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Chapter 15: A Force of Nature
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Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 16: In the Name of All That is Holy
Chapter 16: In the Name of All That is HolyLuke's mobile alarm went off at 8:00 am local time. He got up immediately, remembering their 10:30 appointment. Pausing to listen at the bedroom door and hearing nothing, he knocked gently before letting himself in.Bella was in the same position he'd left her in when he'd helped her into bed. At least she hadn't gotten sick in the night. He took advantage of the empty bathroom, showering, shaving, and dressing. When he emerged she still hadn't moved.He shook her gently. "Bella? You should get moving. We have that appointment in a couple of hours.""Oh, God…" she moaned.He smiled good naturedly. "I know. Hangovers are a bitch. Drink the water. I'll order some breakfast.""Oh, God…" she moaned again."Are you up?" he asked."Yeah…" she grunted."Ok, see you in a bit," he replied, chuckling to himself.He returned to the sitting area and phoned room service to order breakfast. He also dug out his bottle of ibuprofen. Oh, yeah, sh
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 17: A Great Story
Chapter 17: A Great Story"Ailsa Duncan survived the explosion that destroyed an entire neighborhood five years ago," Bella explained in the back of the cab on their way to meet their 10:30 appointment. "But her husband and two children were killed. They were crushed when their house collapsed. Ailsa was found the next day, badly injured but alive."Luke was only half listening. He remembered covering the disaster, shooting video of the devastation. There had been a gas leak and before the neighborhood could be evacuated, there was a tremendous explosion. The fire had been apocalyptic, but the percussion from the blast obliterated homes that were never touched by flames."She wrote an open letter that was published in the newspaper, kind of an anniversary remembrance," Bella continued. "Are you alright?" she asked, concerned by his silence."Yeah, I'm fine. What happened to your hangover?" he asked, trying to change the subject."I've put it on ignore," she responded.The cab s
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 18: Electricity
Chapter 18: ElectricityThey left Ailsa's house at 12:30 and because they didn't plan to meet Nevin until 2:00, Luke had the cab drop them at the hotel."I really wanted to change anyway," said Bella.Luke rolled his eyes. "Do I have to change, too?" he quipped.She scanned him. "You look fine," she said.Sometimes sarcasm is wasted, Luke lamented to himself.Back in the suite, Luke turned on the camera to check out some of what he'd shot."Ooh, I want to see," Bella exclaimed. She stood behind him as he sat on the couch, leaning over his shoulder to peer at the small screen on the back of the camera, her cheek just brushing his. Luke stilled immediately. "Oh, sorry," she laughed, moving slightly away.Even so, he was aware of her proximity, he could smell that perfume, still feel her hair brushing his face. Determinedly, he prompted the camera to play the last segment he'd shot, the part in the rose garden. Together they watched as Ailsa commented on the roses and announced the
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 19: Visiting a Family Business
Chapter 19: Visiting a Family BusinessNevin and Luke kept up a lively conversation as they drove out of the city and into the countryside. Bella sat between the two men, listening to them reminisce about the old days and she smiled. Oh, to have been a fly on the wall during their misadventures. About twenty minutes out of town, Nevin drove up to a large rambling collection of buildings made of dark stone and roofed in slate. They were easily a hundred years old. After Nevin parked the truck they got out and Luke and Bella followed him to one of the smaller buildings. It looked like a cottage and that's exactly what it turned out to be."This is the home where I grew up," Nevin explained, "and my father before me, and his father before him. This business has been in my family for five generations." He spoke with a sense of heritage and pride.Nevin opened the door and as he did so they were treated to the aroma of something delicious cooking inside. "Here we are!" he shouted
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 20: A Night In
Chapter 20: A Night InThey said their goodbyes to Maw and headed back into town, Bella once again situated between the two men in the cab of the truck. Luke and Nevin chatted back and forth amiably, but she was lost in thought, the day's events swirling in her mind. She imagined how the stories would look, edited and compacted into a neat one-hour package.Post-production sure as hell better get it right, she thought. Glancing up she realized that both men were looking at her. Luke was wearing his amused expression. "Um, sorry, what?" she asked, realizing they had asked her a question."Tonight," Luke repeated. "How about we go back to McTavish's and just chill, no work allowed?""Oh, I don't think so," Bella said. "It's been a busy day and I'm exhausted from last night.Nevin's eyebrow arched suggestively. "Do tell!"Bella blushed furiously. "I mean…I drank way too much last night and woke up very hung over. I'm taking it easy tonight.""You heard the lady, Nevin," Luke sou
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 21: Boy Time
Chapter 21: Boy TimeNevin and Luke entered McTavish's and were greeted as conquering heroes. Nevin waved off the crowd and took Luke to his office in the back of the pub. He sat behind his desk and motioned for Luke to sit on the leather couch across from him. From a shelf behind the desk Nevin took down a bottle of Three Labels and a pair of tumblers, pouring and handing one to Luke, keeping the other for himself. "To good times!" he toasted his old friend. They both drained their glasses instantly."So how are you?" Nevin asked."Great," Luke replied, uncertain of his friend's mood."No, really," Nevin said. "I thought you'd retired. You show up here with the lovely Bella, now you're shooting a travel program? What's going on?""Well…" Luke began, realizing Charlie had been right and hating to admit that, even to himself, "I got bored." Nevin regarded him without blinking. "Seriously. That's the long and short of it. I was staying out all night, drinking way too much, sl
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 22: Crossing a Line
