Chapter One

Modern day

Scottish Highlands

“Come back. Sit for me. I’m almost finished,” Rafe Frasier called to Dallas, a soft chuckle hiding the frustration he felt.

He understood Dallas felt some of the same annoyance. The irritation wasn’t because she was tired of posing for the painting he was working on, but it was because of their bizarre relationship. As much as they liked each other, the association was going nowhere.

Wearing a robe of pink satin belted at the waist, Dallas looked over her shoulder at him, her lips thinning to a small pout Rafe recognized. She huffed for a moment, “I’m tired. Can we put this off until tomorrow?”

Her long copper colored hair flamed as the strands picked up the dying rays of the sun filtering with soft golden tones in through the window. There were so many different shades coloring the silken strands, he always believed her hair to be the color of a sunset. Her lips were almost the same color as her nipples, with just a tinge pinker to them. Her eyes the color of blue-buttons, focused on him, pleading for him to relent. He had the devil’s own time forcing his way on her. For some reason he couldn’t comprehend, this time he felt an urgency to complete this painting. He would have to insist on more time tonight.

“Ten more minutes.”

Holding up both hands then wiggling his fingers, Rafe bartered for more time knowing full well that ten minutes could turn into sixty once she returned to her pose.

This respite was meant as a short break, not a cessation of the session. She promised him she would stay until he finished this last sketch of her. He was farther than that. Rafe was poised to begin adding the oil colors to the drawing.

The scrunched-up face told him what she thought of his proposition. Her tiny chin pointed into the air a notch higher than it had been the previous second. “A glass of beer, after that I’ll stay as long as you need me. I’m trying to understand your impatience. Why are you in such a rush?”

With that comment Rafe understood he had won her over. She too had trouble telling him no. He nodded. “That’s fair. I’ll bring up two glasses. You relax in the over-stuffed chair while I’m gone.” Rafe headed out the door, hoping she meant what she said. Sometimes Dallas was so flighty, she didn’t remember her promises after he made the concessions.

Before he could get past the door to the third-floor studio, she walked beside him, linking her arm in his. She moved closer, her soft scent of citrus flowers teasing his nostrils. “I want to get out of this stuffy room for a minute. I’ll walk down the stairs with you. Been sitting so long…”

“Your restless tonight?” he asked accepting the fact Dallas would do as she pleased. “I’m surprised you were able to sit for me at all.”

She turned so she could place her hand on his chest. Her smile showed beautiful, even white teeth. She spent three years after she turned ten wearing braces. “Very restless. I feel as if someone or something is calling to me. Don’t understand that feeling. It’s too bad you aren’t the man seeking me out.”

She leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder. He placed his hand on her cheek. He wished for that too.

He felt the softness of her breasts pushing against his chest. Once they thought they would suit each other. He’d always been drawn to her. After their first experimental kisses, Dallas pushed her hair from her face to stare at him with those beautiful blue eyes of her then said, “Rafe, there is no spark. I don’t feel anything when you kiss me. Shouldn’t there be something more?”

The unfortunate truth of the matter was that he didn’t feel the spark either. Ever since that day, they’d been friends, good friends. She told him everything as if he was her beloved older brother. He spoke of all his fears along with his dreams. She was as a sister to him. Dallas was a remarkable model. He’d painted her several times. This was the first time she wore nothing at all. The sight of her naked, day after day, stole his breath yet he felt no quickening. The sight of her wearing nothing at all didn’t cause an erection. In every way except sexual, they were perfect for each other.

Her happiness meant everything to him. Dallas was a remarkable photographer. The woman sported a natural eye for what would be the best picture. “Tomorrow, you should go into the hills. Spend the day taking pictures. If you like, I’ll go with you. We could go together, take a basket lunch, maybe even a bottle of wine. Some of that merlot you like. It will be good for both of us to get away from my studio. What do you think?”

Even though he offered, Rafe wasn’t certain it was a good idea. They both needed to stretch their wings, find a partner for life. As it was now, they spent too much time in each other’s company.

Her trilling laughter left him feeling amused. Dallas was going to refuse his offer. “You don’t have to go with me. I’m not a little girl who needs to have her big brother take her places.” She pushed away from him, a smile on her lips. “I’m independent, a modern woman.”

Big brother…little sister…he supposed that was the best and only way to describe their unique connection.

“I’d like to go with you. Enjoy spending time together,” he said as they strode down the steps. “You’re more fun to be with than most of the females of my acquaintance. You haven’t mentioned Seth Peters in a long time. You stop seeing the man? In my estimation he isn’t good enough for you.” He lifted an eyebrow in speculation before he spoke again. “No spark?”

“Not even a wee bit of heat.”

Still arm in arm, they walked into the kitchen. He pulled out a chair at the table for her before ambling to the refrigerator. When she sat, she pulled the lapels of the robe closer. Deep inside he chuckled at her modesty. He just spent several days looking at her buck naked. After they finished the beer, she would uncover herself, pose in the nude. What was between them was simply platonic.

“Only saw him once. Seth is an animal. I can’t be with a man who doesn’t understand the meaning of the word no.” She crossed her legs, the pink of her robe slipped down the side exposing her slightly tanned skin.

“Oh? He took what you didn’t want to give.”

Beneath his breath, Rafe cursed. His fists tightened with the need to protect Dallas. She wasn’t his to protect.

This was her time to smile, “No, after the man tried to kiss me then groped my breast, I pepper sprayed him. His eyes must have been red for at least a week. I didn’t stick around to see.”

He set a glass of Guinness in front of her. “Still your favorite beer?”

Dallas lifted her shoulders, unfettered breasts swaying beneath the robe she wore. Her nipples poked against the fabric, tightening with the slight friction her movements caused. Despite the fact there was no electricity between them, he loved to look at her breasts. They were lush, very full. The round globes could probably invite any man who wasn’t a saint to want to taste. He read the invitation loud and clear. He wasn’t going to take when he couldn’t give back the feelings she needed. He could never give her love. She deserved a man who would love her not just care for her. Hell, he didn’t even lust after her. That would be an emotion he could understand.

Her hips were wide. Her stomach rounded. If any female possessed an hour glass figure, Dallas did. It was nearly perfect…no, her figure was the perfect hourglass. All her womanly curves were generous. Rubenesque always came to mind when he looked at her. Dallas hated her body. Was always dieting to make herself smaller. Even when she lost weight the roundness would not go away. She would never have one of those concave bellies that women nowadays wanted. Her breast would never be less than generous mounds a man could lose himself between.

“I like Guinness. Can’t say favorite… What about you? Are you still seeing…?” She drummed her fingernails on the wood table where they sat her expression pensive. “Can’t seem to remember the girl’s name. She’s pretty but an airhead. Doesn’t have a brain. If she does, she chooses not to use it.”

