Un-Sweet Dreams (BookStrand Publishing Romance)

by Shawn Wall

  "I'm not that desperate.”

  "No. you’re not. You could have half the guys in this school.”

  "I don't want half the guys in this school. I only want you.” She was betraying herself, and the flood down came down her cheeks again. He took her hands, cupping his around them both.

  “I’m so sorry I ever believed for a second that you slept with Tray. I knew deep inside it wasn’t true. A friend helped me realize that losing you is too high a price to pay for my pride. The thought of someone else touching you drives me insane. I never want us to be apart again. Is there any hope? Do you still love me?"

  "I will never love another man as long as I live.”

  "This has been the worst couple of weeks of my life. Come away with me for spring break. Let's leave this place. I can show you how we’re better together than apart. I love you more than my own life. That's why I was so crazy before at the thought of losing you. The dreams I came here with last August are nothing without you. Don't think about it. Just come with me."

  She couldn't resist him. "Oh, Seth. Okay, I'll go.”

  In the middle of the hall, he clutched her in his arms, and the sweet kiss between them was more than she had dreamed it could be.

  He grasped her hand. "Just pack some clothes. We’re taking my bike. I'll meet you outside your dorm in twenty minutes.”

  She ran to her room as fast as she could. She grabbed a pair of jeans, pajama shorts, two shirts, a camisole, and only the essentials, stuffing it all in her smallest backpack. What was she doing? She didn’t care. She loved him, and she wouldn’t be away from him again. He had suffered as much as she had, and they were no good apart. She traded her short skirt for some jeans, but kept the sweater. Running down the stairs, she found she hadn’t imagined it. He was waiting on her. He leaned down and kissed her with hunger. When their lips parted, she smiled, speechless. Every nerve ending in her body was electrified.

  "Hmm, there’s my sweet smile. The jeans are more practical, but I really liked your little skirt.”

  "You did?" she said.

  "Ah, the little skirt and sweater were for my benefit, I see." He grinned and rested his hands in her back jean pockets.

  "Well, I wanted to see if you would notice me after being with your little cheerleader." She felt warmth flush her cheeks.

  "I have told you how cute you are when you’re jealous, right?” He laughed.

  "It's not funny.”

  "When you stood up after Anatomy, my heart skipped a beat and every boy in class turned his head to watch you walk out. The cheerleader does not even compare.”

  He lifted her chin so she would have to look into his eyes.

  "Good.”

  "You are a bad girl, Suzanne.”

  Climbing on his bike, she clinched him as tight as she could and rested her head on his back. "Where are we going anyway?”

  "That's a surprise.”

  "I’ll go anywhere with you as long as we’re together.”

  He cranked the bike, and they sped down the highway. Exiting onto Interstate 30 in Texarkana, they traveled through Little Rock and then north of Memphis, Tennessee. It was already dark when Seth pulled into a motel. Her butt was numb, and her legs felt like spaghetti. Flowery curtains and a solid orange comforter adorned the 1980s motif of the room. The smell of Lysol abounded, but at least it was clean and only for one night. She could have stayed in a tent with Seth and wouldn’t have cared.

  * * * *

  After they settled in their motel room, she crawled into bed and leaned her head on Seth's chest while he watched the weather. He put his arm around her and kissed the top of her head. Curling up to her hot water bottle was better than a massage. She was utterly content drifting asleep.

  When she woke, it was light.

  “Good morning, sleepy head.” Seth chuckled.

  "Oh no, I'm sorry I fell asleep. You’re disappointed, aren't you?"

  "No, holding you in my arms all night was great. I’ve missed that so much over this past month."

  "Well, I am. I wanted our reunion to be special.”

  "Our reunion isn't over. I liked the way you said that by the way." He smiled. "Does that mean were really back together?"

  "I thought we already got back together. You didn't?” Suzanne batted her eyes at him, forcing him to chuckle again.

  "I know you love me, and we have always had a fire between us. I just wasn't sure I had convinced you. I guess I’m just scared of losing you, and I’ve lost my confidence.”

