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

come to life.
    "Well look at it this way, I saved you a ton of research for the hero part."
    "Gee thanks."
    Sam was silent for a moment, her fingers plucked at her knit pants. He hoped he didn't make her feel uncomfortable with his teasing.
    Stretching one leg out in front of her, she twisted in her seat facing him. "You know…speaking of research. I found out something weird about the lake houses in our community."
    Ian lifted a brow and waited for her to continue.
    "Did you know that there hasn't been a new homeowner since the first homes were built? All of the deeds have been in the same families for generations."
    "Really?"
    "Yeah." She frowned as she continued to stare at him, arms crossing her chest as she leaned against her seat. "Don't you find that strange?"
    "I guess it's not common, but on average we have less homes with more acreage than most lake communities. Some of the neighbors are related, so it's only natural that they would want to keep the homes in the family so they could raise their kids together. Not to mention the investment value."
    "Maybe, I don't know."
    Guess she didn't like his answer. "Well, look at you and Jason. Would you let your parents sell the house or keep it for yourself?"
    He could see the battle brewing within her. One of curiosity and logic. She thought she was on to something. Didn't want to let go of that possibility. But reluctantly did as she released a sigh. "We'd keep it."
    Forcing a smile, Ian refocused on the road. It was only a matter of time before Sam put two and two together. The lack of for sale signs a dead giveaway of the secrets she grew up with. The secrets she would soon learn.
    And hopefully accept.
     
    * * *
     
    Weariness began to settle in to Sam's muscles. Her lids heavy from lack of sleep. She tried to focus on what Ian was saying, but even in her current state, sensed something was off. Sure, he smiled and said all of the right things. It may have fooled someone else. But not her. If anyone knew his quirks, it was her. At least she thought she knew everything about him. One thing she did know, his attempt to conceal his discomfort failed. Since she'd revealed her secret to him, he'd thrown up a mask.
    Maybe he had second thoughts about bringing an unstable ex-girlfriend on a cross-country trip. Worried she might have another episode. She shouldn't really care what churned through his mind. Once she reached Jason , they would part ways. So why did the thought of leaving him nearly tear the breath from her?
    What happened to him since he'd been gone? He used to be so carefree and comfortable around her. Now he built up a wall, whenever the old Ian tried to slip through.
    Slowing the SUV, Ian pulled off the highway into a deserted convenience store parking lot. The windows plastered with signs advertising 'smokes cheap' and 'stock up on beer for the big race.'
    Perfect timing. Being cooped up in the car left Sam restless. She needed to compose herself , and being in such close quarters with Ian made that impossible. Since he polished off the last of her Twizzlers about an hour ago, she needed reinforcements. Damn nerves. Why did she feel the need to eat when something upset her? At the rate she was going, she'd be lucky if she could still button her pants after this trip.
    The door squeaked on its hinges as she pushed her way through. She cast a friendly smile toward the man behind the counter. He returned the gesture, giving her a peek at the wad of chewing tobacco in his mouth.
    The smell of gasoline and motor oil drifted through the open door of the connecting autoshop. The whir of an air compressor mixed with the twang of country music streaming out of the speakers overhead.
    While Sam perused the rows of candy, Ian leaned over, his shoulder skimmed hers making her heart hitch in her chest. He grabbed a candy bar and walked back toward the coolers. Did he feel the heat their bodies generated when they touched? Or was he completely unaffected?
    She dumped her