“Shelly Grant? Is that the name you were looking for? You’re right, as for brains she is lacking.” Watching her, he leaned back, stretching his long legs his hands clasped together on his lean, washboard abs. “No, no spark with her either,” he told her before she could ask the question. “Don’t know if I’ll ever find the woman I’m looking for. As of now, don’t believe that special female exists for me.”

The sigh parting the softness of her lips seemed to surprise her. “What are we? Too picky for our own good? What is it that we’re looking for? Does love exist in this modern world?”

“Don’t know about picky. Thought you were the one for me. Still believe you are. Nonetheless, there is no denying the fact there is something wrong between us, something illusive that is keeping us apart. Until I figure out the missing component, we can’t be together as lovers. Won’t take your innocence.” Rafe held up his hands to keep Dallas from commenting. “You would have told me if you found that special guy. If you gave away your virginity. When that happens, know I won’t be seeing you every day.”

“You think so?”

“Know so.”

To Rafe’s ears she sounded hopeful. Hell, he was always hopeful where it concerned Dallas. Undying love wasn’t there for them. Since they were kids in grade school, they’d been attracted to each other. In high school, he dated her a few times. He took her to a concert in London when they were in college together. It seemed the harder he tried to find that elusive thread that would bind them together through eternity the more convinced he became the thin filament didn’t exist at least where the two of them were concerned.

“I do.”

He punched his fist into the palm of his hand. Damn, he wanted to find his mate, to go through all eternity with her. If he didn’t find his mate in this lifetime, what then? Were the rumors true? Would he forever be kept from her?

There were too many days to count where Rafe wondered if he would ever find his eternal love. He would never hold his woman in his arms or show her his cat. Sometimes he wondered if that happened to him before…in another life. If somehow, the heart of his soul illuded him. How did one go backward in time so he could fix the problem? If he understood the complexities of time travel, he would do whatever was necessary to secure his woman. In this there were no guarantees.

With absentminded thoughts ruffling in his head, Rafe cracked the knuckles on both hands. The act seemed to relieve tension while he watched the woman who should be his but wasn’t sip her beer. He never told Dallas about his clan, Clan Chattan. She didn’t know he could change his form to a black panther. It was something a man didn’t show just any woman. Even though in his mind, Dallas wasn’t just any woman. He could never let himself be so vulnerable. Only for his mate could he risk so much.

Sometimes at night, desperate fears filled him. He tried to see backward in time. Never was he ever able to do so. Conversations with his parents didn’t help. What could they do? They could not scavenge a mate up for him. All they ever said was to be patient. In time, he would find the woman meant for him.

With a wistful gush of air, she finished the glass of beer. “Shall we go upstairs? I’d like to get home tonight before…well…I suppose it will be dark. You’re going to want to work until you can’t stand up any longer.”

Dallas stood, hugging the robe closer, outlining her breasts along with her hips.

Damn, but he wished there was something tangible between them. There just wasn’t. When he looked at Dallas, he saw a beautiful woman with generous curves. That was all. “All right. I’ll walk you home when I’m done. Don’t want you walking the streets by yourself in the middle of the night.”

“I appreciate that. Though I’m certain I can get home by myself. As we both know, nothing much ever happens in Carnoch. I do have my pepper spray. Refilled the cannister after the last incident.”

“Of course, you can. The fact that remains is that I’m not going to allow you to go by yourself.” He headed up the steps behind her, staring at the delicious butt she presented to him…eye candy. She was that. She checked off all the boxes he had for a partner. All the boxes expect the ones that counted the most.

Love. Sparks. Flames. Sexual need.

They stepped into his studio. The lighting needed to be just right. What he never told her was that the rest of the sessions would have to be at dusk so he could get the light with exact precision the way he wanted it. Just as the sun shone through the window now. Rafe needed to see the golden tones light up her hair.

When she stood by the couch, her small hands on the belt, she appeared reluctant to remove the garment. He watched the rise and fall of her breasts beneath the silk cloth. Too many seconds passed while he felt the upsurge of guilt for keeping her, for even suggesting the nude painting. He’d wanted to paint her naked, needed to capture her spirit on canvas. Rafe didn’t understand the reasons why but the need wrestled within him. Sometimes the thoughts kept him awake at night. Resting would not be possible until he put her form on the canvas.

The robe slipped to the floor. Nodding her head in the direction of the table, her long copper hair spilled across her breasts hiding them only to reveal them a second later. She arranged herself on the markings put there so they would remember where she was to place herself. While he studied her, he stepped back. A flash, a fleeting glimpse of something so close yet so far away swamped him, almost sent him to his knees. In the ensuing moments, it was as if he was seeing her for the first time. He blinked, focusing in on her. Whatever he thought he saw or felt vanished.

His Dallas was a beautiful woman. She should be his. Would never be for him. Leaning over, he placed the long tendrils of hair so they covered her in just the right way. When the back of his hand brushed a hard tip of her breast, he should have felt lust surge within all his masculine parts. To his immense disappointment, Rafe felt nothing but a tiny sensation that didn’t reach his loins. The feeling was in his heart.

Loss.

Pain.

She should have reacted to his touch against her nipple. Dallas didn’t. She never noticed.

“What is it?” she asked looking at him as if she could see all the way through him to his soul. “You look, you look as if you saw your death…or someone’s…mine? You’re creeping me out. Don’t look at me that way.”

Rubbing his hand on the back of his neck thinking he needed to control his wayward thoughts better, he told her, his voice taking on a husky tenor. “Nothing…nothing at all for you to concern yourself with. What I…my imagination…that’s all. I thought I saw you in a different way. I didn’t.”

God, she was beautiful. Why wasn’t Dallas his mate? Over the years he asked himself that same question so many times he couldn’t count them all on both hands. “Let’s get on with the business at hand.” The sooner he finished this painting the better for both of them.

He stepped back, picked up the paintbrush along with the oils he laid out for this particular moment.

“You don’t look as if this is nothing.” She sounded hurt that he wouldn’t confide. If there was anyone he could burden with his thoughts, that person was Dallas. With this he couldn’t. Simply because he didn’t understand.

She stiffened.

“Relax, sweetheart.”

Rafe didn’t like the way his voice sounded just then. She’d done nothing wrong. He was treating her as if his changing mood was her fault.

The room heated to an inferno. Sweat beaded along his collar. He opened a window. Evening sounds made their way into the small upstairs studio room. A small drop of perspiration slid between her breasts leaving a trail behind. In the distance a car backfired. People chatted as they walked along the sidewalk in front of the house. Everything seemed normal, except in his studio. To his fine-tuned cat senses, there was something different here. He felt the changing of the universe.

