Deep Connections: Connections, #1

By Rebecca Graf

A young teacher is drawn into a tight family of one of her students and feel intense feelings for hte older brother. Before they can explore the attraction, a mysterious figure apepars and is determined to claim Brenna before Slaton can. It becomes a race to discover who the figure is, what he wants, and how Brenna fits into it all while she discovers the intensity of the deep connection of true love. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: A Book Lover's Library Publications
• Release date: Oct 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201641429

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The shoreline was getting crowded as people began taking up spots to get a better view of the comet. This small beach was not something that could compete with larger lakes or the ocean, but it was still a pretty good size. It could easily handle Whitewater’s five thousand residents, plus the others that lived on the outskirts but called it home.

The lake covered enough acreage for many sailboats to enjoy the breeze on a warm summer day. During the hot and humid summer days, hundreds would gather on the beaches scattered around the lake to enjoy its cooling effect. But not tonight. This was still too early in the year. Snow still lay on the ground in places where the sun’s rays could not penetrate. Spring was around the corner, but not quite here. That didn’t stop the residents from flocking to the beach for a view of a comet that would not appear again for more than a hundred years.

This was supposed to be the best night to see this comet since the sky had been overcast most of the previous nights it had been visible. Plus, this was the night that it would be closest to Earth. It was a great evening for all to get together and have some fun.

As Brenna walked toward an area that did not seem very crowded, she heard someone call out to her. Looking toward the sound, she spotted Tahnee waving her over to them. Brenna smiled in response and nodded her head. She began stepping around people and mumbling apologies as she pressed between family members.

Tahnee had become a dear friend since she had moved to the small town last summer. Her son, Layford, was in Brenna’s Advanced Placement English class. At the school’s open house, Tahnee and Brenna had struck up a fast friendship. From then on, they began to spend time together, even though the woman was old enough to be Brenna’s mother.

Brenna considered Tahnee to be a very beautiful woman. She had the classic Native American look with the high cheek bones and beautiful, dark eyes. Her long, flowing coal black hair with streaks of white gave her a look of maturity and wisdom that contradicted the youthfulness of her face. No one would ever have guessed that she was in her early fifties with two children.

Brenna loved spending time with the Lightfoot family. Their home on the local reservation was a warm place filled with laughter and fun. Every Friday Brenna found herself there enjoying the pleasure of their company. With that thought, she spied Tahnee’s oldest son smiling as she approached.

Slaton's stunning looks would make any woman do a double take. His handsome, chiseled face, framed with hair that was black as midnight, had dark eyes that were always full of laughter. Brenna was usually the object of his wit, but she was not one to let him enjoy it alone. She threw quite a bit back herself. Many times the family just sat back and watched them go at it over a movie or a game. Each one had their fair share of wins and lauded it over the other one. She just knew that any girl who grabbed him would be lucky. Who wouldn’t love all those muscles wrapped around a good sense of humor? She knew she would, but was realistic enough to know that she never stood a chance.

Brenna, come on. We saved a spot for you. Tahnee’s husband Grey pulled her forward to a spot between Tahnee and Slaton on a large blanket on the sand. She settled down and looked up at the sky that wasn't yet dark enough to see any of the constellations.

This is so cool, Langford exclaimed as he looked up at the sky impatiently. This only happens once every hundred years, and I get to see it. Brenna laughed. He was such a handsome boy and had just been getting settled back in school. He had the good looks of the Lightfoots, as well as their intelligence. His hair, with part of it hanging down in his eyes, was cut in a style popular with teenagers. In his face, Brenna could see his older brother in his looks. With maturity, he would have the same chiseled look.

Everyone smiled at his youthful exuberance. Brenna looked over, caught Slaton’s wink, and grinned back. A part of her could easily fall for him, but she held back. Being his brother’s teacher made things a little more complicated for her, and she was already seeing a local policeman. Their relationship wasn't serious, but he was fun to be with and was always there when she needed him.

