Beyond Dreams

By Carrie Collins

Kayla Ryan has her path all planned out with pure precision. She lives an average life, works several jobs, and has a long term plan to make her dreams come true. Wanting to speed things up, she gets a roommate. Unfortunately, the roommate arrives with a suitcase full of trouble. After accidentally filming a crime, Kayla is trouble’s new target. Using her skills as a theatre dresser, she assumes a disguise and starts running. The problem is, no matter where she goes, they always find her. A car accident leads to her rescue by gorgeous military men who both want to help and protect her. One in particular catches her eye, but she has a few problems to work out before she can consider relationships and romance. Namely, staying alive.
Tristan Walsh wasn’t looking for romance, he’s staying too busy running Phantom Inc., a secret military organization called in for difficult jobs. He was truly beginning to feel settled in his new town, when on his way home from work a short, loud mouth blonde came crashing into his world. Everything about her draws him in but she is stubborn, headstrong, and independent. On top of that, she takes issue with alpha men, which is the kind he is from head to toe. Tristan knows she is in some kind of trouble, and he has the means and will to help her. It doesn't matter if she wants help or not.
So he digs into her business while she digs in her heels...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carrie Collins
• Release date: Feb 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005086084

Carrie Collins

Carrie actually goes by the name CC in most places. She grew up in upstate New York in a log cabin in the woods. Now she currently resides in Connecticut wreaking havoc on a different state. If you have met her, you would not forget because her laugh can be heard across three counties.She is actually a spinning instructor part time which is something she loves. Carrie also enjoys getting dragged around by her 120lb devastatingly handsome Anatolian shepherd, Thor. When she isn’t doing that, she enjoys copious amounts of coffee, writing, reading, yoga, paranormal stuff, and urban exploring.

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Beyond Dreams

Carrie Collins

Published by Carrie Collins at Smashwords

Copyright 2021

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

BEYOND

DREAMS

by

Carrie Collins

A BEYOND NOVEL- BOOK ONE

For my Grandma Vesta who is the absolute best grandparent a girl could ask for.

For my mom who gave me a love of reading and an obsession for books.

For me for finding the bravery to go after a lifelong dream.

Special thanks to Sarah Lamb, Terese Mayer, Kristen Carter for seeing my vision and going on the ride with me.

PROLOGUE

She gripped the wheel tightly; her knuckles were completely white from hanging on for so long. The rain was coming down in heavy, huge drops and the windshield wipers were working so hard she thought they may just fly off. It was difficult to keep steady as she drove through places, she had never seen in her life with water splashing all directions from the puddles. It didn’t slow her down; her foot pushed on the gas pedal, going eighty miles an hour.

The roads had no lines painted on them; there were only woods and forest for miles and farms on large plots of land. Everything was beginning to look the same as every farm field went by, every tree. With miles and miles of road, no traffic, and no car in sight, she wondered if she should just stop at one of those big ole farms surrounded by fields of crops and beautiful ponds to find a place to stay for the night. All she knew was she was somewhere in Nebraska, a place she thought she would visit one day in an RV while traveling the US.

Her adrenaline was pumping, and her eyes were zoned in on the rain pounding the pavement in front of her. She tried to loosen her grip, but her hands were beginning to cramp. Her mind was racing, and she just wanted to get somewhere to relax, finally. Never once did she imagine she would be running for her life. Not once.

Just like that, life changed again; an animal, maybe a deer or mountain lion, ran out from the woods. It was too hard to discern in this never-ending rain exactly what it could be. And who knew what kind of wildlife Nebraska had roaming about. Lighting struck and she slammed the brake pedal down, trying to be gentle, but at this speed it was to no avail. The SUV she picked up just hours before spun out of control, sending her careening into a deep ditch about twenty feet down towards the forest. The trees were flying towards her; she closed her eyes and awaited the impact. Somehow, two trees caught the vehicle on both sides, the metal crushing around her, trapping her in, with the sound of breaking glass. The airbags blew out, and just like that, pain exploded everywhere in her body. The last thing she did before she became unconscious was shut off the lights on the car and thought, They won’t be looking for me down here.

CHAPTER ONE

Tristan Walsh was driving home in his big, black Chevy Colorado. Tristan hadn’t seen a storm like this since moving here. He was exhausted after helping Grady in town all day. The old farmer couldn’t handle his farm on his own anymore and Tristan enjoyed helping the wise man. Grady had the greatest advice, even without all the information. He also had piercing brown eyes and when he looked into Tristan's crystal blue ones, it was like he knew all his secrets. That day Tristan had helped plow his lands, repair the fences, and move all the livestock to the proper fields. He wasn’t looking forward to all the work he had left at his own farm. Grady had fixed him dinner while he cleaned up and cooled off in the pond. That man had the best cattle around and the steaks he produced could be sold at a restaurant in New York for seventy dollars a plate and no one would bat an eye.

