Realm of Dreams

REALM OF DREAMS by Shelly Turner

REALM OF DREAMS A Lady Aibell Press/Chippewa Publishing Publication, December 2006 Chippewa Publishing LLC P.O. Box 662 Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin 54729 Available Formats: Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF) Other available formats: Palm Doc (PDB), Rocket/REB1100 (RB), Pocket PC 1.0+ Compatible, Franklin eBookMan (FUB), hiebook (KML), iSilo (PDB), Mobipocket (PRC), OEBFF Format (IMP), Microsoft Reader (LIT), (HTML). REALM OF DREAMS Copyright © 2006 Shelly Turner Edited by Catherine Chant Cover Art by Djinn Proofed by Tammy Xanthakis ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book may not be reproduced in whole, or in part, by any means, without the written consent of the publisher. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination, or are fictitiously used. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Any trademarks referred to within this publication are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Chippewa Publishing, LLC., our products, or our website. WARNING: The contents of this book are intended for mature audiences 18 years of age and older only. Language, violence, and sexual situations may apply. PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Realm of Dreams

Kerri rested her elbows against the dark lacquered wooden table. Her hair flowed in strawberry blonde locks against her firm and round breasts. She couldn’t believe the dreams she’d been having for several nights now. She would wake up lathered in sweat, her ivory skin gleaming against the moonlight that shone in through her window, her heart racing as she panted for air. Kerri was twenty-six years old and had never before felt like she did right now. She sat at her table, her heart still hammering from the memory of the dream. Her inner thighs were covered with the silky moisture that had been released from her sex sometime during the dream. Was she going insane? All she could really remember was the long-haired blond man that towered over her, ravishing her body, filling her with his thick member time and again. She yearned for him, for his touch and embrace. This memory left her breathless and weak. Kerri could still feel the man’s hard, masculine touch against her soft flesh. She swore her lips were still swollen from the rough kisses that screamed out his need for her. They left her aching and begging for more, yet she was terrified to repeat the dream. Her feelings for this man were growing so rapidly, her fantasy game seemed to be turning real. The way she ached for him frightened her even more than the dream. How could she be falling for a man who did not exist? Kerri had experienced too many dates that never turned into much more than her being a jewel on a man’s arm for a night, and enough one-night stands that left her wondering if her dates would ever call again. She wanted more than lust—she wanted love. Sure, the sex was all fine and dandy at the time, but it never took long for regret to set in. She refused to be used by men, sexually or otherwise. Kerri sat at the table, her chin propped on her hands, wondering why she continued to have the same dream every night. It was as if someone had a remote 1

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control for her dreams, pausing it when she woke and continuing it as soon as she closed her eyes at night. She sat in her wooden high-backed chair thinking of the man who stole her heart as she slept. She smiled softly as she remembered how blue his eyes were. They gleamed with complete and effortless seduction. The slight stubble on his chin, the muscular shadow of his upper jaw, and his stomach rippling with muscles left her craving to explore every inch of his body. Kerri shook her head in disbelief. How could she possibly sit here and consider every aspect of this man in such detail when he was purely fictional? How could she even dare consider such intimacy with someone who didn’t exist? She must be going over the deep end. She had to be completely insane to be as fixated on this man as she was. Still, she couldn’t help thinking of how much she desired a man as perfect as he was. He caused her every nerve ending to ignite and moisture to settle in the most intimate places. Her mouth watered with want and need. This mystery man—the dream man—was the only man she had ever wanted so deeply. Kerri stretched her arms above her head and yawned as she glanced at the clock. Two thirty-three in the morning. What was she doing up at this hour? Kerri stood and slowly dragged herself back to her small, almost empty bedroom. She fell onto her bed and snuggled up against her pillow, closing her eyes as she stretched her legs out to take up most of the bed. **** Kerri opened her eyes. The sun shone brightly in the cloudless sky above her. Without glancing around, she knew instantly where she was—back in the dream. “Good morning, beautiful. Did you sleep well?” he asked in a deep voice. Her reaction was immediate. Every movement he made and every word he spoke completely seduced her. His English accent alone was enough to set her on fire. “Mmm, yes, thank you. How about you?” Kerri squinted at his silhouette, masking the bright rays of the sun from her eyes. “Any moment with you is wonderful. No sleep is needed, for you fulfill my every need.” He spoke with complete sincerity. Kerri couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Knowing she was all he needed was the biggest turn on she’d ever felt. She wasn’t naïve; she knew there was a chance that her mind was just playing tricks on her. There was a good possibility that even in the dream realm this man was only trying to seduce her, to use her. But he was doing a damn good job of acting sincere about it. Kerri grabbed his upper arm and brought him closer to her lips. She kissed him 2

