Psychic Link (Linked Inc. Book 2) (5 page)

Chapter
6

Cara’s eyes flew open to the feel of a heavy arm draped over her stomach. The pillows that had separated them the night before were at the bottom of the bed. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest as she waited for the visions to hit, preparing herself for the flashes from Coop’s life and the physical effects of having them. She clenched her eyes closed and braced herself.

Nothing. She blinked her eyes several times and turned her head. Coop was sound asleep. Had that been why she didn’t see anything? The ladylike thing to do would have been to slip out of the bed and hope not to wake him, yet she couldn’t move. The warmth of his arm pinned her in place, and she relished the feel, even savored it like a starved, deprived woman.

“Coop.” Her voice came out in a whisper. Coop didn’t budge.

She cleared her throat and spoke louder. “Coop.”

Still nothing.

“Cruz,” she said even louder. His sleepy gaze met hers.

“It’s too early, Cara. Go back to sleep.”

Nothing. He was awake, and there was no onslaught of visions, nothing from his life. “Cooper, you’re touching me.”

Coop’s eyes shot open, and his body tensed before he yanked his arm away. “I’m so sorry, Cara. What did you see?”

“Nothing. I saw nothing.” She stared at him in disbelief. No other human being had ever had the same effect.

Why had she not seen a thing? She couldn’t fathom an answer in the uncharted territory. It left her both baffled and intrigued, fighting the urge to run her hands over every inch of his body. She’d never encountered a person who didn’t trigger a vision.

“How is that possible? I thought you saw everyone.”

“I do.” Her voice squeaked.

She gestured to his chest. Her fingers itched to explore the hard planes, and for something other than a vision quest.
Remain focused
.
He doesn’t need my fingers dipping below the waistband.
“May I?”

“I’ve worked a lot of bad cases and seen some gruesome things in my life. Are you sure you want to try again?”

She nodded. She had to know.

He took her hand and placed it firmly over his heart. His chest rose and fell beneath her palm. Nada. Zilch. She shook her head. What the hell had happened?

“Maybe you aren’t doing it right.” He rolled her until she was on top of his hard body. Any other woman would have giggled at the action, but not her. Even though she was perplexed by the absence of her visions, her body was very aware of his. The tingles were back, but she pushed them aside until she could figure out the mystery.

“Nothing.”

He slipped his fingers into her hair with one hand and touched her cheek with the other as her body melded with his. She leaned into his touch as if searching for more contact. She’d never realized how much she missed the simple pleasure. “Now?”

“I don’t understand. This doesn’t make sense.”

“Cara.” The lines around his eyes softened. “Why are you immune to me?”

She shook her head as the tingles of desire melted away. Panic took hold and shook her like a Magic 8 Ball. Had the ability that she’d hated all her life just vanished overnight? Did that mean she was broken? It had been a part of her for so long, she wasn’t sure she could survive without it. “I don’t know.”

Tears pooled in her eyes as she held his gaze. Fear seized her body, squeezing her heart. Without her ability, who was she?

“It’s okay, Cara. Don’t cry. Maybe it’s just a fluke. Maybe the visions came when you and I were both asleep.”

Adrenaline coursed through her veins, and she rolled off of him and jumped from the bed. Determination steeled her nerves as she grabbed a sundress from the bag and started to change, not bothering to even go into the bathroom. The need to find out what was going on won over her modesty. “You’re right.”

“Cara, where are you going?” Coop got out of the bed and pulled on shorts. He swiped a hand over his face. He’d thought she was crazy before, he was about to witness a full-out panic attack.

“I’m going to find someone else to touch,” Cara said as she slipped on shoes and hurried to the door.

Coop laid his palm on her arm. Another sensation she hadn’t felt in a long time. She glanced at his hand and was greeted with nothing but warmth. The sensation wrapped around her, and she caught herself leaning toward him, wanting more. She could kiss him. She shouldn’t kiss him. Hell, even her mind was out of whack. “I don’t want you going alone. Wait for me to put my shoes on.”

She nodded, and within minutes, they were out the door. They didn’t have to go far to find someone to touch. An old couple stepped out of the cabana closest to theirs and was headed toward the resort. She’d never been so happy they walked so slowly. Cara hurried up behind them and lightly touched the woman’s arm. Fear and uncertainty plagued Cara as she prepared for a void where her visions once lay. “Excuse me? Can you point out the way to the restaurant?”