Dallas’ lashes drooped. He shouldn’t push so hard. She needed a break, to rest. They’d just returned from the kitchen. The need to remove her from the studio catapulted through him. He didn’t understand. He wasn’t one to ignore the sixth sense that was always an integral part of his life.

“We need to stop for the night,” he gritted out as he saw the rise of exhaustion fill her blue eyes.

She wouldn’t even take money for modeling. He promised that no one would see the painting except him. That was a lie. The commission he was promised was in the thousands for this painting. What he would do is be certain her face would never be recognized. What he didn’t know was if he could part with it when he finished.

“If we work for another half hour, you will be that much closer to finishing. I’m not too tired. The beer made me drowsy. That’s all. Do as much as we can, please, Rafe.”

Rafe knew he could finish this without her. Didn’t want to. The sketch was finished. He put a lot of color on the canvas tonight. The final painting was so close to completion. If he tried to finish without her though, the painting might not be as authentic…as pure.

“Another half-hour,” he agreed, half-reluctant, half-pleased. “No more. Don’t want to wear you out.” He dipped into the copper color he mixed for her hair adding some of the tints of the sunset. That was what the color of her hair reminded him of…the setting sun…maybe the dawn of a new day. Rafe loved her hair more than her lush curves.

Maybe not.

The ensuing time passed faster than he could imagine. When he stepped back to look, he felt the warmth of a smile grow within. This was the best painting he’d ever done. Deep in his heart, he understood it wasn’t his skill that made the painting so good. His model was the reason. She was beautiful. To his delight, he caught the essence of her.

“We’re finished for tonight. There will be some extra touches to be made at another time. Need to step away for a day or two.”

“Ah…” She stretched out her arms, lengthening her muscles, shoulders, back, triceps. Easing muscles that had been in one position too long, she moved her legs, testing them on the floor before she stood. “I’m stiff as a fire poker,” she mumbled. She stumbled when she tried to stand.

He was beside her, holding onto her arms. She leaned against him, her curves pushing against him. This was his Dallas, so trusting. Good God, she was naked. He was holding her. He didn’t have one carnal thought in his head except for the fact there were none.

Letting her support herself on his body, he bent over to pick up her robe. He wrapped it around her. “Go get dressed then I’ll take you home.”

Brushing back hair from her face, she nodded. Stiff movements hindering her steps, she walked to the small dressing room in the corner of the studio. She didn’t bother to draw the curtain. What would be the point? As if she was now in a rush to get home, she slipped into a pair of cutoff shorts and a tank top. Her bra and panties she stuffed into a bag she brought with her. Rafe had to laugh at the fact she was going sans underwear. It was just like his Dallas. She hated constricting bras. Didn’t realize she disliked wearing panties too.

Dallas finger-combed her hair, pulling it back into a ponytail. With her hands, she scrubbed her face then shook her head as if she tried to wake up. The hour was almost midnight. This wasn’t the first time tonight he was besieged with a strange sense of deja vous. When he looked out the window, it was almost as if he saw Dallas standing on the sidewalk. The hazy woman he saw for an instant wasn’t Dallas though she could be her twin. Who was the lady?

“Can we walk? I need to stretch out some more, loosen up my stiff muscles. If I don’t, I’ll never get to sleep tonight.”

“Whatever you would like.” Hand on her elbow, he ushered her to the door. “Did you bring a coat?” Rafe asked as he stared at her long, naked legs. They were tanned. When she posed for him, he noticed the tan lines marking her skimpy, thong bikini. When she sunbathed, she didn’t wear much. In order not to have tan lines, she untied the top when she was lying on her front, then pulled down the tiny shoulder straps when she was on her back. The lavish curves of her breasts were outlined in tiny white triangles.

He didn’t like to think of other men seeing so much of her. Whenever his thoughts veered in that direction, he always made a point to remind himself he wasn’t her mate. Would never be her husband or lover. Jealousy would never be tolerated.

All his thoughts and feelings conflicted with each other. She pulled a lightweight sweater from her bag to put around her shoulders tying the sleeves so the they knotted over her breasts.

“What have you got in there?” Rafe took the satchel from her as if he meant to search through to see the contents. “Enough items to live through the week?” he asked laughing as she scrunched up her face to show him what she thought of his question.

“Just what every girl needs in an emergency. That’s all. Nothing exceptional. Never go without the essentials.”

She smiled at him as she took the bag back into her possession then slipped the long strap over her shoulder. Not waiting for him, she walked.

Once he caught up to her again, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder pulling her close. By her ear he whispered, “I always wanted to know what a lady would need in an emergency. What’s essential?”

“Did you now?” She laughed seeming lighthearted for the first time today. “Does that mean you are going to search my bag? Ruffle thought it to embarrass me?”

“Tell me,” Rafe coaxed sensing her playful mood and hoping to exterminate the tension. “What do you have in there.”

“If you think about it, you might be able to guess as to a few things. You do know me so well.”

“Yes…well…” Rafe could make a few stabs in the dark. He did know her well. Probably better than anyone except her mother and father, no, better than them. “I would say you’ve a change of clothes…even two different outfits…underwear…maybe a bikini, one of those skimpy ones you so like to wear.”

“True, obvious guess though. What else?” She winked at him, understanding he could relate the entire contents of the huge bag she always carried with her even though he’d never seen the inside of her bag.

“You could take the suspense out of this and give me a list.”

He ran his hand along her arm then back to her shoulder. She fit against him with perfection. He let out a long breath of air understanding that no matter how much he wanted things to be different between them, they were not. He could muddle this over in his brain again and again until exhaustion overcame him. Nothing would change. It was past time to put an end to his musings about the possibility of Dallas becoming someone special to him. Well, she was special, just not in that way.

“Where would be the fun in that? Try again.”

She poked him in the chest. It was a playful poke, not in the least suggestive. The gesture was something a sister would give her brother. No matter, Rafe could never think of her as his sister.

He caught her finger then enclosed her hand within in his. She was meant for someone else. That fact had been apparent from the first time they thought to kiss. Jealousy flooded him at the notion of some other man possessing her. He could no longer hold onto her. Letting her go was a deed he would have to undertake.

“Let me see,” he paused while he began to think, tapping a finger against his chin and hoping not to embarrass her.

She’d come to him once in tears, the pain of her periods so intense she could only curl into a tiny ball on his bed. At that time, he comforted her the best he could all the while believing if her relationship with her mother was at it should be, Dallas should discuss this with her mom. He gave her some pain medicine. When she could talk, she told him about her cramps. He took her to the doctor, waited for her in the waiting room. He’d know she had taken birth control pills since she was sixteen to regulate her periods.