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with an insatiable need. Her mouth pressed hard against his. Their tongues danced with one another as the beating of their hearts sung the tune of desire. She belonged to him in every way a woman could, and she wanted him to see her devotion to him. She could do anything she wanted with him without regret. Dreams weren’t real, and neither was he. His soft groans filled her ears, sending a passionate heat soaring through her. She gasped as he tossed the blanket aside, revealing his hardened shaft. The world spun as he lifted her into a sitting position on his legs. Slowly, he eased himself within her, filling her with his manhood. She gave in to the liquid fire that spiraled through her. She was trapped in the web of desire where only the two of them existed. His movements were slow and gentle. Her heart thumped wildly as he plunged himself deep within her sheath. Kerri wrapped her arms around his neck, closing her eyes and focusing on his every movement as he rocked her against him in slow motion. His moans filled her ears as they succumbed to the erotic fantasy. She wanted to please him, to fulfill his every need. He made her feel like no other man could. Never would a man be able to replace him. He forced her against him, yanking her hair. He kissed her deep and hard as if exploring the caverns of her mouth. He moaned as she dug her long pink nails into his bronzed flesh. He made her feel more beautiful than any other man ever had. He kissed her as if claiming possession; at least she hoped he was. He forced her to the ground and rose above her. His muscles rippled as he positioned himself between her legs. Kerri held onto his shoulders as he thrust himself deep within the confines of her sheath. Kerri screamed out to him in pleasure. Her legs shook, her hands roamed for something to hold onto. She wanted to touch him, to bring him closer. She wanted to feel his body molding into hers. Everything began to spin around her as ecstasy flooded her. Her moans echoed in the air. His muscles tensed against her. His movement sped up. Her body quivered against his. She could feel the heat of his passion seep deep within her. He stared lovingly at her. His eyes filled with a gentle kindness that she had never seen any man possess. There was no doubt that he cared for her in a way no one else had. Finally, she found what she’d been searching for. Flames licked her skin as he lowered himself to lay soft kisses on her stomach, slowly moving upward until he reached her lips. His kiss was soft against her lips. She could feel every ounce of passion he possessed within his soul as he brushed her hair from her eyes and continued the feverish kiss. Kerri couldn’t hold the tears back any longer. “Did I hurt you, love?” he asked. 3

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“No, I’m just a little overwhelmed. If this is a dream, why do I feel like I belong here with you? I am so afraid of going back into my everyday life and never knowing who you are or seeing you again. What if one day I wake and can never return? You are the only man that has ever made me feel so feminine. In the past, men have only taken what they wanted from me and left me with nothing.” “Don’t cry, darling. I will never use you and I am not going anywhere. Yes, maybe this is a dream, but within time it can become more. I know it sounds crazy, but give it time.” “I don’t even know your name.” “That is unimportant. What’s important is the connection between us that we both feel. But if you must know, my name is Ridge Thompson, and I am in love with a beautiful woman.” He smiled sweetly at her. “I am—” “Kerri,” Ridge said. “How did you know?” “I found you, didn’t I?” “Yes, I suppose you did.” “I’m afraid I must go now,” Ridge said, “but I will come back to you as soon as I can. “Why? Why must you go?” Sadness enveloped her. She couldn’t stand the thought of him leaving her once again. She felt so infantile needing him to stay— wanting him to stay. Kerri didn’t want to let go, or be let go. She could barely contain her whimpers. Ridge gently caressed her cheek with the palm of his hand. “I will see you soon, my beautiful rose. Don’t cry, it’s not over yet.” With that, he vanished in front of her eyes. **** Kerri awoke, still trying to figure out exactly what Ridge meant when he said they could become more than a mere dream. How could they possibly be together in the real world, when he was simply a figment of her imagination? He was someone her mind created to keep her loneliness from devouring her. She climbed out of bed and went into the bathroom to shower. She was dumbfounded as she washed her intimate folds and felt the thick substance wash away. She had no choice but to chalk it up to her own wet dream. She wished Ridge would come to her right now and love her the way he had in her dreams. She craved every part of him. She wanted to give him more now than in her sleeping hours. She needed his companionship—something real. Kerri shook her head. She had to get him out of her mind. No doubt about it; 4