He could not wait to get a real shower and finish digesting the best meal he’d had in a while. Tristan slowed a bit as the road became more country and the curves were harder to see in the onslaught of water being poured down on the state. As he drove around the next curve, he noticed something off about the trees.

The military had taught him to be observant and to take in his environment. Since moving here a year ago, he had driven this road several times a day. He had bought a huge farm and five hundred acres with a few of his brothers. They were not blood brothers, but from his unit, his team, his best friends. There were ten of them but only five of them currently resided at the farm. They were building their own houses on the land, a place they could start living their lives. Country living had been a shared dream for years. Now they were building each man's house one at a time. It was big enough for them all to have space but also a place they could have each other’s backs if shit hit the fan.

Well, maybe a large animal had broken those tree limbs trying to escape the storm that came out of nowhere. But something in his gut burned that maybe it wasn’t an animal. Could it be a person in trouble? He wished he could just keep driving home but his head was buzzing, calling him to turn around. Well, shit, he thought; he couldn’t help but wait for a straightaway and turn his big truck around.

Tristan found a place on the curve to get his truck completely on the shoulder so no one coming would hit his truck. He grabbed his raincoat and spotlight, heading over to the side of the road. Right there in front of him was a Kia Sorento pinned between two trees, trapping the occupants inside. The trees had crushed the sides, leaving whoever was inside no way out. He ran back to his truck, grabbed his cell, and hit speed dial one.

Gage, a man's voice said through the phone.

Gage, wake up Doc, tell him we may be having a visitor or more, and see if Ace can get a tow truck. There’s an SUV that went off the road two miles from the farm; the police wouldn’t make it here for at least an hour. It is down the ravine; I am headed down now to see if I can help whoever is in there get out.

Got it, Boss.

Tristan slowly climbed down the ravine. It was unbelievably slippery, and he wasn't sure if he could get anyone up it until the boys arrived. No doubt Gage would ride with Ace to check out what was going on. He always was a nosey fucker.

He got to the back of the SUV and lifted the handle on the hatch. Tristan was relieved to see it came right open. He maneuvered the spotlight in and shined it around; he only could see a mess of blonde hair with red running through it. Only one passenger of the vehicle and a woman, thank god.

Excuse me, ma’am, can you hear me?

No response.

I am here to help you, don’t move.

He had no clue if she could hear him at all until, he heard some kind of grumbling. Well, that’s a good sign, he thought.

He climbed into the back and the car shifted; Tristan stopped dead. His weight might push the car down the trees, and they would crash into the trees at the bottom. Fuck. What now?

Time to wait for the boys so he didn’t screw up this rescue. Five minutes later he saw headlights at the top by the road and the flashing tow truck lights. Two minutes later Gage slid down the ravine holding the tow hook. Hey, Boss, he said, smiling.

Tristan immediately went into instructions. One person, female. We need to stabilize the vehicle first then we have to get her out before we pull the car up.

Gage went right to the car, flashed his light around and got the hook into place. He used a walkie-talkie and said, Ace, pull her in about ten feet. Then we got to get a lady out of the car. I’ll give you the signal.

Ace pulled the slack back on the hook with his winch exactly ten feet. It was nice and tight, holding the car in place. Gage’s eye could measure with deadly accuracy, so he knew the car would hold. Gage and Tristan climbed into the SUV through the back, Gage shining his spotlight, and Tristan working on the seatbelt. The seatbelt was stuck so Tristan pulled a huge knife out of his boot and cut it in two places, so it came free. He covered his face, then stabbed the airbag so it wasn’t shoved in the woman’s face anymore.

He tried talking to her again. Ma’am, can you hear me?

Yes, he heard a small, raspy voice say.

Ok, good. Does your back or neck feel hurt?

No, just my head, face, and arms, she mumbled.

Ok, we are going to try to pull you out gently; if anything hurts, you have to say so we can pull you out a different way, Tristan gently told her.

Ten four, sir.

Gage smiled huge at him, It’s like we are best friends already.

Tristan slowly maneuvered her on her side. Gage jumped in, and they gently pulled her toward the back of the SUV. They got her out through the hatch and Tristan picked her up. Gage climbed back to the top and threw down a rope. He came back down and helped Tristan get the rope around him and the lady.

