Mountain Moonlight - By Jane Toombs Page 0,63

pit of sleep almost immediately....

Bram found himself standing on a high plateau with a blanket wrapped around him. His long hair, hanging in braids down his back, was bound by a beaded band. He was himself and, at the same time, another.

"So we meet," a hissing voice said. He who spoke was not visible. "You, who are of the blood, take heed."

Words came to Bram, "Grandfather," he said, using the proper term for an honored elder. "Grandfather, I listen."

"Why do you not help us, you who are wise in the ways of the white man's law?"

Bram had no answer.

"Be warned," the voice continued. "It is not enough to say you are one of us. Look at me!"

Though the rock in front of him had been empty a moment ago, now a giant rattler lay coiled atop it. Mokesh, the Guardian. Aghast, Bram stared into its yellow eyes.

"Become a warrior!" The words reverberated in Bram's head.

A whirlwind swept across the rocky plateau, lifting him up and away, stripping off the blanket and the braids, leaving him naked....

And naked he awoke, in his own bed, befogged by the remnants of the dream.

A vision, he seemed to hear his father say. Vision or dream, he remained shaken.

It wasn't so easy to fall asleep the second time.

Though Vala had been truly tired when she climbed into her bed, sleep remained elusive, playing hide and seek with her. The root of the problem was that she wanted to be elsewhere--in bed with Bram, to be specific. She yearned to be in his arms, nestled against his warm body.

Since that was not to be, she tossed and turned, hanging position again and again, not finding the comfort she craved. When she finally looked at the lighted red numerals on the bedside clock, it was well after midnight. The next she knew, someone was speaking her name.

Davis? Her eyes popped open--to daylight and Bram standing over her, wearing khaki shorts and no shirt.

She sat up, looking around.

"Sleepy-head," Bram said, easing down onto the bed. "It's near eleven. Davis has already left for the rodeo with Rick. How about brunch in the Jacuzzi?"

He reached to slide the strap of her new nightgown back up onto her shoulder, his fingers warm against her skin. "Better agree in a hurry or you'll never get out of this bed."

"Um, what's for brunch?" she asked.

"A surprise," he promised. "So don't bother to get dressed."

"How about my swimsuit?"

"Woman, don't try my patience. This is a naked brunch." As he spoke, he rose and stripped off his shorts. "See?"

What she saw cleared her head of any sleep remnants. "Meet you there." He exited, twirling the shorts on his forefinger.

Vala, shy about parading through the house with nothing on, decided not to discard her nightgown. Never mind that it didn't conceal much, she felt better wearing something.

Bram, waiting for her in the Jacuzzi, whistled when he saw her. "That gown beats those gray sweats all hollow," he said. "I almost hate to see you take it off. But, as I told you, this is a naked brunch. People with clothes on don't get to eat."

Eyeing the food spread along the edge of the sunken tub, Vala reached for the bottom of the nightgown and slowly drew it over her head. When it was off, she glanced at Bram and a thrill shot through her at the hungry look in his eyes. She eased into the warm, frothing water next to the food, excited by being naked. She'd never before done anything even remotely like this.

"I'm starved," she said, reaching for a half of grapefruit already prepared.

"So am I."

"Would you like me to pass you something?"

He shook his head, "Just eat fast."

"Mmm," she said, "this grapefruit's delicious. What did you put on it?"

"Warm honey. Can't wait to taste it--second-hand."

She shot him a mock frown and he grinned.

Though she was hungry, her need for food was rapidly falling behind her need for Bram. As she finished the grapefruit and reached for a wedge of buttered toast set on a warmer, she tried to pace herself but instead found she was eating as fast as she could.

Bram edged closer.

She poured herself a cup of coffee from the carafe to wash down the toast. After she'd taken a couple of swallows, Bram eased the cup from her hand, set it down and pulled her into her arms.

"The food can wait. I can't," he murmured against her lips before kissing her.

His taste on her lips, his scent in her nostrils,