Chapter 22: Crossing a LineBella padded out into the sitting room in her pajamas, a thin black tank with pink bottoms. Looking down, she realized she wouldn't feel comfortable dressed this way if Luke came in, so she went back for a bathrobe. Still hot from the bath, however, she draped the robe over a chair thinking she could grab it when she heard the door. If, that is, I'm still up when he comes back, she considered.She poured another glass of wine and wandered to the French doors, watching as lightning streaked across the sky, occasionally replacing the warm glow of the firelight that filled the suite with flashes of cold blue. Large raindrops peppered the glass as the wind whipped the hotel, Edinburgh castle lit up and barely visible in the distance. It's such a lovely place, Bella thought. Such a cozy night. I could curl up now and fall asleep to the sound of the storm.Instead, she sat on the floor in front of the fire, laptop before her. Luke had dumped the raw video
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 23: Afterglow
Chapter 23: AfterglowThey lay together in front of the fire, his arms around her, her head resting on his shoulder. She stroked his chest hair absently as he gently kissed her forehead."Well Cowboy, that was…unexpected," she drawled.He smiled at the accent. "Should I apologize?" he asked quietly."Of course not," she replied. Bella lifted her head and looked at him. "I wanted that as much as you did, you know," she whispered. He leaned down and kissed her lips softly."So," she began hesitantly, "tell me about 'Cowboy.'"Luke chuckled softly. "It's not such an exciting story," he answered. "On my first day of basic training, my Company Commander found out I was from Florida, and for some reason he started calling me Cowboy. I have no idea why. Maybe because there wasn't anyone from Texas. Anyway, since then it's sort of how I think of my inner voice." He looked at her trying to gauge her thoughts."Hmmm…" Bella smiled. "Well, I like it. Beats the hell out of my inner vo
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Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 328: Epilogue
Chapter 328: Epilogue"Just one more push, you're doing great," the doctor said."How are you holding up, Dad?"Bleary-eyed, he nodded to the pink scrubs-clad nurse. He was ready for this long night to be over.He felt her starting to squeeze his hand again. "You've got this, babe," he murmured, kissing her forehead.Eyes closed and teeth clenched, she bore down, releasing a grunting squeal with the effort."Stop! There we are, Mom. The head is out. Now don't push, just breathe for a moment."Still holding her hand, he leaned over to see the back of the baby's head. His heart was in his throat and tears streamed down his face."Now this is it. On the next contraction, go ahead and push."He turned back to her. Eyes wide, she panted, gripping his hand for dear life."Oh, God, here it comes," she cried."You're doing great, I'm so proud of you," he murmured, turning to watch as their child was born.Fifteen minutes later, he strode down the hospital corridor to the family waiting
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 327: No Time Like the Present
Chapter 327: No Time Like the Present"You should go home and get some rest, Jackie."Without taking her eyes off Scott, asleep in his hospital bed, she reached for Blake's hand. "I can't. I need to be here when he wakes up.""You're sure?"She nodded, then looked to her brother. "Can you take care of the kids? I hate to impose, but…""No worries, Jackie. Now that the storm's over, we'll take them back to our house. Amy's more comfortable there, anyway. We'll have a sleepover party."Jackie sighed. "I know they're ready to be back in their own beds. But I'll be home tomorrow, for sure, at least overnight.""Okay, sis." He kissed Jackie on the cheek. "Keep us posted."In the quiet of the hospital room, Jackie pulled a chair beside Scott's bed. As soon as they'd arrived back at the lodge, Blake and some of the others had carried Scott to the battered Suburban, laying him on the back seat.At Amy's insistence, Blake had driven Jackie and Scott to town. By the time they reache
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 326: Dream Versus Reality
Chapter 326: Dream Versus RealityHe was staring up at an azure sky. A warm summer breeze caressed his face. He turned his head and Jackie smiled at him, her deep blue eyes sparkling. "Where were you?" she asked.Scott shrugged. "I don't know.""Well, you're back now. That's what counts." She took his hand and led him to a bed in the middle of a sun-drenched field full of flowers. The bed's sheer white canopy billowed in the breeze. Kissing his hand, she released it, reaching up to slide first one, then the other spaghetti strap of her filmy white dress, allowing it to slide down her body and pool at her bare feet. His gaze slid from her sapphire eyes to her succulent lips. Then it traveled over the firm globes of her breasts with their pert pink nipples, to the flair of her hips, to the junction between her thighs where tight black curls were neatly trimmed. When he met her eyes again, she smiled knowingly and sank to her knees, bowing her head and resting her hands palm
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 325: Warrior Princess
Chapter 325: Warrior Princess"Jacks, you can't go out there." Blake's face twisted with concern."He won't come back until he finds Pierce. But he won't find Pierce, because Pierce is here. You can't leave Amy. I'd never even ask. And if Ned Hart won't go out there, I have no other choice." Her voice was deadly calm.She grabbed her grey coat, then put it back on its hook, heading into the dining room. Blake followed. "Jackie, seriously, I don't want you going out there." He grabbed her hand, stopping her. "Scott wouldn't want you going out there.""He can tell me that when I find him. Can I borrow Amy's pink parka? It's brighter than mine, easier to see."Blake exhaled sharply, his tone resigned. "I've known you long enough to know that once you've set your mind on something, that's it. At least let me put together a pack for you."While Blake scavenged from the survival students, Jackie put on Amy's parka and spoke to Grant and Emma. "I'm going out to let Scott know
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 324: From Bad to Worse
Chapter 324: From Bad to WorseAway from the wide-open expanse of the lake, the trees blocked a certain amount of the wind, but plenty of snow filtered down. Try as he might, Scott couldn't make out any tracks left by Pierce. He continued up the trail, slipping and sliding as he made his way up a steep ridge. The designated campsite was the clearing at the top, but once he arrived, the area was empty. Even the snow was thin, having been blown into drifts against the bases of the trees surrounding the clearing. Where are you, you little shit? Scott turned in a circle, considering the most likely way Pierce might have gone. The clearing was exposed. He'd have wanted to find a spot that afforded more shelter. Which meant he would have gone lower. But in which direction?Rolling the dice, Scott headed west, where the clearing dropped off in a bluff about thirty meters above a ravine created by a now-frozen creek. He peered down into the gully, willing Pierce not to be there at
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 323: Who's Missing?