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she needed help. If she kept on like this, she’d never be able to function normally. What would her co-workers think? Fortunately, the clinic was closed today. She finally had a day off to herself. She had been working every day for the past four weeks giving shots and assisting with physicals. Becoming a nurse had been her calling since she was a young child, and she enjoyed helping people, but the hours and responsibilities were overwhelming at times. The end of summer was always busy with parents bringing their children in for immunizations before the school started. Kerri wasn’t much of a drinker, but today she really needed something to help push Ridge from her thoughts. After her shower, she poured herself an orange juice and slipped a few shots of Vodka into it. She felt like she should be ashamed for drinking so early in the day, but the chance to relax was well worth it. A few drinks later, she found herself wobbling slightly but still she continued to drink. Within a few hours she was completely disoriented. The ringing phone startled her. She fumbled for the receiver. “I am looking for a Miss. Kerri Charleston,” a man’s voice said. “This is she. Can I help you?” “Yes. I was wondering if you could give me directions to the clinic. I need to bring my son for his shots.” Without thinking about why she’d receive a business related call on her home line, Kerri gave him the directions and hung up. Then she gasped. That voice! His voice…so deep and passionate. It could have been only one person—Ridge! But how could he reach her in her waking moments? Was she still sleeping? She laughed at herself. It wasn’t possible. She placed her glass back onto the table and stared at the contents. Tears filled her eyes. She’d gotten herself so drunk that now she was bringing the man of her dreams into her real life. Her lip quivered as she realized how deeply she wished for the company of Ridge Thompson. He was the only one that could make her feel alive, even if only in a fantasy world that her imagination had created. She envisioned herself elderly and alone, and the thought nearly broke her heart. None of her relationships ever lasted beyond the lust stage. What hope was there for the future? She had to admit she had a good life otherwise. She made a decent income and had practically any material possession she desired, but what good was having nice things when she had no one to share them with? She would give up everything she had just for one chance at true love, someone to share her life with. Kerri rested her head against the arm of the sofa and turned on the television to banish the tormenting silence. Moments later, Kerri slept soundly. **** 5

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A gentle blue mist surrounded her. The sky took on the colors of the rainbow in the most vibrant shades she had ever seen. Kerri smiled softly as she raised her hands toward the sky. The sound of water falling filled her ears. She glanced around to see where the dream had brought her this time. A large waterfall off in the distance poured into a crystal clear pond that edged up to the grass in front of her. Wildflowers of every shade dotted the lustrous green landscape. Kerri strolled through the field of flowers, occasionally stopping to sniff the scent of the petals. She could not calm the anticipation rising within her. Ridge had to be here somewhere. Soon he would show himself. After all, he had been her partner in her dreams for several days now. When she slept, she never doubted he would be here waiting for her. Butterflies in beautiful shades swarmed around her. One landed on her shoulder. Kerri smiled gently as she lifted the butterfly to her fingers. She stared at all of its magnificent colors. Within seconds the butterfly unfolded itself, revealing a small piece of folded paper. Kerri gasped and smiled with delight. Stranger things had happened in her dreams, but this was indeed unique. She unfolded the piece of paper and read: My love, I am truly sorry that I am unable to be with you at the moment, but I have a lot of challenges ahead of me. I must take care of some things before we talk again. No matter how long I am gone, I vow that I will return to you as soon as I am able. I hope the beauty that lies before you helps ease the pain of the loneliness you feel. Do not worry, my love, for I will be with you in a matter of time. See you soon and sweet dreams. Love Always, Ridge Kerri couldn’t believe how romantic this man was. Why couldn’t he exist in her real life when she was awake? She craved to be with him, but no matter what, she would only be with him in this dream world. Her eyes stung with tears. Her emotions were a mass of confusion. The one thing she wanted most in this world could never be fulfilled. The next moment, Kerri opened her eyes and it was morning again. Sadness 6

