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Chapter 20: A Night In
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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
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 24: Two Streets Over
Chapter 24: Two Streets OverAfter they'd finished breakfast, Luke and Bella headed out into the morning to find the perfect location for their last shots of Edinburgh. When they arrived at Princes Street Gardens, Bella knew Luke was right—it was exactly the right spot. The park had sprawling green lawns with a beautiful fountain as the centerpiece, all located in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. At this time of day there were few visitors, only a handful of joggers. They chose the fountain as the location for the intro and Bella busied herself composing her lines. Luke readied his camera, checking light levels and composing the shot, making certain the castle itself would be visible."All ready here," he told her. "Let's give you sound." She avoided his eyes as she stood still, allowing him to reach into the front of her shirt to attach the mic to her bra. He hooked the box to the back of her waistband and adjusted her shirt and jacket over it. "Try it out," he said."Check,"
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 25: Little Insecurities
Chapter 25: Little InsecuritiesWhile Luke showered, Bella went online to make hotel reservations for their next destination. Never a fan of huge corporate places, she located a nice boutique hotel near the city center. Still feeling a bit sheepish about her little tantrum when they arrived in Scotland, she debated over reserving one room or two.Obviously, we want the best suite or suites available. Does the nicest suite really have to have that name? Bella sighed in exasperation.The cheeky part of her smirked in delight. What should I do? she wondered. One room or two?This is not how you were raised, her father's voice reprimanded sternly.Her finger wavered over the touch pad."All yours, m'lady," announced Luke, startling her and causing her to jump.He's always doing that, she thought.You're too jumpy, her cheeky self said. You know what's good for that…Bella shook her head and clicked, her decision made. "Great! I'll try to be quick," she said."Take your time," he sm
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 26: Fly With Me
Chapter 26: Fly With MeThey finished their dinner, chatting casually across the candlelit table for another hour. From time to time throughout dinner, Luke caught other diners staring at Bella. He'd noticed that she turned heads everywhere they went, and Bella, for her part, seemed completely unaware of the interest she generated. Luke gazed at her, remembering the first time he'd seen her. She was stunning, but the fact that she didn't seem to know it made her even more attractive.Taking advantage of a lull in the conversation, Luke said, "I wanted to apologize for something I said the earlier. I think I annoyed you when I said that you try to compartmentalize things." Luke reached across the table and placed his hand over hers."I wasn't annoyed, exactly," she began, frowning. "I just don't know why you said that." She looked at him expectantly."You seem to need to control the things that make you uncomfortable, put them into manageable boxes," he elaborated. "Nothing wro
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 27: Ideas for the Next Episode
Chapter 27: Ideas for the Next EpisodeThey lay together, breathing returning to normal. Bella luxuriated in Luke's arms. She couldn't remember ever feeling more safe and secure. Which is a strange idea, she thought. She looked up at him.He smiled, kissing her forehead. "That was pretty amazing, m'lady," he said lazily.She sighed and snuggled closer. I don't know what this is, she thought, but I like it.Oh, you know exactly what this is, her cheeky self retorted. Bella shrugged off any further contemplation and fell asleep with her head on Luke's chest, not stirring before daylight.She awoke, aware that he was moving. She leaned up on her elbow and looked up at him."Hey, beautiful," he said. Bella rolled her eyes. "I'm sorry I woke you. My arm was asleep." He smiled at her apologetically."No, I'm sorry," she said."I'm getting up," he told her. "You can go back to sleep if you want.""I'm ready to get moving. We're traveling today," she smiled mysteriously."Yeah, I
Dream Dominant Collection Chapter 28: The Bridal Suite
Chapter 28: The Bridal SuiteThe hour and a half flight from Edinburgh to Amsterdam was smooth and uneventful and they easily breezed through customs after they landed. Near the baggage carousels they saw a driver holding a sign reading "B. Grant" and the pair approached him, garnering his assistance in retrieving Bella's bags.Twenty minutes later, they were en route to the hotel, their luggage, including the big-ass Louis, in the back of the cab. The driver pulled up in front of The Toren, a boutique hotel in the city center. The front of the hotel was dark brick with black canvas awnings, and it was nestled among other mid-nineteenth century brownstone buildings that comprised the historic neighborhood. Luke & Bella left the driver and the bellman to deal with their bags and proceeded to the front desk."Welcome to The Toren," the clerk greeted them."Thank you," said Bella. "We have reservations for Grant."The clerk clicked a few computer keys. "Yes, madam, we have you in th
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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
