Flames and Feathers Book 1

Was it really a dream?

What makes you think I'm running?” I said looking away, almost ashamed .... maybe even a little embarrassed.... I can't believe he knew. He looked down as he shuffled his feet against the blades of grass, avoiding eye contact with me.

“I, just thought a sweet girl like you traveling all alone, can only be running from something. " He shifted his eyes toward me and then the sky.

Has someone hurt you? ”

Looking up from his feet he gave me the look on his face, almost broke my heart.

Standing up he started to pace back and forth slowly, looking down at his feet, blades of grass shifted in between his toes.

“ It's nothing like that, per say.” I blushed hard, fully knowing if I told him the real reason, would be hard to swallow, he wouldn't understand. No one would fully understand my life. If anyone ever found out why I’m “running,” I’d probably find myself in my mother’s shoes, that or wearing a white straight jacket.

“My life is just very complicated, and if this is all a dream, you won't remember any of this tomorrow morning .When we both wake up from wherever we are, all this.... would have been for nothing.....None of this is real! " Smacking my hands against my legs, I stood up and threw my hands in the air like a smile child having a tanturm. " You don't even know me! "

He looked sad, his eyes falling back to the ground.

“If this is all just fantasy, then why is it bothering you so much?”

Hunter pressed his lips firmly together and lifted his head.

“If we will forget everything in the morning, why does it matter so much to you?” Shaking his head he and raked his fingers through his wavy hair.

In a whisper hardly loud enough for me to hear, Hunter turned to me, looking down at me with a forlorn expression, “This is as real as you make it Emma, nothing can be any more real.... You are the only one that can allow how real it can be....what you let it be.”

Knelling to the ground where he was still sitting, I joined him, clutching my knees to my chest. I only sat there beside him for a minute, before he broke the silence between us, drawing my body closer to him.

Brushing my cheek with the very tips of his fingertips, his head above mine, chin resting above me, he brought his hands down my cheeks to my chin, his touch gentle and soft and then he pressed a warm kiss to my forehead.

" Le me be your reassurance, let me be your strength Emma. I will never harm you..."

I couldn't help it but being this close to him, I pressed my head against his chest, I felt safe, for once...

I felt like nothing could harm me in his embrace.

Closing my eyes, I found myself fall alseep in his arms.....

The sunlight poured through the bedroom windows, slowly crawling, slithering its soft light up the walls and throughout the room. My eye lids fluttered to life as I lifted my arms out above my head and stretched, yawning loudly. The clock on the night stand that sat beside the bed glowed red, nine o five am. I'd slept a whole ten hours, I’d not slept this good in at least four months.

This place was magical, it kept the monsters at bay and it also kept my feet firmly placed on the ground.

If only they would grow roots and attach themselves to this place.

Man, that "dream", I still had it playing in my head, it was like a record player set on contiunious play, images running through my mind, in a fresh loop, crystal clear.

I could still smell him, feel the feather light touch of his fingertips, and the taste of his lips.

I found myself wanting, yearning to feel those lips on mine again. The smell of nutty oak and pine, the fresh smell of the outdoors, his warmth, comfort beside me.

I swear, I could still feel his hands running through my hair, removing loose strands flying in my face securring them behind my ear.

How could something as amazing as this, been only a dream?

It felt so real...made me feel so vulnerable...

Relieving myself, I flushed the toliet pressing my bare feet to the cold floor. Chilly... but refreshing... this whole cabin was so... comforting, and calm. Running my hands through the cold waters of the waterfall sink, I stared at myself in the mirror.

My hair was a mess of missplaced curls, golden blond, all around my face. My pink lips swollen still felt his presence, my eyes looked tired.. For all the sleep I had gotten, it certainly felt as though I'd been up half the night. Shaking my head, the face in the mirror did the same as I walked away.

Oh man, I am hungry. My stomach growled in anticipation at the thought of breakfast. Mmm, pancakes covered in warm maple syrup, apple wood smoked bacon, mmm anything covered in sugary goodness. I took my flannel pajamas off and folded them up, setting them on my pillow. I grabbed the clothes I had laid out the previous night, a pair of black jeans and a plum purple hooded sweatshirt and went back towrds the bathroom. I took the white washrag that I had placed near the sink and washed my face off.