Cara had to concentrate on the sentence when her chest started to heave, and visions of the woman’s life flashed before her eyes. The couple was so much younger. The husband was on one knee as he held out a small diamond ring and asked her to marry him. It switched instantly to her wedding day, standing in front of a full-length mirror in a lace wedding dress with the veil covering her face.

Coop rested his hand on Cara’s arm, and the visions she’d just started to experience instantly began to fade.

Cara glanced at his hand and met his gaze. She was sure it showed in her eyes. He lifted his hand, and the visions started to return. Cara yanked her hand away as Coop pulled Cara back to his side. The warmth of his arm cocooned her. She’d never experienced anything like Coop’s touch before. It made her feel…safe, protected and even somewhat vulnerable. Why him? Why now?

“The restaurant is just past the pool,” the old woman announced. “You’re welcome to follow us. That’s where we’re headed.”

“Thanks, but I just realized I forgot my purse. We’re just going to go get it.”

“We’ll save you a place at our table. I’m John, and this is my wife, Martha.” The old guy smiled as he steered his wife away.

Coop waited until they were back inside the cabana before he asked. “Well? Anything?”

Cara nodded as she plopped down on the bed. “I saw up until her wedding, and then you touched me and they faded away. When you lifted your hand, they started back up. You somehow have the ability to make the visions stop.”

“How about we finish getting ready and we go meet the old people and get some breakfast? We’ll think more clearly with food in our systems. It will give you a chance to try out your ability on some other people.”

She nodded, afraid to speak. What did it mean that Coop could dampen her psychic ability? Was it a good thing, or should she be running in the other direction? 

****

John and Martha waved Coop and Cara over the moment they stepped in the door. Coop pulled out Cara’s chair at the breakfast table and grabbed them both a menu as a waiter appeared to fill their water glasses. Cara and he were the youngest people in the restaurant. John wore a hearing aid in one of his ears. His white hair was the color of the beach sand, and Martha was a petite woman with hair curled so tight it looked like it hurt.

“We’re so glad you made it.” Martha smiled at Cara. “John didn’t think you two would want to hang out with us geezers since you’re on your honeymoon.”

“Oh no…” Cara’s cheeks blushed.

“She’s still not used to being married. I had to practically carry her down the aisle, isn’t that right, dear?” Coop scooted his chair closer and held her gaze. “Of course, we’re married. Why else would we be on this beautiful island and staying in the honeymoon suite?”

Cara smiled and turned back to Martha. “Of course. Newlyweds. I’m still not used to being married.” She lifted her bare hand. “I told him I wouldn’t wear the three-karat ring he bought me, but you know men… They just won’t listen.”

Coop took Cara’s hand and lowered it to the table. “Nothing but the best for you, baby.”

Martha playfully smacked her husband’s arm. “Did you hear that, John? He bought her a three-karat diamond wedding ring. You cheap bastard.” Martha’s sweet grin held a tinge of something he couldn’t identify as she turned back to them. “The one he gave me was fake.”

“Be lucky you got one at all, you old hag,” John grumbled and sipped his coffee.

“Oh, he’s just saying that,” Martha said as she shoved her spoon into her grapefruit, stabbing it with zest, as though it was her husband’s heart.

The waiter returned with his pad, took their order and brought them both some coffee cups.

“So…are you two just on vacation?” Cara asked, placing her palm on the woman’s arm. Her breathing became rapid. Coop slipped his hand onto Cara’s shoulder, and her rapid breath slowed. She glanced up at him. He could read the confusion on her face. It had happened again from a single touch. He sat up a little straighter and puffed out his chest. He could do something no other man could do. His cock hardened in response as he thought of the possibilities. If his touch didn’t trigger visions, then it meant he could touch her everywhere. Maybe it wasn’t as bad as he thought. He could give her that one-night stand she’d never experienced and still keep his secrets. A few nights of having Cara beneath him might make this week of waiting more interesting. 

“We’re here for the conference,” Martha answered.

“Oh? What conference is that?” Cara asked and leaned back to make room for the server bringing their order of pancakes.

Coop took a sip of his coffee, enjoying the warmth sliding down his throat as Cara poured syrup over her stack of cakes. She drenched them until a pool settled at the bottom of the plate.

“The swingers conference of course.”

Coop sputtered the coffee.

“Who do you guys build swings for, children?”