She giggled appearing pleased with herself. “It can’t be that hard. You do know more about me than anyone else on planet earth.”

“No, I just didn’t want to cause any embarrassment. I’m certain you have birth control pills in the bag.”

“Yes, two months’ worth. I’m not embarrassed. A lot of women have to do the same even though they aren’t sexually active.”

“You could be though.”

He didn’t want to fish for information. Rafe wasn’t certain why he suddenly needed to know if she had a significant man in her life. Earlier she told him Seth was not appreciated, her words, “He’s an animal.” Could there be someone else, a man she didn’t wish to speak of around him? Most of the time with him, Dallas was an open book.

“Yes….I could be.” Dallas lifted her eyebrows at him, questioning his integrity he didn’t doubt. “Do you carry condoms with you?” she asked prying into his life with the question.

Just as he pried into hers. “No… If I ever meet someone, I would like to be intimate with, I would.”

“You should. As a just in case. That’s why I keep a box of condoms with me in my bag. You’re not implying to me that you’re a virgin? If you are, I won’t believe you.” She let out a puffy breath of air stopping to turn in his arms. Her hands rested on his chest. “I want to be prepared in case…” She sifted in a deep breath of oxygen. “In case the right man ever comes along. I’m beginning to think there is no one out there for me.”

“Geez, Dallas, I’ve those thoughts all the time too. Since the right person isn’t you, I doubt if there ever will be a perfect woman for me. Not that she has to be perfect…without flaws. Hell!” He was managing to confuse himself.

“I understand what you’re trying to say, Rafe. I just wish I understood what went wrong between us. I can tell you anything. Speak of whatever pops into my head without one concern you’ll gossip. Sometimes I feel that I’ve known you forever. You even took me to the doctor.”

“I don’t like you carrying condoms.”

What the hell was the matter with him? She was right on all counts.

“You don’t want me to have safe sex?” she asked, her eyes open wide, walking away from him, her back stiff, shoulders squared as if she tolerated him, nothing else. He was pretty certain her chin would have risen at least an inch.

The closeness between them evaporated with her questioning. If he could, he would get that lightheartedness back.

He couldn’t. At least not tonight.

“Here we are.” They stood in front of the door to her apartment. “Can I come in?” Rafe wasn’t at all certain why he asked. He did know he wanted to retrieve something of what was lost during that last conversation. The only way to succeed would be to spend more time. It was late.

Dallas was shaking her head, her lips turned down in a small pout of displeasure. “I don’t see why you would want to. Go home, finish up the painting or don’t. Tomorrow I’ll go up into the hills. I’ll take so many pictures it will take us hours to look at all of them. After that if you need me to pose for you again, I will.”

“Sorry I upset you. Didn’t mean to,” Rafe mumbled in a whisper that he hoped she didn’t hear. Looking up, he brushed hair from her eyes. “Don’t like to say things…well, we both understand with time there will be someone else in our lives. We’re going to have to get used to that notion. Damn, the thought of you with another man eats at the very heart of my soul.”

“It’s the same for me when I think about you with some unnamed woman. What are we to do with each other? This can’t go on. I should move to another town.”

Rafe wiped a tear from beneath her beautiful blue eyes. “Don’t cry. Don’t move either. I don’t know what we are to do. For me there isn’t anyone except you.”

“There’s no spark.”

“The connection isn’t there.”

Opening the door, he waited for her to set her things down. With a tentative smile on her face, she closed the door leaving him standing alone on the porch staring off into the distance at nothing.

With slow measured steps, as if he was going to his execution, Rafe walked home. He didn’t understand the feeling, but he felt certain he was about to lose Dallas to a man. Even more prevalent in his thoughts was that after tonight she would be gone from his life.

His gut twisted. The pain sent him to his knees.

~ * ~

When the misty fog covering the ground cleared to brilliant sunshine, Dallas felt as if she was seeing a new world. The spring scented air swept around her. Long grass waved with startling rhythm coupled with the soft breeze blowing down from the craigs. Perhaps she was seeing this world in a new light. She’d driven to a spot about thirty miles from Coronach, traveling toward Inverness. She knew of this beautiful place. Had always hoped to stop here. Until today, she never made the time. The pictures would be amazing. Rafe would tell her which ones should be enhanced with colors. Which ones to mount then take to the art gallery in Inverness. She had scheduled an exhibition of her photographs for July. It was almost time to prepare all the photos.

Today, she wore a tight-fitting dress. The baby blue fabric molded with love to all her curves, showing off all her best assets. Rafe didn’t like the dress. Told her she was encouraging every male who saw her to touch those assets. If not touch to stare. Didn’t matter if she encouraged. No one would dare. She always kept her distance from leering-eyed men. She did keep her pepper spray handy.

Too bad, Rafe!

She meant to wear the dress whenever she wished. Her high heels were in her bag. For the photo shoot she wore a pair of jogging shoes. If she had to walk down paths for the pictures, the aerobic shoes would suit her feet better than the heels. Afterward, she planned to dine at this bistro in the city she heard about from a few of her friends, hence the reasons for the heels strategically placed in the satchel. Even Rafe said the cuisine was good. He took his last date there.

Date.

They weren’t suited. Dallas didn’t have to remind herself. She knew all too well the truth. The two of them would never have that flicker they were both looking for. Though she would be satisfied without the energy, the excitement, or the flames between them, Rafe would not. He was holding out for the best possible woman. So far, she never felt that electricity with anyone. She supposed she should hold out also. Dallas could count the number of men she dated on one hand. She was stuck on three. None of them excited her, left her breathless with longing. None of them generated the desire to have sex. They were dull, witless, fools.

“Wow!” Dallas whistled through her teeth after she rounded the corner of the path to get a full-on view of the water pouring over the cliff. This waterfall was filled to the brim with liquid. It was close to April. The runoff from the mountain snows and glaciers was filling the rivers as well as all the waterfalls. The roar was impressive tumbling through her ears. Time seemed to stand still while she gazed in awe at one of the most spectacular sites she’d ever seen. Her pictures would be amazing.

Today, there were two tourists who were taking pictures. At least she thought that’s what they were. Seemed they were also planning on photographing the landscape. The time was too early for the tourist season to be at its height. She would have never stayed here if there had been crowds. She detested crowds. Hated waiting for them to clear the view so people wouldn’t be in the picture. Disliked using photoshop to rid herself of the landmarks that weren’t natural.

Hands on her back, she stretched to get rid of the kinks.

Dallas set up her tripod working on all the setting to get the effect she looked for. When she checked each photo, most were magnificent. She sent the ones she didn’t like into the trash. After she finished, she pulled out her laptop. With the card from her camera, she put them in a folder on her desktop. Pleased with the morning’s work, she inhaled a deep breath of the surrounding fresh air. This was paradise to her.