Ok, Ace, pull us up nice and easy, Gage said into the talkie. He stood behind Tristan to help get him up the ravine without dropping the girl. The ravine had a steep slope, and it was slippery as hell getting up it without carrying another person.

They made it to the top without incident, thank god. Tristan lowered her onto the back seat of his truck and started it up, turning on the heat. She was freezing and shivering, he knew they had to get her to the farm quickly. A piece of glass was hanging out of the left side of her face. She had quite a few burns going down her arms and face, probably from the airbag.

He jumped out and helped Ace and Gage get the woman’s car towed out. They had done this so many times it didn’t even take them five minutes. Tristan told Gage to drive his truck so he could check on the girl while they made their way to the farm. He jumped in the back with her, looking her over, and she blinked up at him. He stared hard into a beautiful set of light sky blue, almost grey eyes. The makeup smudged all around her eyes made them seem mystical surrounded by the black streaking all over her face.

Gage jumped in the truck and turned around to look at them in the back. She blinked at him, then looked at Tristan, and without knowing it, she asked, Did I die and go to heaven? Gage burst out laughing.

Tristan said Well, darling, I am sure I’ve heard that before but I’m positive poor Gage never has. He was smiling down on her.

Shit, I said that out loud? she grumbled and passed out.

Gage’s eyes met Tristan’s in the mirror and Gage was full of humor, wiggling his eyebrows. Gage couldn’t help himself by saying, Remember when I was seeing the crazy psychic girl and she told you a woman would fall into your lap? I’ll be damned Boss; the chit wasn’t crazy after all.

CHAPTER TWO

Kayla Ryan woke up with a serious headache and feeling completely discombobulated. She was lying in a huge bed. Turning her head, she saw there were windows along one entire side of the room. It felt like a farmhouse bedroom but with a very masculine touch. A dark, soft, fabulous comforter covered her, and it felt super plush, like it was over a one thousand thread count. There was a matching cherry bedroom furniture set around the room. On a wide dresser in front of her, a tv larger than the one in her living room sat placed. It had to be more than fifty inches. But beyond that, no pictures, decorations, or anything adorning the walls.

A man with a stethoscope walked up to the bed, scaring the shit out of her. He had blonde hair, hazel eyes, boyish good looks, and a model type smile looking down on her. All she could think was, Woah, I keep dreaming of all these gorgeous men. She closed her eyes, sighing, This is the best dream I’ve ever had.

Lass, he said.

She opened one eye and he was still there. And with a Scottish or Irish accent, she couldn’t be sure, but it was fabulous. Uh, hi, she replied.

Ye had an accident, and ye are gonna be aight. I stitched ye face; ye arm is sprained and there’s just some bruising and burns, nothing that won’t be ok in a few days, he said, still smiling at her. I am gonna go grab the Boss and be back with ye.

Kayla looked around some more, trying to take everything in and was horrified to realize she was naked under the blanket. Oh no, she thought, This is embarrassing.

She was a confident woman for sure. She was five foot four, naturally a dirty blonde but currently a vibrant bottled blonde. Kayla knew her best assets were her eyes, light sky blue and huge, set with long, thick eyelashes. Her eyes looked way too big, in her opinion, even in baby photos but she had grown into them nicely. She kept in shape with yoga, kickboxing, and spinning, but always carried a few extra pounds. So, her legs were a bit shorter than she liked but very muscled; her arms had enough definition that she felt good about them, but let’s be real, her triceps could be better. Her boobs could have been bigger but they were just big enough to have a round shape so she could always make them look bigger with the help of pads and underwire. As for her ass, it was big, setting on wide hips and thick thighs. People loved her butt, but for her, finding jeans that fit right was a serious problem. So anytime she found a pair that fit right, it required a pair of every kind and design by that designer. And she always had a small pouch belly, part genetics, part love of sugar.

At thirty-four, she loved herself and no one could tell her any different. She remembered in junior high when she developed her woman parts before the other girls. Some of the other kids called her fat and bacon, especially a couple of goon boys in her English class. The following year she came back, and those boys ate their words. She had worked hard, and her baby fat was gone, and she was looking great. One of those stupid, mean boys tried to ask her out. She laughed and walked away. It was then she decided that no matter what happened she would hold her head up high, always. She never lacked confidence out loud and faked it until she felt confident all the time in any situation.