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filled her heart. All she wanted was to be with a man like Ridge. Why was that so hard to come by in the real world? She glanced at her watch. Her head throbbed from last night’s consumption. No more time for self-pity. She had to be at the clinic soon. She barely had time for a quick shower. Throughout the day, Kerri’s thoughts were preoccupied with Ridge. No matter how much she tried to force herself to stop thinking about him, she couldn’t. Since Ridge stepped into her life—or her dreams—she couldn’t bear the thought of being alone any longer. Having a man in her life to love with all her heart had never been a priority, but now it was all she could think about. The day dragged by, hours seemed to pass, but when Kerri glanced at the clock it had only been forty-five minutes. The job she’d loved at one time held little interest for her now. She couldn’t focus. She wanted to go back to the silence of her small one-bedroom apartment and sleep. In her dreams her life seemed much less unfulfilled and lonely. She wondered at what point she had become so dissatisfied with her seemingly perfect life that her subconsciousness had resorted to creating a fantasy world where her greatest wishes would come true. Had it been one event or an accumulation of many small events over the years? Was she losing her mind? The drive home was slow. The streets were clogged with traffic, which gave her plenty of time to gather her thoughts. How could she end this obsession with Ridge and resume her normal life? How had she let herself fall into a delusion so deep? After all, she was a medical professional. She should have seen the signs. She knew this wasn’t normal allowing herself to be completely vulnerable to an imaginary man. She should get help. But she didn’t want the fantasy to end. Lord help her, this was the best thing that had ever happened in her life. If only he weren’t a fantasy. And she weren’t having some sort of breakdown. **** Six weeks later, things were somewhat back to normal. Dreams of Ridge came less often. Kerri still yearned for his touch, yet in some ways she was thankful that her thoughts weren’t constantly centered on him. Her desperate desire to be with him eased up a little. Through no small effort, she’d finally come to terms with the fact that Ridge was only a figment of her 7

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imagination and his not returning to her dreams was a sign she was getting better— something she should be happy about. Occasionally she felt as if she was being watched, but instead of frightening her, the presence was actually a comfort. She wasn’t sure why. Kerri once again came home exhausted, returning to her bed to sleep so that she would have the energy to start all over again the next day. Sleep consumed her quickly. “Kerri, how have you been my love?” Ridge asked. Kerri was afraid to blink. Would he disappear if she looked away? Her palms became sweaty. Why was he back? She longed to run into his arms and cover him in kisses, but she didn’t want to overlook what his reappearance meant—her mind was deceiving her again. Still, she was curious what had taken him so long. In her heart she’d never gotten over him. Why had he deserted her weeks ago? “Where have you been all of this time?” she asked. “I have been trying to get to you.” Ridge spoke in soft tones, as he ran his fingers through her hair. “Please don’t touch me,” she said swatting his hand away. Tears blurred her vision. “How could you leave me like that and then come back into my life expecting me to just accept it like nothing’s changed?” “Are you unhappy I am here?” he asked. Concern etched the deep lines around his eyes. “No, I’m not unhappy you’re here, it’s just…my life finally got back to normal, and now I have to deal with your coming and going all over again. I don’t know if I can keep fighting with all of these emotions.” Kerri wiped a tear away from her cheek. She loved him, but the pain wasn’t worth the miniscule amount of time he had to offer. “Sweetheart, you don’t have to worry anymore. I am here with you, to stay.” “How can you stay when this is nothing but a dream? I have to wake up sometime—” Ridge stifled her protests by planting his lips roughly against hers. His mouth was hot and sweet. “Stop, Ridge,” she said, pushing against his chest. “What’s wrong?” His eyes held hers. “You come back into my life and expect everything to just continue as before? It’s not that easy, Ridge.” “I thought that you’d be happy that I’ve come back to you,” he said. Tears stung Kerri’s eyes. “I am happy, but I can’t keep doing this to myself. I want something real and someone I can love completely. I don’t want a relationship based on fantasies.” Heated tears streamed down her cheeks. “Kerri, I’m not going anywhere. I love you. I’m sorry that I’ve hurt you, but it 8