Taking a dry towel on the rack above the toilet I patted my face dry. The girl who stared back at me, looked rough, not ugly rough but tired and worn out. My eyes were greyer then I remembered and there were dark circles under them.

"Wake up girl! " I told myself... the girl in the mirror just blinked back. "Today is a new day and this girl, is hungery."

I looked like I had been rolling under the covers all night. Taking my hair brush from the night stand in the bedroom, I walked back to the bathroom and ran some hot water over it.

It only helped tame the mess down a little, but at least it didn’t look like it got caught in helicopters blades any longer.

Oh well! What can you do?

I searched for a scrunchie in my backpack and pulled my hair into a messy bun, then shoved my feet into my faded leather boots. My boots made beats like a drum as I made my way down the staircase. I let my hands glide down the curves of the artistic cutouts of circles and wavs as I lead myself down. Dang fingers always wanted to touch, I had no control... Sometimes I had to wonder if I had an undiagnosed form of sensory issue.. but then again maybe I was just born a Big dork! Maybe a little bit both, perhaps.

When I reached the bottom step bright light immediatly made me want to shield my eyes.

The house was completely lit up with natural light. It was pouring through the window panels that covered a whole wall in the front of the house. I didn’t officially get a chance to really take a look around since I had barely made it up the stairs the previous night. The cabin was such a beautiful work of art and the chestnut wooden furniture looked like it was made only for this home. The artistry here was impeccable, right down to each curve in each piece of wood. Beauifuly etched... I could officiallycall this place, " my dream home."

Getting distracted in the moment, I remebered what I was after.... Breakfast...

Hmm, now where is the list of restaurants that Hunter gave me last night? I think I may have placed it on the kitchen counter.

Yep, that’s where I put the papers, lying on top was of the pamphlet with the couple on horseback.

I found a list of restaurants underneath, using my finger to guild me through, I found a few that looked like good possiblities.

Café in the Pines sounded like a good place to try. It was only a few miles from here and hopefully I could get back by eleven for the horseback ride. Two hours of riding the trails and ending the afternoon eating a bbq ribs at the scenic butterfly picnic area.

Mmmm, ribs..... the last time I had eaten anything remotely like that, was out a wrapper of a frozen microwaved meal.

My tummy started to growl uncontrollably at the thought of meats slathered in wonderful sauciness.

Gosh.... I really needed to stop thinking about food or I was going to eat my own hand before I got out the door, I could already feel the drool begining to become an issue. Laughing at myself, I grabbed the keys to the cabin and banked it the door off the kitchen. It was the closest...

The smell of pine and rain blasted me in the face as I opened the front door. I've always loved the crisp clean smells of mountain air. I wish all things in life smelled this good and daylight bought the county side to life. The view was even more glorious then what I could have ever imagined it to be, in the darkness you could only make out so much.

The property was surrounded by massive amounts of pine trees in every direction and there was a rock lined hiking trail just to the left of the cabin that lead into the deep forest.

I could visualize myself sipping cappuccino on the porch swing every single morning. I would watch wild life, smell the fresh air, and just daydream about everything life had to offer here.

The foundation was literally built into the side of the mountain. A large rock wall lined the edge of the cliff, the boulders bulged out below. I could see why they built here, the view was worth a million dollars, but it was pretty much priceless to me.

Overlooking the hill was a spectacular view of the lake. It was surrounded by a thick forest of pine, the trees almost hid it from view. You could see the water was hidden in the center but only because the hints of blue peeking out between the pine needles. I bet on a stormy night the view would be something a photographer could only reverie about.

Colors would pop in and out of few, capturing the essence of the lake and trees... it would be amazing.

I wish I didn’t have to leave! The feeling of dread, in the pit of my stomach hit me all at once, the thought of leaving this beautiful place made my heart ache.

I’d have to ask myself, why? Was it the land or the water?

Maybe it was the stunning country side?

Perhaps a certain hot cowboy had something to do with it?

