asked him to sleep on the couch, no… out on the porch, he would have stayed,”
sarcasm heavy in his tone.

“Well I don’t know about that but his lips sure felt amazing on my cheek.” I placed my hand over the cheek he had kissed and spun around in a circle, giggling.

Right before getting under the sheets, I put his CD in the player. At first, while laying in the dark waiting for the music to start, I thought it might have been empty because for the longest time there I heard nothing. Then, finally, I heard Bradley’s voice, “Natalia I wrote this song for you. Just meeting you, it has changed my life in a way I can’t explain. I mean every word that I sing to you now. I recorded it for you. Enjoy. Good night and have only sweet dreams.” How romantic is that!?!

When the song started, it didn’t sound like the song I heard the other night. It’s softer. The only instrument I heard was an acoustic guitar and his sexy deep voice. His voice was low and husky as he belted out the melody. It gave me goose bumps. I’m overwhelmed with tears as I feel his loving words penetrating through me.

When that song ends another started, this time it was the live version I heard the other night. The acoustic version is much better but both moved me. I felt his passion. He copied the songs several times, repeatedly. It’s the last thing I heard before I fell asleep. My last thoughts before drifting to sleep were of him and how
I love him
.

Chapter 6

When I awoke, my thoughts started right where they left off the night before -- of him. I love him. I felt it with every fiber of my being. Even though I haven’t dated much, I have experienced infatuation and had a crush or two. It’s definitely not either of those. I have never felt this way about any boy or man. Everything about him draws me to him. The feelings are too powerful to be anything less than real.

All morning I walked around dazzled, bursting with excitement. I get to see Bradley today!

Since I was running out of clothes to wear, I took care of the laundry. When I returned, I got us ready for the hiking trip with Bradley. With about an hour to spare, I decided to call Melissa.

“Oh, Natalia how are you? We miss you so much. Is it as wonderful as you thought it would be?” I could tell Melissa was happy that I finally called. It was so good to hear her voice.

“We’re doing great. And yes, it’s even more beautiful than I had hoped. It’s incredible; I wish you were here with me Melissa. I really miss you too. How are your parents?”

“My parents are doing fine. Actually, they have been keeping your Aunt Susie at bay. She’s been asking where you are, saying she has some important family business to discuss with you. She sounds worried Natty, as if it’s something important. Maybe you should call her. My mom took down her number for you.”

“I have no idea what she wants from me. As for family business, Melissa, her and my mom didn’t talk to each other. When I would ask my mom why, she would just say that it wasn’t anything to concern myself with.”

Sitting down at the porch table, I was bewildered by what this woman could want from me, really. If there was any money, she certainly wouldn’t be getting any, nor would she be getting the house. “Melissa, you haven’t let her in the house have you?”

“No, she only stopped by here once. When she found out you went away, she started calling my parents voicing her concerns.

“Natty, when you get back you’ll need to sit down with my parents. Your aunt wasn’t the only one who stopped by. It’s been like grand central station since you left. Your parents' lawyer stopped by yesterday. He talked to my parents but wouldn’t say too much, except that he needs to see you by the end of the first week in October.”

“It’s probably about their will,” I mumbled as my mind drifted. Before I left, Harvey, my parents’ lawyer, had called. He mentioned that we needed to talk about a few legal matters. Still in mourning I told him that I wasn’t ready to talk about it, and if he needed to reach me, Melissa and her parents’ would know how to get a hold of me. He was still talking when I hung up. The next time I talk to him, I’ll have to remember to apologize for my rude behavior.

“Natty, you still there?”

I picked up a framed picture of my parents’ sitting on my quad. “I’m looking at a picture of my parents. I brought a few of them with me. My heart breaks every time I think of them. Did I tell you I saw… it and heard my mother’s last words? I can’t stop thinking about it. I hear her saying the words repeatedly.” The tears started to fall, ending this part of our conversation. It pained me to think about it.

“Oh no, Natalia. I didn’t think you saw anything. You never mentioned it. I can understand why. Having the gift is hard enough to deal with but having a vision like that can’t make it any easier, especially if it was just out of reach. When you’re ready to tell me the details I’ll be here.”

“Melissa, I need to go. I miss you lots and I’ll call you soon.”

“I love you, Nat. Please enjoy yourself.” She was reluctant to say goodbye, but I didn’t give her a choice, and hung up.