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was necessary for me to leave for a brief time so that I could make our relationship permanent,” Ridge said in all sincerity. “I will never leave you again.” It broke Kerri’s heart to see the tears welling up in his eyes. There was no doubt that he meant his every word. She caressed his unshaved cheek with the palm of her hand. His sincerity brought her anger crashing down and quickly turned the heat inside her into a desire to stop the agony they both clearly felt. “Kiss me,” she said, moving closer to him. She needed him with more passion than she thought she’d ever possess. She longed for him, craved for Ridge to fill her, to release the sweet yearning that had grown since the moment she’d laid her eyes upon him. It didn’t matter if this was a dream or not. It felt so real. The sensations he stirred within her could be nothing other than real. She held her breath as he lifted her skirt and eased himself between her legs, teasing her with the tip of his hard member. Her heart skipped a beat as she watched him look at her with such longing and need that it left her breathless. Kerri gasped when he lowered his head to her most intimate parts. She ran her fingers through his long blonde hair and moaned out his name. She closed her eyes, allowing the pleasure of his tongue massaging her intimate folds to absorb her in everyway. A wildfire spread through her and left her trembling against him. Kerri’s body quivered as Ridge lifted himself from her sex. Then he lowered his mouth to her breast. His tongue circled her rosebud nipple. Her mind soared with thoughts of him staking claim to her body. She wanted to give him the pleasure that she felt in his presence alone. She arched her back as Ridge slid his shaft between her folds, teasing and tantalizing her. No longer could she wait for him to enter her and take what she so willingly offered. She needed him. She pushed herself against him, demanding him to enter her. He slid himself within her, and it took her breath away. How did he make her feel so good and so needy at the same time? So hot and fiery. His body thrust against hers, filling her deeply. Waves of passion flooded through her like high tide. Liquid heat pooled to her center. Kerri screamed out in pleasure as her body trembled against his. Her body ached with desperate need for release. Her sex tightened against him in blissful orgasm. Kerri purred, smiling as Ridge pulled her into his arms. She felt so safe with him, so loved as he held her tight against him. Kerri awoke with a start, her alarm blaring in the small room. She rolled over to hit the snooze button. Her thighs and delicate folds were tender, as if bruised. She remembered her dream and smiled. How could a dream cause her to ache 9

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like this? It couldn’t unless it was real, but how? The answers still weren’t there. Kerri stretched and snuggled back into the warmth of her sheets. She closed her eyes to listen to the birds chirping outside her window. She could even smell fresh roses. A car drove past blasting its horn. Kerri gasped and shot into a sitting position. The window was wide open! But she hadn’t opened it. Her pulse raced at the sight of pink rose petals sprinkled upon her bed. Her eyes darted to the folded piece of paper on the nightstand. Carefully, she unfolded the letter and read: Love, I hope last night was just as remarkable for you as it was for me. I hope your day is wonderful, my love. Soon I will return to you. Love Always, Ridge She fingered the paper. It felt real enough. She scanned her room again. The room seemed real. Right down to the dusty ceiling fan. So, if this wasn’t a dream, where had the letter come from? Was it possible to carry letters from dreams into reality? Doubt filtered through her, but she clung to hope. He was the only one she had wanted, and now it seemed like her dreams were becoming reality. It had taken her so long to accept that dreams were only dreams and now this? Damn the hope that blossomed in her heart! It wasn’t fair. Who in the hell brings their dreams into the real world? She was going become lost in her fantasies again if she wasn’t careful. Oh, but she wanted him so much. She wanted him here with her, to experience life as she did. Of course, if he were here—if he were real—she would not be so torn up about this and feeling like she was on the brink of insanity. Kerri reached for the phone. There was no way she could work with so many things playing in her mind. She needed to figure out how all of this happened. Maybe if she went back to sleep, he would be there awaiting her—with answers! Moments later, after the call ended, tears rolled down her cheeks. Kerri had always thought she was the sanest person around, but now she had reason to second guess herself. She rolled herself into a ball in the comfort of her bed, wrapping her arms tightly around her knees. Her body shook unremittingly as sobs consumed her. “Kerri, why are you crying? Did I hurt you?” Ridge asked. Kerri jolted up and gazed uncertain at her bedroom door. She stared at the man of her dreams. “What? How did you get here?” Confusion swept over her. She had not fallen asleep. Was she really going crazy? 10

