BLAZE*

Once I entered her restroom, a sense of familiarity washed over me. In an instant, I realized where I had seen this house before. At first, her room threw me off with its walls painted in a dark turquoise color. However, this room remained unchanged, aside from a few girl products scattered here and there. It's ironic to admit, considering my profession as a real estate developer, but I am living in a rental property. I couldn't help but envy the beauty of this space. If only I could have something similar to it.

If given the chance, I would hold my partner in the luxurious bathtub, caressing and cleansing her body with care. As she leans against the shower walls, I would passionately make love to her. It makes me question the purpose of building a home for myself when this incredible woman, resembling a goddess, lives in one of the very first homes my cousins and I constructed. The synchronicity of it all is mind-boggling. What are the chances?

After washing my hands, I grabbed a fresh towel and cleaned myself off. Once I finished, I retrieved another towel that was hanging from a hook to wash the filth from her when I returned. I believe a relaxing bath with her would be wonderful, to aid her in relaxing, because I know she is experiencing some discomfort. However, before getting her into the bathtub, I should freshen her up first.

Upon reaching the door, Wade's ring tone chimed and caught my attention. I paused for a moment, considering the possibility that she may know someone who has the same ring tone. Just as I thought, it went off and then moments later resumed again. The bathroom faded into darkness, yet the sound of my cellphone blaring still echoed in the air.

As my eyes burst open, I suddenly realized that I was back in my bed. I realized it had all been a dream. I couldn't believe it! There was no way that the intense experience I had with her was just a figment of my imagination; it felt so real. The emotions I felt when I was with her they couldn't possibly be false.

My grogginess from sleep made it difficult to focus, but I noticed my cellphone lighting up on the nightstand where I had left it. It continued to make noise, demanding my attention. I wondered how long I had been asleep. The ringing stopped briefly, only to start again a moment later.

Feeling a sense of urgency, I quickly grabbed my cellphone and accepted the call.

"This bloody well be good, Wade. You screwed up the most mind-blowing dream I have ever had."

I groaned as I looked down at the tent sticking up beneath my sheets. Fate, you are truly an asshole. This situation felt like torture; I was about to make love to my soulmate once again, only to realize she wasn't real. What other surprises do you have in store for me, fate?

"Sorry, Blaze, I know it's two in the morning. But I had to bring Conner to the emergency room. He got a serious beating tonight. It is probable that he has alcohol poisoning. He had several shots and some beers. I told him not to drink so much. But he refused to listen to me. Anyhow, we will not make it to the ranch tomorrow. I plan on staying here with him."

"Is he alright?" I inquired, rubbing my temples.

I received no reply from him. "Are you intending on answering me or what?"

Wade chuckles. "His nose took most of the damage, and he's passed out in the hospital bed with an IV stuck in his arm. But I'm sure he will survive."

"Well, I suppose, only Tanner, Jace, and myself will be there. It's not a big deal, as we'll be meeting the family there for a final walkthrough before handing over the keys."

"Ok, awesome. Thanks, Blaze; Goodnight," Wade said and hung up.

Tonight couldn't possibly get any worse. Now that I'm already awake, I might as well call Jace and fill him in on what's happening. He should be awake too, considering he mentioned he was going out to dance with his girlfriend. Lucky guy. After that, I'll have to deal with the lingering arousal from that dream.

"What's going on, and why are you calling so late, Blaze?" Jace asked once he had answered his phone.

He sounded winded, and I hoped I had interrupted nothing between him and his woman.

"Wade and Connor will not be present in the morning. Apparently, Connor has alcohol poisoning, and a broken nose. It's going to be me, you, and Tanner. Can you call your brother and update him on what's going on? Was also thinking of scooting the time to ten since the family we are to meet arrive until eleven. I am desperate for more shut-eye."

"Are they ever going to grow up?" Jace asked, impatiens clear through the line.

"Who knows, Jace? I need to get back to sleep."

"Wait! Is it ok if I bring Vega and her sister?" Jace asked out of the blue before I had the chance to hang up. "They want to see the ranch, and I think you and Lyra would get along great."

I can't believe it. Who would actually name their kids Lyra and Vega? And to make matters worse, it seems like my baby cousin was trying to set me up.

"Jace, I don't even," I grimaced and blinked my eyes. "Fine, I don't care, but we're there to work, not play. I mean it. I don't have time for anything else," I explained, my eyes growing heavy.

