The Mind Readers

  “The wind,” Aaron said, smiling. “It’s a creepy sound sometimes. But you’ll get used to it.”

  Lewis gently squeezed my hand, drawing my attention to him. Stay by me, all right?

  I nodded, pushed away from Aaron and made my way into the space. Needing time to gather myself, I looked away from the elegant guests and studied the room where I’d done my meditation exercises with Lewis and Aaron. A fire was crackling warmly in the large stone hearth. The curtains covering the floor to ceiling windows were tied back, showing the quickly setting sun and the expanse of the front yard.

  In the background the soft sound of classical piano music played on hidden speakers, combining with the chatter of conversation. I tried to focus on that music instead of the thoughts bombarding me, fighting for attention. Aaron had moved away from us and was already engaged in conversation with a short, round man with a bald head who reminded me of Humpty Dumpty.

  As if sensing my attention, Aaron turned toward me. “Cameron, I’d like to introduce you to Dr. Carl.” Aaron was smiling, but his gaze was all business. “He and his wife vacation on the island.”

  The bald man smiled. “Lovely to meet you.” When he held out his hand, I took it automatically. His palm was cold, damp, kind of gross.

  I want you to focus on his thoughts, Lewis said. Dr. Carl is your target.

  Target? Like I was some secret agent. I frowned, barely listening as Dr. Carl and Aaron talked about his plans to return to the mainland. Doesn’t focusing on his thoughts defeat the purpose of blocking them? I asked.

  Lewis grinned, his blue eyes twinkling. Just trust me. You have to focus on the thoughts first, focus on the person you want to block, before you can start blocking them.

  Okay. I looked at Dr. Carl, focused on his faded blue gaze, the lines at the corners of his eyes, the way his lips were moving, smiling, then frowning, smiling again. He smelled odd, like cologne and old man.

  Did I pay the mortgage? Shit, I can’t remember. He thought as he took a sip of the champagne he held and glanced around the room. Of course he hadn’t a clue his thoughts were entering my mind, punching me over and over in the gut. Is there enough money in my account? If Karin finds out that I’ve lost everything she’ll leave me. Does she look suspicious? She does, she’s frowning…

  A heavy sense of sadness weighed down upon me, sucking the energy from my body. His sadness. His gaze settled on the woman across the room, a woman much younger and better looking than him. His wife Karin. He loved her. But it wasn’t a true love he felt, but more like an obsession. She was using him for his money, and he knew it, but didn’t care as long as he had her.

  “And how are you enjoying your time on the island, my dear?” He glanced at me.

  “It’s very nice,” I muttered, trying to keep up my concentration as well as talk to the man. Aaron drew him back into conversation and I was left blessedly alone.

  Okay, Lewis said. Keep focusing on him, but this time imagine that ocean you imagined so well the other day.

  I took a deep breath in, out, in…out. Quickly enough my body began to relax. The room faded, the people and the noise morphed into ocean waves, roaring in and out with the tide. Dr. Carl appeared before me. Instead of his suit, he was sporting a Speedo, his huge gut hanging over the tight swimwear. Why wasn’t I surprised in his choice of swimwear? He smiled down at me. I cringed, grossed out.

  Be gone, you fool, I muttered and pictured that wall. Those music notes coming from his head bounced away. I giggled. I couldn’t help myself. He looked so ridiculous wearing a Speedo while those notes hit him in the head. Soon enough, he faded too and I was left on my ocean island paradise alone. I was free here, in my little mind world, free to relax, free to breathe and hear what I wanted.

  A sudden hand on my arm jerked me back into reality. The parlor came harshly into view, the noise of conversation overwhelming.

  I blinked up at Lewis, he was frowning. Only block his thoughts. Keep focused on mine. You’re fading completely away. I want you to focus on my thoughts and not anyone else’s.

  I rubbed my head, my skull aching some. How? This was more difficult than I’d thought and I was growing quickly frustrated. Since my wall was gone, thoughts came rushing back in and I had to wade through them to find Lewis’s familiar voice.

  Who do you hear? he asked.

  Everyone.

