Part 7

Anne relaxed in the first class seat and closed her eyes. The flight attendants were very helpful and she tucked the blanket and pillow around her body and settled down for the flight. It wouldn’t be a long one, but she was tired and it didn’t take long before sleep overtook her.

********** Anne watched the man walking towards her, her heart beating rapidly in her chest at the thought of being with the blond again. The small candle did little to illuminate the room and kept his face in the shadows, and she suddenly felt a chill race down her spine. There was something wrong, something that screamed at her...yet she could quite see what it was as the shadowy form eased on top of her.

“No!” she screamed at his touch, fighting to get out from under the cloying scent she recognized from her past. Her hands were forced over her head and a set of cold lips met hers as she continued to fight.

“That’s it, baby, you know you want it!”

“No!” she cried out as she felt his hands between her legs.

No...please, God...No!”*********

“No!” whispered from her mouth as she moved in the seat. A hand landed on her shoulder and she jerked upright, dropping the blanket to the floor.

“Are you okay, Miss Sheridan?” the flight attendant asked worriedly.

Anne swallowed the mounting fear as she realized where she was and that what she’d felt had been a nightmare, a remnant of her past she didn’t want to remember.

“Miss Sheridan?”

“I...I’m fine. Sorry, it was just a dream,” she said when she noticed the other passengers watching her.

“Can I get you something to drink?”

“Coffee, please,” the nurse said sitting up further in her seat. She tried to recall what the dream had been about, but it seemed to have faded now that she was awake. She leaned heavily into the seat and waited for the attendant to bring her the strong hot brew. ‘Just a dream,’ she thought as she looked out the window.

Chris sat in the back yard, relaxing after the game. The others had already left, leaving Vin Tanner behind. He’d argued about needing anyone to stay with him, but his team were not about to leave him alone with the possibility of someone stalking him. He looked up as Vin came onto the patio carrying two cups of coffee.

“You make it?”

“Ain’t no one else here, Larabee,” Tanner said, placing the mug in front of the blond.

Chris lifted the mug and sniffed before taking a tentative sip.

“It’s safe...I toned it down a mite...should be perfect for the wimp meter,” the tracker smiled as he sipped his own hot beverage.

“Not a wimp, Vin, just cautious. Last time I tried to drink your coffee it was so thick I needed to cut it with a knife,” the blond teased.

“That right? Ya know what yer problem is, Chris?”

“No, but I’m guessing you’re gonna tell me.”

“Yeah, I am. You’re problem is you got spoiled by that preppie shit Ezra makes...”

“He does make a good cup of coffee,” Larabee admitted.

“That gourmet shit ain’t real coffee.”

“It’s not?” Larabee asked, enjoying the friendship he had with this man.

“That’s right. See real coffee needs to be strong enough that it’ll keep ya awake for days on end. It needs to cut through the crud left over after you’ve drank a dozen beers. It needs to...”

“Tar the roof of a house to keep the rain out,” Larabee said with a grin.

“Yeah, now that’s good coffee. Hell, coffee shouldn’t have fancy names like French Riviera or Mocha Javex...”

“Mocha Java, Vin...Javex is the stuff you clean with.”

“Oh, yeah, but you know what I mean.”

“Yeah, I do, Vin,” Larabee said, watching the other man closely. He knew the younger man had something to say, and was using small talk to ease into it.

“Alright, Tanner, want to tell me what’s bothering you?”

“What makes you think anything’s bothering me?”

“I know you, Vin, you don’t go on about coffee or anything else unless something’s got you bugged.”

“Hell, Chris, I just can’t help thinking there’s something more going on with this,” the tracker told him, placing the mug on the table and walking to the end of the patio.

“Vin, its been a week and nothing’s happened.”

“Yeah, it has, but that just means whoever this is wants to make sure he...”

“Maybe it’s a she...anybody check to see if Milliard managed to make bail?”

“Yeah, we checked...she didn’t. Besides she’s more into flowers than physical beatings.”

“Don’t remind me,” Larabee said, his stomach churning at the memory of his time at Washoe.

“Well, she’s out of the picture, but...”

“There are plenty of others out there,” Larabee finished.

“Yeah,” the sharpshooter mumbled.

“It goes with the territory, Vin. We put our lives in danger every damn time we take on a client or take a job through other agencies.”

“I know, Chris, but something tells me this got nothing to do with clients or cases.”