The day was turning out to be better than she expected. There was more than enough time to drive into Inverness to eat before returning home if that’s what she decided to do. Curious as to its destination as well as feeling pulled by some unseen force, Dallas decided to investigate a trail that seemed to wander beneath the waterfall. She put her tripod in her car, looped her bag over her shoulder then started walking enjoying the warmth of the sun’s rays as they beat down on her face.

“Beautiful day,” Dallas said as she passed the older couple who were shooting selfies. She loved to see loving couples who were in their sixties and even seventies. The thought she might never find someone to love her left a cold shiver trembling down her spine.

“Yes, love…you all alone? You need to find yourself someone who will love keeping you company,” the woman spoke to her as she walked past.

“Alone, going to see what’s on the other side of the waterfall. Don’t suppose there is someone there for me.”

“Your camera…we saw you shooting pictures. Are you a professional?” the older lady asked, curiosity in her voice.

Dallas reached into her bag then pulled out her cellphone. “If I see something that warrants a better pic, I’ll grab my camera from my bag. Yes, I am a photographer. I’ve an exhibit of my pictures coming up this summer. It will be in Inverness the end of July. You could come.”

“Oh, if we would still be here this summer, we would attend. I love to support talented artists,” the man spoke for the first time.

“Thanks.” She sifted in her bag for a few seconds before pulling out her card. “Here, take this. If you’re interested in some of my photographs you can go online to see them. They can be ordered then shipped.” Dallas didn’t know if the couple were just being polite. Nonetheless, it never hurt her to hand out a card. She’d made multiple sales as well as fans by doing so.

“Have fun and don’t get lost. The highlands can be frightening if one doesn’t know their way.”

The woman waved at her as she backed down the path. She waved back, smiling, hoping she appeared cheerful despite the sudden feelings of loss as she left the two people behind.

No, she wasn’t going to get lost on this path. The trail was well marked even though it wound around the falls. She hummed then cringed at the off-key noise. While she possessed a few talents, carrying a tune was not one of them. Rafe never failed to tease her about her lack of musicality. This coming from a man whose deep base voice never failed to thrill her when she heard him sing.

At the bottom of the falls, she looked up, shielding her eyes with her hand. Mist splayed out from all the rocks the tumbling water bounced off. The sun shining behind the misting, she saw the face and form of a man seeming to float in the haze. He was tall, his hair a burnished blond. Dressed in a kilt. Impossible. As if her thoughts were true, he vanished. She was left with the rainbows that crowded the water filled air.

With the palm of her hand, Dallas tapped her head. My imagination is conjuring men…in the mist of waterfalls. I didn’t eat anything strange today. Haven’t had anything to drink since the one beer last night. I don’t think I’m obsessed with men. No, silly, you’re only obsessed with finding the right man.

Trying to shake the discordant feelings, she snapped pictures with her phone then strode farther down the trail. A sudden shifting of the ground caught her off guard. Flinging her arms out, she braced herself against a sky-high boulder. The cold rock pressed against her cheek. That was different. Dallas hesitated to use the word peculiar or bizarre. Perhaps a minor earthquake was what caused her to step off balance. She gulped a gallon of oxygen. For the longest time she clung to the boulder, adrenalin racing through her. Once she felt steady again, she continued. She reached what could be described as a turning point. On one side, the terrain was flat, on the other side the land gave way to a steep slope. In either case her footpath stopped. She would have to turn around, go back to the beginning. Maybe she could find another trail to follow.

This time when she looked up beams of sunlight imprisoned that same man. His smile was wide, laughing. His eyes danced with something he must think amusing. He seemed to stare at her, holding her enthralled. Her heart skipped then stuttered. When his eyes focused on her, it seemed to Dallas he summoned her. He asked her to join him. Now, her heart stilled while she remained captivated with the very essence of this man. The breath she inhaled caught in the back of her throat, staying there until she choked. Tremors ceased her. Her body shook so hard she felt the sensations to the tips of her toes.

Captivated, she followed the laughing man, one hesitant foot in front of the other. She didn’t understand the reason. It seemed he reeled her into some unknown place. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she understood this was not her usual behavior. While she continued walking the ground shook. Trembled. Undulated. She slipped, her feet skidding out from beneath her. Her arms whirled while she tried with no success to maintain her balance. Tumbling to her rear, she sat on the soft grass, sliding, falling until she was brought to an abrupt halt at the bottom of the incline. Air rushed from her lungs as she rolled to her belly, hitting the earth hard. She took another tumble coming to rest with an abrupt stop.

With her legs spread in front of her, her body framing dress hiked nearly to her hips, she leaned on her elbows in order to better survey the scene in front of her. Some point during her fall, the wind was knocked from her lungs. With pain she inhaled slow, desperate breaths of much needed air. Her eyes couldn’t focus. Beneath her the earth still whirled. She saw herself or someone who looked much like her, running through this same field with a huge black panther beside her. Dallas tried to shake the nonsense from her head. This time when she sensed a presence and looked upward, she didn’t see the man of her imagination. What she saw was real as well as frightening.

“Well, lookee what we have here, Scratch. An itsy-bittsy lassie just ripe to be tried out. See those huge titties.”

“Ripe titties.”

“She just sitting on the grass legs spread waitin’ for us to be good to her. Should we show her what we got? She could ride us or we could rock her. Wha da ya think?”

“I get her first, Geordie,” Scratch said as he slipped a hand beneath the waistband of his britches to fondle himself. “I’m the oldest.”

“You no be makin’ sense. I saw her first. So, she be mine first.” Geordie walked toward her, his eyes glimmering with the need to possess.

Damn!

Dallas crab walked backward. Her body quivering. She couldn’t imagine any of this. “No! No, I’m not going to let you touch me!”

Her hands searched the small pocket in her bag for the pepper spray she always kept there. She prayed the cannister would work. She did have if refilled. She bought the spray mostly with the hope of keeping dogs away from her on her daily jog. She used it on Seth. Refilled the cannister. Praying what little wind there was wouldn’t send the pepper her way, she pulled it out. Her arm extended, she cried out, “Stop!”

Scratch roared his laughter. Hooted. Again, he pulled up his shirt to scratch his belly then lower. His grin turned to a smirk. “Stop? What kind of weapon you think you got there, my wee lassie? Whatever that thing is, it isn’t going to keep me from what I want.” He leered at her stepping forward again. “I want you, wee lassie. I’m going to have you. After that I plan on sharing you with Geordie here. The two of us share all our women.” He cocked his thumb toward the other man.