Tahnee pulled out some sandwiches and thermoses of hot chocolate and passed them around. Brenna unwrapped a sandwich and bit into her chicken salad when she felt a blanket fall around her shoulders. She looked up in surprise to find Slaton smiling at her. Don’t want you to get cold. There is still half an hour to go before we can really see the comet.

Thank you. She pulled the blanket tight around her and continued eating. Slaton settled back down beside and began eating his own sandwich. She had to admit that the warmth felt good. It almost felt like his arms. What was she thinking? She couldn’t understand what had gotten into her.

What’s Eaton up to? Tahnee asked. Eaton Somerfield was the policeman Brenna had been seeing off and on for several months. Slaton paused in eating and listened to her response. Brenna didn’t notice how he was looking straight ahead at nothing. Whatever he saw drew all of his attention.

He’s working. I caught a glimpse of him down by the pier monitoring traffic.

A part of him was pleased with her response because it didn’t seem too personal. Despite dating Eaton, Brenna never really seemed too into him. Slaton continued eating, pleased with his assessment of the situation. Maybe the way was more open for him than he realized. Now he just had to get her attention the right way.

Talk was light and laughter abundant as the group waited for the comet to appear in its full splendor. Everyone grew quiet as the park officials turned off the lights in the parking lot and the neighboring buildings. It took a few minutes for everyone's eyes to adjust to the total darkness and begin to make out the stars above. Gasps could be heard all along the beach. Brenna’s breath was taken away by the sight before her. The comet, streaking across the sky with its bright tail in full blaze, seemed so unreal. As she watched in amazement, she subconsciously began scratching her chest.

Tahnee looked over as Brenna continued rubbing the spot above her heart. Are you okay?

Brenna looked over. Yeah. Just an itch. She shrugged it off and continued looking up at the sky. Slaton bumped her with his shoulder.

It’s amazing, eh?

She nodded without taking her eyes off the astronomical gift. Yes, it is.

They watched the sky for the next hour. Stories of other comets circulated around the beach. This particular comet hadn’t been seen in over a hundred years and there were many stories about it passed down through the generations. Children ran around trying to catch this elusive night vision.

As the night wore on, people began to filter away. The cold was getting stronger. Tahnee began to pack things up. Slaton caught Brenna before she moved. Want to stay a little longer? It’s supposed to be even brighter within the next hour or so.

I’d love to but...

I’ll make sure you get home safely.

The temptation was too great. Even though she knew it was not the smartest thing to do, she nodded. Okay.

Tahnee nodded as she heard the plan. We’ll see you at home, Slaton. We’ll see you tomorrow night, Brenna?

Sure. I’m still planning on coming.

Great. We’re having steak. Slaton and Grey are determined to grill for you.

Everyone packed up and headed to their cars. Only a few people dared to brave the chill and stayed to continue watching the night sky.

One set of eyes stayed in the shadows and watched Brenna from a distance.

Slaton should have been looking at the sky, but Brenna unknowingly captured all of his attention. She was striking. The unusual pale hair that was almost white made her stand out. Her dark blue eyes could mesmerize anyone. But it was her bright and all-inclusive smile that sunk Slaton.  He had such fun sparring with her. She was quick with the retorts and very smart. She fit in so well with his family, too. Whenever he was around her his heart always beat faster, and he seemed to have trouble breathing. Deep down he knew she was the one that would be electrifying in so many ways. He just needed to know if she felt the same way. There was only one way to find out and that was to test the waters. He just wasn’t entirely sure how to handle Eaton. Was Brenna serious about him? How serious did Eaton really feel about her? Were they lovers? Slaton’s stomach tightened as the thoughts raced through him.

They talked about various things as they continued stargazing. A chill went over Brenna that Slaton noticed. We need to get you home. She nodded and they began gathering up the little that remained and walked to Slaton’s old truck. It had seen better days, but still ran well and did the job required. Brenna had walked to the beach earlier as she lived in town and loved the walk, but with the cooler weather, she was happy the walk was not required for the return trip. It didn’t take them long to reach her apartment building. Getting out, Slaton ran to her side and walked her to the door.

