Premonitions

By Laurie Surprenant

What starts as a confusing evening riddled with mistaken assumptions turns into a romance that Logan didn’t expect or want. A simple party invitation for Logan, a retired cop, turned dog trainer, turns into one of the most surprising nights of her life. Her client, Erin Walker, has invited her to her home but Logan can’t figure out why. Mystery, fear, and love abound, but can love win in the end or will Erin simply walk away while Logan self-destructs? What ensues will keep you turning the pages and wanting more out of this ride.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laurie Surprenant
• Release date: Mar 15, 2016

Laurie Surprenant

I am a fun loving, risk taking, adventure loving person who loves my wife, our dogs, my family and life with passion, remembering always, we only have so many trips around the sun. I love old cars and bonfires with good friends and family. I have a passion for writing and hope to retire and write full-time later in life when I am ready to buy a house in New England, on a lake, when I won't care if I get snowed in.

Book preview

Chapter 1

I sighed as I rode up the long driveway, after the heavy gate slid open. I had given my name to the speaker box but I just wanted to turn around and go home. Unfortunately it was too late. Now my name was checked off some damn guest list I wish I wasn’t a part of. I made my way slowly to what surely would be a night of watching pretentious people be well, pretentious. I didn’t have a clue as to why I was invited either. Wealth and privilege never suited me but how could I possibly turn down an invitation from one of my best clients? I couldn’t. Well at least that is what I told myself over and over, a few hours ago as I pulled on my favorite pair of jeans, threw on a classic white tee, finishing with my brown leather boots. Erin said casual. I hoped I was close enough. Now don’t misunderstand me, I do not want for material items. I live well but not as well as this. It always seems to me that this type of money never brings happiness.

The house slowly started to come into view as I rode up the long drive. Each time I came here this very moment overwhelmed me. The house could have graced the pages of Architectural Digest for all its lines working together. It took my breath away as I rounded the last corner. I slowed to a crawl staring up at the pillars of the grand façade when I was pulled out of my reverie by a loud honking from behind. I quickly shook myself out of the fog I was in to find that I was blocking the way of a catering van. Hitting the throttle, I continued around the front circle where I parked my bike. I took off my helmet and jacket, putting both on the seat as I got off. I looked around but saw no other guests arriving or cars parked. Was I that early? The invite said four pm. It was three fifty. I had waited as long as I could to leave. Why didn’t I just say no, secondly where the hell was everyone else?

The front door opened almost immediately. With nothing in his way, out bounded my best client, Doc. Oh yeah, he bounded. I should introduce myself. My name is Logan. I am thirty-five, live in Southern California, and own a dog business that trains even the most non-compliant of dogs. I don’t like to sit in an office all day long so I work in the field mostly. I started by helping a friend with her Golden Retriever five years ago. I had previous experience in training and before I knew it, my business had grown quite successful with two fully staffed offices and a multitude of trainers on each coast. My services are not inexpensive but wanted.

Now by this time, while I explain all of this to you, Doc, a handsome playful German Shepherd, has just jumped up on my clean white tee, (probably a bad choice for wear), with muddy paws. Side note: I always carry a spare shirt. I extracted myself from his furry highness to brush myself off before Erin, my clients’ mom, was out the front door. I grabbed my backpack out of my saddlebag. As I turned back around, Erin was coming towards me with a smile that was like two thousand megawatts of light hitting my eyes. I had never noticed until now just how beautiful she looked when she smiled. Before I had a chance to wonder why, my stomach did a little bit of a flip. I was surprised at myself. I had never been that way around her before. She was almost to me so I pushed the feeling away. Logan, great to see you. When I looked at her I couldn’t help but smile back. She was always a pleasure to be around. She had paid for my services for two years now. In return, Doc was the most obedient dog in SoCal. He also was useful when I was training aggressive dogs, coming along with me from time to time. What’s up with Doc now Erin? The look on her face was mysterious yet mischievous. Doc costs me enough Logan, nothing today. Come on in.

With my bag slung over my shoulder I followed her up the front steps onto the porch. I was getting a weird feeling about tonight. Her face was unreadable as she held the front door open for me. As I looked around I realized that I had never ventured into Erin’s house. Erin and I worked Doc in the front yard only. Any break would be on the front porch in the shade it offered. I had never questioned this. I assumed she was guarded about her home, which most wealthy people were. It did not seem odd too me that I had never assumed I would venture further.

