Phantom Lover

chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

Erin came awake slowly to find herself flat on her back, outside her cube.

For a second she couldn't move at all; then her body slowly began to function again.

The first thing she saw was Chrissy's worried frown.

The second was the two EMTs sitting next to her. Her boss, along with several other co-workers, stood off to one side frowning down at her.

John's face told her the only thought in his mind was how much paperwork he'd have to fill out over this.

"What happened?"Erin asked.

"You passed out," Chrissy said. "It was like you were frozen or something."

Erin covered her face with her hands as embarrassment filled her.

Just her luck to have the most erotic dream of her life witnessed by half her office.

Oh God, shoot her now!

"How do you feel?" the paramedic on her right asked as he helped her sit up.

"I feel…" Her voice trailed off. She felt incredible, actually. Better than she had ever felt before.

"Ma'am?" the paramedic insisted. "Are you okay?"

Erin nodded, trying desperately to hold on to the image of V'Aidan, but it faded and left her feeling oddly lonely. "I'm fine, really."

"I don't know," Chrissy said. "She's been acting weird a lot lately. Hasn't been sleeping. Maybe a short hospital stay where she can sleep—"

"Chrissy!"Erin snapped. "What are you trying to do?"

"Get you some help. Maybe they have something that can make you sleep through the night."

"I don't need to sleep," she said, amazed at the truth of those words. "I feel completely rested."

The paramedic looked at Chrissy. "Her vitals are normal. If she says she's fine, she's fine."

He handed Erin a release form. "Sign that and you're on your own, but if I were you, I would go to my doctor just to be safe."

Chrissy gave her a doubtful look.

"I'm fine, Chrissy,"Erin insisted, signing the release.

Even so, John told her to go home and take the rest of the week off.

Completely embarrassed,Erin didn't argue as the EMTs left.

She merely gathered her things, then headed out of the building, to the parking lot.

Chrissy followed her to the car. "Listen, what I was going to say before John went for coffee and you hit the floor is that my boyfriend is a psychologist who specializes in sleep disorders."

Erin paused at her green Escort.

Strange that Chrissy hadn't mentioned that before, but it explained why she had been so interested in Erin 's dreams since all this started.

"Really?"

"Yeah. His name is Rick Sword and I was telling him about you. He says he thinks he can help."

Chrissy handed her a crisp dark gray business card.

"I really think you should give him a call."

Erin studied the card.

At the moment, she'd never felt better in her life, but maybe she should give him a call just in case the nightmares returned.

"Thanks,"Erin said, getting into her car. "I just might do that."