"Awesome! I'll call Tanner, and I'll see you tomorrow."

It feels like the universe is constantly trying to disrupt my life in every possible way. I reminisce about the woman who appeared in my dreams, reflecting on the intense connection we shared. I remember the vivid images, the passionate sounds she made, and it arouses me more. As I recall the last memory where I climaxed inside her, I spilled my seed and cleaned up with a tissue. Then I ponder how a house I built ended up in my dreams. It's all work and no play, making me a dull person. As sleep once again overtakes me, I find myself immersed in a dream of complete darkness.

***

My alarm went off at nine o'clock. I craved to pick it up and smash it against the wall. But I turned it off and jumped in the shower instead. I donned a suit because we're not doing any physical labor today. We are doing a final walkthrough before handing the homeowners their keys. And if Jace was trying to fix me up with someone. I aspired to look nice.

We finished the ranch six months ago, but the family had been on a mission trip to Africa. I'm so excited for them to see it. A lingering part of me is excited to meet this Lyra woman Jace spoke of last night. If she's anything like Jace's girlfriend, I'm sure I'll love her. Of course, I haven't even met his girlfriend, but Jace talks about her all the time. The way he talks, I'm sure he'll be proposing soon.

I munched down on some cereal, grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator, and headed out the door. As I was driving to the ranch, I was praying this woman was just as amazing as that woman in my dream had been. If not, I might just go celibate. My luck with women is atrocious.

LYRA*

"Lyra, come on, girl. Wake up. I won't let you lay here all day and wallow. I've seen pictures of the ranch, and you're going to love it. Besides, Jace's brother Tanner will be there, and his cousin Blaze. You never know, one of them could be what you have been searching for," Vega said while she bounced up and down on my bed, trying to get me to wake up.

Dang it all, I could punch her. Lucky ass bitch; that has it all. By all, I mean Jace. Why can't I have a Jace? Not Jace, of course, but someone like Jace. Why am I always getting stuck with the assholes? Last night I was feeling bad for breaking Steven's heart, but in reality, he was using me the whole time. He took me out on a few dates here and there, but he only ever cared about fooling around and getting off. Now that I think about it, he would only cuddle long enough to get what he wanted and then he would leave. What a freaking jerk! Just like all the rest of the guys I have dated in the past. It's like they find out I'm a virgin and that becomes their mission in life. Deflower the virgin.

"Fine dang it! Stop bouncing on my bed," I said with a groan as I grabbed my unused pillow and flung it at her.

"Wear something cute, please. I mean it, Lyra. I've got a good feeling that either his cousin Blaze or his brother Tanner will be good for you. You don't want to show up looking like a slob."

"Grrrrrrr." I growled.

"Oh, stop it. You know you love me." Vega said, then chuckled as she hurried out the door.

Dang it! I guess I'm going to do this thing and go with her and Jace to the ranch. I'm not happy about it, especially after what happened last night.

After taking a quick shower, I threw on a pair of jeans and my nicest boots. I then decided to wear a red flower-covered tank top. As I hurriedly pulled my hair up into a high ponytail, I spritzed on some perfume and brushed my teeth. Adding a touch of tinted lip gloss, I made my eyes pop by applying eyeliner and mascara at the last minute. If Vega isn't happy with my appearance, she can kiss my little white behind.

After checking myself over, I made my way to the living room to wait for Vega and Jace. Ten minutes had gone by and my stomach started making noises that shouldn't ever come from a person. Man, I'm starving.

I ran up to Vega's room and knocked on her door. "Vega, pin me the address, and I'll meet all of you there. I'm going to run and get something to eat," I yelled.

The door swung open, and Vega glared at me. Dang, it takes a lot to piss Vega off, but I seem to have gotten on her bad side today.

"You better not flake out on us, Lyra. Or I'll whoop your ass when we get back!" Vega yelled, glaring at me while poking a finger into my chest.

"I'll be there, but I crave sustenance, alright." I said, as I threw my hands up in surrender.

Vega glared at me again and slammed her door closed. I grabbed my phone and purse from my room and headed for my car; once in, I high-tailed it to the nearest joint to get some breakfast burritos.

Bloody hell, that was a serious mistake. Aren't people supposed to be sleeping in on a Saturday morning?