As I stepped over the threshold I should have known it would be beyond anything my imagination could have conjured up. The foyer came into view behind the two massive oak doors Erin had opened. The staircase was enveloped with the most amazing ensembles of flowers that the seasons of the globe could offer, all intertwined around the polished oak railing up to the second floor. Colors blazed against the stark white backdrop of the walls. The smells were intoxicating. Tulips, roses, carnations, birds of paradise…you name it they were there. Erin never spared any expense for Doc so I should have assumed that applied to everything in her life. My house is not small but it is simple, with an open floor plan and a pool. I like modern but comfortable. Oh and of course my sidekick Hemi, a Parson Russell Terrier, has the run of the place, as of course he should. Sorry I digress so back to the moment at hand.

The foyer was just the start. The sitting room to the right was enveloped in white with layers of blue interspersed throughout that invited one to come in while imagining the sounds of the ocean. To my left was the formal parlor in shades of brown tinged with green that had me longing for a solo hike in Vermont along with the peace that offers. I closed my eyes imagining the forest around me, the sound of the leaves crunching underfoot with the faint smell of moss tickling my senses. I hadn’t realized how much I missed that until today. I had drifted into my own world, my own thoughts but I was broken out of my reverie by Doc running into the house behind me. I came back to reality with a start. I opened my eyes to find Erin was staring at me, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. I shook my head to clear away the hint of fall that I was immersed in. Sorry. Erin laughed at my mumbled apology. The sound was light, almost melodic, fitting in perfectly with the surroundings. Why had I never noticed her laugh before? C’mon Logan, let’s go out back. She then turned to walk towards the back of the house. I assumed it was the expectation that I follow. It was then, for the first time, that I really noticed that Erin gave off an air of confidence that not everyone could pull off. Watching her, I realized that she owned her space. You know how some people only exist in it? Well she owned every inch of hers. I also noticed Erin was dressed very simply in tan cotton, loose fitting pants paired with a cotton tee that left little to the imagination. Again my stomach did that funny flip. I couldn’t tell what the hell was wrong with me. I shelved thoughts of how Erin looked as I breathed a sigh of relief that I was not under dressed, while following her to the back of the house to the kitchen presumably.

The kitchen was massive but simple. Actually it was gigantic! The best appliances, great layout, plus a view to die for of the infinity pool with the ocean as the backdrop, was simply breathtaking. I shouldn’t have expected any less. The entire back wall of the kitchen, opened up with an expanse of sliding glass to a veranda with a small cooking area outside as an auxiliary to the kitchen. It also had the largest gas fireplace I had ever seen. The furniture was couture but at the same time invitingly cozy in its own right. I was starting to realize that Erin not only owned her space but it fit her and Doc perfectly. I tend to focus on my clients, not their companions, or what some may call owners. I firmly believe the dog chooses us. Whether because of personality or lifestyle, we all seem to be picked specifically. But again, as I have a habit of doing, I drifted. I realized Erin was talking to me so I quickly turned my attention back to the moment. Embarrassed, I had to ask her to repeat what she had been saying. She touched my arm lightly as she laughed. What would you like to drink? I have beer, wine, water, or tea. I liked all of them but felt I needed a bit of help relaxing tonight. I could only manage to mumble yet another apology. I couldn’t shake the feeling of uneasiness that had washed over me when I walked through the front door and her touch had sent a jolt of electricity from my head all the way to my toes. Beer please. Erin was very attractive but a client. Also straight, what the hell was I thinking? I found myself staring at her. I nervously ran my fingers through my hair. What the hell had come over me tonight? She retrieved the beer, pouring it into a frosty glass. She finished by garnishing it with fresh blueberries. She did not seem to notice that I couldn’t take my eyes off of her as she poured herself a beer too. I would have expected wine. Maybe my earlier judgment of pretentiousness was a little too harsh. But why this mattered to me, I would have to self-analyze later. I knew she was a doctor. I also presumed that it paid well. I had never asked her about her personal life nor did I care to. It shouldn’t have been important to me at all. Certainly she was not fitting the expectations I had. Oh well, I wrote that on a mental post-it note to be filed away under I shouldn’t care.

I again came out of my reverie to find Erin watching me. It flustered me that she had caught me staring at her. I quickly looked out towards the water. I couldn’t explain what was traveling through my head, as it would not make sense to her at all while it was also a tad bit embarrassing. I was overwhelmed by how attractive she appeared to me today but surprised at the lack of pretense I expected from her. I wanted to ask why I was here. Why so early? Okay two questions but relevant. The caterers were bustling around the kitchen but I was the only one here. The amount of food did not look overwhelming either that they were prepping. Maybe it was drinks and a light meal. Why I was so early would be a logical question. I found for some unknown reason that I didn’t want to ask.

