Once upon a Dream by Nora Roberts Read Free Book Online Page A

room was a testament to modern luxury. Stepping from the bedchamber with its antiques and plush velvets into this sea of tile and glass was like stepping from one world into another.
    Which was, she supposed, something she’d done already. She filled the huge tub with water and scent and oil, let the low hum of the motor and quiet jets relax her as she sank in up to her chin.
    Silver-topped pots sat on the long white counter. From them she scooped out cream to smooth over her skin. And watched herself in the steam-hazed window. This was the way women had prepared for a lover for centuries. Scenting and softening themselves for a man’s hands. For a man’s mouth.
    A woman’s magic.
    She wouldn’t be afraid, she wouldn’t let anxiety crowd out the pleasure.
    In the wardrobe she found a long gown of silk in the color of ripe plums. It slid over her body like sin and scooped low over her breasts. She slipped her feet into silver slippers, started to turn to the glass.
    No, she thought, she didn’t want to see herself reflected in a mirror. She wanted to see herself reflected in Flynn’s eyes.
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    He felt like a green youth, all eager nerves and awkward moves. In his day, he’d had quite a way with the ladies. Though five hundred years could certainly make a man rusty in certain areas, he’d had dreams.
    But even in dreams, he hadn’t wanted so much.
    How could he? he thought as Kayleen started down the staircase toward him. Dreams paled next to the power of her.
    He reached out, almost afraid that his hand would pass through her and leave him nothing but this yearning. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known.”
    â€œTonight”—she linked her fingers with his—“everything’s beautiful.” She stepped toward him and was confused when he stepped back.
    â€œI thought…Will you dance with me, Kayleen?”
    As he spoke, the air filled with music. Candles, hundreds of them, spurted into flame. The light was pale goldnow, and flowers blossomed down the walls, turning the hall into a garden.
    â€œI’d love to,” she said, and moved into his arms.
    They waltzed in the Great Hall, through the swaying candlelight and the perfume of roses that bloomed everywhere. Doors and windows sprang open, welcoming the glow of moon and stars and the fragrance of the night.
    Thrilled, Kayleen threw back her head and let him sweep her in stirring circles. “It’s wonderful! Everything’s wonderful. How can you know how to waltz like this when there was no waltz in your time?”
    â€œWatching through dreams. I see the world go by in them, and I take what pleases me most. I’ve danced with you in dreams, Kayleen. You don’t remember?”
    â€œNo,” she whispered. “I don’t dream. And if I do, I never remember. But I’ll remember this.” She smiled at him. “Forever.”
    â€œYou’re happy.”
    â€œI’ve never in my life been so happy.” Her hand slid from his shoulder, along his neck, to rest on his cheek. The blue of her eyes deepened. Went dreamy. “Flynn.”
    â€œWine,” he said, when fresh nerves kicked in his belly. “You’ll want wine.”
    â€œNo.” The music continued to swell as they stood. “I don’t want wine.”
    â€œSupper, then.”
    â€œNo.” Her hand trailed over, cupped the back of his neck. “Not supper either,” she murmured and drew his mouth to hers. “You.” She breathed it. “Only you.”
    â€œKayleen.” He’d intended to romance her, charm her. Seduce her. Now she had done all of that to him. “I don’t want to rush you.”
    â€œI’ve waited so long, without even knowing. There’s never been anyone else. Now I think there couldn’t have been, because there was you. Show me what it’s like to belong.”
    â€œThere’s no woman