Martha chuckled, and her cheeks blushed. “No, dear. The swinging we do is much different.”

Cara’s brows dipped as she glanced at Coop. He couldn’t hide the smile on his face. He leaned to whisper in her ear. Her hair smelled of sweet strawberries, momentarily making him forget what he’d been about to say. “She’s talking about sex partners.”

Cara’s mouth parted, and her eyes grew wide before she quickly snapped her mouth shut. “Oh. Well. Of course. Those swingers.”

Her cheeks flushed a pretty pink as she concentrated on her pancakes, occasionally glancing up and across the room to an old man eating alone.

“Uh…” She wiped her mouth with her napkin and grabbed her phone already pressing a button to record. “Will you excuse me for a minute?”

Coop grabbed her hand. “Cara, where are you going?”

She leaned down to whisper in his ear, acting as though she was going to kiss him. “I need to give a reading. That man’s wife is with us in spirit, and he needs to hear a message from her. It’s urgent. I’ll only be a few minutes.”

A few minutes turned into over an hour, and Martha and John had left in search of God knows what.

Coop paid the bill and walked over to where Cara was deep in conversation. The man she was speaking with was wiping tears from his eyes.

“She wants you to be happy,” Cara whispered to the man and clicked the recorder off. “I’ll send this to you as we discussed. You can replay her messages whenever you’re feeling down.”

“Cara, I don’t mean to interrupt, but I’m just going to head back to the room.”

The old man grabbed Coop’s hand and squeezed. “You’re a very lucky man. Cara has a beautiful gift. The validations she gave me about my wife, no one would have known. The messages she gave were needed. I’m truly blessed to have met her.”

Cara’s eyes were misty as she rose. “Don’t give up, Harry. Promise?”

He nodded and dropped Coop’s hand. “I promise.” 

Coop led Cara out of the restaurant and waited until they were back at the cabana before he spoke. “What was that about?”

“Harry’s wife died three weeks ago, and he just found out he has cancer. She doesn’t want him to give up, and I needed to tell him.”

“You did your medium thing?” Coop asked as he shut the door.

“Yeah. He needed the message to help him heal. What was up with the newlywed cover?”

Coop shrugged as he moved to the windows looking out to the pool. “It’s easier for people to believe that’s why we’re here than having to answer a million questions. So when you touched people, did you get images?”

“Every time you weren’t touching me, I did.”

Chapter 7

Cara sat on the edge of the pool, and the cool water swirled around her legs as she watched Coop swim laps. Her gaze swept over his muscular body propelling from one end to the other. Sweat beaded over her body, and an oppressive heat weighed her down, one not even the beach breeze could cool. Five more days of sun and relaxation. What the hell had her sister been thinking? Coop and she would be driving each other nuts within a day if she didn’t jump him first. The muscles in his arms bunched with each stroke and kick of his legs. The bathing suit her sister had left hung low on his hips, teasing Cara with a hint of what lay beneath. Cara’s breath hitched in her throat as she thought about the warm caresses of his fingers on her cheek earlier, and she realized she wanted more of that. More of Coop.

She’d buried herself in her work, and she’d forgotten how to just relax. She worried her bottom lip between her teeth. Sex with Coop would be different, freeing without the bombardment of visions. The thought intrigued her, not that he’d even suggested any interest. 

Coop swam over to Cara and rested his hands on the ledge on both sides of her legs. “You’re thinking too loud. Come in the water and cool off.”

“How can you just swim like you’re on vacation?”

Coop ran his hand over his wet head and stood to his full height between her legs. “What else do you expect me to do?” 

“I don’t know.” That was the truth. She had no idea what to do. Her body was practically vibrating with nervous energy.

“We need a plan.”

Cara released a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. A plan, she could do a plan. She was great at organizing and making decisions, and maybe planning would keep her thoughts off Coop’s body and what she’d like to do to it. “What do you have in mind?”

Coop rested his hands on her thighs. The move was innocent enough to any normal person. She glanced down at the connection, unfamiliar being touched without visions claiming her energy. She closed her eyes to hide her feelings. As much as she enjoyed his touch, why did it have to be him? He was a Cruz. Her body wanted him; she couldn’t deny that, but her mind screamed that his brother had betrayed her in the worst way. Could she separate the two?

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

She lifted her gaze to his. “Of all the people in the entire world, why are you the one that I’m immune to?” She couldn’t hide the defeat in her voice.

