Night Visions (Night Series) (9 page)

"Hold on," Ian warned.

Sam braced her hands on the dashboard, her eyes wide with fear. Or was it excitement?

Without easing off the accelerator he cranked the wheel to the right. The tires squealed in protest on the pavem
ent, swinging the backend right then left before finally straightening. Dirt and gravel spewed from beneath the tires, stirring up dust.

Ian slammed the gas pedal to the floor until they reached the cover of trees. Glancing in the mirror, he was relieved to see the SUV didn't follow.

* * *

Sam tore her eyes from the passing SUV to look at Ian. Did he expect the vehicle to follow them? No. It was more like he wanted it to follow. And why did she feel disappointed that it didn't? She was turning in to an adrenaline junky, restless for more excitement. What was happening to her? Earlier she ran from danger, now she wanted to throw herself into the heart of it.

"Should I even ask what that was all about?"

A heartbeat passed before the hard lines in Ian's face softened. Twisting in his seat he draped his arm across the steering wheel, his fingers threaded through his hair. "I wanted to clear the air between us."

"What do you mean?"

"I should be the one apologizing. I dragged you from your home, without time to prepare and then yell at you for wanting to explain to Scott." He tore his gaze from her, directing it out the window. "I was wrong."

The effort it took for Ian to admit that was not lost on Sam.

"It's okay. I shouldn't have snapped at you, either. I just wish I knew what was going on. Why all the secrets?"

"Sammie…" The word seeped from his lips as he shook his head, releasing a deep sigh. "I promise, I'll explain everything soon. I know it's a lot to ask, but please trust me."

The depth of sincerity in his eyes tugged at her heart. For the first time he seemed vulnerable. Maybe it was time for her to be honest with him. He wasn't the only one with something to hide. Stealing herself for Ian's reaction
, Sam inhaled and prayed on the exhale that he wouldn't think she'd lost her mind.

"I think there is something you need to know about me." She rubbed her damp palms on her pants. "What happened earlier when I freaked out. That wasn't the first time it's happened to me."

Ian's expression didn't change. He simply sat there, eyes fixed on hers, waiting for her to continue.

"I started having nightmares several years ago. The same one over and over. Not long after
, I started to see a woman." She leaned her back against the door, giving him a moment to respond. When he didn't she continued. "In the beginning she was like a shadow, then over time became clearer."

"What does this woman look like?" Ian asked, sitting up straighter in his seat.

"She looks like me. Only her eyes are this beautiful shade of violet."

His face pinched. But not with doubt. More like curiosity. "What was she wearing?"

Any other time she would have laughed at the question. Something he used to ask when he called her on the phone. But now, in this context it was just strange. Why did it matter what she wore? The woman wasn't real.

Humoring him
, Sam responded, "A white gown."

"Do you know what she wants? Why she's reaching out to you?"

At least he was taking the news well. Or doing one heck of a job pretending.

"She's never said anything. Well at least not until the last time. She told me he's watching and waiting." She decided to leave out the warning about not making the same mistake. He didn't need to know that. Especially if it pertained to him. Lifting her shoulders, she sat back up in her seat. "Maybe she was talking about you."

The questions ceased as Ian's eyes narrowed. What could he possibly be thinking? Hating the silence that stretched between them she added, "Or maybe she was talking about whatever was in the woods. You remember Bryan up the road? He thought it was an animal, but now I'm not so sure."

"When was this?" Anger laced Ian's tone, forcing her to lean back until the door prevented her from moving further.

"Today. While I was on my run with Ginger."

Ian's eyes darted to Ginger, before settling back on Sam. She squirmed under his questioning stare.

"I was on the path that skirts the lake and opens at Bryan's house. Gin sensed something in the woods. I could feel it watching me." She swallowed hard at the memory. Bumps sprung up on her arms. "It kept pace with us until we left the trail."

"Did Bryan see anything?"

Sam shook her head. "He thought it was just an animal."

"Yeah. It probably was." Without another word Ian started the car. Jamming it into reverse, he spun the
wheel. The tires sent rocks pinging against the undercarriage.

Why did Ian's reaction bother her so much?

CHAPTER 8

Ian forced himself to keep the conversation light, while inside his blood simmered. Things were worse than he originally thought. Had progressed faster than anticipated. The speedometer lifted, putting him twenty miles over the limit. Easing off the accelerator he switched to cruise control.

Had she lived with these visions and nightmares alone? Keeping it to herself out of shame and embarrassment? All he wanted to do right now was pull the car over and hold her in his arms. To erase the years of hurt. To leave her feeling protected.

Sam rested her head against the glass, her fingers twirling a strand of hair. He hoped she didn't regret her decision to open up to him. For the first time he actually felt like they were friends again, her trust in him allowing her to release the shield.

"Congratulations on your career. I can't go in to a book store without seeing one of your novels at the front display."

Sam blushed lowering her head. "Thanks."

"I'm proud of you
, Sam. I always knew you could do it. All the stories you used to tell. You really have a gift."

He knew she felt uncomfortable under the heaping praise. Never one to accept it easily. Kind of ironic how she ended up in the spotlight. On television she always seemed so comfortable and confident. Her passion shone through, especially when talking about one of her novels.

"Jason told me you have a place in Manhattan. Do you spend much time there?" He knew he was prying for more information about her life. Hopefully she wouldn't realize it and shut down. He needed her to step away from the wall she'd built to protect herself. A wall that wouldn't be between them had he stayed.

