Read Only in Her Dreams for Free Online Page B

true.”
    “I’m off in an hour. We can have coffee here.”
    “We cannot talk freely here.” It would be negligent on his part to discuss the situation within ear shot of other people. “Also, I must remind you...I don’t drink coffee.”
    “Then my place it is.” She rubbed her eyes. “Since I can’t keep you out anyway. Sure, why not.”
    A woman walked out of the back room and added to the conversation, “Hey Lucessa, I couldn’t help overhearing. You can take off now if you like, we’re not as busy as last night.” She said this with a wink in his direction. “Hi, I’m Julie, one of Lucessa’s friends.” Julie stuck her hand out for Maxim to shake.
    “My boss.”
    “And your friend,” Julie stated.
    Grasping her hand, he instantly sensed she was indeed a friend of Lucessa’s and could be trusted. He’d keep that in mind.
    “Nice to finally meet a friend of...” his voice trailed off. Her name was not to be spoken, lest the information get back to Darius. A little too late for that. “Lucessa’s. I am Maxim,” he finished, her name rolled off his tongue with more ease then he expected.
    “Likewise. So formal! Do me a favor and get her out of here, she works too hard.” Julie surprised him with another quick wink and then flashed a smile in Lucessa’s direction.
    He turned to Lucessa. “Shall we go, then?”
    Lucessa scowled. “I guess.”
    “You two have fun,” Julie said and turned to help a customer at the counter.
     
    # # #
     
    What am I thinking? She must be crazy letting a virtual stranger in her home.
    For some reason she felt drawn to him. She felt safe in his presence and to be honest, she’d known Maxim for years—even if it was only in her dreams.
    “Let me grab my purse and jacket and I’ll meet you outside.” She rushed into the kitchen. She should leave Julie a note before she left. Looking around for a piece of paper and pen, the kitchen door swung open behind her. “I said I’d be right b...”
    “So jumpy, Luc!” Julie stood behind her, blocking the exit. “Relax. He’s just a guy.”
    “You scared the bejeezes out of me.” Lucessa concentrated on taking Julie’s advice.
    “First date since you-know-who passed?”
    Lucessa couldn’t help but smile at her friend’s reluctance to say Greg’s name. “It’s not a date.”
    “Sure it isn’t. Have a good time.” Julie probably thought she was helping her explore a new love interest, but that was far from the truth. Sure, this was an interest but ‘new’ and ‘love’ had nothing to do with it. Did it?
    Julie had the nerve to wink at her as she rushed out the door. Why does the woman wink so damn much?
    The icy wind hit her face as the door closed behind her. She hadn’t noticed how chilly it was since the back patio was surrounded by other buildings on two sides and a tall fence in back. Looking both ways, she spotted Maxim leaning against her car, a block down the road. The man had an impressive physique, she’d admit that, so different from Greg’s gangly form. As she approached, he straightened and put his hand out to her.
    The puzzled look on her face must have let him know that words were necessary.
    “Keys, please.”
    “My keys? To my car? Hell, no!” This is too much. Now he thinks he can drive my car?
    “I don’t get many opportunities to drive. Please indulge me, I will explain later.”
    I doubt that. She tossed the keys to him and walked to the passenger side door. It was the first time since Greg’s death that she’d ridden in the passenger seat. The thought sparked many doubts in her mind. This was wrong, allowing another into her home, let alone her life. She was beginning to think she and Dr. Applegate hadn’t made as much progress as they thought.
    The cold seat under her sent a chill up her spine. She looked at Maxim; he was wearing his usual pants and t-shirt, all black. He must be freezing, but when he started the car he made no move to turn on the heater. Reaching