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“I was with you last night, remember?” A look of uncertainty crossed Ridge’s face. “Yes, but that was a dream. That is where you are, in my dreams. Not in my house. How did you get in here?” Chills raced up her spine. Maybe she should have seen a therapist. Maybe she wasn’t as together as she thought. It was one thing to have the fantasies at night, but how in the hell could she justify him being in her house—when she was wide awake? “You want me to leave? I’m sorry, Kerri. I didn’t mean to trouble you.” “Trouble me?” She laughed. “It’s way beyond trouble now. I have gone mad. You’re a dream, and now I am talking with someone who isn’t here at all.” Kerri quivered and her heart pounded. She had always managed to rationalize unreasonable happenings, but nothing about this made sense. “I will go. You need time.” He handed her a small business card. “Here is my number. Call me when you feel like talking. I would probably feel the same way if I were in your shoes.” He exited the house without another word. In my shoes? Isn’t he in the same position? All hell was breaking loose in her mind. It was insane to bring dreams to life where every moment was a struggle. This really gave the phrase ‘man of my dreams’ new meaning. But if she gave in to this…this psychosis…that had taken over her mind, what would become of her? Her gazed traveled to the spot in the room where he’d stood just a few moments ago and knew she was powerless to reject him. For the sake of her sanity, she wished like hell she didn’t want him so badly. It would be in her best interest to let him go, but it was too late for that. **** Ridge walked the streets of Kerri’s small town, no destination in mind, no purpose really. He just wanted to be near her, close enough to help her adjust to the truth of his existence, but not so close he frightened her away. Since he was a young boy of seven, he had been able to enter the dreams of people that were meant to be part of his life. He had always known Kerri was the woman for him, but had waited until he thought she was strong enough to digest the truth of his existence. Sure, he could’ve introduced himself to her in the real world, but dreams offered endless choices. By visiting her in the dream realm he had the chance to know her and to figure out whether or not she was intended to be his soul mate without disrupting her life. In the dream realm, he’d convinced himself, he could experience a moment with her and leave if it turned out they weren’t meant to be, with no one getting hurt. After the way she’d looked at him this morning, though, he wished in some ways that he’d given her a chance to get to know him in the real world first. 11

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She had been so passionate with him, so loving and caring, when she had thought him a mere fantasy. Would she be able to accept him now as a real man? It could take awhile for her to accept that, but he would wait no matter how long it took. One day she would call. His heart would not lie to him about something like that. It was their destiny to be together, he was sure of it. Until then, he would stay in town so she could reach him when the time was right. Ridge returned to the hotel, his mind weighed down by the day’s events. The room was dark and much colder than it had been when he left it. It would be so easy to enter her dreams right now and ask her to be with him, but she needed her privacy to make up her own mind. He couldn’t bring himself to chase her when she was desperate to be alone and think about what she wanted. It broke his heart knowing he’d caused the torment he’d seen in her eyes. Ridge lay down on the loveseat in his hotel room. He hadn’t consciously planned on it, but within seconds sleep overtook him. A thick mist covered the ground. The land was calm, only a few birds chirping in the distance. The trees swayed as the wind blew. Rain fell, stinging Ridge’s skin with its sharp, needle-like drops. Green meadows stretched out before him as far as his eyes could see. Then the sound of a woman crying broke the quiet. Ridge listened for several minutes and knew it was Kerri. He hoped she would call out for him so he could comfort her. His chest ached with need. He wanted to hold her and take her pain away. But he knew he couldn’t run to her as he once did. She wouldn’t accept his uninvited overtures. Ridge snapped his eyes open, breathing hard. His hands shook. What could he do? The matter was out of his hands and the only thing that would resolve it was time. Sadness streaked through him. He felt lost without her. Never had he thought of himself as weak, but now he felt helpless. She’d made him vulnerable, dependent. Their future rested in her hands. The phone rang, startling him into full alertness. The annoying bleeping pierced his skull, but it was the sweetest sound he’d ever heard. It had to be her. He quickly lifted the receiver and croaked in a greeting. “Ridge, could you please come over? We need to talk.” Her voice was sweet and seductive. Even in moments like this he couldn’t help the way his body responded to her gentle voice. “I’ll be right there.” He dropped the receiver to the floor, left it dangling by its cord. He didn’t care about anything other than getting to her. She’d asked for him, 12