“I don’t think we’ll ever know the answer to that question.” His voice softened. “I’m sorry you’re upset that I’m the one with the golden touch.”

“Golden touch?” She smiled.

“Well, I call it like I see it,” Coop said, lifting her from the ledge and dunking her in the water.

He cradled her in his arms as they emerged from the water. The refreshing liquid cooled her body and her mind while being pressed against Coop warmed her in other ways.

“Why’d you do that?” she asked, wiping the water from her face.

“You needed to cool off,” he said as her body slid down his until her feet touched. “So about that plan…”

His words died off, and his face turned serious as he gazed over her head. “Can I help you?”

“Agent Cruz?” A male spoke behind her, and she slowly turned in Coop’s arms.

“Yes?”

“Cara?” he asked, stepping forward. “I can’t believe it’s really you. It’s good to see you.”

Cara recognized him instantly. His brown hair was cut in a crew cut, and he was dressed in a hotel security guard uniform with a badge and a gun, but she’d never forget his face, no matter how many years had passed. Why would she? He’d been the one she gave her virginity to. “Phillip. It’s been a long time.”

Phillip’s gaze lowered to her bikini top and lingered on her breasts before slowly returning to her face.

Coop’s arms surrounded her as he leaned down and pressed his lips to her neck. “Do you know him, baby?”

Phillip held up his hand as he blushed. “I’m sorry, Cara. I don’t mean to interrupt your honeymoon, but I need to speak to Agent Cruz. It’s urgent.”

Coop took Cara’s hand and guided her to the steps and out of the water. He grabbed a beach towel and wrapped it around her body, covering it from Phillip’s eyes before Coop grabbed his own.

It was comical that Coop was shielding her body from Phillip’s eyes. He’d seen more of her goods than Coop had.

“What’s so urgent?” Coop asked, running a towel over his head.

“One of our guests is missing.”

More than one, but Cara bit her tongue instead of correcting him. They were on the island for the exact same reason. Were they related?

“Did you call local law enforcement?” Coop asked.

“Yeah. They’re already looking for him, but they’re spread thin with the rash of burglaries on the island.”

“Oh, that’s right. Didn’t the desk clerk mention the thefts when we checked in?” Cara asked, stepping up next to Coop. “Maybe we should…help, in case…you know.”

Coop glanced down at her with his brows pinched.

“Phillip, could you excuse us for a minute?” Cara asked.

“Sure.” He glanced between Coop and Cara as she pulled Coop into the cabana and shut the door. His handsome face was reserved, making her falter in the silence that engulfed them.

“What gives?”

“We have to help find the guest. It’s the right thing to do.”

“I’m not on the clock. I came here for one purpose, Cara, to find my sister.”

“The disappearance could be related. We won’t know unless we help.”

Coop crossed his arms over his chest. “How do you know Phillip?”

“Seriously?” Cara’s lips twitched in amusement that he hadn’t already figured it out. He must severely suck at his job, unless he was playing stupid for a reason. “I lost my virginity to a local, and he’s the only local I know.”

Coop moved toward her until he had her back pressed against the door. “Are you going to try and rekindle that flame?”

“Why would that matter?” Cara gasped as he leaned in. She curled her fingers to keep from holding him closer. Her body went up in flames every time he was near, whether she liked it or not.

“I can’t have my pretend wife hot for another man.” His breath fanned hot against her ear. “Relax, Cara. I’m teasing. I know whose touch you crave.”

His words, no matter how true, reminded her that confidence rolled off him in waves. “I don’t know.” She shrugged as a smile played on her lips. “It might be nice to catch up on old times.” She slid beneath his arm and peered out the window. “I can always tell him we split up after we left the island and come back.”

Coop moved behind her and rested his hands on her hips, pressing the length of his hard body against her.

She wiggled her ass against him and laughed. “You’re playing with fire the way you keep striking that match. Not a good idea unless you’re prepared to whip out a hose.”

“I can give you something he’ll never be able to do.”

“What’s that?” she asked as her ovaries danced the cha-cha. The war had been waged. Her body was screaming
give it to me hard
, but her mind was perched atop a ten-foot wall and hanging on for dear life. Falling to the ground would hurt, but what a pleasurable way to go. 

“A week of hot sex without the visions.”

Heat pooled between her thighs. His touch sent a shiver up her spine as the blood in her veins heated to a boil.

