Debbi Rawlins - In His Wildest Dreams

“You may know that, but the rest of us just squirm at the vague recollections the next day.”

“That’s why this study is important. We should be able to use our dreams as messengers from our inner voices. Let the dreams help solve our waking problems. Look how many cultures considered dreams messages from the gods. In the ancient world, countries like Greece and Egypt, dreams were considered the ultimate form of guidance.”

“Don’t get huffy. You’ve got to admit, not all your colleagues agree with that theory.”

“The informed ones do.” Emma pushed up her glasses. In spite of the fact that she was bone-tired, she’d been in a fairly good mood until a moment ago. “Most scientific theories have opponents. That’s why studies are important to prove them.”

“I’m not disputing that, but merely pointing out that a layperson would naturally be a little squeamish about spilling out their midnight mental escapades.” Brenda’s gaze narrowed. “Why are you so touchy today? It isn’t like you.”

Emma sighed. Where the heck was their waitress? She needed a malted now. “Sorry if I bit your head off. I didn’t sleep well. Talk about midnight escapades.”

Brenda leaned forward with interest. “Do tell.”

She didn’t get it at first, and then Emma realized her friend wanted to hear about her dreams. To Emma’s utter amazement, she almost physically recoiled. The thought of sharing last night’s walk on the wild side made her want to run and hide.

Brenda laughed. “Not so easy, is it?”

“It’s not that…”

“Yes?”

Bless Callie’s heart. The waitress appeared at the perfect time to take their order. As usual, Brenda was indecisive and had to ask for a description of every special. Emma welcomed the brief respite.

She was genuinely startled by her own reluctance to share her dream. Reluctance heck, abhorrence was more accurate. Of course the dream did involve Nick and Brenda might misunderstand. Emma herself still hadn’t figured out what her inner voice was trying to tell her. But nor had she tried too hard to figure it out.

The dream was still so real in her head that she could almost feel Nick’s hands on her skin, palming her breasts, rubbing her nipples, sucking them. Their session today was going to be a nightmare. She’d have to force herself to concentrate and not drift back to last night’s subconscious frolicking.

She came out of her preoccupation just in time to give her order to Callie.

And meet Brenda’s expectant gaze. “Well?”

“Well, what?”

“You were going to tell me about your dream.”

“Actually, I was going to tell you why I couldn’t. I don’t remember most of it.”

“Emma Snow, I can scarcely believe it, but you’re lying through your teeth.”

“I am not.” It was a little scary how indignant she could get when Brenda was right. Emma was lying through her teeth all right, and she’d hang on to the lie till her dying breath.

Brenda toyed with her straw, a worried frown drawing her brows together. “I hope this isn’t about Nick.”

“Don’t be silly.” Emma gasped when her friend tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You finally bought them.”

“What? Oh…” Brenda touched the diamond stud on her right ear. It had to be at least a carat. “I was still saving up for the suckers. Nick bought them for me. I found the jeweler’s box in my desk drawer after he left the other evening.”

“Wow!”

“I shouldn’t have mentioned I wanted them. He’s always doing things like that.”

“Interesting.”

“You look doubtful.” A sisterly defensiveness rose in Brenda’s eyes. “I told you he’s a nice guy.”

“I’m sure he is,” Emma said lightly.

“Do me a favor and don’t mention the earrings. He’s funny about that. He never gives a gift outright. He tucks it away somewhere for you to find, and then acts like he doesn’t know anything about it. It’s weird, almost like he’s embarrassed.”

Emma smiled. She wouldn’t have guessed that about him. “That’s actually kind of sweet.”

“Don’t be foolish and fall for him. I mean it, Em.” Brenda shook her head, her eyes concerned. “I love my brother but his idea of a serious commitment is staying the night.”

“Fall for Nick?” Emma laughed. “I’d sooner eat chocolate-covered grasshoppers.”

“THANKS FOR THE EARRINGS.”

Nick finished drying the hood of his ‘55 Chevy before he turned around. “What earrings?”

Brenda gave him an indulgent smile as she entered the garage and sidestepped the assortment of chrome polishes and car washes he’d left on the ground. “They’re exactly what I wanted.”

He shrugged and shook out the rag. “They aren’t from me.”

“Then I won’t bother to insure them. They’re probably fake.”

He slid her a sidelong glance. “I begged Mom and Dad to get a puppy instead of a sister. But no, they had to hatch something they could put in frilly pink dresses.”

“The luckiest day of your life was the day I was born, admit it.”

“In your dreams.” Oh, hell. He glanced at his watch. He had to shower and shave soon, so he could meet the Doc by four-thirty. “What did you want, Pipsqueak?”

“Nothing. I figured I’d stop by to see how things were going with you and Emma.”

He discarded the rag and frowned, disappointed more than annoyed. “Doc told you.”

“Huh?”

“What do I care?” Shrugging it off, he picked up one of the polishes and studied the label.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She snatched the can out of his hand. “Quit ignoring me.”

“I’m not. I have to finish this up before my appointment with Doc this afternoon.”

Brenda frowned. “Why are you seeing a—” The confusion lifted from her face. “You mean Emma.”

He poured some of the grayish-blue liquid onto the torn piece of burgundy towel. “She’s not going to be happy with last night’s installment.”

“Your dream?”

He nodded and started on the hood. Man, this baby could still shine.

“She didn’t tell me anything, you know.”

Sliding her a glance, he kept polishing. “Wouldn’t matter if she did. I didn’t tell her anything I wouldn’t tell you.” He smiled at the thought. “Theoretically speaking, of course.”

“Yeah, but the point is, she didn’t and wouldn’t discuss any session she had with you or anyone else. She’s not like that.”

He gave her a challenging grin. “How is she?”

“Ethical…professional…moral. What did you think of her?”

He shrugged, and then put a little more elbow grease into the job. If he got the Chevy looking good enough, he’d pick Tiffany up in it tonight.

“You have to have some sort of opinion.”

“She’s okay.”

“That’s it?”

He snorted, and stopped polishing. “What do you want from me? You know damn well I’m being blackmailed into doing this. Do I have to like the woman, too?”

“Don’t you?”

“I said she was okay.”

“Fine.” Brenda folded her arms across her chest in that sulky way he knew all too well. “Have you gone to see Mom lately?”

Oh, brother. Now she was on the offensive. “Nope, and the subject is not open for discussion.”

“Have you at least talked to her on the phone?”

“Yeah, but I bet you already know that.”

“Mom might have mentioned you phoned her last month.”

He gave her an amused look and kept working.

“Nick, you can’t blame her for wanting to see you married and settled down with children before she dies.”

He stared at his sister in disbelief. “For God’s sake, she’s only fifty-two. I doubt she has one foot in the grave already.”