Page 34 of Forever Love-Reimagined

“No, I’ll be fine. When you get in the office, if anyone asks where I am, tell them I had an off-site meeting. I’m going to turn my phone off and sleep the rest of the day. After my much-needed shower, that is.”

“Babe, you don’t worry about a thing. I got you. And if I see Greg, you want me to accidentally, on purpose, trip him?”

I shook my head and laughed. “I love you.”

“I love you, too. I’ll try to keep my distance from him, but it's fair game if he comes to me.” He quirked an eyebrow as if asking for permission, but I didn’t respond. “We’ll devise a plan later when you’re well-rested.”

I leaned in and hugged him. “Thanks. I hope you have fun with David. I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Oh, before I forget, do you want David and me to pick you up for the party? Or are you still going with Steph?”

“The ship with Steph has sailed. I’d love to ride with you guys. Besides, I need to vet David before the party starts.”

“Oh yeah. I keep forgetting you haven’t met him yet. You’re going to love him.” He smiled dreamily, and I was so happy for him.

“I’m excited to see what the rave is all about. I’ll call you after my hours of hopefully uninterrupted sleep. Later, baby boy.”

“Peace out, little momma.” He blew me a kiss as I left.

After heading inside, I went straight to the shower, shedding my shoes and clothes on the way. It was nice to have the house to myself. I wasn’t sure where Steph was, but I was glad I didn’t have to talk to her right now. I hopped into the shower and allowed the water to bombard me like scalding BBs, substituting the pain inside with physical discomfort.

Once I rinsed off all the negativity, I got out, put my PJs on, and brushed my teeth. I was like a new person, and I crawled between my Egyptian cotton sheets to hibernate. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was gone?—

I would recognize this music anywhere. I’d heard it twice before when she called to me, and I was right back where we’d left off from last night. My hands rested on her hips, and this time, I drew her near, allowing her to melt into me. I throbbed all over, but it settled in my center. I was so drawn to her, and it was as if I no longer had free will.

I turned her around in my arms and finally saw her face-to-face. I was so disappointed that I didn’t recognize her. I didn’t find out anything useful. Why was this exquisite woman dominating my dreams?

As I studied her blue-gray eyes and crooked smile, my breath hitched, but I didn’t find any answers. My fingers traced the outline of a tattoo on her upper left arm—a puzzle piece with something written inside. The words appeared to be Italian. I touched every stroke and burned every color into my mind. I had to remember “ti trovero” because it seemed like a clue.

When I touched her, it was as if I was finally whole. I didn’t realize I was missing something until this moment. This didn’t appear to be a dream, but if it was, I didn’t want to wake up.

But I didn’t have a choice. Everything changed, and she was gone. I was no longer on a dance floor; instead, I was surrounded by stables and horses. When I stepped outside, chickens were clucking around, and cows were in the pasture. What was happening?

There was a tug on my heartstrings and she was here, but where? I didn’t have to wait long for that answer. A force stronger than myself urged me in the direction of a woman wearing a bonnet and gingham-style dress, feeding cats. It didn’t appear to be the same person from the club, but her expression was full of joy, and when I looked into her eyes, my heart fluttered. I didn’t understand why she looked so different, but it was definitely her. Her full lips and dimples were gone, but she still had that same heart-stopping smile.

I searched my body and noticed my naturally olive skin was now sun-kissed but paler. I touched my head, and I had a bonnet on as well. I ran my hands under the hat and my hair was straight and fine, nothing like my normal thick, curly mane. It wasn’t my body, but it was me—like her. She wasn’t the same, but her essence was. It was like I had known her my entire life. The desire to intertwine our fingers and run off into the sunset consumed me, but the fleeting moments slipped away, leaving only memories and longing behind.

The beautiful outdoors passed in a blur, and I was now in a four-poster bed with a canopy of curtains draped over the top. I scanned the room for clues and surmised I was in a very old house with rock walls. Was this a castle?

I stood up and walked to a vanity with a mirror. I hesitantly stepped toward it and almost screamed. My face was so not my face. I had porcelain skin, pale eyebrows, and red hair. The face reflected at me was unfamiliar, but my eyes were definitely mine. They were green, with the slightest bit of yellow toward the center.

I glanced at my outfit—a floor-length nightgown with long cotton sleeves but lace around the neck and wrists. It was something I’d expect to see in a period piece.

As I exited the room to find out more about the situation, I collided with someone in a silk corset-style dress with an embroidered hoop-style skirt. She wrapped her arms around me to keep me from falling, and there was an instant jolt. It pulsed through my body, and I locked eyes with her. Yes, it was her. Those icy-gray eyes stared straight into my soul, and there was no other word to describe it except—mesmerized.

She gave me an easy smile that made me weak-kneed and a little damp between my thighs. I wanted to say something—anything. But I stood there, mute. It was as if my legs were made of Play-Doh, and I’d collapse if she weren’t holding me up. I was putty in her hands to mold however she desired. She grasped me tighter, and I leaned into her, willing and ready to be hers. She opened her mouth, and I wondered if she was going to speak or kiss me. It didn’t matter which because I was ready for more?—

My eyes flew open, and there was a loss—she was gone. My heart pounded in my chest as if I had been running after her. I rolled over, and my shirt stuck to me. I was tangled in my sheets, and sweat covered my body. I needed another shower. Then I slid my hand down my pants, only to be met with a different kind of wetness.

“Holy hell. That was more than a dream.”

Guilt pooled inside me because of how strong my emotions for this person were. If I had any questions about Steph before, I didn’t anymore—this was the end. I couldn’t continue our relationship when every ounce of my body wanted to be with this other person. Even if she wasn’t real, my feelings were—and that was scary as hell.

Chapter Eighteen

Blake - Saturday

It was the day of the work party, and I hadn’t spoken to Steph since I walked out after our fight. I still wasn’t sure where she was staying, but she never contacted me, either. I had some realizations about our relationship, and we needed to have a discussion, but I would let future me deal with that.

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