Touched by Lightning [Dreams of You] (Romantic Suspense) by Tina Wainscott Page B

“Too close.”
    “You’ve lived here for two years, and you’re afraid to go back to where you came from.”
    “Can’t we talk about you?” She tried to keep her tone light and change the subject.
    Adrian laughed. “Oh, no, you’re much more interesting.” He stopped again, holding her forearms. His laughter left his features. “Will you tell me what you’re afraid of? Maybe I can help.”
    “No one can help me,” she said, her voice in a whisper.
    “Talk to me, Nikki. Try me.”
    Parts of her soul cried out to tell him everything and unload her burden. Despite his touch and the earnestness on his handsome face, the sensible part dominated.
    “There’s nothing you can do. Please, don’t ask.”
    He nodded, letting her arms go.
    Looking out to the ocean, he jammed his fingers through his hair. She could see the frustration in his eyes, and it baffled her that he wanted to help her. Why? She linked her hands together, twisting them. In the last three years, she had worked hard to shut everyone out of her life. During the trial she had been a protected witness. Most of that time, she’d been in the hospital getting the many surgeries needed to restore her skin. After that, when Devlin had been acquitted, she’d gone into hiding.
    “Why do you want to help me?”
    Adrian turned around, and there was a strange light in his eyes. “I can’t explain it. I just do.”
    She nodded, understanding not being able to explain things. What she did not understand was the feelings this man invoked in her. It was hopeless to feel giddy, flushed…hopeful. What could she possibly hope for? He couldn’t save her. He wouldn’t stay around. Yet, she found herself hoping that he’d kiss her again. Ah, it had felt so wonderful to be kissed, to be touched.
    He dropped down to the beach and started scooping moist sand into a pile. A slice of skin showed beneath his T-shirt and jeans as he worked.
    “What are you doing?” she asked.
    “What does it look like? I’m building a sandcastle.”
     
     
     

CHAPTER 7
     
     
    Adrian loved the sound of her laughter as she watched him shape the large mound that would be the main part of the castle. One of the images in the tunnel showed Nikki doing this very thing. Who was that boy kicking in her sandcastle? He wanted to know but couldn’t ask.
    She knelt across from him and started pushing sand toward the mound. Sure, it was silly. He wasn’t even sure what had possessed him to do it. In fact, he was still stunned at his last impulsive move—kissing her. He didn’t want to get involved with Nikki, beyond trying to help her. Celine had said their destinies were entwined, not that they would be lovers. Besides, Nikki had squelched his attempt to help her. So why was he building a sandcastle with her? He should be going back to the house and packing, arranging for an earlier flight back to New York. He should certainly not be kissing her or thinking of doing it again.
    She looked up at him, her green eyes sparkling. Realizing he’d been staring at her, he dove back into the work at hand, shaping the first turret. She watched him, then started building one on the other side. Her teeth were white as she smiled at him. She took good care of them, and she always smelled clean, though he didn’t detect the musky perfume she’d had on before. Her blond hair hung over her shoulders in soft waves, dragging in the sand when she leaned forward. A faint smile tinged her features as she worked at their creation. Crackers wandered over to investigate, but Adrian threw a stick to distract him, not wanting this sandcastle destroyed.
    Nikki had to be one tough kid to survive for two years on the streets by herself. Right now, though, she seemed like a china doll, the sun reflecting off her pale skin. Her delicate fingers worked with precision, making the turret perfect.
    When she started to look up, he turned and searched in the immediate area for shells. He collected a pile and pressed