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wanted him. This was the happiest moment of his life. Kerri paced the living room. She was certain that if he’d taken much longer her soft beige carpet would have holes in it. She let the words she wanted to say to Ridge flow through her head. First one way, then another. It was all still so jumbled. How would she ever get it straight? Her knees were weak and doubt flooded through her. She would be lucky to have him, but ignoring how he came into her life seemed impossible. Kerri’s heart raced when the doorbell sounded. Pulling the door open, she inhaled deeply. “Ridge, come in. Thanks for coming over.” She forced control into her voice, forced order into the words that didn’t want to come out, but she had to talk to him and get some answers. “Kerri, I know—” “Don’t tell me anything yet. Let me tell you how I feel about this before I lose my nerve.” She nervously brushed back the strands of hair from her eyes. “Ridge, this is crazy. You managed somehow to get from my dreams and into reality. It doesn’t seem right. You shouldn’t be here. I feel like I am losing my mind and I don’t understand how all of this is happening.” Her voice was shaky. She could feel the heat on her cheeks. “I have the ability to enter the dreams of people who have strong meaning in my life. I thought if I came to you in your dreams it would be easier to get to know you without complicating your life. I know it’s selfish in some ways, but I thought if something went wrong between us, you wouldn’t be hurt—because it was only a dream.” His eyes lowered toward the floor. Sadness spread across his features. “I waited until I thought we had something real to come to you in person. I didn’t mean to hurt you, Kerri. I only wanted to love you.” “Love…me?” Her heart skipped a beat. She wanted to challenge his very existence, but deep within her soul, she couldn’t. If he wasn’t real, it would devastate her now. She wanted him more than he could know. “How can you love me?” she asked, softly. “We met in a dream. You really don’t know that much about me. You’ve been very loving toward me, but does that mean you love me?” “How can I not? You’re an amazing woman. The way you kiss me with such need and passion. The way you smile at me sends me over the edge. You’re beautiful in every way. I know I’ve made this all so complicated and probably damn near impossible to come to terms with, but give us a chance, Kerri. I will show you what a man in love is capable of.” Her heart softened, and tears filled her eyes. His words turned her insides, leaving her heated. She embraced this moment, seeing such a strong man become so soft and gentle as he spoke words of love. 13

