Cheyenne (23 page)

Once again, my skin crawled. There was still a line inside the bathroom. I was hoping they would be gone by the time I exited. I thought about texting Colt, but realized my phone was in my jacket at the table. This wasn’t a big deal, I told myself. I could handle it.

Cautiously I stepped out of the bathroom and was relieved to find the three men had gone. I picked up my pace down the dark hallway; once again I had to cross the dance floor. As I rounded the corner to the floor, a rough hand latched onto my wrist. I stiffened as I realized they had lain in wait around the corner. I wasn’t scared yet, just becoming more irritated.

I was jerked to the dance floor and thrown into the arms of the dark-haired man who had hit on me in the hall, his friends nearby.

“
Hey, baby. I just wanted a dance is all,” he said with his face a little too close for comfort. I pushed my hands to his chest, trying to break his hold as his arms locked around my waist, but he leaned forward.

“
I would have said no,” I replied firmly as I tried to keep my distance. The smell of alcohol on his breath was making me ill. He wasn’t drunk yet, but I was sure it was impairing his judgment.

“
Just one little dance.” A sly smile was etched on his face as his hand roamed up my back and began pushing me forward.

“
You need to let go of me right now,” I said through my teeth. “Or you’re going to get hurt.”

He chuckled as he continued to press me closer, his lips dangerously close to mine. “And what are you going to do about it?” a threatening low voice echoed in my ears.

“
She doesn’t need to do anything, because I will,” Colt’s deep rumbling raised the hair on the back of my neck. Suddenly the expression on my assaulter’s face changed, and his two friends stepped up. His hands released their grasp, and I smirked.

“
Told you you’d get hurt.” Callon pulled me back and twisted me quickly as he moved us away from the impending fight to the dance floor. I glanced back and saw Colt and Daniel towering over my assaulters. They blended into the crowd, not wanting to cause a scene in front of everyone, and Callon was obviously trying to act like nothing was wrong.

“
Are you alright?” Callon’s voice was anxious as we began to dance. His hand rubbed my back, trying to comfort me. “I knew I shouldn’t have let you go alone. I saw him yank you onto the floor.” I stared into the warmth of his eyes.

His eyes were warm…they held warmth for me?

“
I’m so sorry. This is twice in one day I’ve let you down.” His brow was creased as his strong arms drew me in closer. The music changed and panic set in as a new problem presented itself. “Cheyenne? What’s wrong?”

“
I don’t know how to two-step,” I quickly replied, forgetting that his touch made me quiver.

He released a low chuckle as his head lifted slightly. “You ride a runaway horse, get assaulted on the dance floor, and then tell me in a panic you can’t two-step? You truly are one of a kind.” He tenderly kissed my forehead as his arms tightened. “Don’t worry, I’ll lead. I won’t let you fall.”

The heat from his kiss burned my forehead as crazy thoughts came to the forefront. Thoughts of him and me. He danced us around the floor, and I managed to make it through a couple of songs without falling or looking too awkward. He was a graceful dancer; I shouldn’t have been surprised, for as old as he was. He would have had plenty of time to learn. Colt tapped him on the shoulder. “May I have this dance?” His eyes locked on mine. I smiled and sighed; he was so stinking gorgeous, it just wasn’t fair. He couldn’t have had more perfect timing either; I needed to focus on him, not Callon
.

His thick fingers intertwined with mine while his other hand curled behind me and landed firmly on my waist. I tightened my fingers on his bicep. I couldn’t help but stare up into the icy blue oceans of his eyes. He didn’t hide his love. He showed me, and I absorbed it like a sponge.

“
Are you okay?” he asked tenderly.

“
I’m with you, dancing on my birthday. It’s perfect. Thank you.” The song slowed, and he drew me even closer. I rested my head into his chest and closed my eyes. I loved being in his arms, the strength and raw power. It almost made me giddy at times, childish. I could have stayed here forever, with my attention solely on him, but the song ended.

