Chapter two

As his eyes Adjusted to the darkness , he realized he faced a largeroom. On the left was a staircase .He discerned the cloth- covered objects in the occassional flash of lightning .He'd probably scare Anna to death if he showed up outside her door .Should he yell up for her? The dread he'd been trying to ignore bloomed in his stomach .James made a decision .He put his hand on the rail and stepped up too late , he heard the creak and registered the presence on the stairs .Strong white light blinded him He reared back, but too late .The huge flashlight clipped him on the chin.

Before he had time to yell ''Ouch' 'the damned fool womanlaunched into him with enough force to knock him to the floor .He threw his arms around the flailing female before landing on his backside witha painful thud.

He clamped his arms around her .Thick, lavender -scented hair covered him, clogging his ability to breathe . The suffocation by hair ceased suddenly .James inhaled a adeep breath , only to find his face squeezed between the rounded swells of two pert breasts. Oh, man he missed thoe erasts He'd missed everything about her.

''Are you okay?" he asked against the soft, sweet- smelling flesh pressed to his lips.

White hot pain shot through him as her knee made contact with her groin

''Shit ''His senses focused on the sharp ahe that stole his breath and his will to live .He released Anna . One of her elbows found its way between his ribs as she scrambled off.James heard her light footsteps as she retreated .She'd chosen to run into a dark ,eerie section of the decreipt building , which he assumed was the saloon .

Not that he damned well cared right now. He just wished dying would stop taking so long .After years had passed - or maybe it was only a minute or so- the pain dulled enough for James to climb to his feet.

He cautiously picked his way through the dust- covered tables and chairs .His heated emotions melted under the ever - persented foreboding . Anna hadn't recognized him and she was obviously terrified.

His boots thumped the dusty wood floor , a ghostly echo in the cavenous room. Rain pounded against the stained glass windows. Lighting flashed and James spotted the long , wooden bar to his right. He scanned the dark interior , but couldnt see any other exits or doors. His beautiful phsychic had been taken refuge behind the only place to hide.

His groin ached still , but at least the pain had subsided to a bearable level. James knew She'd reacted from fright and self- preservation . He needed to calm her , to reassure her Yeah . That's it .He would throttle her after she was reassured.

James stopped in front of the long brass and wood bar. Attached swivel stools lined the front , and he put a ahand on one as he peered over the edge . The vinyl felt slick underneath his palm .He heard aa soft swoosh as the cushion depressed under his arm's weight.

''Freeze , dirtbag.''Anna popped up from behind the bar.

Startled , James stepped back . She pointed a tiny gun at his chest . Sweat broke out on his brow as she carelessly waved what appeared to be a derringer at his heart . She moved the gun in an awkward motion He swallowed heavily. If he wasn't careful she would accidentally plug him one .but Anna never liked guns and he was afraid that she owned one now, much less would use one.

A gush of soda water blasted him in the face .The cold liquid invaded his eyes , nose and mouth , causing him to stumble sputtering from the bar.

Anna dropped the soda dispenser .Her heart thudded in her chest .She spun around and darted into the kitchen .A few seconds later, the door creaked open .She stilled , pressing her back against the cabinets and put a trembling hand against her mouth to stop the scream welling within. Maybe he wouldn't see her. Maybe he would think she'd run toward the stairs..

''Iknow you're here, Anna ''

Three things sent her mental alarms clanging .He knew her name .He also spoke in a tone of voice adults reserved for unruly children and the insane .And he sounded like ....no.

His footsteps warned her that he had walked further into the kitchen .His movements were slow, deliberate .Then his presence loomed before her, his boot making contact with her bare toes .

''Oh my God , you and your big bear feet.''

''You love my bear feet .''

''Loved. past tense. Like us ''She found herself pinned between the counter and James muscular body . His shirt was wet from the soaking she'd given him and as he pushed closer, her thin nightgown damned. to her horror , her nipples pebbled against his chest . her lips touched the small bit of flesh showing through his unbuttoned shirt and her nse reached the point below his collarbone. She breathed in an earthy masculine scent.

''I haven't given up on us .''he whispered .

Hah. she opened her mouth to speak , but her lips scraped against the rough material of his shirt.

Relief shuddered through her when he stepped back , but didn't let her go. She felt uncomfortable ,tingling sensation .He hesitated his entire body thrumming with an odd expectancy.

Anna lifted her head and gasped .His face was too near. Though her eyesight had adjusted to the darkness , she couldn't clearly make out his features. It didn't matter she knew every curve and plane of his stubborn face.Sharp cheekbones spoke of his bear shifter heritage. He had a strong slightly crooked nose, staright brows, chocolate-brown eyes , and beautiful lips.

James breath fanned her cheek , thos beautiful lips far too close to her own.

''Don't you dare Kiss me ,Gabriel Lucas Pearson ''

He let go and moved back, and Anna sagged against the counter.

''Think we can get a light on in here?''

he asked .

Anna swallowed the dryness in her throat .''The switch is by the door.''

She heard his footsteps and then a click. Dim light illuminated the utilitarian Kitchen .Her former partner turned and leaned a ship against the opposite counter. Nausea roiled through her as she remembered the nightmare that had cut short her sleep. She didn't remember details , just the terror it invoked .Was it a coincidence that James had shown up this night , right after she'd had a terrible dream ?She rubbed her arms to fend off the chill encompassing her.' 'Why are you her.''