  He settled his hand on my back, the warmth of his palm comforting. Right, so just focus on me, much like you did on that ocean last night. Focus on my thoughts. Not my voice, but my thoughts.

  Startled, I looked up into Lewis’s blue eyes. He was seriously going to let me read his thoughts? There was no mirth in his sincere gaze, his face completely serious. I admit the idea had me practically foaming at the mouth. To be able to read his mind, to know what he was thinking…. I felt the subtlest shift, a pressure released, and then heard,

  God, she has gorgeous eyes.

  I flushed, but didn’t look away. My heart was hammering madly in my chest as I realized the importance of this moment. For the first time, I was reading his thoughts. He’d opened up to me, trusted me. It was easy to remain focused on Lewis because I as so interested in what he had to say.

  His gaze slipped to my lips.

  What does she taste like? Are her lips as soft as they look?

  Heart swirled low in my belly. He wanted to kiss me. He was going to try soon. How I wanted him to! In that moment, no one else mattered. No thoughts entered my mind but his. I had total control.

  Aaron rested his hand on my arm, breaking me from my concentration. “Ah, and here comes your lovely wife now.” He was looking at Dr. Carl, but it was obvious he wanted me to pay attention. Ugh, I didn’t to pay attention to Dr. Carl’s lame thoughts. I wanted to know more about Lewis.

  Block Lewis and practice on the woman’s thoughts. She’s coming now. I was surprised to hear Aaron’s voice in my head.

  My brain was thumping again. There were too many people telling me too many things. I didn’t want to know what Dr. Carl was thinking, or his plastic-looking wife. I wanted to focus on Lewis and what he thought about me.

  Dr. Carl’s wife Karin came sashaying toward us in a tight red dress that showed off every inch of her fake boobs and probably fake butt. I realized this would be Emily five years from now; sexy, beautiful and completely self-centered.

  “Hello, darling,” she slipped her arm through her husbands and leaned close to him. I can’t believe I have to be here. Ridiculous, talking to children. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly on me. Why is her dress better than mine? How the hell can she afford something like that? Please tell me she’s not sleeping with Aaron.

  I almost grimaced at the disgusting thought, but managed to force my lips into a smile. “So nice to meet you,” I said with mock sincerity.

  Really, Lewis asked. Is it really nice to meet her?

  I slid Lewis an annoyed glance. He grinned down at me. You know, I could totally see you two being B.F.F.’s. Slumber parties, braiding each other’s hair. You’re about the same age.

  I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing. Would you shut up?

  Ready to try again? Aaron asked, interrupting. Was it my imagination or did he sound annoyed?

  I gave a discreet nod and focused on Karin, pushing everyone else’s thoughts to the side.

  Why doesn’t she love me? Pathetic Dr.

  Carl slipped through the cracks.

  How will I pay my bills? Someone else was thinking.

  Wonder if this winter will be cold.

  Ugh! I took a deep breath in and out, and focused on my beach, on the roar of the waves, while staring blankly at the crowd in the room.

  Okay, Lewis’s voice broke through my defenses. Now let’s switch. Focus on my voice. Just my voice.

  Then talk to me, I begged. I couldn’t do this alone. I needed help. I know they thought I was some genius prodigy, but I wasn’t and eventually they were going to realize I couldn’t do what they wanted me to
do. Might as well be now.

  Okay, Lewis started. I’ll talk to you, about you, because you like when I think about you.

  I flushed and looked away from him, taking the cup Aaron handed me, but barely noticing the man. The other voices around me dimmed. Breathe in…out. Focus on Lewis. It was so easy to focus on Lewis.

  And? I asked.

  And…and I like your laugh. It makes me want to smile.

  I bit my lower lip, feeling giddy and warm. I couldn’t look at him, afraid I’d break down and throw my arms around his neck. I took a sip of the champagne. I’d tasted alcohol before, but rarely. It was bitter and bubbled oddly on my tongue. I wasn’t sure if I liked it.

  And, Lewis continued as he gazed casually around the room, did you know that when the sunlight hits your hair, it has a red tint?

  Red? I jerked my gaze toward him.

