Jurassic Heart Read online

  My fingers scrapped against the glass and I nodded as my lips pouted.

  “I’ll have the video and you can watch it whenever you want.”

  I understood. When Dash set us on our return trip. I stayed there, watching the blips of flashing lights, staying put until the curtain drew closed.

  “Are you alright?” he asked, standing next to me. His presence was hard to deny or ignore.

  “Breathless and grateful. Dash, I … I don’t know how to thank you. How …” I turned to face him and locked into a stare.

  It was a moment.

  It was every cliché ever written.

  His eyes were blue as the ocean, even though they weren’t blue, they had that tinge.

  I was lost in them. Simply lost.

  He was the embodiment of every fantasy. The picture perfect prince, just like my grandmother used to rent for my birthday parties.

  Let me be your princess, I screamed in my mind. Kiss me like Cinderella and wake me now from this wretched poisoned fate that has me in a deep sleep through life.

  Neither of us blinked, he may have, but I didn’t see it, perhaps we blinked together.

  It was magic, I felt it spooling in my soul.

  “Paige,” he said my name with passionate airiness.

  “Dash.”

  He exhaled. I caught the scent of bourbon in his breath as he leaned down. Closer, closer, his lips a mere millimeter from mine.

  No. What were we doing.

  Against what my heart desired, I stepped back. “No. We can’t.’

  “We can.”

  “But Dash … this is a job., We have to work together.”

  “We just witnessed the magic of chemistry between your parents, they worked together.”

  “My parents were one of a kind.”

  “We … Paige,” he grabbed my shoulders. “Can be one of a kind.”

  Done.

  Lost.

  I fell into his chest and into his arms, sunk emotionally into his kiss and there was no turning back.

  He pulled at my soul and I felt as if he inhaled me.

  Dash was breathless when he separated from the kiss, never moving his lips far. “We should go to the compound.”

  “No, take me here ... make love to me here.”

  He lifted me from my feet, sweeping me into his arms, and he carried me through the chamber, kissing me the entire journey. How he did it, I don’t know. He was talented. It was like walking and chewing gum at the same time.

  We stopped kissing briefly for him to press open the small door. It was narrow, but we slipped inside seamlessly.

  The lights were automatic and brightened the room.

  “Dim lights,” Dash called out and the lights lowered to something romantic.

  I was glad. I wanted to see him when we made love, look into his eyes.

  We moved to the bed, no wider than a cot. In fact the entire room was closet size. That was fine, confinement would work. We didn’t need space enough for two, because Dash and I were about to become one.

  DASH

 

  In the aftermath of what I would call the best night of my life, I floated blissfully on cloud nine. I felt like every lyric, to every cutesy song, was written about me and Paige.

  Dance all night, play all day.

  My little buttercup has the sweetest smile.

  Turn the Page.

  For some odd reason, the song, Papa Don’t Preach, kept playing in my head, and I didn’t know why. Maybe it was my deep seeded desire to have a family, maybe my mind, body and heart were telling me Paige was the one.

  It was happening so fast.

  I didn’t want to leave that little cubicle of a sleeping quarter. I could have stayed in the cot all night with Paige, but I knew we needed real rest. We embarked on our journey the next day. It felt rushed, but I was ready. The original plan wasn’t to leave for a couple days, news of electrical storms moving into the area forced us to move the timeline.

  All that was left was the curtains.

  The workers worked around the clock, they were out when Paige and I left the time chamber. They were all in good moods, applauding us when we walked by. Their way, I suppose, of showing support and enthusiasm.

  As much as Paige and I wanted to drift off into slumber while in each other’s arms, we knew if we spent any more time together we wouldn’t get any sleep.

  I walked her back to her room, made sure she was settled, then headed to mine.

  Happy as I was, I felt the need to do more for Paige. Flowers would be so minimal after giving her the gift of seeing her father again.

  I wanted to shower her with gifts. Do something superb that only I could do.

  Then it dawned on me, I picked up the phone.

  It was the least I could do, and even then I wasn’t sure I could do anything, but I could try.