  "From the moment you kissed me on the stairs outside of class, I was yours again." She looked into his eyes. "My heart never left you."

  He leaned down and lifted her face to his, kissing her softly.

  "I don't want to ever be without you again. I won't be able to stand it. Promise no matter what, we will work out any problems together."

  "I promise.”

  "Okay, up and at ’em. We've got a long drive today.”

  They were back on the road traveling north, crossing into Kentucky to Interstate 66. After driving over four hours, Seth exited the interstate and drove another forty-five minutes through small communities. The hills grew larger with green, grassy valleys between them. Soon, the hills grew into mountains, and Suzanne saw a sign reading “Natural Bridge State Resort Park.” She had never been this far north. With breathtaking views, these mountains were covered with trees and rock. The temperature was at least ten degrees cooler even before the bike climbed the mountains.

  "What are we doing here?”

  “I wanted you to see the bridge. It's really cool, and there are some short trails, too. Besides, we need to get off this bike and walk for a while.”

  "My numb butt will agree with you.”

  "I've hiked here, but I've never come to this area with the lift. It should be fun.”

  As they waited in line, Suzanne noticed the ride actually looked more like a ski lift, open with only a bar in front with one’s feet dangling. Thank goodness she wasn’t afraid of heights.

  As the lift moved forward, she felt Seth stiffen.

  "What's wrong?”

  "Look ahead.” Beyond towering rocks, the mountain was half a mile tall, and the lift was gradually carrying each cart to the top, hanging only by a suspension cable.

  ”I didn't realize we would get that high off the ground. I'm afraid of heights."

  "What?" She was surprised. This was definitely a trip of realizations.

  “It’s not funny.”

  "Seth, as strong as you are. I mean you chase rapists and murderers for heaven's sake. You can't be afraid of heights.”

  "Sorry, I can't help it." His voice was thick with anxiety.

  Suzanne stared at him and realized he wasn’t joking. His skin was pale, and he was holding his face in his hands.

  "Listen to my voice, close your eyes, lean your head on my shoulder, and hold me."

  Placing his right arm on her shoulder, she felt him squeeze tightly. Then, she took his left hand in hers as she admired the amazing view.

  "You can open your eyes now. We’re at the top.”

  The attendant raised the bar as Seth opened his eyes. When he stepped off the buggy, he never let go of Suzanne for a second.

  "I am not getting back on that thing.”

  "Seth, how else are we going to get back down the mountain?"

  "We'll have to take a trail.”

  "You wanted to stretch your legs. Let’s get going.”

  The attendant guided them to a trailhead. Seth led their hike, and she was more than glad she had worn her sneakers. The entire path was shaded. Loose rocks and limbs carpeted the ground floor with green everywhere. Then, they came upon a rounded bridge made of cream and brown stone. The Natural Bridge was a fitting name, and it was amazing. Another huge overlook was ahead with no rails, revealing hundreds of feet to the bottom. The air was cooler it had a crisp, clean taste. As they walked farther, the trail winded along ridges, hidden crevices, and rock formations. Seth was in
his element, with both feet on the ground. Suzanne ducked behind a formation, hiding, when Seth realized she wasn't following and peered around looking for her. He was at her side before she knew it and pulled her to him.

  "So what did you do without me to occupy your time?" she asked jokingly.

  "Well, I took a lot of cold showers.”

  "You better had.” She gave him a warning look.

  "The cold showers are a given. Oh, mostly I thought about us all the time. What went wrong, what I could do to win you back…”

  "I told you. You never really lost me. I was afraid you might find someone else.”

  "There will never be anyone else.” He kissed her tenderly. "Okay, if we don't get going, we’ll never make our second destination."

  "Oh, come on, give me one hint.”

  "I'm not going budge, and you know how stubborn I can be." He laughed and led her back to the trail.