The call didn’t turn out as expected. I wanted to tell her about the great time I’ve been having, about meeting Colleen, Jesse, and most importantly, Bradley. But, as soon as we started talking about my parents, I lost it. The floodgates were open again. I sobbed uncontrollably. Reliving their tragic death put an end to my joyous day.

I lost track of the time and hadn’t realized that Bradley had arrived. Through the tears I saw a blurred image of him standing there staring at me. The stunned expression on his face made me cry even more. The tears had been held back for so long, that I couldn’t stop them now.

Bradley ran over, wrapped his arms around me and pleaded for me to tell him what was wrong. Before I knew it, I told him about my parents’ death a couple weeks ago, how they died and that I saw it right before it happened. Even though I said I’d never tell anyone about the gory details of identifying their bodies, the viewing and the funeral, I told him. I even told him what my mother said just before she died. I said way more than I should have.

Afraid to look into his eyes, I buried my face deeper into his chest, soaking his shirt with my tears. He didn’t say anything except that he was sorry for my loss. In an attempt to comfort me he held me tight and gently rocked back and forth.

I’m not sure how much time had passed when he lifted my face to his. His eyes were full of tenderness, sympathy, and understanding. With the back of his hand, he wiped my teary cheeks dry then pressed his lips softly against mine. The second our lips touched electricity ran through me. He went to pull away but I pulled him towards me and kissed him. My lips parted so my tongue could search for his. His lips were warm and luscious, his breath delicious.

We were both breathing heavily when he pulled away. Running his thumb along my lower lip he said, “Natalia, I apologize -- I shouldn’t have -- you’re vulnerable. I didn’t mean to take advantage of you. Seeing you cry like that -- in so much pain -- I wanted to comfort you but I wasn’t sure how to.” His eyes were full of regret, as if he had crossed some invisible line.

“You were. It worked. I feel a little better. Thank you.” I rested my forehead against his chest. He kissed the top of my head… electricity. Not wanting to cry anymore and needing to see if he actually heard what I said, I changed the subject. We had been sitting there for so long, that dinnertime came and went. I wiped my eyes and cheeks and then said, “I guess it’s too late to go hiking now. Sorry about that. Would you like to have dinner with Seager and I?”

“You’ve just lost your parents and you’re apologizing to me because we didn’t go hiking?” He rolled his eyes in disbelief.

“Well, we had plans to do something normal, but instead of hiking you just spent the last few hours comforting a girl you’ve only just met. An odd girl who says she has the ability to see things and oh yea, did I mention that I can talk to Seager?” Here comes my mental breakdown. Bring on the white coats. Just as I was thinking he was about to run away, screaming that I was a freak, he surprised me by letting out a loud hearty laugh.

“Actually, Natalia, I’d much rather spend a few hours holding you instead of going hiking with you. It feels like you belong in my arms, fitting perfectly. And you haven’t forgotten about our first kiss already have you?”

I smiled shyly, blushing, “No, it was beautiful.”

“So, it is me that makes you blush. Hmm… interesting. That’s good to know.” His heavy gaze had me breathless.

“The Seager thing, well that makes sense. I saw you talking to him the other day. You were the only one talking but still I sensed you were having an actual conversation with him. That was actually one of the questions I’ve been dying to ask you. I just wasn’t sure how I was going to ask you.

“Natalia, if you could see the look on your face right now, total disbelief in the words I just said. Believe me, I do understand. More than you could possibly realize.” I was not quite sure what I looked like, but I was sure it wasn’t good.

As if to change the subject, he asked me what was in my fridge so that he could whip up something to eat. “Would you mind if I see what you have?” Numb from my emotional breakdown, I gestured for him to go and see for himself, with a wave of my hand. I really wasn’t in the mood for cooking. Typically, when I’d had a day such as this all I wanted to do was sleep, but I didn’t want him to leave because now I had questions to ask him.

I was vegging in front of the TV, totally absorbed in replaying everything that had happened this afternoon, when he handed me a huge cheeseburger. I blinked, looked at the burger, then back at him. He could tell I was impressed by the appearance alone. I was hungrier than I had thought. In between bites, I apologized to Seager and promised that I would feed him the second I finished eating. I’ve always fed him first.

“I fed him already.” I gave him a puzzled look while I took another bite. The burger was cooked perfectly, medium rare. “When I asked you if you fed him, you didn’t answer me but he did,” he shrugged.

My eyes practically popped out of my head. With my mouth still full I asked, “He talked to you?”