His lips caressed her ear as he spoke. “Think about it. One week of the best sex of your life, and then, when it’s over and we’ve got our sisters, you go back to being you, and I’ll go back to being me. No strings attached.”

Cara turned in his arms and rested her palms against his warm chest. The muscles flexed under her fingertips, making her want to explore. “You think I’m easy? You think that promises of hot, meaningless sex with you can persuade me?”

“No, Cara. I don’t think you’re easy. I think you want me. I can see it in your eyes. Feel it in the way your body leans into mine. I don’t think you want me. I know you do.” Coop wrapped his arms around her body, pulling her tight against him, and pressed his hard length against her body. “I think I want you too.”

I think I want you too.
Dude needed to work on his pick-up lines. That was worse than something an eighteen-year-old nerd with pimples would say. She wasn’t a badge bunny. “Despite the great offer you are making, I think I’ll pass. That was a solid six though.” She rounded up. “Using your body to entice me was a nice touch.” She winked.

“A six, really?” His lips twitched, and he tilted his head, amusement shining in his eyes.

“Really.” Cara smiled up at him and patted his chest. “When seducing a girl, it’s important to make her believe you’re hot for her too.” She stepped around him and opened the door. “Phillip, I’ll help you find the guy. Just let me get cleaned up and dressed.”

“Perfect.” Phillip's eyes twinkled. “Is Agent Cruz going to help?”

Coop stepped out of the cabana. “Of course. You know, a happy wife is a happy life.”

“Of course.” Phillip’s glanced between them both before settling on Cara again. “I’ll meet you in the lobby in fifteen minutes?”

Coop wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed a hot, tender path of kisses down her neck. “Better make it thirty.”

“Right.” Phillip pointed with his thumb over his shoulder. “I’m going to go and check in with the others to see if they’ve found anything.”

Cara gave Phillip a small smile as she watched him leave.

She spun in Coop’s arms and stepped away from his touch. “Why did you do that?”

Coop shrugged. “We’re honeymooners. He’s got to know we can’t keep our hands off of each other. It’s to be expected, and just so you know…I’ve wanted you since I saw you in the bikini.” He took her hand and placed it on his crotch. “I’ve got more than your six, right here.” He winked back.

She rolled her eyes, stormed back into the cabana, and grabbed clothes from the suitcase. No matter how attracted she was to this Cruz, he had another thing coming if he thought she’d be an easy conquest. She headed for the bathroom to change. No reason to give him any other chances to try and convince her that he was right. She already knew he was. It didn’t mean that she had to like it. A one-night stand with him was tempting. The moisture between her thighs wasn’t from the heat or the pool. It was from his touch.

Cara came out of the bathroom to find Coop waiting on the bed, fully dressed. “I’ll make you a bet.”

“Oh, I can’t wait to hear this one.”

“If I find the guest before you, you’re mine for the rest of the week. One week of mindless, no-strings, sizzling sex.”

“And what do I get if I win?”

“What do you want?”

Sperm immediately popped into her mind, not that she’d ever tell him. She wasn’t the kind of girl to trick any man into helping her get pregnant. What did she want? “The truth.”

Coop’s eyes clouded. His hesitation spoke volumes. “About what?”

“Well. I can’t read you like other people. So any time I ask you a question, regardless of how hard it may be to answer, I want the truth, no holds barred. That’s my terms.”

“Deal. If I find the guest, I have you and keep my secrets. You win, you have me and the truth to any and all of your questions. Do we have a bet?”

“Uh, I didn’t say I wanted you,” she clarified. “You added that.”

His grin grew as he rose from the bed and closed the distance between them. “Deal or no deal, wife? I get to have you, my way,
or
you get me and the truth. I’m going to win you over, Cara. It’s inevitable. It’s just a matter of whether you get my honesty in the process.”

Cara licked her lips as she stared up into his mysterious blue eyes. She could think of worse ways to spend a week than having Coop between her thighs. Getting him to tell her the truth was intriguing. Could she handle his honesty?

“Deal.” She choked out her response.

Coop pulled her flush against his body and pressed his lips to hers. He teased her lips until she opened and moaned as he invaded her mouth. Their tongues danced and tangled, the sexy officer obviously bent on seduction. Lust consumed her body from the single kiss, making her hormones rage and her knees weak.

“That was just a preview.” He released her, grabbed her phone, handed it to her, and then slipped his fingers through hers. “Let’s go find our missing person.”