Chapter 323: Who's Missing?An hour later, Scott sipped his coffee and gazed out over the room. A handful of his campers had volunteered to help with lunch, and they'd all enjoyed potato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Now, a group of guests was working on chili for dinner.Out of habit, he mentally counted his group. Tom and Patty Payton, who'd headed up lunch, were playing cards with Justin Sapp and Paula Martinez. Dan Spinelli was talking fishing with the father and sons from Cherub Lake. Not finding Pierce, Adams, or Bennet, he frowned slightly. A trip to the restaurant kitchen revealed Brian Bennett and Keely Adams working on cornbread to go with the chili.That leaves one. Scott returned to the dining room. Jackie was across the room checking on Amy. He cruised by the table where Dan was swapping fish stories. "Sorry to interrupt, but have you seen Pierce?"The younger man frowned. "Not since we ate. But you know, now that you mention it, his backpack is gone." H
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 322: Everyone Shelter at the Lodge
Chapter 322: Everyone Shelter at the LodgeAs Jackie and the children hiked toward the main lodge, they heard the snowmobile returning from the island. Jackie sent Emma and Grant ahead with their backpacks, Max galumphing along behind them, while she waited for Scott to secure the snowmobile."How'd it go?"Scott's lips were a grim line. "About how you'd expect. There's nothing we can do about it with the storm coming. Everybody understood, really. Except for Pierce. He's such an asswipe."Jackie's eyes widened but her lips curled impishly. "Oh my, Sire. Language."He popped her ass lightly. "And now my Princess requests a spanking. My day is complete."They both laughed as the entered the lodge. Trina had a huge fire going in the dining room's fireplace, and she'd already been to the cabins to invite guests to gather in the main lodge, where there would be food and heat."Hi, guys," she greeted Jackie and Scott. "I called the crew to let them know to stay home today. Then
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 321: Blizzard Warning
Chapter 321: Blizzard WarningFrowning, Scott watched the latest weather report on the early morning local news, his mouth set in a grim line. Beside him, Jackie stirred. "What is it?" she murmured."It's alright," he answered softly. "Go back to sleep. It's not even 5:00 yet."She sniffed loudly and yawned. "I'm awake now. What's the matter?" She pushed up on an elbow and rested her head against his shoulder.He shook his head derisively. "The blizzard. They're predicting the storm to hit by this afternoon.""I thought it was supposed to skirt us to the south.""I hoped it would. But now we're under a blizzard warning." He kissed her temple and slid out of bed."What are you going to do?"He stepped into a pair of fleece-lined jeans and shrugged into a grey thermal Henley. "I'm heading to the island to let the campers know. Obviously, we're postponing the solo outings. I'll offer them the chance to return for free to finish their second week of this session." He glanced
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 320: Winter Session
Chapter 320: Winter SessionPulling the hood of his black parka lower over his head, Scott ducked behind the windscreen of his snowmobile and headed back to the lodge. At the bunkhouse cabin, he'd just welcomed Tom and Patty Payton, the only married couple he'd had thus far in his wilderness school.Having checked in with Jackie in the reception area of the lodge, the pair had made their way on foot across the ice to the island where they joined fellow survival students Justin Sapp, a stocky young man with an infectious sense of humor, and Paula Martinez, an attractive thirty-something Latina who wrote a Spanish-language adventure blog.Everyone in this session had broad outdoor survival experience, including the Paytons, who had once spent a year in the Amazon cataloging wildlife. They'd told Scott they were excited to learn winter survival skills in the wilderness of Ontario.That leaves four more clients yet to arrive, Scott mused as he pulled up the slope to park beneath the lodg