“
How bout we take you home now?” Colt suggested. I looked up into his soft, caring face and nodded. We headed for the door where Daniel and Callon were waiting with my coat. Daniel helped me into the jacket, which I was grateful for because it had cooled off. As we exited the bar, the trio scanned the surrounding streets. Colt placed his arm around me, and we stopped briefly at the corner. As Daniel led the way, our pace quickened. I hadn’t seen anything, but was guessing they had from the pace they were setting. The truck was within view, and Daniel positioned himself so he was strategically in front of me.

As we neared, I now saw what they did. Leaning just in front of the truck, against the brick wall, were the three men from inside the bar. Apparently they didn’t agree with the outcome in the restaurant and wanted to discuss it further. They were each holding what appeared to be long, thick crowbars. How did they know which car we drove? Was it just a lucky guess?

We slowed and came to a stop just to the side of the truck; Callon, Colt and Daniel didn’t waver in their positions. Callon’s hand shifted slightly as he moved it to his pocket, and the truck doors unlocked. Daniel stepped back as Callon stepped forward along with Colt. Daniel’s fingers touched my arm, and the next thing I knew we were in the front seat together.

I blinked.

I never felt my feet move, but suddenly we were sitting in the truck. I turned to question Daniel, but he was gone. I twisted my head to Colt only to see Daniel next to him once more. Once again I blinked.

I could do nothing except watch the fight before me from the safety of the truck. All three men had seen what happened with Daniel and me, because one shook his head. He didn’t seem all that surprised, just irritated, as he changed his position to cover his friend. I could see they were talking, but it was so low, I couldn’t hear the words. Suddenly one of them took a swing at Colt with the crowbar. In the next moment, the man was flying against the brick wall and slumped to the ground.

That was all it took, the other two glanced at each other and decided to help their fallen friend instead of continuing the fight. Daniel turned and got in the back seat, and Callon slid in next to me in the driver’s seat. Colt remained outside with his arms crossed, waiting for them to depart. As he got in the truck, Colt’s eyes searched mine; a mixture of worry and apprehension filled them. “Sorry, Cheyenne. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

I didn’t know how to respond. All I could do was stare at him blankly. He leaned over, once again buckling me in, sliding his hand behind me on the seat back, his fingers rubbing my shoulder as he looked down. I folded my hands in my lap as I stared down at them.

It was enlightening and frustrating at the same time. I just wasn’t sure what to make of it. The way the three of them would seemingly be able to carry on conversations in their heads without me hearing a sound, the nods of understanding without words being spoken. My sudden appearance in the truck with Daniel and then he was gone—all within the blink of an eye…

It remained silent on the drive home. I got the impression they thought what happened outside on the street really upset me. That it somehow scared me. It hadn’t; I didn’t feel fear at all. I was more amazed at their abilities. I replayed the entire evening in my mind, honing in on specific details.

We arrived home late. Colt assisted me down from the truck and drew me into his arms in a hug.

“
Happy Birthday, Cheyenne,” he whispered and kissed my head. I faintly smiled up at him as he took my hand and we entered the cabin, Daniel and Callon trailing behind. I took the lead and headed for the couch but I didn’t sit.

“
Sit please,” I said quietly and the trio complied. Unease rolled over them like a wave. Daniel fiddled with his shirt, Colt ran his fingers through his hair, and Callon folded his arms tight across his chest. I moved the coffee table back slightly and took a seat.

Colt was in the middle with Daniel and Callon flanking his sides. I sized up my nemesis, Mr. Evasive. He knew how to play this game; both he and Colt did too well. I was only a student. I went from somewhat serious to grateful in a flash.

“
I want to tell each of you thank you so much for a wonderful birthday. It was filled with pleasant surprises all the way around. I can honestly say I’ve never had anything like it before. I especially enjoyed our dinner and dancing tonight.” I let my gaze rake all of them. My eyes narrowed and focused. In the next moment, I saw the affects of the whiplash at my instant mood change.