“What are you saying, Vin?”

“That’s just it, Chris. I don’t know. It’s just a feeling...”

“I trust your feelings, Vin.”

“Good, then you’ll stop arguing about...”

“Vin, I don’t need...”

“Yes, you do, Chris, at least until we find Brennan or one of his friends.”

“Maybe they’ve left the city, Vin.”

“Maybe, but something tells me he’s not that far away.”

“Vin, I’ll agree to it for another week...”

“A week might not  be...”

“A week, Vin. I’m not letting this guy run my life.”

“Alright, maybe we’ll get these creeps by then.” Tanner watched as his friend finished the coffee and stood up. Larabee’s movements were still stiff, but the bruises on his face were nearly gone.

“I think I’ll call it a night,” Larabee said, wincing as he shifted his arm in the sling.

“You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine...just a little sore still.”

“Yeah, well, you’re looking better,” the tracker said as he followed the older man inside.

“Thanks, I think...Goodnight, Vin.”

“Night, Cowboy, sleep well, I got your back...”

Anne walked through airport security and made her way to the luggage carousel. It didn’t take long for hers to make the rounds and she quickly lifted it onto a small cart. She walked out through the glass door and made her way towards the main exit, but stopped as something in the small novelty store caught her eye.

She turned towards it, wheeling the small trolley inside and towards the item she’d seen displayed in the window.

“Excuse me, but we’re just about to close up.”

“Can I just see the display in the window. I know what I want and I won’t be long,” Anne explained to the elderly woman.

“Oh, you must be looking at our new line of snuggle bunnies,” the woman smiled knowingly.

“Yes,” Sheridan said as the store owner led the way towards the display.

“Which one?”

“The one in the black sweat shirt.”

“Ah, that’s my favorite as well. Love that little cowboy hat. Now these are one of a kind, hand made by my daughter, and they come with a specially made button. Is there anything special you’d like written on yours?” the woman asked as she took the plush, grey bunny from the window.

“I don’t want to put you out...”

“It’s okay. I have an embroidery machine and it will only take a couple of minutes. What color button and what color would you like the lettering done in?”

“White button, black lettering,” Anne said.

“I can do that...Now what would you like the button to say?”

“Chris Larabee-World Class Snuggle Bunny,” the nurse answered, feeling a slight flush come to her cheeks.

“Hubby?” the woman asked as she led the way to the embroidery machine.

“N...no...but we’re very close.”

“So maybe your future hubby?”

“We haven’t really talked about that.” Anne found it easy to talk with the woman and smiled as the woman pulled out a square white button made of soft material.

“The buttons are also hand made and once I finish the embroidery I’ll attach it to the pin and you can pin it to your snuggle bunny. Either this one or the real thing,” the woman smiled as she watched her customer blush once more.

“For now we’ll just pin it on this one,” Sheridan said as she watched the woman use the computer to make sure the embroidery would be perfect.

“Okay, that won’t take long. Would you like this gift wrapped?”

“Yes, please,” Sheridan said. Smiling when the woman pulled a blue gift box from under the counter. Fifteen minutes later she paid for her package, thanked the woman for staying open and moved towards the exit once more. The gift was placed inside her carry on bag for safekeeping.

The trip from the airport was longer than she expected as road construction brought traffic to a halt in certain places, but Anne looked forward to calling Larabee. Although they’d been separated only a few hours, she missed him and wanted to hear his voice, to make sure he was okay. The taxi pulled to a stop in front of the hotel and she looked at her watch, knowing it would be late by the time she checked in and made it to her room. She paid the fare and received her receipt before exiting the car. The driver quickly took her bags from the trunk and placed them inside the hotel doors.

Anne smiled as the young man picked up her bags and followed her to the desk. She pulled out her credit card and quickly checked in. Because of the late hour there were very few people in the lobby, yet she frowned as she felt someone watching her. She turned and looked around, but the only ones present were her, the desk clerk and the bellhop. Quickly shrugging off the feeling as nervous tension she turned back to the woman behind the desk.

“You’re in 25G, Ms. Sheridan,” the raven haired woman told her as she passed back the credit card.

“Thank you,” the nurse said, taking the credit card and the key for the slot in her door.

“You’re welcome, and if there’s any problem don’t hesitate to call. Gregory, will you show Ms. Sheridan to her room.”