With great effort, Dallas pushed off the ground. She stood in front of the two men clutching the small cannister. Even she didn’t think this would keep the men away from her. She needed divine intervention. Still, she brazened her way. “It’s pepper spray. If you take one more step, I’ll use it.”

Dallas was standing, her arm outstretched, shaking as she looked from one man to the other. Her heart pounded with fear. She ran her tongue across her bottom lip while she searched her surroundings for someone who might help. Divine intervention was a myth.

Scratch stepped forward. “Just want a wee bit of lovin.’ That’s not too much to ask for, now, is it? I wouldn’t ask if you weren’t so pretty. Your titties so big. Goin’ to suck on each one.”

At his words, she cringed. Gulped more air. He needed to take one more step before she could use her small weapon. She wanted a direct line to his eyes. In her wildest imagination, she never thought to be in a position such as this one. Her gaze darted from one man to the other. If they attacked her together, she didn’t stand a chance.

Keep your cool. Breathe. Don’t show fear.

The look on Scratch’s face changed to something more feral. His lips were pulled back from his teeth in an untamed smile. His eyes came together in a fierce scowl. When he leapt at her, Dallas discharged the spray. His screech of agony didn’t give her pleasure only relief. With no hesitation, she turned her attention to the other man, Geordie.

Holding the spray at arm’s length, she cried out. “Don’t come one step closer! If you do, I’ll give you the same dose your friend just got.”

She was backing away, taking slow steps trying to keep her attention on the men as well as her footing. If she went down, her fate was sealed. This man would be on top of her in a second.

“That wasn’t too smart of you. What did you do to him? I’m going to…” He started forward, his fists clenched at his sides. His eyes were wild.

The applause from behind her caught her attention. She twirled to see. Not three men.  She heard the soothing timber of his voice.

“If I were you, I’d do what the lady says. Seems to me at this moment, this wee lassie has the upper hand.”

The voice behind her was deep and husky, holding the hint of amusement. Nonetheless, his meaning was clear.

Her divine intervention? She looked skyward to say a silent prayer. Though her family were devout Catholics, she’d never taken to the church.

Trembling, afraid to ask, she blurted the words as if she expected an answer. This new man might want the same things these two thugs did, “Who are you?” the words spoken, her voice trailing off. Dallas understood there wasn’t enough pepper spray in the tiny cannister to take care of three men.

“Roc.” Geordie was holding up his hands then looking at his friend who was reeling on the ground, “This isn’t any of your affair. This lassie needs to be taught a lesson. She can’t go around hurting men.” He snapped his fingers. “Just like that…as if we are naught more but twigs. When we’re done with her, we’ll share her with you. Certain there is enough of the lady to go around. Just look at those bubbies of hers. Those wide hips. Her legs. There’s so much…”

Dallas tried to slouch, to cover herself, mortified by the man’s words. While she’d never heard breasts referred to as bubbies, it was obvious what the man stared at while he fondled himself.

“Why not?”

Roc had his hands on his narrow hips. To Dallas he sounded outraged at the notion of sharing.

“You meant to hurt her…or did I read the scenario wrong? Is she willing for you and Scratch to manhandle her? Did she tell you to stop?”

“You want her for yourself,” Scratch cried out.

“Seems that way.”

Roc turned his attention to her, his heated insolent gaze roaming the length of her body. “Get up and stand behind me. You and I are getting out of here.”

The command in his voice was not to be disobeyed.

Confused. She didn’t know what to think. His actions seemed at odds with his words. When she hesitated, her rescuer spoke again but didn’t make eye contact. With a lift to his broad shoulders, he went on to say, “You can choose between them or me. Do it now,” he spoke with a strange calm, with such composure she knew she would obey. “If you choose Scratch and Geordie, I’ll ride out of here and never look back. The decision is up to you.”

He waited two seconds. His following roar surprised her. Nonetheless it broke the frozen spell she’d fallen under. “Do it now!”

“Well…when you put it that way. Don’t have to be so…”

She didn’t know how to finish that sentence. Picking up the bag that had fallen from her shoulders, she scrambled to his side then stood behind him cowering. Her body seemed to vibrate with the rush of adrenalin coursing through her.

“You’ll regret helping her,” Geordie threatened, shaking his fist at both of them. He pointed a scrawny finger their way. “I’ll have my revenge on you then I’ll take her. Won’t be any sharin’ this time.”

“Who’s going to make me regret helping out a wee lass who’s in distress? Not you.”

He looked at her, a genuine smile on his handsome features. “Can you ride?”

She shook her head wishing she could answer in the affirmative as well as wishing she knew what was going through his head. “Never been on a horse in my life.” She wanted to yell at him that her car was just up that hill. For some reason Dallas couldn’t fathom, she kept silent.

His encouraging smile turned to a sudden frown, his eyebrows drawing together in concentration. “We’ll have to improvise in that case.”

This was the same man who she saw in the mist as well as the sunbeams. “Roc? Your name is Roc?” If she could figure out was going on inside his brain, she felt certain she would fare better.

“Stand behind me.” He motioned to where he wanted her. “Right there. Don’t move a muscle.”

What would he do if she twitched the wrong way? He was not like any man she’d ever met. Wobbling, her knees weak, she managed to put herself where he showed her. She wrapped her arms around herself, warding off the strange chill that seemed to float around her. Except for the pistol he held in his hand, she wondered why these two men didn’t attack him. The gun looked old. Did it work? All they did was threaten. Roc didn’t seem phased at all by the two of them. He was outnumbered. The man didn’t seem to care one way or the other.

“You two start walking, keep walking. Don’t stop until I can no longer see you.” He continued with the gun pointed at them, “Who will get it first? Geordie or Scratch. Hmm…either way the world will be better off.”

Geordie turned, his hands in the air as if they would stop the bullet. “Now dinna go gettin’ impatient. We’re going.”

Dallas held her breath while the men walked away.

When they were out of sight, he took her hand and tugged. “Let’s go!”

Dallas found herself without a single word or thought. Beside him as well as blindly, she stumbled trying to keep pace with his long strides. He didn’t slow to help her. She sensed his urgency. While she didn’t want to find herself in this position with a man she didn’t know, this man was far better than the other possibility. At least he was clean and he didn’t smell of stale tobacco and sour whiskey. Her stomach churned.

When they stopped in front of a horse, she assumed it was his horse. With her hands on her hips and with as much conviction as her frightened self could muster, she said, “Couldn’t you just walk me to my car?”

Dallas understood this would be wishful thinking. The man didn’t seem to be open to suggestions or negotiation.

“Car? No time.” He lifted a burnished, dark blond eyebrow skyward then ignored her questions. “I’ll help you up.”