  He grinned. I like it. And…I like you.

  I couldn’t look away from him. I felt like I was drowning in his blue eyes and I welcomed the death. Vaguely, I knew the entire room had grown silent, no thoughts seeping into my brain. The only sound was my heart beating, his heart beating. I heard no thoughts but his…I’d succeeded and didn’t care.

  A warm hand suddenly touched my arm. I jumped, glancing up at Aaron. He was smiling down at me, pride shimmering in his eyes as if he’d realized the importance of my success even if I hadn’t.

  Aaron winked down at me. I think you deserve a break. “Would you escort Mrs. Carl to the restroom?”

  I set my glass on a side table. “Sure.”

  “I’ll go with,” Lewis said immediately.

  Aaron seemed surprised, his brows drawing briefly together. But before Aaron could object, Lewis latched onto my arm. I had to give him credit for not cowering under Aaron’s obvious disapproval. We started into the hall, Mrs. Carl following.

  “I like your dress,” I said mostly to make conversation.

  She smirked down at me like I was all of five years old. “Of course you do.”

  I slid Lewis an amused glance.

  This place is way nicer than ours. How much longer do I have to stay with Carl? Perhaps I should test Aaron. Of course he’s interested in me, but how long before I could move in after divorcing Carl? Aaron obviously has money, I am not going to let some teenager get what I deserve. She slid me a look of disgust after she’d thought those vile thoughts.

  Lewis and I shared a glance of disbelief. My God, the woman was arrogant and disgusting. Lewis grinned behind the woman’s back, finding her more amusing than repulsive. “Right through this door,” he said.

  Without a thanks, she sashayed into the bathroom.

  I shook my head, turning toward the living room. “What a b—”

  Lewis grabbed my hand and jerked me around. “Lewis, what are you doing?”

  He started running down the back hall, dragging me with him. I tripped over my heels, passing gawking servants, and laughing so hard I could barely stand. “Lewis! Where are you going? Aaron is waiting for us!”

  He shoved open the back door and we stumbled outside. “He won’t notice.” He paused and I fell into his chest. My legs were weak, my balance off. I wasn’t sure if it was because of the heels, or because I was so close to Lewis. Our laughter faded as a sense of solitude wrapped around us. Only us. His face was serious, his gaze warm under the soft glow of the backdoor light.

  “You’re cold,” he said softly.

  “I’m all right.” Even though I wasn’t, I was afraid if I told him I was cold, we’d return to the party. It was freezing and the wind was doing quick work of pulling down my hair from the pins I’d secured it with earlier.

  He shrugged off his jacket and placed it around my shoulders, his warmth and scent clinging to the material. It was totally romantic and my heart swelled with the act. He pulled the edges of the jacket closed, at the same time tugging me closer to him. I knew if I looked up into his eyes, he’d kiss me. My heart hammered, warring with my rational mind. Don’t do it, my mind said. What if he pushes you away? Screw you, mind, my heart thought.

  I looked up.

  For one moment we merely stared at each other. Finally, just as I was getting ready to bite the bullet and kiss him, he lowered his head. My eyes closed and I held my breath, waiting. His lips met mine. A soft kiss, a wonderful kiss. My toes curled in my shoes, my heart jumping madly against my ribs. I’d been kissed before, but never had it felt this…soft, warm, intense.

  All too soon, he pulled back, then just as quickly, leaned forward and pressed his mouth to mine again…as if he just couldn’t help himself. I wanted to sink into him, to hug him close, to kiss him again and again. When he pulled back the second time, I let him, too shy to ask for more.

  He stared at me for one long moment and I wished more than ever I could read his mind. But I didn’t dwell on the fact that I didn’t know, instead, I savored the quietness of the moment. I savored the feel of his warm hands on my waist while the cold wind bit at my legs. I savored the taste of him on my lips.

  He smiled down at me, a personal smile, a smile that said we’d shared something amazing. “We should get back inside.”

  “Yeah,” I whispered, knowing our time was up, at the same time knowing that while I was here we’d have plenty of chances to be together. I slid my hand into his, following him into the house.