The bellhop moved forward and retrieved the two bags. “This way, Ma’am,” he said, leading the way past a small, dark alcove.

“Tomorrow, Anne,” he thought as the woman walked past him. He frowned at the scent of wildflowers, knowing he’d forbidden her to wear that perfume because of his allergy. He covered his nose and mouth in an effort to muffle the sneeze, and watched as the woman stopped a few feet from his hiding place.

“Is something wrong, Ma’am,” the young man asked, as the woman’s footsteps halted.

“I thought I heard someone,” she said.

“Probably just one of the cleaning staff, Ma’am,” he explained.

Anne couldn’t help feeling there was more to it, but again she shook it off and followed the bellhop to the bank of elevators. The day had been long, and all she wanted was to kick off her shoes, crawl into bed and call Chris Larabee.

He watched as they entered the elevator and the doors slid shut, before moving out of the shadows. He stood in front of the car she’d taken and counted off each floor until the light stopped on 25.

“Just one floor below me, Anne. I’m sleeping on top of you tonight, whether you know it or not,” he whispered as he pressed the button. He knew he’d sleep well tonight, sensing her nearness, and the beginning if his dreams coming true.

Chris looked at the clock and knew it was late. He’d been in bed nearly an hour, but hadn’t slept as he waited for the expected call. He reached for the glass of ice water and took a few sips before sitting on the edge of the bed. The sound of the phone made him smile and he reached for the receiver before the second ring sounded.

“Anne?”

“Hi, sorry it’s so late.”

“That’s okay, are you all checked in?”

“Yes, just got to my room, and figured I’d call you before I did anything else. How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay...a little sore, but otherwise okay.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah...I am...”

“Which one of the boys is with you tonight?”

“Vin’s got watchdog duty tonight,” the blond answered, knowing she could hear the laughter in his voice.

“Have you been overdoing things?”

“Nope, haven’t done anything I wasn’t supposed to. The boys came out and we watched the Yankees...”

“Who won?”

“Don’t ask, but at least the boys brought Chinese food.”

“Not ribs?”

He heard her laugh and relaxed as her voice soothed his tired mind and body.

“Not tonight. What about you?” he waited for her answer and he frowned as it took longer than normal for her to speak. “Anne, what’s wrong?” 

“Oh, nothing...at least nothing serious.”

“Tell me.”

“I just had a strange dream on the plane?”

“What about?”

“I don’t remember. It was just strange. I wish you were here,” she said wistfully.

“Me too. You sound tired.”

“I am, it’s been a long day.”

“I’ll let you go get some rest. Will you call me after your meeting tomorrow?”

“Of course, but I’m not sure how long this meeting will be. I hate Saturday meetings, they never seem to run on schedule. Will you be at the ranch?”

“I think so, but keep trying if I don’t answer right away.”

“Chris, you know you’re not allowed to ride right now!”

“I know,” he smiled at the warning and shifted on the bed.

“I should let you get some sleep. I love you, Chris.”

“Love you too, Anne. Good night.”

“Good night, snuggle bunny,” she laughed as she heard him choke on the other end of the line.

“Snuggle Bunny? Where the hell did that one come from?”

“Just something I saw at the airport novelty store that kind of reminded me of you,” she explained.

“Oh, hell, just don’t call me that in front of the boys.”

“I would never do that,” she teased.

“Yeah right. Between you and Tanner I don’t know who’s worse. Now go get some sleep,” the blond told her.

“You too.”

The phone went dead in his hands and he placed the receiver back on its cradle before lying back on the bed. He closed his eyes and pictured the woman he’d been talking to. Her memory followed him into his dreams and a small smile formed on his face as the warmth of her nearness enveloped his mind and body.

Chris woke early the next morning and didn’t want to wake the man sleeping in his guest room. He eased his body up to a sitting position and sat on the edge of the bed until he felt like moving. He pulled on a pair of black denim shorts, but gave up trying to pull on his shirt. Between the cast and the sling, it was next to impossible and he slipped into the soft moccasins, a gift from Nettie Wells. He stood up, wincing as his body protested the too fast move. He knew the outside bruises were fading, but the beating had left him stiff and in pain.

He held on to the table, willing his body to move and finally stood up once more.