Before she could utter another word and voice the protest, his large hands wrapped around her waist. The first second after the contact she felt airborne, flying upward. It wasn’t a sensation she cared to duplicate. Her breath caught then she found herself astride his horse. Against her legs her dress rose to above midthigh.

The horse shifted position. Terrified, she grabbed on to the animal’s neck while she tried to tug the fabric of her tight-fitting dress to cover herself. The horse whinnied its objection. “I c-can’t…”

She’d never sat a horse before. Her terror rose to form a lump in her throat that seemed to block further speech. Despite her efforts to the contrary, her dress rose even higher to her upper thighs. She heard a small rip and realized the pressure of her parted legs created a slit on one side, baring her on her right side to her hip. There was naught to do about that except try to ignore it. She looked down at him, the steel grey of his eyes darkening as he stared at her legs.

“You can ride. We need to leave before Scratch can see again. I’m getting on behind you. Hold still.”

“T-trust m-me he won’t see well for at least twenty-four hours. That stuff is potent. Supposed to keep a bear at bay for that long. That man was not a bear.”

Her voice lost all its intended force when she saw his hands on the saddle horn in front of her. Damn, she was riding away with a man she didn’t know. She could not stay here as he pointed out. In the process risking a second encounter with Geordie and Scratch.

“Good.” He vaulted on behind her. His hands once more touched her waist. “Steady there. I’ll no’ let you fall.”

He won’t let me fall… Who’s going to keep him from falling?

That thought was no consolation and held no merit when the horse started to move. The sensation of heat vanished when he took up the reins. The animal picked up speed. She tried to sit up straight so she wouldn’t find herself pressed against him. For the next minutes, nothing surrounding her registered except the man behind her, the breadth of him. The heat he generated. Every time she started to relax; she stiffened as the movement of the horse sent her against his chest. She found herself cradled between his massive thighs. His arms brushed hers. She clung to his enormous forearms. Unable to watch the forest rush past her, she closed her eyes.

“You dinna need be afraid of me.” His voice whispered across her neck then her cheek. Heat infiltrated her body. To her dismay, she found her nipples hardening, parts of her tingling she’d never thought about before. Sparks?

“I—I’m not a-afraid. I’m t-terrified. More scared of the horse than you, if you must know the truth.” She ran her tongue across her parched lips. “C-can’t you just take me back to my car?”

He didn’t answer her for the longest time. Startling her, using his soft husky voice with no amusement in the tone, he asked, “What’s a car?”

Disconcerted, she whirled, her amazement obvious if he watched her. The motion upset his horse who reared his head back then sidestepped a couple of times. “Easy, laddie,” he whispered soothing words to the animal, stroking the horse’s neck with practiced skill. Seemed he knew how to calm the beast. While she watched his eyes, he spoke to the horse as if the beast understood him. “This little filly in front of me surprises me too, laddie. She keeps takin’ me off guard. In time, we’re sure to get used to her.” Then, to her, once more bending close to her ear to whisper, “Don’t move so fast. Moonstar isn’t used to lasses. He wants you to like him but you keep surprising him. That confuses him so much that he doesn’t know what to do.”

She felt the stubble from his chin caress her cheek. “Oh!” she cried out once again surprised by him.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      She felt the heat from his words. The sensation swept through her as she was doused in flames from the simple contact.

“Easy…” he spoke again. “Don’t be frightened. For Moonstar’s sake, don’t move fast again. He’s not used to riding double. Don’t usually share him.”

Riding double? Was that euphemism for something else?

“Wh-where are you taking me?”

She tried not to stutter. Seemed to fail. While she was both terrified as well as curious, curiosity seemed to reign prevalent. Dallas didn’t understand why she was beginning to trust this man. “I,” she gulped air, “don’t ride. Don’t know how to ride. Don’t wish to be up here, so far from the good earth.”

“That’s obvious. Perhaps an understatement.” He chuckled, his voice slightly gruff yet whiskey smooth. “As to your other question, I’m taking you to safety. Ye cannae stay where those men can find you. They meant you harm.”

Yes, she knew. They would have forced her if Roc didn’t come along. “That’s also an understatement. What are your intentions? I…” She lost the stutter. He could be wanting the same as those men. It was replaced with indignation as well as annoyance. He saved her. She should be grateful for his interference even when she thought she had all under control. Under control only if there was enough pepper spray in the cannister to do in the second man. “I repeat, where are you taking me?”

“Carnoch, eventually.”

“I was planning on going to Inverness for dinner. Thought I might stay the night. So, I would guess you are going the wrong direction. Though I cannot go anywhere without my car.”

If she expected him to take her to her car, she was beating herself up over something that wasn’t going to happen.

“Too far to go before the sun drops behind the craigs. You wouldn’t make it there for dinner or to stay the night. I will feed you tonight. We can talk more about tomorrow. I can’t take you to Inverness yet. Just came from there. Nonetheless, in a week or so…may be a month I need to return. You can go with me then if that’s to your liking.”

Dallas felt as if she was talking to someone who existed in a different dimension or century. He didn’t dress the same way. She’d not noticed before. “Of course, there’s time. It would only take a couple of hours to…” The distinct feeling her words went in one of his ears then out the other met with direct conflict. They were talking on two different levels.

“You dinna listen to me. Things will go along more smoothly if you begin to do so. From here the trip will take all day. As I just told you I don’t have the time.” He talked with little inflection as if he spoke to a small child he found lacking.

“Then where…” She supposed she would have to concede to his ways.

He interrupted her train of thought. “Tonight, our accommodations will be a cave I know very well. It’s stocked with all kinds of delicacies.”

The thoughtful then the ensuing question caught her off guard. “Do you always dress so provocatively?”

Dallas looked down at the expanse of leg she showed. “This isn’t…” She looked up, caught the amusement in his eyes as well as the darkening of the color to deep pewter. “My dress ripped.” Now she was angry at what he was saying but not accusing. Men! “Are you implying my attire was somehow the reason why those men wished to attack me? That’s just stupid!”

She sounded too prim and proper for her ears. No, she wasn’t prim or proper. What she was, was indignant that the man dare reply in that manner. Her short shorts as well as her bikini were more provocative.

“Maybe somewhat stimulating. Though that doesn’t give a man the right. I find your attire very fetching. I can see every curve you possess. I find that I enjoy looking at you.” Once again, there was a hint of amusement in his voice.

He set his hand on her bare leg. Heat seared her, touched that part of her his whispered words tinged a few minutes ago. Sparks? “If a woman doesn’t want unwanted attention, she would be well advised not to show so much of herself. Whether I agree or not matters little. What I state is a fact.”