I looked back at Erin. She was still watching me intently. I was feeling more and more uneasy as the moments ticked by. I had to say something to fill the quietness that had descended on us like a blanket. Do you need any help? She smiled again. Maybe I was here to watch Doc while she prepped for the party or maybe it was assumed that would be my role the entire evening, well until I could cut out discreetly. Erin shook her head no. Logan let’s sit outside and talk for a bit. I nodded in agreement. What else could I do? I followed her through the glass doors. The chill was rolling in off the water, as it was early October, still warm during the day but cooler in the afternoon and evenings. Erin started the fireplace, throwing a light sweater on before she sat down. We both chose opposing chairs right in front, where the most warmth would be had. Doc quickly settled between us, seemingly content to be lying in close proximity to Erin. I reminded myself to grab the sweater I brought before the other guests started arriving.

The conversation began with small talk concerning Doc’s latest behaviors plus the arrival of new training products I had scoped out for them. I couldn’t help but comment on how absolutely gorgeous the surroundings were. This house amazes me every time I come here. My home pales in comparison to yours by far. I thought I lived well but… I waved my arms at the back yard. This is beyond what I could ever have. Hemi would be in heaven. I don’t think he can come out back often, he might want to stay forever. I smiled thinking of him in this backyard. He was a terrier, forget landscaping. Erin turned to me with a look I couldn’t quite read. This house, everything you see, was a compromise Logan. I would give this house up in a heartbeat if I could change that. I didn’t quite understand the statement or the stormy look that flitted through her eyes but decided it was best not to ask. One thing I have learned in my business, I let people offer up information. Respect for privacy is key. It is not my place to know every detail of the lives of my clients but to understand the needs of their four legged companions in comparison with the owners needs. I also didn’t feel it was something Erin wanted to share with me. The conversation grew quiet for a few moments, the silence broken only by the sound of the waves as they gently lapped the beach in slack tide.

It left me time to wonder what man would ever walk away from a woman like her. She had beautiful blond hair, green eyes, looked about 5’5" if I had to guess with an athletic build that looked like it came with little effort. Her complexion was olive with a hint of a tan still left from the summer. Her eyes were perhaps the most noticeable of all her features. They were absolutely striking. The color was green like the depths of the Caribbean Sea that one could get lost in given the opportunity. Basically she was drop dead gorgeous. Her demeanor was quiet but elegant. She gave off an air of intelligence and sexiness that most wouldn’t be able to compete with. It really was a puzzle to me why she was single. Bringing myself back to the moment, her lack of a partner was something that was not mine to think about so I turned my attention back to the fire. I realized I had been staring at the water for a good five minutes but Erin seemed lost in her own thoughts as well so it had gone unnoticed.

I cleared my throat, took a drink before asking the obvious question. What is tonight’s event for? To my surprise she laughed. I didn’t find my question funny at all. Even Doc looked at me sideways. What joke was I missing? Something on my face must have told Erin this because she stopped chuckling. She looked at me nervously. Sorry. Sorry? What the hell was going on? Why would she apologize to me? Was I only here to take Doc with me? Why did I care? Why was I sitting in front of the fireplace making small talk? Erin was staring at me. I needed to relax. I don’t know why I was keyed up like this. She would be the only one to be able to tell me what tonight was for, right?

I couldn’t understand why she was nervous. Jesus what was wrong, was I being fired? I mean I had lost clients before, I wouldn’t take it personally. The grip she had on her glass was turning her hand white. I watched her for a minute while thinking of something to say. Nothing was coming to mind so I went with what I could. Erin you might break that glass if you squeeze any tighter. This seemed to relieve some invisible tension. Her face broke out in a playful grin. I told myself this couldn’t be that bad. I needed to relax. Normally these types of things didn’t bother me. It looked like Erin was waiting for me to start the conversation so I asked the obvious question. What are you sorry for? I saw a look of uncertainty but Erin proceeded to make one statement. You’re here.

Now I was really confused. I looked back at the kitchen realizing for the first time that there were only two caterers. Thinking back quickly it made sense. It had been a van behind me not a larger truck, but still I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that no one else was coming. Why? I looked around starting to notice other things too. No tables, no outside preparation just me. Maybe she was buttering me up for a lesser commission. This was elaborate if that was the case. Not in the very least something she could have just asked me for without the cloak and dagger. So of course I said this. Now it was her turn to look confused. This conversation was not going well obviously. We were both much less at ease than we were at the start of the conversation. I was starting to believe that it was because of me. I was getting more uncomfortable by the moment. First her touch in the kitchen awakening something in me I had closed off long ago. Then the meandering thoughts about her, this was not me. What was I doing here?