It was an old building that dated back to the prohibition era. Brenna loved the ornate carvings over the door and the gilded entryway that had seen better days. She lived on the top floor five flights up. The elevator was temperamental and could stop at any time, no matter who was in the car. One incident was more than enough for Brenna to decide taking the stairs each day was the wisest thing.

Thank you for the ride home and the beautiful view of the comet. Brenna smiled at her front door.

No problem. Anything for a lovely lady.

Brenna rolled her eyes. You’re so full of it.

Slaton smiled back with a wolfish grin. Tell me about it. She was a little surprised at the slight change in his tone. Instead of just jesting, there was a sexual charge behind the words and the grin. A part of her tingled at this prospect. Maybe there was something more going on here. She was slightly curious. Her relationship with Eaton was more casual than serious, but did she really want to make her life more complicated?

Brenna leaned back against the door wondering what was to come next, but what happened took them completely by surprise. The door opened under Brenna’s weight, sending her falling backwards. Slaton grabbed her before she could fall completely. As Slaton held her against him, they looked at each other in surprise, the intimate moment no longer there.

Did you leave your door unlocked? he whispered as he looked behind her into the dark apartment. The light in the hallway barely penetrated the interior. He looked at Brenna's now wide eyes as she shook her head no. Pushing her behind him, he crept into the silent apartment with the hair on the back of his neck standing up. He felt something, but wasn’t sure what. Every sense came alive ready to protect the woman behind him.

There was not a sound in the place. Brenna followed closely behind him as he moved from room to room periodically looking at her for any sign of something being out of place. In each room she shook her head silently. Once he knew the coast was clear, he turned on the light to her bedroom. Nothing jumped out. He looked at her questioningly.

Brenna moved from behind him and went around the room. It was a plain room with off-white walls and a simple full sized bed in the middle. A dresser and a few bookshelves were the only other furniture in the room. At the bed, she stopped. Reaching out she touched the dark brown bedspread and moved her hand up until she touched the folded nightgown on the pillow. She pulled back and stepped away from the bed.

That wasn’t there when I left. I always put my gown under my pillow.

Slaton, looking closer at the cotton fabric neatly lying on the waiting pillow, walked over to the bed. Could you have been in a hurry?

No, because the one I wore is still under there. I can see it peeking out from here. That gown was in my drawer this morning. Under the pillow a piece of yellow fabric hung against the pink of the sheets.

Slaton pulled out his cell phone. I’m calling the police. Brenna didn’t protest. She realized that in her distress, she had not even thought of calling Eaton.

Brenna made them some hot chocolate as they waited on the police. She really wanted something stronger, but she had to do something with her hands. As she waited on the drink to heat up, she moved around the kitchen trying to keep busy. She began putting up the dishes in the little dish rack wondering if whoever had been in her home had touched them. She turned around and looked at the dated kitchen. It was very evident that it had not been remodeled since the seventies. Her apartment held nothing of any real value. Why would someone break in? It just didn’t make sense.

It didn’t take long for a knock on the door to alert them to the arrival of the police. Brenna opened the door to find a uniformed Eaton standing there.

What’s up? I heard the dispatch to this address. Are you okay, Brenna? Eaton looked her over quickly for any sign of blood or distress as he placed his hands on her shoulders.

I’m fine. Come in. Brenna moved back for him to enter.

Eaton walked in and stopped short when his eyes fell on Slaton rising from the couch. Glaring at him, he turned to Brenna for an explanation.

Slaton brought me home from watching the comet with his family. When we got here, the door swung open without me turning the knob. Just a little of my weight leaning on it did it. We searched the whole place and found where someone had pulled a nightgown out of my drawer and left it folded on top of my pillow.  I know I didn’t do it because I didn’t wear that one last night.