Dallas tried to pull her skirt down. Sitting astride this huge animal made the task impossible. “I don’t want to stay in a cave. I didn’t dress to go riding. If you didn’t come along and hoist me up here, I wouldn’t be showing so much of my legs. Though I’ve…well…my short shorts show a bit more,” as she confessed, she felt heat rise to her face. Why was she telling him this?

No, not when a quick trip to Inverness would get her a nice four-star hotel.

“Short shorts?”

“Yes.” Her chin rose to prove her point as well as show him she didn’t care for his words of warning.

“Suit yourself. That’s where I’m headed though. You are coming with me…unless…”

He didn’t act like he was about to give her a choice. She knew from the first command, there were no choices in her future. “Do you wish for me to set you down. You will have to take your chances with Scratch and Geordie.”

At this point they were headed away from the falls, away from Inverness, away from her car. They’d been riding at least twenty minutes, perhaps more. The setting sun was in front of them. Yes, by the slant of the sun, they were traveling west not east. It seemed she was going to stay the night in a cave with this man. Maybe a name would help her adjust to losing her ability to choose. “What do you call yourself? You said your name was Roc?”

He barked with a sharp bout of laughter. “If it’s a full name you’re looking for my name is Cameron Petroc Frasier. Most call me Cameron. A few tend to use Roc.” He paused for a few seconds. “You? Do you have a name?”

She sifted in a hard breath of air. Frasier? She didn’t know any Frasiers by that name in this area except Rafe. Was he related to Rafe? If so, maybe that little fact would help her get what she needed. “I’m Dallas Elaine Shaw.”

“Lainie,” he murmured, his voice wafted over her name, his hand around her waist tightened. “I like that name, Lanie. What kind of name is Dallas?”

Her middle name tumbling from his lips felt like a soft caress filled with warmth. Leaning into him, she sighed as if he stroked her. For all practical purposes, she felt as if he had done so. She wondered when she could tell Rafe about this man who seemed to steal her senses.

“Roc?”

He shortened his middle name to something more palatable than Petroc.

“Yes?”

His hand rose on her ribcage then settled on the curve of her hip.

She felt the caress to the tips of her toes. Didn’t understand why but she wanted him to do that again. She wasn’t about to ask. “Don’t you need to use both hands?” While she appreciated the way his hands felt on her, she would feel safer if he kept both hands on the reins.

A small chortle proceeded his next words. “You wish for me to touch you with both my hands? I can be accommodating if that’s what you wish.”

The amusement in his voice didn’t go unnoticed. She stiffened pushing her back against his chest. “No! I want you to use both hands to steer your horse.”

“Moonstar,” he corrected. “I’m disappointed. Thought you wished for me to caress your beautiful curves. All you need do is ask. I’d be happy to oblige.”

“No, I don’t want you touch me at all.”

Her voice was too indignant when all she wished for was to feel more of the heat he generated.

“As you wish.” His hands fell away from her but he didn’t pick up the reins. “Don’t need to use two hands or even one. Can guide my horse with my knees.”

~ * ~

When Dallas didn’t show up the next day as she told Rafe she would, Rafe drove to the falls. He discovered her abandoned car. While her tripod was inside the trunk, her camera equipment along with her big bag she always carried were gone.

He tried not to panic. When he saw her next, she would be able to explain. Over then over again he told himself she was fine. Nothing happened. Dallas would turn up soon. She must have met a friend here. Why she didn’t text him though was beyond his wildest imagination. She always apprised him of her plans if she was going to deviate. She always knew he would worry.

Along the way to Inverness, he stopped at stores as well as eateries to inquire if anyone saw her. No one could report seeing a young lady of her description. Later that night when he climbed the steps to her studio apartment, he searched his head for anything she might have told him that would give him a clue as to her whereabouts.

I should move to another town.

At the time she spoke those words, Rafe hadn’t believed her, couldn’t believe she would do something so foolish. Especially without speaking more plainly. No, she didn’t move. Her home was not up for sale. Her car was now in his driveway. In the studio, he stared out the window, his heart in his throat.

She was gone from his life, at least for the time being. Until he could find her. He would too. He would never give up his search for Dallas. It would not be so easy to disappear. If necessary, he would hire a private detective. She was not skilled in vanishing. She would leave traces of her passing. Dallas would use her credit card. She would withdraw money from her bank. She could not remain missing for long. Rafe was certain she wasn’t attempting to hide from anyone.

After he uncovered the oil painting of her, her body seemed to fade, change in subtle ways. His imagination worked overtime. For the longest time he stared at the painting, remembering her.

No, she wasn’t gone. Dallas would come back to him. Yesterday was not the last time he would see her.

He prayed.

Dallas, where are you. I’ll miss you. You cannot be hurt or in need of help. I will come to you.

As the days passed, Rafe became more desolate. His best friend in the entire world went missing. There was nothing he could do about finding her. At least not any more than he already was.

Every time he passed a woman with copper colored hair, he stared. Now, he painted furiously. Sketched her from memory. Water colors, acrylics, charcoal, were all different medias he used to portray her. His walls were wallpapered with paintings of her.

At times he thought himself a bit crazed. Many times, he found himself staring out the window into the setting sun or the dawning sun. He ate little and slept less.

His friends stopped coming by to see him.

He was disheartened. Rafe visited a therapist. After a session when the doctor hypnotized him, the man pronounced him sane. Rafe supposed that was a relief even though the doctor’s words didn’t bring Dallas back to him.

After several months, Rafe began to recover. The process was slow. He still spent most of his time in the third-floor room, drawing and painting Dallas. She was all that was on his mind. The detectives he hired turned up nothing. It seemed she vanished leaving no trace of her behind.

His mother came to see him. Told him he looked terrible and smelled even worse. He knew her words for truth. Supposed a bath would be in order along with a shave. He didn’t like how the unkept beard aged him. He didn’t like the fact no one wanted to see him. Rafe understood he needed to snap out of the depression where he floundered.

By the time he finished bathing and dressing, he felt better. Stepping out of his home, he strode along the bustling city streets of Carnoch. The wind seemed to blow in from the sea. The air felt clean and crisp. He felt rejuvenated. The sky was a brilliant blue with few clouds. A weight seemed to be lifted from his shoulders.

For the first time in months, he felt as if he had something to live for. When he caught his first glimpse of her, his heart stopped for a moment. She turned down a street filled with people, tourists…so many tourists. The woman disappeared. Rafe ran after her, calling out her name, waving his arms to get her attention.

Dallas, his whispered word echoed in his head. The woman couldn’t be his Dallas. If she was here in town, she would have come to see him. She would not walk from him. Dallas would have sensed his presence then turned to look at him.

This woman sure as hell looked like Dallas. Who the devil was she? An unknown twin?

Rafe decided he was going to find out.