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No longer could she fight the desperate passion the blazed inside of her, nor did she want to deny her true love for this man—a desire that had been driving her mad for months now. There was no denying how she felt about him. Kerri threw her arms around Ridge’s neck. Her lips parted slightly as she delved into the sweet temptation of his mouth. Her tongue danced in desperate rhythm with his. No longer was it just a desire, but a desperate need. Her hands roamed his body, feeling the rough texture of his masculine frame. She moaned softly as he lifted her t-shirt from her. His smile sent heat pooling within her stomach. Her hair fell around her shoulders as he removed the clip that held it. “You are so beautiful,” he murmured. She held back her tears. This wasn’t a time to cry, but a time to rejoice and be thankful for the realm of dreams that turned her love into an exquisite reality. Kerri lifted Ridge’s shirt over his head and ran her fingers over the ripples of his abs. His body was bronzed to perfection, his muscles taut. Long blond hair rested against his shoulders. She ran soft kisses down his chest. Her face grew wet with the tears she attempted to hold back. His hot skin felt wonderful against her hands. She unbuttoned his jeans, revealing his hardened member that awaited her attention. She stroked him slowly, watching his reaction. He held his head high, eyes closed as he groaned softly. Heat coursed through her. Ridge quickly lifted her into his arms, devouring her lips with his. His kiss was hard and deliciously painful. Shock filtered through her as he leaned her against the wall, removing her jeans. She rested her arms around his neck. Moans escaped her as his fingers delved into her, massaging her sex. Her breathing quickened and she closed her eyes, allowing the sensation to take over. Liquid flames flooded her. Kerri screamed out as he entered her sheath. Her body shook with spasms. He felt so right within her. They were meant to be, and she knew it. The room spun as he thrust within her, filling her time and again with his hard shaft. Her body ached for release. Soft moans escaped her and filled his ears. The more she moaned for him, the harder he thrust himself within her. Liquid heat raced through her like molten lava. When her orgasm peaked, instead of sating her, the ecstasy only left her hotter and yearning for more. Ridge carried her to the bedroom and lowered her to the mattress. Her mind swirled once more as his tongue flicked the nub of her sex. Kerri arched herself closer to him, wanting everything he had to offer. His mouth ravaged her, filling her with a pleasure she had never known. The gentle stroke of his hand against her inner thigh sent her into a deep orgasm. She trembled as the pleasure consumed her, throwing her into waves of 14

Shelly Turner

REALM OF DREAMS

heated passion. Her moans reverberated in the room. Kerri gasped for air. She didn’t want to breathe, afraid that it would all end. She feared that once it did, he would disappear back into the dream world from where he came. She panted softly, his lips now only inches from hers. She raised her head to kiss him, yet he only moved farther away. Desperate need filled her. She needed to taste his mouth against her. Kerri called out softly, begging for him to release the torment that had overtaken her. “Kiss me, Ridge,” she said in a demanding tone. His lips pressed hard against hers. Kerri’s tongue danced with his in a desperate rhythm. Insatiable hunger burnt within her. Never could she get enough of him. His power over her was much more than lust, it was love. He entered her silky sheath, filling her up with his own hard desire. Her body moved in rhythm with his, her hips grinding desperately against him. She needed to ease the blaze that grew hotter with each passing second. Ridge stared at her seductively; his blond hair draped over one side of his face. He continued thrusting himself within her, taking her greedily. Kerri moaned as he devoured every ounce of her confusion. This was no dream. This was real. Waves of liquid heat consumed her once more. She could feel his body harden against hers. His muscles tensed as he fed his own flames. His own liquid heat flooded into her as she whispered his name. Kerri rested her hand against his chest, her fingers entwining his light colored hair. Tears filled her eyes. The passion they had shared was more than she ever could have imagined it to be. “Don’t worry, love. I’m not going anywhere,” he said, his voice velvety and strong. “I love you, Ridge.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I love you too, beautiful.” Kerri kissed his chest, allowing emotion to overcome her. With Ridge she would be complete. He was her realm of dreams that had somehow become her reality, and she thanked fate for that. She’d never really understood how lonely she’d been until that first dream had come and gone, leaving her begging for more. Ridge was her soul mate, the only man that could brew a fire within her so quickly and tame it so deliciously. He was her love, and her heart. “Now I know that dreams really can come true,” she said as she snuggled against him. For the first time in her life she felt complete and happy. The world was theirs to explore, as the realm of dreams became a reality. THE END 15

Shelly Turner

REALM OF DREAMS

About the Author Shelly Turner Shelly Turner resides in a small town in Texas. She has five wonderful children, three girls and two boys. She is married to Jason who has supported her through many late nights of writing and has become her stepping stone into a world where dreams really do become reality.

Other Lady Aibell Press Titles By Shelly Turner A Slave To The Heart January 2006 Hadrian’s First Girl July 2006

Our authors love to hear from their readers! You can write to Shelly here: Shelly Turner c/o Chippewa Publishing LLC P.O. Box 662 Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin 54729

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Shelly Turner

REALM OF DREAMS

Lady Aibell Press http://www.ladyaibell.com a division of Chippewa Publishing LLC Catching Your Dreams of Fiction! http://www.chippewapublishing.com

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