“
I have come to the conclusion that these, let’s call them ‘incidents,’ tend to come in groups of three. First, there was the runaway horse episode that took place this morning, no harm done. Second, the incident at the restaurant involving the unwelcomed dance partner. And third, the situation on the sidewalk outside, when the gentlemen didn’t take to being told ‘
no’
too kindly.” All three shifted in their seats.

I continued. “In going along with my theory that incidents come in threes, there are the three of you.” I locked eyes with Daniel. “One of whom can make an appearance out of thin air and then suddenly reappear across the room. A location he hadn’t been in seconds before.” He looked away.

I met Callon’s unwavering gaze. “Another seems to arrive where he’s needed sooner than he should be able to get there and see things that only an eagle would. Like an incident on the dance floor around the corner from where we were sitting.”

I crossed my legs and arms as I turned to stare at Colt. “The third is somehow able to lift two or more bails of hay and toss them around with little or no effort. He also can thrust another human up into the air a good ten feet without much exertion.” My gaze drifted to each of them again. “Then there are the telepathic powers the three of you seem to have. Always knowing what the other is about to say, the glances, and the silent nods.” I waited impatiently for an explanation. “Some enlightenment would be helpful.” I added.

Colt shifted in his seat, leaning forward and suddenly yanked the table towards him. I caught my breath, and my hands automatically went to the edge to steady myself, causing me to lean forward and uncross my legs. He quickly took hold of my hands and placed them on my knees. His voice was low and sultry, “You know, sweetheart, I really can’t blame those men for hitting on you tonight. You really are beautiful, and the way you look, well…”

“
Colt,” I snapped. “Don’t try to distract me. You know what happened!”

“
Well, you’re distracting me.” A sly grin was spreading across his lips. “Your legs, your steel blue eyes, and the way your hair falls off your shoulder…”

“
Colt!” I said in annoyance.

“
You’re right; he’s right,” Callon said calmly.

I flipped my head in his direction. “Excuse me?” I raised my brows. Since when was I ever right?

“
You’re right, Cheyenne. Your incidents tend to come in threes. When you first came, you had your headache, then you made an escape and we had to bring you back, and third you assaulted your Jeep. All three happened close together. I haven’t paid attention before, but now that you’ve brought it to my attention, I can see it.

“
Colt’s also right. You are a distraction tonight…actually, most of the time. We have tried to be very careful around you, but apparently we haven’t done a good job. You are bright, and pay attention to things. You see more than I thought you would.”

I was a distraction for him?
I shook it off. I wasn’t crazy after all. I’d seen things, but I still wanted absolute confirmation.

Callon continued, to my surprise. “Daniel can
jump
; at least, that’s what we call it. He can look ahead to where he wants to go, and his body jumps there. He can only go as far as he can see. He can only jump with one person at a time; it’s a nice gift to have in a tight spot.”

Interesting…

“
All three of us can communicate telepathically to each other. We don’t read minds; we just carry on conversations in our heads, although with you, it would be most helpful to know what’s going on up in your mind.

“
Colt does have extraordinary strength, even for being Timeless. And I can see things most humans or Timeless cannot. I’m also fairly quick.”

I relaxed slightly at the admission, and Colt released my hands so I could sit upright. His fingers remained on my knees, and he was still leaning forward. They all seemed a little edgy now. It was almost if they thought I would bolt. Colt’s fingers firmed slightly.

I returned my gaze to Callon, and the questions rolled out. “Do all Timeless have powers?”

“
No.”

“
Did my adoptive parents have powers?”

“
No.”

“
Did my birth parents have powers?”

“
Yes.”

“
What were they?”

“
Your father could move objects and control some of the elements, and your mother had the ability to persuade people to do things she wanted.”

“
Will I have powers?” I wanted to know.