There was no one here and no other sign of an intruder. Slaton confirmed.

Eaton nodded toward the hallway leading to the bedroom. May I?

Sure. Brenna led the way and showed Eaton the new nightgown and the one tucked under her pillow.

Anything else?

I didn’t see anything missing or out of place. I’ve looked everywhere. This is just really creepy.

I’ll report this, and we’ll see what we can do. Have you seen anyone hanging about or anything out of the ordinary? He glanced over at Slaton with a slight glare.

Brenna shook her head. Nothing. This is the first I’ve noticed.

Any strange phone calls that you didn’t think much about at the time?

She sighed as she shook her head again. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

I wouldn’t advise you staying here alone tonight. We don’t know how he got in.

Slaton spoke up, She can come out by our place. Mom will be glad to have her out there.

Eaton frowned at the intrusion of the deep voice, but knew there was no better solution at the moment. Having Brenna near Slaton seemed dangerous to him, but her safety was more important to him. Plus, he had to work that night. He would deal with the Slaton issue later.

Reluctantly, Eaton nodded in agreement. Sounds good. Brenna, lock up when you leave and let me know if anything else strange happens, though I doubt it will way out there. You have my number. Use it. Same goes for you, Slaton.

She nodded as she pulled out an overnight bag and began packing, choosing an entirely new set of nightclothes for that night. Opening the drawer with her night clothes and underwear gave her pause. The black piece that now lay on her pillow was in that very drawer that morning. Strange hands had touched her intimate pieces. Brenna shook herself out of the grasp of fear that was getting tighter. Getting out of there sounded good at the moment. Both men hovered nearby watching her. Neither one seemed willing to leave the other one alone with her in her bedroom. Both walked her outside to Slaton’s truck.

Eaton knew she was better off at the Lightfoot house, but something about the way Slaton was looking at her irritated him. He had seen them interact before but there was something different tonight, something he did not like, something he might have to address. Maybe it was time he upped his own game plan.

Unknown to all of them, another set of eyes was watching from across the street in a small patch of trees. A hand brought out a scarf that had been folded neatly in Brenna’s drawer and smelled the honeysuckle perfume she wore. A sigh escaped the hidden face as Eaton waved Brenna off and returned to his car to report the incident.

The ride out to the Lightfoot home on the reservation was long and quiet. Each was in their own world thinking about the events of the night. Brenna was unnerved that someone had been inside her home and touching her intimate things. Slaton wanted to protect her from the fear he saw in her posture.

You’ll be safe out at our place, he said, hoping to ease the tension in her.

I know. She nodded. It just feels weird to have my personal space invaded. I feel dirty and I wasn’t even touched.

He reached over and squeezed her shoulder. She felt his warmth through her sweater and smiled in appreciation. She didn’t mention how weird it was to have Eaton and Slaton sizing each other up in her apartment. That would just open up a can of worms she wasn’t prepared to deal with at the moment.

Who could it be? she wondered out loud.

Maybe a kid from school pulling a prank?

She turned to look at him. That could very well be it. I teach high schoolers and they love pranks. That has to be it. Thinking they had solved the mystery, she relaxed.

Slaton smiled in return, but the smile did not reach his eyes. He hoped it was a teenage prank, but he wasn’t putting money on it. That could only lead her into danger. All his senses had burst into life back in her apartment. He knew what had been there was not good, and that it hadn't been just a prank. Something sinister was in the air.

The night was uneventful. Tahnee kicked Slaton out of his room and placed Brenna in it. She tried to convince them to let her sleep on the couch. She quickly found the battle lost before it got started, as not one person took her side.

As Brenna got into the bed, she looked around Slaton’s room. It felt weird being there. She could tell that he hadn’t changed much about it since he came back from law school. Posters of hot rods decorated the walls, and model airplanes hung from the ceiling. What interested her the most was the shelf full of books. Walking over to it, she read the titles with fascination. She found Wuthering Heights, David Copperfield, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The more titles she read, the more impressed she became. She knew Slaton was intelligent but did not realize how extensive his literary tastes ran. As she settled in the bed, she thought of all that had happened today and sighed in exhaustion. Too much to think about, too much to deal with. Maybe Scarlett was right and tomorrow was another day to deal with it all.