‘Okay, Larabee, if you’re stupid enough to do this, then get going,’ he thought, grinning as he finally forced one foot in front of the other. He made it to the kitchen and looked at the coffee pot. The dining room window was slightly open and Chris smiled as he listened to the soft sounds he associated with life at his ranch. He turned away from the coffee pot and made his way through the dining room and opened the patio doors. He walked towards the stable and sighed heavily at the thought of going for a ride. He knew it was out of the question until the doctor okayed it, but nothing stopped him from caring for the beautiful animal.

The blond slowly made his way to the smaller door and opened it. He stepped inside and was greeted with a soft whinny from Pony’s stall.

“Hey, Boy, how are you doing?” he asked, patting the animal’s rump gently, and laughing as the head bobbed twice.

“I bet you want out of here...right fella?” Larabee said and reached for the equipment he needed. He winced as the healing wound in his left shoulder stretched with the strain he was putting on it. He soon had Pony ready and moved the horse out of the stall and into the corral where he stood by the gate and watched the gelding trot around the fenced in area.

Vin opened his eyes and knew he’d slept in. The late nights over the last week had finally caught up to him and his body took advantage of the soft bed and the quiet solitude he loved so much. He slid his legs over the edge and stood up slowly. The first thing he wanted to do was check on Larabee and then shower. He made his way to the door and out into the hallway. The house was silent and he thought his friend must still be sleeping. He crossed the hall and slowly opened the door, frowning when he noted the empty bed.

“Chris?” he called, opening the door to see if the man was in the shower, but his call was met with silence. He turned away from the bedroom and quickly made his way to the living room, where he was again met with silence. The kitchen and dining room came up empty as well, and Vin felt a slight fear as he moved towards the back patio. The door was open and he looked towards the barn.

He smiled at the sight of his friend rubbing the black gelding down with his right hand. He knew Larabee shouldn’t be doing too much because of the broken wrist, but the joy on the man’s handsome face was enough to convince him the older man needed this. He turned back to the kitchen and set up the coffee pot, again taking into account that his usual brew was a little harsh to others. He stood watching the blond through the patio doors while the coffee perked.

Chris smiled as he breathed in the fresh air, and enjoyed the scent emanating from the horse. The sun was already warm and he felt the heat on his skin and sighed heavily as he continued to brush the animal down. He heard footsteps behind him and recognized the soft step of the Texan.

“Morning, Vin.”

“Morning...you know you’re not supposed to be using that arm...actually either arm,” the long haired man said.

“I know, but it feels good to do this.”

“I bet...brought you a coffee...one that’s just up your alley,” Tanner said, waiting for his friend to look at him.

“Thanks, Vin,” Larabee said, accepting the coffee mug and leaning heavily against the fence.

“How are you feeling, Chris?”

“A little sore...but otherwise okay,” the blond answered honestly.

“You know you should be using your sling?”

“Yeah, just forgot to put it back on.”

“Why’d ya take it off?”

“Do you even have to ask that, Vin?” Larabee said and saw the answering smile on the other man’s face.

“Guess not...hate the damn things,” Tanner told him.

“Me too,” the blond agreed.

“Ya ready to go back up and get cleaned up?”

“You trying to say I stink?” Larabee’s eyebrows rose as he dared the younger man to deny it.

“Let’s just say a sweaty night’s sleep and then hanging out with Pony has made you rather ripe,” the tracker grinned mischievously.

“You’re not that fresh yourself, Pard.” The blond grinned back before turning towards the house.

“You up to going into the office for a few hours today?” Tanner asked, knowing Larabee was getting ready to bolt anyway.

“Why, what’s going on?”

“Nothing, just got a heap of paperwork backlogged and I figured you could help me out with it.”

“Ah, Vin, are you forgetting I’ve got two bum arms?”

“Hell, Chris, they didn’t seem to bummed up to me when you were giving Pony his morning rubdown. Besides, I’ll treat ya to lunch...”

“McDonalds does not constitute lunch...”

“I ‘spose you’d rather go to one of them Bistros...”

“That’d be good for a change...”

“Ah, Hell, alright, but not until we get the paperwork finished or Travis will have my head.”

“Shower, breakfast, paperwork,” Larabee said as they entered the house.

“Sounds like a plan, Cowboy,” Tanner agreed, helping himself to a second cup of coffee as Larabee made his way towards the master bedroom.