  She was glad they were going downhill because the grade was much steeper. The trail was secluded with no other hikers in sight. They stopped on the steepest ridge overlooking a deep canyon filled with trees and ledges from top to bottom.

  Seth turned and gave her a quick, open-mouthed kiss, and then headed farther down the trail at what seemed a ninety degree angle. She started to follow, but in an instant, she slipped. She tried to keep her balance, but she was too close to the edge. Loose rocks slipped under her shoes, and she could feel herself falling, but there was nothing to reach for. She called for Seth, and he had sensed what was happening the second before she yelled. He couldn't get back up the incline fast enough, and as she fell, he reached for her, but her hands slipped through his like butter.

  Chapter Twelve

  Suzanne could hear a voice, very faint, and it was familiar, calling her name. She tried to open her eyes, but they didn't want to open. Where was she? She was lying on her right side, and she tried to open her eyes again. The sun was bright as she squinted and slowly lifted her head. Now, she was in front of the breathtaking ridge, but it wasn't shaded like before. Then, she realized she wasn't on the trail anymore. How did she get here? She looked down and could now see, and noticed she was lying on a protruding rock. She felt something warm running down the right side of her forehead, down her right temple. Her left hand instantly reached to wipe the liquid away, leaving it covered with bright red blood. Now, her head was clearer, and the voice was even louder.

  "Suzanne." Seth called over and over in a shaky voice. "Are you down there? Baby, answer me please!"

  "Seth, I'm here." She called as loudly as she could.

  "Suzanne, are you all right?"

  "I think so, but my head is bleeding.”

  "Tell me everything you see.”

  "I'm lying on a rock protruding out of the side of the mountain. It seems like I'm still really high. The view looks like it did when I was on the ridge.”

  "Your voice doesn't seem very far down, but I'm going to have to go for help to get you out.” His voice was smoother now, almost a rumble.

  "Please don’t leave me alone.”

  “I have to get help. Don't move. Stay still. I'll get back as quickly as I can.”

  Then, everything was quiet, and she knew he had gone for help. The wind was cool on her face as she lay back down on her right side to wait. The right side of her head began to throb as a wave of nausea came over her. Her arms were stinging, but she only had a few scratches and bruises. There was no pain in her legs or feet. Thank goodness she had worn those jeans. It seemed like an eternity waiting for Seth’s return.

  "Suzanne, are you all right? I'm back with a park ranger and rescue crew.”

  "Suzanne!" She heard an unfamiliar voice.

  "Yes.”

  "I'm going to repel down to you. Do you understand me?”"Yes.” She could hear several voices, all men, and Seth was talking to them. The other sounds were strange and unfamiliar like metal hitting stone.

  "I need you to put your hands over your head. Lose debris could fall."

  "Okay.”

  She could hear the sound of ropes and pulleys. Then, the rescuer was at her side within seconds. He was a young man in his twenties.

  "I'm Cane. We’re going to get you out of here. Are you hurt anywhere?”

  "I think I hit my head. It was bleeding, but nowhere else is.”

  "Yes, I see that. It's stopped bleeding now. You’ll have to wear this harness. I’ll be connected to you the whole time, and we will lift you back up the ridge. Are you afraid of heights?"

  "No, I went bungee jumping once when I was fifteen. It can't be as bad as that.”

  "We'll be just fine then.”

  He carefully helped her into the harness as she stood up slowly. She was a little light-headed at first, but Cane did not let go of her for a second. They were back on the ridge within a minute, and the realization of what happened and embarrassment hit her. There were paramedics and several park rangers waiting with Seth. Her eyes searched only for Seth's face, and he was white as a sheet, eyes wide. Cane released her from the harness, and she immediately jumped into Seth's arms.

  "Oh, Suzanne." His voice was shaky.