  Chapter 11

  There was no one in the breakfast room when I came down the next day. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. I hadn’t had a chance to talk to Lewis since our kiss. Part of me was a little nervous; what if he regretted it? Blamed it on the spur of the moment? Told me I was disgusting and he never wanted to see me again? Another part of me wanted to see him face to face hoping to understand what had happened.

  Aaron’s breakfast room was as impressive as the rest of the house and although stylish, I wouldn’t call it comfortable. A side table held a variety of food placed on silver platters that mysteriously arrived before anyone else did, yet the food was always warm. Piling some eggs and fruit onto a porcelain plate, I settled at the end of a long cherry wood table, and glanced at the many chairs. I felt lonely, staring at those empty seats, sitting in this oddly quiet house.

  My plate of fruit and eggs was suddenly unappetizing. I was too damn nervous about seeing Lewis to eat. I wasn’t wearing my typical zip up hoody. Instead, I’d actually made an effort and was wearing skinny jeans, a green sweater and make up. I’d even left my hair down, allowing it to fall in waves around my shoulders. I hoped I didn’t look like I was trying to hard.

  “Hey,” Olivia came into the room and settled a few chairs from me, pouring a glass of orange juice from one of the pitchers on the table. She was sulking, crouched over her glass like a caveman…or cavewoman. She was wearing black again, a sweatshirt and dark jeans. She didn’t look like she wanted to talk, but I couldn’t help but be relieved I wasn’t alone any longer. My relief quickly gave way to curiosity. How long had she been here? What had happened to her parents?

  “Two years.” She looked up at me, bringing that lock of hair to her mouth. Under the bright morning light streaming through the open windows behind me, she looked even paler then before, dark circles under her eyes, as if something was keeping her up at night.

  I drew my fork through my eggs. “What do you mean?”

  “I’ve been here two years. You were wondering how long I’d been here.” She didn’t look at me as she answered but picked up her glass and drank.

  I frowned. Okay, maybe being alone was better than having company. “It’s not polite to read my mind.”

  She looked at me, her dark brows drawn together in confusion. “Why? Haven’t you read minds your entire life? How is it any different?”

  “Because…just because it is.” I set my fork down, the metal clanging against the porcelain plate. I was annoyed with her because I knew she was partially right. “Lewis doesn’t read my mind.”

  “Aww, Lewis is it?” She laughed, a harsh, sarcast
ic sound that bit at my nerves. “So you and Lewis are together?”

  I flushed, wondering how the heck I’d answer that question. I mean, we’d kissed, but it wasn’t like we were registering for his and hers towels. And even as I thought the words I flushed with embarrassment, knowing she now knew.

  “You don’t have to answer.” She sipped her orange juice and smirked at me over the rim of her glass. “You think you’re the first one Lewis has led on?”

  Her words hurt, but even as I cringed, I forced myself to focus on the fact that she was jealous. After all, how often could Lewis really date when he lived on an island with a total population of three? “Listen, I get it, you were the only female here for a long time…”

  She laughed again. “You think I’m jealous?” She shook her head and stood, her movements jerky and stiff. “I’m warning you because I’m nice. You’re a pretty, new toy and just like all toys, he’ll grow bored with you.”

  Anger replaced my hurt. “If it’s so bad, why are you still here?”

  She shrugged and picked up that damp lock of hair, leaving her glass on the table. “Free room and board. Besides, I’ve no place else to go.” She slipped that lock of hair between her lips, chewing on the strand as she left me sitting there alone.

  Perfect start to the day. I took a bite of eggs, barely tasting the food. I wanted to ignore her remarks, but they bothered me. Not only had she implied that Aaron was using me, but that Lewis was going to dump me for the next available girl who came along. She was wrong, just jealous. Yet…what if she wasn’t? How well did I really know Lewis or Aaron?

  “Hey.” Lewis appeared in the doorway as if I’d conjured him. Wearing a blue vintage t-shirt that matched his eyes and dark jeans, he looked totally hot. Way too hot for me. I didn’t know if I wanted to throw my arms around him or cry. God, Olivia was right.