But this was a little different. There were an unusually and excessive amount of these gorgeous men and she was frowning looking under the blanket. Someone had undressed her, and she had been wearing her most comfy ratty undies that were not pretty in any way. Her mother always said to wear clean underwear, she should have put it in there, pretty too; just in case a horde of sexy men come save you someday. She was still staring under the blanket when she heard the door open and quickly brought the blanket back up to her chin.

Hey there, a gravelly voice said.

She turned and stopped dead. In her head she could hear the song Just One Look, the Linda Ronstadt version playing. The man she dreamt of was real, a living breathing man in front of her.

He was tall, probably around six feet two, broad shouldered, like his shoulders were the size of her thighs type of broad. Big strong arms, the kind where you see all the muscle when he moves them and cut in every direction. Even the forearms rippled with muscle. Brown hair that seemed like it needed a cut as it was a bit long on the top, a five o’clock shadow and crystal aquamarine blue eyes, kind of like an older, rougher, much more muscular, and manly version of Liam Hemsworth.

She let her gaze wander down and saw muscled thighs under a pair of tight faded jeans, thick hips you just knew were all muscle and there was a pleasant sized bulge in just the right spot. She loved those tight jeans. They weren't just bought at the store new age skinny tight jeans, but the kind cowboys wear that show the butt too. He was delicious and she wanted to climb him like a tree.

Hi, she barely squeaked out, feeling her face getting red.

He smiled and wow oh wow, he was even hotter.

How are you feeling? he asked.

Like brand new, she replied, starting to grin in response to his.

That so? he asked, still smiling.

Absolutely, she said with maybe a tad too much enthusiasm. I may have to pass on a truck pulling competition but could probably still throw down in some quidditch.

He laughed and it was deep, rich, and completely enchanting. Harry Potter? he questioned.

It’s a very serious sport, she smiled even bigger as she answered.

He stood there staring at her speechless. All Tristan could think was how cute this woman was. She had a smile like she was up to something, a devilish smile. He had been told several times he had a devilish glint in his eye and felt like he met his match for the first time ever.

Well, I would need to talk to Ace about adding motors to some of our broomsticks, but I’m sure he could work something out, he quipped.

She laughed and it was hilarious. She had a big belly full laugh that he knew was probably contagious when she went out places. He heard Gage and Ace laughing downstairs, so he knew he was right.

Tristan could not remember ever sitting around smiling this hard after meeting a girl. Something about her just put a grin he couldn’t seem to remove on his face.

Could I get a name, so we know what to put on the back of your jersey before the big game? he queried, wanting to know.

She looked brightly up at him and introduced, Kayla Ryan.

He put out his hand and stated, Tristan Walsh.

She went to sit up and shake his hand, but the blanket started to slip, and he could see her panic. Kayla grabbed for the blanket and almost fell off the bed, only stopping when strong hands grabbed her, pushing her back on it. Her face was turning pink which he found really cute.

The boys were able to grab your suitcases and stuff from the car, it should be here soon.

Thank you so much, that’s perfect. I will be out of your hair in no time. That is if you have a phone or computer, I could use to get a rental car, she added quickly.

No, was his response, quick and firm.

You don’t have a phone or a computer? She waved a hand, That’s ok, maybe a ride to town to a library or something. I could do that there.

No, was his response again, in the same firm tone.

He was no longer smiling, now just looking at her with disdain. She was starting to get weirded out. Ok so how far is town? I brought my sneakers thank god. I could walk, my suitcases have wheels.

You are not leaving, he ground out.

Ok she thought, bipolar maybe. I don’t know what this guy's problem is. Friendly to bossy in 6.0 seconds. Maybe he’s a serial killer who saw you were easy pickings to bring back to his lair. First, she needed clothes, then a weapon to escape with, incase this went all Texas chainsaw or the like.

Tristan could see her wheels turning, so he moved closer to bed, bent down and said, For fuck sake, you were in a car accident a few hours ago. You have no bad injuries by luck only, and Doc said you would be clear to get up in the morning. Then we can talk and evaluate how you are doing.

Ohh, she said feeling stupid. Concerned citizen sexy man may not be a serial killer but find a weapon just in case anyway.

He bent his face coming near hers, his arm was reaching by the bed. Her heart started pounding, he was so close, and she was naked. He smiled very wolfishly and pulled up a remote. Here, he said, handing it to her. We have every station, you can watch tv while we grab you some food. We have pizza and three kinds of wings, there’s also tea, soda, water, or coffee.

That sounds divine. Nothing spicy at all for me, she said back to smiling. He grabbed a shirt from a drawer smiling huge, threw it at her and left the room.