Anne sat through the long meeting, her body aching from the uncomfortable chair. There were twelve tables set up with eight people seated at each one. Lunch was over and the tables cleared before the meeting started. The first speakers were interesting, but after that it seemed to get repetitive and the room seemed slightly warmer than it should’ve been. She reached for the glass of water, hoping to keep herself awake and alert. She heard the announcement of the final guest speaker, but the words were lost as her mind drifted.

*******Hands, rough, steady hands touched her, kneading her breasts, and rubbing her nipples. His hands, strong and wonderful as they moved over her smooth skin, waking her senses, tantalizing her mind with promises of what was to come.

“Chris,” she whispered, her eyes devouring the sight of the man as he backed away from her. She smiled as he turned, his erect shaft causing a thrill of anticipation to race through her. She loved watching him move, loved the way his body oozed sexuality. She licked her lips, waiting for him to come back to the bed, wanting to feel him enter her as he’d done in the past. She sighed as she thought of how gentle he’d been the first time they made love. She hadn’t been a virgin, but that’s how he treated her, bringing her to the top of the abyss and then sending her spiralling into it, gasping with the pleasure of the climax he’d given her. She smiled as he turned back to her, a single red rose in his hand.

“Anne...”*********

“Anne!”

A voice intruded on her heated thoughts and she shook herself before turning to the woman seated next to her.

“What did you say?” she asked.

“Ah, Anne, girl that’s gotta be some daydream!”

“Sorry, Tanya. Guess I really was daydreaming.”

“I can tell. I don’t think Janet’s talk on the proper way to change adult diapers put that glow on your cheeks. Come on, tell me about the dream.”

“Is that what she was talking about?”

“More or less, now out with it, Anne. Who is this new man you’re seeing?” the robust, blue eyed, blond asked.

They’d known each other since graduate school, but now lived in different states and seldom saw each other outside these meetings. They kept in touch whenever possible, but often work kept them from communicating. Anne could tell Tanya Stevens was not going to let this go.

“His name is Chris Larabee.”

“What’s he like?”

“He’s perfect...”

“Ah, Anne, I can tell, but I want details. Look, it’s nearly three, why don’t we go to the lounge and have a couple of drinks. My treat!”

“Well, I need to call him.”

“You can call him later...and I’ll make sure I’m there to tell him all about you,” Tanya laughed, picking up her clutch purse and waiting for the other nurse to join her.

“Oh, Hell, what am I getting myself into?” she asked, laughing as she stood to follow the other woman out of the rapidly clearing room.

“Thought I’d find you two here,” Wilmington said as he entered The Firm’s office. “The guys are headin’ for Buck’s place for a couple of drinks. Figure you two might like to join us.”

“Told Chris I’d take him ta dinner...”

“Well, hell, what better place than the bar. Inez makes the best ribs around,” the scoundrel said, eyebrows waggling at the thought of the pretty woman.

“Are you still trying to get her to go out with you, Stud?” Larabee asked, a smile on his face for his long time friend. .

“Hell, yeah. Ain’t no way she can keep on resistin’ my animal magnetism.”

“Buck, ya might wanna save some of that hot air fer that date ya keep in yer desk drawer.” This sent Larabee, who’d been drinking coffee into spasms of laughter, spewing the liquid from his mouth.

“Jesus, Vin, warn a man the next time,” the blond wheezed, holding his arm against his bruised ribs as he tried to control his laughter.

“Real funny, Vin. There’s nothing in my drawers...” the ladies man said.

“Heard that about ya!” Tanner deadpanned, sending Larabee into fits of laughter once more.

“Oh, hell, I mean the desk drawer, Tanner!”

“That mean ya threw her out or did she spring a leak?”

“Fuck you, Vin!”

“No, thanks anyway, but I got a date already and she ain’t got none of them things ya blow in to inflate her, although it might be fun to try!”

“Ah, shit...”

“Give it up, Buck, he’s got these things down to an art form. Think Ezra would say he’s definitely improved his repetoir,” Larabee said, wiping tears from his eyes. He leaned back in the chair and relaxed as the Texan completed the final form.

“So, Cowboy, ya want ta go ta the Bistro or are we gonna tag along with Buck and have a few drinks?”

“Could go for a beer or two,” Larabee answered.

“Alright, beer and ribs,” the tracker said, standing and reaching for his jacket.

“Wait a minute, what about getting home?” the blond asked.

“Nathan’s offered to be designated driver tonight,” Wilmington answered as they turned out the lights and left the office.