Hell yes! I answered myself in my head... All of the Above!

The real question was.... Was I thinking with my head or with my heart?

A heart can lead your head in the wrong direction.

With Hunter around, I am not sure I would be able to "think", with that part my body.

My brain would be impaired and well my judgment, would go straight out the freaking window.

Food , Emma... Food would be good right now! My stomach agreed.. Growing loudly in my belly...

Pushing all thoughts aside, I climbed into my Jeep and backed out of the drive way.

I rolled the windows down so the cool crisp air could blow through, anything to smell hidden sent of nature.

Man, I felt alive out here, like I could breathe, like I was getting hugged by the presence of God.

The wind was blowing into my face and it made my cheeks ice cold but I loved it. Now I understand why dogs like to stick their heads out the window in a moving car. The pure pleasure of it was a total sensory overload. The feeling of completely letting go, crying your heart out, or free falling could not feel this good. Dogs really knew how to live!

I was so in love with this place, I felt at home here and I hadn’t had a place to call my own in what seemed like forever.

I know these are Cabin rentals, but I wonder if anyone lived here.

I mean it might make since considering how far up the mountain this place was and how much acres they had. The cabins closer to the main road out here, were practically stacked onto of each other.

I might have to ask Hunter , just out of curiosity of course.....

Home, I had a home once, actually after mama died, I lived with Aunt Morgan.

She was an amazing second mother to me and her husband, a great fill in father. My little sister Kim was great too...

They were never the problem.

I was trying to keep them safe, by leaving, it kept “Them” the whispers away. If they follow me, at least they'd “leave” my family alone but I couldn’t think about “home” right now, my tummy kept interrupting my chain of thought.

It was growling again and I couldn’t wait to scarf down whatever was in front of me.

The cafe was small and quaint, a hole in the wall kind of place, right smack between two shops in town. The main strip of town was a block wide with all different kinds of stores. Tourist traps as they called them, full of nick knack items, art pieces and everything handmade, right smack in the middle of The Pines.

It was a town right out of one of my country movies, so cute. No wonder Hunter loved it here...

I already love it and this is only my first day here, only closed minded city folk would hate it here... Us country girls..on the otherhand..fall in love with small mountain towns.

I parked my truck at a*****e down the way that had more parking spaces available and took a stroll about a block to the café.

Warmth and the smell of apple pie and pumpkin welcomed me as I entered.

My belly was growling louder by the second and was ready for anything I could stuff into my face. I hope no one see’s me drooling because I probably was.

A young pretty girl noticed me right away, she couldn't be no more than sixteen. She smiled at me and told me to follow her.

“A two seater booth okay darlin? Or would you prefer a small table?”

Her big blue eyes looked like sparkling little gems against her flawless ivory skin.

Her light brown hair was pulled back in French braids and she was wearing a pink flowery apron. I glanced at the name tag and then smiled.

“Kelsie, I’m on my own, so I'll just take the small table. Thank you.”

She gave me a small nod and a shy smile and asked if I wanted any coffee and cream. I was more interested in filling my tummy but I ended up asking for a hot chocolate to go with my meal.

Ten minutes later, with a big bite of chocolate chip pancake hanging out my mouth, wouldn't you know, “look who” walks in.

Hunter of all people, and he was holding back a laugh when he saw me. The redness behind his hidden smile said it all. I gulped quickly and waved, shaking off the embarrassment. He walked over rather quickly... “ No hat today? “ I peeped softly, hiding behind my mug of hot chocolatly goodness.

Just like in my dream, his light golden brown hair was short and casual and he wore it well. I could see myself gliding my fingertips through his soft locks and staring into his deep blue eyes, waiting for his lips to meet mine.

He Nodded, “ Hi Emma, nope not today and exspeicaly, not inside an extablishment such as this.. my Grandma would smack me."

Hunter waved his hand through the air and approached my table. " I left it in my truck.." Pointing the chair beside me, he pulled it back away from the table and sat down. " I hope you don't mind me joining you, this place has the best pancakes around. I'm glad you choose this one over the waffle place down the block. My Grandmother makes the best food..."