Kayla threw on the T-shirt with the speed of light feeling much more comfortable. She flicked on the tv and settled in, flipping stations, and settling in on a Marvel movie. She didn’t see any point in worrying until the morning on her next move as she often enjoyed flying by the seat of her pants.

Within five minutes Tristan and the man that drove her last night came up with two trays. The other man was grinning big, like something was beyond funny.

Sit up, Kayla, Tristan's deep voice ordered.

Kayla saluted and said, Aye aye Captain.

The other man laughed, shaking uncontrollably, setting a tray on her lap once she was sitting upright. She couldn’t help but smile back, thanking him and asking, And you are?

Gage, otherwise known as everybody’s favorite, his green eyes were lit up with mirth.

I don’t know, that remains to be seen, Sybil here is running a tight race. I am Kayla, thanks for the ride, she stated lightly.

Gage started laughing, so Kayla started laughing and then they were both in hysterics.

Then Gage strangely informed her, The Boss is friendly but used to getting his way. He has tantrums, but no worries if you are not the enemy, he’s a teddy bear.

The bed depressed and her head flew sideways as Tristan sat down on top of the covers with a tray on his lap. He smiled at her and then flashed Gage a nasty look and stated loud and with menace, Thank you Gage, your services are no longer needed here.

Nice to meet you Kayla, hope to see you again soon. Gage said, the bed started to rise, and Gage moved fast out of the room laughing.

Kayla looked at Tristan and asked, Is this our first date? her devilish grin lighting up her face.

He couldn’t help it, all the menace from his face leaving as he replied, It is now.

They ate in comfy silence watching the Avengers beat the enemy. Kayla ate all six BBQ wings they brought her and three slices of pizza. She couldn’t believe it; she must have been starved. It was the huge pizza slices she only normally made it thru one of. Gage came back for the trays after a while, smiling at her, raising eyebrows at Tristan. Tristan said nothing just raising his eyebrows back at Gage, then laying back on the bed with his hands propped behind his head.

CHAPTER THREE

Kayla was unsure when she fell asleep, but it was the most peaceful rest she had in a long time. The bed was the most warm and comfy bed she had ever slept in, the sheets and comforter were top of the line. A man after my own heart, she thought. Towels and bed linens were especially important to Kayla. She didn’t spend tons of money on fancy purses or shoes, but the bedding was everything. Just the right thread count, smooth, and a clean slide into the sheets. Shave your legs nice and fresh, no better feeling. And his sheets were warm, especially in the room’s cool air she could feel on her face.

Wait, no not the sheets. The sheets weren’t warm, the heat was apparently coming from the front of the man laying behind her. Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit. Kayla deep breathed, ok so my bare bottom is pressed up against a super hot guy in his bed. He, thank god, had underwear on, ah yes boxer briefs she could feel. That’s how against him she was at the moment. Sleep clearing from her brain she slowly extracted herself inch by inch to her side of the bed. She heard him make a sleepy noise and yanked her back to him. He threw a leg over one of hers and fell back to deep breathing. Oh, dear god she thought, what the hell do I do now? With the tight grip he had on her there was no way she could budge him even a little bit. She gave in to his strong hold, thought hell with it, and went back to sleep.

Tristan smiled to himself, he didn’t mean to fall asleep with her. Well, he did get undressed only leaving on his boxer briefs and climbed into bed with her. But he had thought he would be up long before her and could sneak out without her knowing. Sometime in the night she had backed up into him, and she had a big, soft, wonderful backside. He was dying to put his hands all over her ass just to see how it felt in his palms. His whole life he was a total ass man, and this girl had a glorious, big and round booty a man like him would like to carry her around by.

When he felt her wake up, he could almost feel her wheels turning trying to figure out what to do. Her attempt at gracefully slowly gliding away was amusing him. As soon as he felt her get away and relax, he couldn't help himself, but after all he was sleeping. He grabbed her and dragged her back, locking her down with a leg. Years in the military he learned how to fake sleep, he was unusually good at it. This was by far the best use of this talent to date. He smiled, moved in even closer and fell back asleep.

An hour or so later Tristan woke up and got out of bed, painfully erect. He went to his bathroom, flipped on the shower to the coldest setting and climbed in. When he came back out, he was feeling much better. The cold water did not help, so there was a matter he took care of in the shower. His fun this morning had cost him a painful hard on that he thought was going to kill him. He walked out of the bathroom saw Kayla was still sleeping so he dropped the towel and started dressing for the day.

Kayla had just woken up when she heard the bathroom door open. She quickly closed her eyes and didn’t move a muscle.