She drifted off to sleep much easier than she had anticipated, while the man on the couch was wide awake. Slaton stared at the ceiling with his thoughts drifting back and forth from the woman in his bed down the hall to the intruder no one saw. The uneasy feeling he had while standing in her bedroom hadn’t left him. It actually intensified when they left the apartment building. He firmly believed it was not a prank. When he expressed his feelings after they got home, Grey and Tahnee agreed with him. He was glad she was under their roof tonight so he could watch over her. A part of him wished he could lock her up and keep her here safe and sound, but he knew that would get him nowhere.

He was frustrated because he had been just about to kiss her when she fell through the doorway. The intruder did a lot to mess up his evening and that did not help his temper. He turned over and lightly punched the pillow.

Did that help any? Tahnee’s voice came out of the dark.

Slaton looked through the darkened room to the doorway her voice traveled from.

A little. he admitted gruffly.

What’s bothering you the most? Her being so close or knowing someone could be out to hurt her? Tahnee moved to sit next to him on the sofa.

Both. She firmly believes it was a prank. She won’t listen to reason that she still needs to take precautions. She’ll want things to return to normal again.

Good for her then.

What?

Slaton, she is a strong woman and limiting that strength will not help your cause. She has to see that she needs you and that you are there during those times. The need has to be there. Right now, she doesn’t see the need. Until then, you have to let her stand on her own.

Will she see the need? Am I the need? It’s not like I’m the only guy in her life.

She’ll see it.

Is that you reassuring a son or you knowing this? Slaton knew his mother had the supernatural ability to sense the future. She seemed to know how things would end up, just not how they would end up there.

I know. But my knowing is not what is important. You both have to know. Once you realize, son, that she is the one for you, it is then a matter of you helping her realize it on her own. The love has to grow and take root. It cannot be forced.

I almost kissed her tonight. If the door had not been opened, I would have. I would have known for sure.

Love doesn’t come in one chance opportunities. The real thing is persistent. You’ll get a chance again. All you can do is be there when the door opens. Tahnee patted his arm and went back to bed.

Slaton closed his eyes and dreamed of silver hair and blue eyes.

CHAPTER 2

Brenna rose fully rested and noticed how bright and shiny the day was beginning. She walked to the window overlooking the front yard and smiled as the sun’s rays danced on everything it touched. She just knew it was going to be a good day.

It had to be. Yesterday had ended on such a stressful note. Knowing someone had been in her apartment made her feel violated. It was even worse knowing they had touched her intimate clothing. The thought of burning that nightgown grew more tempting with each passing moment. But she wasn’t going to let that ruin today. She had to work and nothing should get in the way of that. Plus she might find out which devious student thought yesterday's prank was funny.

She didn’t take long to get dressed. Everything she needed was there in her bag and nothing needed ironing. She was glad she had grabbed the right clothes. The smell of breakfast drifted under the door and pulled Brenna toward it. Breathing deeply, she quickly finished brushing her hair and pulled on her shoes.

Tahnee had a big breakfast awaiting everyone in the large country-style kitchen. Brenna loved the house Tahnee had turned into a home. It was a large ranch house that invited others in and made them feel comfortable and welcome. Even the kitchen beckoned one in to visit and eat, as warmth and love radiated out of it. The table was filled with food and bodies. Tahnee motioned to the empty chair opposite of Slaton for Brenna to sit.  She didn’t need to be told twice.

Despite everything that had happened, Brenna ate well. She did not turn down second helpings of scrambled eggs and ham. Neither did the men who actually went for thirds. Tahnee, an exceptional cook, had prepared enough food for an army. It wasn’t long before the dishes held only crumbs that Layford