  He forced her to let the paramedics examine her head. They told her what she already knew. Of course, her luck, she had a slight concussion and would have no choice but to go to the local hospital. The rescuers wanted to carry her down the remainder of the trail on a stretcher, but she refused. She walked with Seth as he kept both his arms around her like he was scared to let go. His embrace was comforting, and she would never admit she was still woozy. When they reached the end of the trail, there was a huge crowd. Humiliated didn’t cover it. Seth insisted she ride in the ambulance. Hesitantly, she gave in and allowed the paramedics to start an IV. She watched out the back window of the ambulance as Seth followed on his motorcycle. They waited forever in the emergency room for the results of her CAT Scan. Thank goodness the small cut by her hairline was only one centimeter in length. No stitches were required, only two Steri-Strips. The scan was clear, but the emergency room physician insisted on an overnight stay due to her loss of consciousness. Of course, Seth heartily agreed with him.

  "I'm not staying here.”

  "Oh yes, you are. We are following the doctor’s orders, no buts," Seth said, and then cupped her cheek in his hand.

  "It will ruin our trip.” Suzanne frowned.

  "No, it won't. One night won't put us too far behind.”

  At least they moved her to a private room on the second floor. The nurse even got Seth a cot to sleep on, but he looked bored out of his mind as he sat in a chair beside her watching a tiny television mounted on a pale yellow wall.

  "This is so embarrassing.”

  "Well, I’ve told you more than once, baby, you’re a magnet for trouble.” He grinned. "Our lives will never be boring."

  The nurse came in for what seemed the hundredth time to check her pupils and vital signs. Encouraging Seth to rest on the cot, she reassured him again before he asked if Suzanne’s vitals were within normal limits.

  “You’re the one who needs to get some rest while you can. The nurse will be checking your pupils half the night, but hopefully, we can spring you early tomorrow.”

  Then, his face turned to that terrified look that he had on the cliff.

  “This time a vision came only seconds before you fell. No matter what I do, I can never seem to keep you from arms way. That’s something I’m learning to deal with. But if anything had happened to you or if I had lost you…” He took her hand, kissing the palm gently.

  "I love you, Seth.”

  She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

  As anticipated, the nurse was in the room every hour. The expression of not being able to rest in a hospital was absolutely true. By the next morning, she was discharged and given a clean bill of health. Although her head was a little sore, she felt as good as new. Even so, Seth handled her like a china doll.

  "I don't know if we should take the bike for the remainder of the tr
ip.” He pulled her close, cradling her to his chest.

  "Seth, I won't break that easily.” She thought he was being ridiculous.

  "I beg to differ.” He lifted her head and gently touched the Steri-Strips.

  Pulling out of his arms, Suzanne turned and put on her purple helmet. Next, she got on the bike and crossed her arms waiting.

  "Okay, I'm ready.”

  He gave her another stern look, which he seemed to be full of these days, but he reluctantly went along.

  They headed back to the interstate and crossed into West Virginia. Suzanne had never seen tolls on an interstate before, certainly not nestled around curves on tops of mountains. The interstate continued to climb the mountains, which were more green and lush with each passing mile. The road was constantly curving, proving it would take a while to get wherever they were going. The bike wound through the bends, and it was exhilarating. She wrapped her arms around Seth’s waist, and she was completely content. This was where she was supposed to be all along.

  Finally crossing into Virginia, they traveled about four hours to Williamsburg. At each pit stop, she questioned him, but he would only say Virginia was a necessary detour. Turning into a neighborhood, he finally pulled into the drive of a two-story Colonial. After an hour long visit and a quick glass of tea with Seth’s great aunt, Suzanne was left with more questions than answers. Back on the road, she leaned her head against his back and wished she’d mentioned taking her car instead. They had been more than blessed with rainless days and sunny skies.

  Watching the highway signs, she observed they were headed south and soon they crossed into North Carolina. They drove for about two hours, and this road was much slower that the interstate, passing through every small town. She was thankful when he pulled into a shopping center because she had long since needed to stretch her legs. Except for the stop to see Seth's aunt, they’d been on the road all day.

  Seth laughed then turned his head toward her. "Okay, we’re so close you’re due a hint."

  She hadn't noticed the store. They parked in front of a store called Surf and Stuff.