"Of course, I don't mind the company... Your the only person I know so far in this amazing town and company is always welcome."

I reminded myself to take small bites, hot guy straight ahead. I didn't want to embarrass myself any further.

“These are fantastic! I was so hungry.” I giggled as I gobbled down another bite. Hunter looked at me, as though he was admiring my choice of breakfast food. His stare was kind of making me feel insecure, so I slowed down how much I was shoving in my mouth.

Dainty bites, Emma, you‘re not a half staved animal!

“You know what ? I think I am going to order what you’re having. The pancakes here are one of my favorites. ”

As if on a timed cue, waitress cute and innocent, came around the corner, she looked a little upset. Her eyes were directly on Hunter, my ...Hunter.

Then again it was her job.... but the way she averted her gaze from my direction to his, or the way her lips formed a strong frown when she did look at me , gave it away.

“Hey you, I haven't seen you here in a few days. You guys know one another? “ She acknowledged me but continued to stare into, "MY"stranger’s pretty eyes.

Could this be what jealousy feels like? I tried to wipe the giant smirk off my face.

Hunter ended up answering on my behalf.

“As a matter of fact, we just met, last night.....

Emma is staying in the Cabin in the clouds.”

“Oh, I see!” She paused taking a second to look me over and shrugged.

“Well, can I get you some breakfast Hunter dear? ” Her eyes found mine and I could tell by the look she was giving me, she was a bit annoyed.

Now she looked like she might be the jealous one. He was way too old for her for one, and right now he wasn’t paying her any attention. W

hich was probably pissing her off.

He was extremely easy on the eyes, and " Any"girl, would be crazy not to think otherwise.

I could see where her jealousy might be coming from, I get it.

“ Kelsie, I will have what she is having but orange juice and seasonal fruit on the side please.”

The waitress smiled graciously but not before frowning my way and took off for the kitchen with Hunter's order.

I waited for his food to come out, he didn’t want mine to get cold but I wanted us to be able to eat some together. It wasn’t hot anymore but it still tasted amazing.

We ate, made small talk, and enjoyed each other’s company, all the while watching “Kelsie’s” jealousy grew.

She was keeping a pretty close eye on us from across the café.

I can see the anger rise as she glowered at me each time she passed our table.

What was the deal, She didn't even know me.....

“So how did you sleep last night Emma?” Hunter glanced up at me as he took a sip of his orange juice.

I eyed him as I took a quick bite of my maple bacon, savoring the tiny bits that stuck to my fingers.

“Fantastic! Actually! “ I swallowed a sip of my hot cholate, and continued. “ I haven’t slept that good in months and I love the cabin!

It is absolutely gorgeous. If I had to choose my dream home, that one would be closest to perfect. “

I picked up my warm chocolaty drink and took a sip. It tasted like heaven in a cup! When I sat the glass back down, Hunter leaned forward and wiped off a dab of whipped cream that had evidently stuck to my nose.

He briefly let his fingertips brush the side of my cheek before letting his hands find a strawberry on his plate. Heat flickered where he had touched me, and all I could think about then, was the dream from last night.

How I wished I could feel his lips on mine again, but I guess the mug of chocolaty goodness was going to have to keep my lips warm for now.

For now, I would be best to forgo, talking about the illicit dream, it would make me sound like a looney.

“How did you sleep? I am so sorry, I know it was pretty late when I showed up last night. I am just so thankful you were still open. I know it’s not normal go pick a cabin over a hotel but you were right off the highway and I’d been “traveling” all day.”

I kept going and on and on, something I did when I got nervous but also when I was overly excited.

“ No need to apologize Emma, on the weekends we stay open later and you happened to catch me right before I was going to head out, so win win for both of us I guess. “ He smiled warmly before taking another bite of pancake followed by slice of banana.

I decided to go for a hard “pass” on the dream question. Silently I let my disappointment out in a soft sigh and then let out a puff of air.

He didn’t seem to notice, he was eating a bite of Applewood bacon. “The talk of dreams,” would have to wait for now, because I wasn’t about to risk losing a chance to get to know him before he really got to know me.