He laughed, “Does the fact that he brought me his empty food dish count as him talking to me?” I smiled at him while shaking my head no.

After dinner, he stayed for a movie. Mentally drained, I fell asleep before the movie ended. Actually, I don’t even remember what movie we watched.

When I woke up the next morning, I was in my bed. Not quite sure how I got there… I saw Seager on the floor next to me, I leaned down to pat him. “What time is it Seager?”

“It’s about nine. Can Seager tell time too?” I jolted up, spun around and there was Bradley, sitting in the old wooden rocking chair. Seeing his smile made my stomach flutter.

Last night’s memories came rushing back to me. Overjoyed that it wasn’t all a dream and surprised that he had stayed all night, I said, “Good morning, Bradley. What are you still doing here?” Unfortunately, it came out wrong. I sounded more annoyed than surprised. He winced as if I had just slapped him in the face.  

He rose to his feet and with a stony expression said, “I just wanted to make sure you were all right. I’ll go if you want me to.”

I jumped in front of him and blurted, “No, no that’s not what I meant.” I backed away from him and put my hand over my mouth to hide my morning breath. “Please stay. Well if you want to. I’m just surprised you stayed. Very happy, but surprised. Would you excuse me for a moment? I need to go brush my teeth.”

“Sure, how about I go make some coffee?” he asked offering a bemused smile.

“That would be great.” When I looked in the mirror at myself --- I looked pathetic. The back of my head looked like it had a huge bird’s nest in it. My eyes were horribly puffy from crying last night. I quickly brushed my teeth, washed my face and brushed my hair. I couldn’t do anything with my eyes. I’d have to wait for the puffiness to go away. In an attempt to cover them up, I cleverly tried to hide them with my bangs.

“Mmm, the coffee smells good.” It’s just what I need. I grabbed a cup and we headed outside to sit on the porch swing.

“Thank you for last night. I didn’t want to be alone.” Noticing he didn’t have any coffee and remembering he didn’t eat dinner last night I asked, “You don’t drink coffee… or eat?”

“No, I’m not a coffee drinker or big on breakfast.” He stared at me as if he was waiting for me to say something. After a few minutes of silence he asked, “Natalia, are you alright? Last night you were so sad, I just couldn’t leave you like that. You even cried in your sleep screaming, ‘not them, not my parents.’” I didn’t realize I was crying in my sleep, but that does explain why my eyes are as puffy as they are. Self-consciously I covered them with my bangs. He immediately leaned towards me and brushed my hair back from my face. “Please don’t hide your eyes from me.”

“But they’re puffy and ugly,” I said while pulling my bangs back over them.

As if annoyed, he sighed and again he brushed my hair away from my face. “They are puffy, I’ll give you that, but
ugly
, never. You have beautiful green eyes. I love looking into them, it’s like I can see your soul. So please do not hide them from me.” He stared intensely into my eyes and I into his. The butterflies started flying around in my stomach.

Removing his gaze from mine, he broke the silence with two unexpected questions, “Tell me why you went on vacation so quickly after your parents' death? What about the rest of your family?”

Turning away I replied with a shaky voice, “I had the vacation planned two months prior. I was going to cancel it but Melissa, she’s my best friend, talked me out of it by reminding me that my parents would want me to go.” I paused to take a sip of my coffee. “She was right too. My parents were just as excited as I was about this trip. They had said that I deserved it. As for my family – they were it.”

He put his hand under my chin and gently pushed upwardly until my eyes met his. I fought back the tears. “So you came to please your parents one last time and not for yourself?”

“Mostly for them, but partially because I wanted to get away…no I needed to get away. I’m not running – I was really close to them. Believe it or not, I feel closer to them here.”

I went into the cabin, came back out with a picture of them, and handed it to him. “Here’s a picture of my parents. Joshua and Lillian are their names. I’ve got pictures of them all over the cabin.”

“I can see your father’s strength and mother’s beauty in you.” He said kindly. “Please continue.”

Taking the framed picture from him, I looked at my parents’ faces and ran my fingers over the glass. We were camping at Lake Wallenpaupack, roasting marshmallows over a campfire when I took the picture.  

“Until this past year, we had spent every summer camping and enjoying the great outdoors together. My parents were saving money for a trip of their own so we didn’t go this year. That’s why they were so excited about my vacation. My mom said I was away from the enchanting forest for too long.” I laughed as I heard my mother’s words.