Free Night Visions (Night Series) by Elena Gray Page A

if it pertained to him. Lifting her shoulders, she sat back up in her seat. "Maybe she was talking about you."
    The questions ceased as Ian's eyes narrowed. What could he possibly be thinking? Hating the silence that stretched between them she added, "Or maybe she was talking about whatever was in the woods. You remember Bryan up the road? He thought it was an animal, but now I'm not so sure."
    "When was this?" Anger laced Ian's tone, forcing her to lean back until the door prevented her from moving further.
    "Today. While I was on my run with Ginger."
    Ian's eyes darted to Ginger, before settling back on Sam. She squirmed under his questioning stare.
    "I was on the path that skirts the lake and opens at Bryan's house. Gin sensed something in the woods. I could feel it watching me." She swallowed hard at the memory. Bumps sprung up on her arms. "It kept pace with us until we left the trail."
    "Did Bryan see anything?"
    Sam shook her head. "He thought it was just an animal."
    "Yeah. It probably was." Without another word Ian started the car. Jamming it into reverse, he spun the wheel. The tires sent rocks pinging against the undercarriage.
    Why did Ian's reaction bother her so much?

CHAPTER 8
     
    Ian forced himself to keep the conversation light, while inside his blood simmered. Things were worse than he originally thought. Had progressed faster than anticipated. The speedometer lifted, putting him twenty miles over the limit. Easing off the accelerator he switched to cruise control.
    Had she lived with these visions and nightmares alone? Keeping it to herself out of shame and embarrassment? All he wanted to do right now was pull the car over and hold her in his arms. To erase the years of hurt. To leave her feeling protected.
    Sam rested her head against the glass, her fingers twirling a strand of hair. He hoped she didn't regret her decision to open up to him. For the first time he actually felt like they were friends again, her trust in him allowing her to release the shield.
    "Congratulations on your career. I can't go in to a book store without seeing one of your novels at the front display."
    Sam blushed lowering her head. "Thanks."
    "I'm proud of you , Sam. I always knew you could do it. All the stories you used to tell. You really have a gift."
    He knew she felt uncomfortable under the heaping praise. Never one to accept it easily. Kind of ironic how she ended up in the spotlight. On television she always seemed so comfortable and confident. Her passion shone through, especially when talking about one of her novels.
    "Jason told me you have a place in Manhattan. Do you spend much time there?" He knew he was prying for more information about her life. Hopefully she wouldn't realize it and shut down. He needed her to step away from the wall she'd built to protect herself. A wall that wouldn't be between them had he stayed.
    Sam's locks swept across her shoulder as she shook her head. "No. I always end up home. It keeps me grounded. It's hard to not get inspired there."
    "Well, I'm sure this trip has given you plenty of inspiration," he joked.
    Sam rewarded his comment with a tilt to her lips. Ian didn't realize how starved his soul was to see that smile again.
    "Yes, a hunky hero saves the damsel in distress. Bodies will fly as he tosses them aside to rescue his one true love." After the words left her mouth, she pressed her lips together. Her eyes widened at her obvious slip.
    "So you think I'm hunky?" Ian couldn't resist taking advantage of her blunder. "I do work out , you know." He bent his arm toward her, flexing his muscle. "It's like a rock. Go ahead and touch it," he teased.
    Laughing , Sam swatted his arm away. "You know, vanity isn't attractive."
    "Who said I'm vain? You paid me a compliment and I graciously accepted."
    "Ha! Some things never change!"
    No. They didn't. Like the way teasing her made her cheeks heat. Just like they were now. He loved that shade of pink. Loved the way it made those big brown eyes