said, I’ll be back to talk with your brothers and to see you.” He took hold of her chin and kissed her again, a soft kiss that stirred his cock.
He was tempted to stay. Taking a deep breath, he moved back and smiled. “Remember me.” Then he hurried from the room before he weakened and went back to bed.
* * * *
In the kitchen, Rae put on the coffee and popped bread into the toaster. She’d gotten up early to call Jewel to make sure she didn’t mind her visiting. When Linda asked her to have lunch with her one day, visiting Jewel was the first thing she’d thought of, but it was a good idea. She wanted to get away from the ranch and have time to think and adjust to the sudden changes in her life. For years, she’d imagined Nate returning to marry her. He’d been her dream, or had he been her protection? She shook her head. Where had that crazy idea come from?
The smell of fresh-brewed coffee scented the room. Her toast popped up, and she slathered it with jelly. As she took her fresh sip of hot coffee, she dialed Jewel.
“Hello.”
“Jewel, this is Rae.”
“I was thinking about calling you. We haven’t talked for a while. But I never know when you’re off on assignments.”
“I haven’t been good about keeping in touch either. Would you mind having a guest for a week or two? We’d have plenty of time to catch up on any news.”
“That sounds wonderful. How soon can you get here?”
“How about later today?”
“No problem. I’ll have the guest room ready. Call me before you land and I’ll pick you up at the airport. You will be arriving at the same private landing strip, I suppose.”
“Yes. I’m sure Mitch will let me travel in the smaller jet.”
“See you soon then. Can’t wait for you to get here.”
While Rae finished her toast and coffee, she thought about Cad and last night. She’d been determined they’d have fun sex to take her mind off her problems, and then she’d forget him.
Funny woman, I knew my reaction to him was much stronger than normal. But I wanted to prove I could handle it and him. That didn’t work very well. And he mentioned his cousin and I forgot all about the questions I wanted to ask.
Thank goodness, Jewel agreed for me to visit. My head is totally messed up. What to do next?
First, she’d talk with Mitch about her travel plans, and then she’d let Cassie know she’d be on her own with the business for a week or two.
Rae’s spirits rose at the idea of a vacation. She hadn’t been on one for over a year, much too long. But as she crossed the road walking to Mitch and Daren’s home, she wondered what the real reason was for the invitation from Linda. Maybe she did want to get to know Rae better or perhaps she knew of Rae and Nate’s true relationship.
And maybe I’m becoming paranoid from seeing the worst in people on assignments. I do need a rest.
The morning went quickly. Rae closed her suitcase and glanced at the clock, one p.m. It was time to get to the airport.
“Hello, anyone home?” Daren’s voice came from the direction of her back door.
“Come on in. I just finished my packing. I’m ready.”
Daren sauntered into her bedroom. “That’s all you’re taking, one suitcase and that other small bag?”
“I don’t need a lot.”
“Amazing.” He grinned. Then his expression sobered.
“Do you want us to send one or two of our men to keep an eye on you and Jewel?”
“What?” Rae stared at him. “When have I needed protection when visiting a close friend?”
“Sara has an uneasy feeling about this trip and so do Mitch and I.” He shrugged. “And even though you’re a psychic, you’re too close to this situation for your powers to be reliable.”
“What situation?”
“We don’t know. All I can tell you is Sara didn’t sleep well last night. She kept having dreams of you and a dark forest and then one where you were frightened by a white leopard.”
“How silly to get upset by weird dreams. Seeing a