Sam's locks swept across her shoulder as she shook her head. "No. I always end up home. It keeps me grounded. It's hard to not get inspired there."

"Well, I'm sure this trip has given you plenty of inspiration," he joked.

Sam rewarded his comment with a tilt to her lips. Ian didn't realize how starved his soul was to see that smile again.

"Yes, a hunky hero saves the damsel in distress. Bodies will fly as he tosses them aside to rescue his one true love." After the words left her mouth, she pressed her lips together. Her eyes widened at her obvious slip.

"So you think I'm hunky?" Ian couldn't resist taking advantage of her blunder. "I do work out
, you know." He bent his arm toward her, flexing his muscle. "It's like a rock. Go ahead and touch it," he teased.

Laughing
, Sam swatted his arm away. "You know, vanity isn't attractive."

"Who said I'm vain? You paid me a compliment and I graciously accepted."

"Ha! Some things never change!"

No. They didn't. Like the way teasing her made her cheeks heat. Just like they were now. He loved that shade of pink. Loved the way it made those big brown eyes come to life.

"Well look at it this way, I saved you a ton of research for the hero part."

"Gee thanks."

Sam was silent for a moment, her fingers plucked at her knit pants. He hoped he didn't make her feel uncomfortable with his teasing.

Stretching one leg out in front of her, she twisted in her seat facing him. "You know…speaking of research. I found out something weird about the lake houses in our community."

Ian lifted a brow and waited for her to continue.

"Did you know that there hasn't been a new homeowner since the first homes were built? All of the deeds have been in the same families for generations."

"Really?"

"Yeah." She frowned as she continued to stare at him, arms crossing her chest as she leaned against her seat. "Don't you find that strange?"

"I guess it's not common, but on average we have less homes with more acreage than most lake communities. Some of the neighbors are related, so it's only natural that they would want to keep the homes in the family so they could raise their kids together. Not to mention the investment value."

"Maybe, I don't know."

Guess she didn't like his answer. "Well, look at you and Jason. Would you let your parents sell the house or keep it for yourself?"

He could see the battle brewing within her. One of curiosity and logic. She thought she was on to something. Didn't want to let go of that possibility. But reluctantly did as she released a sigh. "We'd keep it."

Forcing a smile, Ian refocused on the road. It was only a matter of time before Sam put two and two together. The lack of for sale signs a dead giveaway of the secrets she grew up with. The secrets she would soon learn.

And hopefully accept.

* * *

Weariness began to settle in
to Sam's muscles. Her lids heavy from lack of sleep. She tried to focus on what Ian was saying, but even in her current state, sensed something was off. Sure, he smiled and said all of the right things. It may have fooled someone else. But not her. If anyone knew his quirks, it was her. At least she thought she knew everything about him. One thing she did know, his attempt to conceal his discomfort failed. Since she'd revealed her secret to him, he'd thrown up a mask.

Maybe he had second thoughts about bringing an unstable ex-girlfriend on a cross-country trip. Worried she might have another episode. She shouldn't really care what churned through his mind. Once she reached Jason
, they would part ways. So why did the thought of leaving him nearly tear the breath from her?

What happened to him since he'd been gone? He used to be so carefree and comfortable around her. Now he built up a wall, whenever the old Ian tried to slip through.

Slowing the SUV, Ian pulled off the highway into a deserted convenience store parking lot. The windows plastered with signs advertising 'smokes cheap' and 'stock up on beer for the big race.'

Perfect timing. Being cooped up in the car left Sam restless. She needed to compose herself
, and being in such close quarters with Ian made that impossible. Since he polished off the last of her Twizzlers about an hour ago, she needed reinforcements. Damn nerves. Why did she feel the need to eat when something upset her? At the rate she was going, she'd be lucky if she could still button her pants after this trip.

The door squeaked on its hinges as she pushed her way through. She cast a friendly smile toward the man behind the counter. He returned the gesture, giving her a peek at the wad of chewing tobacco in his mouth.

The smell of gasoline and motor oil drifted through the open door of the connecting autoshop. The whir of an air compressor mixed with the twang of country music streaming out of the speakers overhead.

While Sam perused the rows of candy, Ian leaned over, his shoulder skimmed hers making her heart hitch in her chest. He grabbed a candy bar and walked back toward the coolers. Did he feel the heat their bodies generated when they touched? Or was he completely unaffected?

She dumped her emergency rations on the counter as the clerk spit a hunk of tobacco in a bottle.

Ewww.

“Ya'll just passin' through?” He asked as he swiped his arm across his mouth.

Ian answered for her as he placed his candy bar, a frozen pizza and a six pack of beer on the counter. “Yeah. Just passing through." He pointed to the flyer on the window, then tipped his head toward her. "She loves the monster trucks."

Sam choked on her saliva.
Monster trucks?

Ian proceeded to pound her on the back. He must be joking. He better be joking. Not that there was anything wrong with that type of event, but she had no desire to attend one today.

“See. She get's so excited just thinking about it,” he smirked.

"Well ya'll need more than a six pack if yer headed over there. When the show
's over, they got a band that's gonna' play."

Ian smacked his hand on the counter. "Perfect! This little lady loves to dance!"

Sam gave the guy a weak smile, inwardly promising that she would show Ian how to sing soprano later.

“Don't let him fool you. H
e loves it more than me. Something about a man in a big truck turns him on.”

Now it was Ian's turn to choke.