Unconsciously, I had stood. Erin stood, putting her hand on my arm. This sent shocks of electricity through me again. It was at that moment I knew I had to get out of there. Why was the slightest touch from her making it more difficult for me to think? The voice in my head yelled, SHE IS STRAIGHT YOU IDIOT! I started looking around but found no place to exit quickly without going through the entire house so I drew a deep breath, ran my fingers through my hair, then sat back down. Erin pulled her hand away quickly, watching me intently with those unbelievably gorgeous green eyes. I could get lost in those eyes. Jesus I had to stop thinking that way. Evidently I needed to make a bar stop for some companionship time tonight on my way home. I forced myself to focus back on Erin. Missing anything would not be good right now.

For the first time I noticed, really noticed, just how sad her eyes were. I felt I should have seen that before. We spent many hours together but not on any real level. I wasn’t comfortable talking with clients or anyone for that matter about life in general, mine or anyone else’s. I am quite content to charge my clients large commissions, make them happy with my services while keeping a safe distance as a barrier to possible complications. I should have said no to this evening. It was becoming clear that this was not anywhere near what I was expecting. My mouth then reacted before my brain could stop it. Why do you look so unhappy? I sat back to look at the fire. I was kicking myself for asking. Why did I even care? For god’s sake this was a client. Something made me ask. I wished I knew what that something was. It made me cross my own line of anonymity which I was not happy about. I sighed at the argument I was having with myself. I had planned on being here anyway I suppose.

I took a sip from my glass, continuing to stare at the fire not daring to look Erin’s way. I could hear her breathing, deep shallow breaths as if she was trying to calm herself down. Waiting is like being hungry but not eating the food in front of you, impossible right? But there are times, I have learned, that waiting is not only necessary but what a person needs. This felt like one of those moments where silence was welcome. I also knew that if I looked over at Erin I might see something I wouldn’t want to see. I could almost hear her thinking of what to say. Whatever IT was seemed to be difficult at best. So I continued to wait. There was nothing else for me to do.

Finally I heard Erin move. I decided it was safe to look. She seemed composed with her legs tucked up underneath her, like she was ready to meditate. For the moment the sadness had seemed to vanish. She started the conversation with the reason I was here, okay a good place to start I surmised. What came next; well let’s just say if I hadn’t had a chair underneath I might have fallen on the tiled patio. I am sure my face reflected my surprise when I heard what Erin said. I wanted a friend. I laughed. I now know that was a very bad reaction on my part. She stood up quickly. Maybe asking you here Logan wasn’t the best thing to do. I like you. Doc trusts you so I wanted to spend some time with you, not the goddamn dog trainer. I wanted to get to know you, you Logan, however you seem to want to be anywhere but here. Angrily she turned to the fire. My mouth overran my brain on many occasions. I so wished I had a filter or draft mode. This was one of those times. I wasn’t trying to make her angry. She had taken me by surprise. My mind was spinning, a friend, Me? Really? She doesn’t even know me. I get along better with dogs than people. Didn’t she know that by now? Two years of nothing personal from me, why now? Damn how do I explain that I don’t make clients friends? What do I say? I sighed saying the only thing I could think of. Okay maybe we need to start over Erin. As I waited for her to respond all I could think was why me? I couldn’t imagine someone like her not having friends, I mean really?

At this point, as my mind continued to spin, I realized that I was staring again. It appeared to be a pattern tonight. I needed to remove the look of surprise from my face. It would not make this go any better. I settled back into the chair with a shiver, just realizing it was dusk. The lights in the pool had come on. Where had the time gone? The pool water was shimmering with a light mist overhanging it, making it difficult to see the ocean beyond. The heat from the water was hitting the coolness of the air creating a haze, like the fog that had suddenly appeared over the sitting area. Even Doc sighed before putting his head down. I had to do something quickly. I needed to recoup, but how?

Chapter 2

I looked over at Erin, took a deep breath then forged ahead against my better judgment. Erin, I am sorry. I would like to stay. I, well, you know, am not good at this stuff. I don’t do personal for a reason. Now you see how bad I am at it. She didn’t look at me. In fact she was as stiff as a board. I sighed. Why the hell was I even trying? Erin, please let’s start over. How about this, I stay for dinner then you can kick me out if you want. There was nothing more for me to say so I sat back waiting for her response. When she finally turned toward me there was not a