  “Hello, yes, Grand Meadows,” I said on the phone. “This is Dash Winters. Yes, the Dash Winters. May I be connected to Frederick Webber?”

  They transferred me right away. Doctor Webber answered with excitement over speaking to me.

  “Yes, it is. I am the, Dash Winters.”

  “This is a privilege and honor. I thought you were away on a secret testing.”

  “I am. In fact, I am with Paige Bronavanavanavich. Doctor Webber, as you may know I am a neurosurgeon. A good one, too. I was wondering if you would be so kind as to email me what you can, and have on Donna Bronavanavanavich?”

  “Even though it is a serious violation of HIBBA, give me an hour, I’ll get that to you. What is your email?”

  I gave him my contact information and thanked him. I could wait an hour, and I would review the files I received. Maybe there was some way I could help. But until the information arrived I decided to take a walk, have a drink and get some air.

  I poured myself a large adult beverage and headed outside to the deck.

  To my surprise Herb was out there. He, too had a large drink as he leaned his arms against the deck railing, staring out to the chamber and digging site.

  “Mr. Jones, Good to see you,” I said.

  “Good to see you again,” he replied. “However, I maybe saw a lot more of you than I wanted.”

  That made me smile. “Well, we will be seeing quite a bit of each other.”

  “Like that …” he pointed “That big glass box out there.”

  “Actually, it’s not glass, but it does look like it,” I informed him. “And yes, we’ll be seeing each other there in the time chamber.”

  “I mean, I saw you there tonight.”

  “Oh, yes, well. It was a gift to Paige.”

  “You think?”

  “Without a doubt,” I said. “The site. The resting area of the chamber is the exact place Paige uncovered the fifth vertebrae of the Bronavanasaurus. I took her on a mini trip back in time to see her father digging.”

  “That was really a great thing,” he said. “Paige was probably thrilled.”

  “It was emotional for us both. She was very grateful.”

  “I bet.”

  “I wish I would have known you were awake, I would have invited you to join us.”

  “No ... kind of think that was your thing.” He sipped his drink.

  “You knew her parents. I actually waited until I thought everyone was asleep, like I said, had I known …”

  “It’s fine. I wasn’t the only one awake. Frog and Sheena were asleep, but the Petes went to town, but I think they were back. I know I was here on the deck ... with Hedlin.”

  “That’s nice.”

  “Quite a view.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “There were the workers out there. Six or seven.”

  “Twelve.”

  “A few workers from this compound. The caterer. Bunch of people were up and out here.”

  “That’s nice.”

  “Yes. Dash … I may be old, I may be overstepping my boundaries here, but …” he faced me. “Paige is a wonderful gal.”

  “She is.”

  “Do you think it is a really good idea to get physically intimate and close on such an important expedition? I mean things could get tricky.”

  I was taken aback by his words. Not that he was overstepping boundaries, but what he had said. “Whatever do you mean?” I asked.

  “Again, tell me it’s none of my business. But I know … you and Paige crossed a line tonight.” He lowered his head and raised an eyebrow. “I know.”

  “My God, man.” I smiled. “No worries. I care deeply about her. I want this to continue. Paige and I … yes, we were together. I have to say … this is just astonishing. What was it that told you? Was it the electricity between Paige and I, the chemistry? Or are you just intuitive like that?”

  “Uh … Dash … there are no curtains on the sleeping quarter windows.”

  “Oh, I know.” I waved out my hand. “If you’re worried about privacy when we’re in there, the curtains are getting installed tonight.”

  “Yes, I know, the workers were up here waiting.”

  “Then no worries. Now, don’t be bashful, you changed the subject. Is it that obvious between Paige and I, or are you that intuitive?”

  Herb exhaled in an ‘I’m busted’ manner. “I’m intuitive. And it was that obvious, really obvious.”

  Herb impressed me with his insightfulness and wisdom. I raised my glass to him. I was even more glad he was with us on the expedition and I would have his fine mind to keep me company while I waited on the email from Grand Meadows.

  CHAPTER TEN

  PAIGE

 

  The alarm clock never had a chance to ring. I sat up in bed with an outstretch of my arms, an arch of my back and a huge smile on my face.

  I felt fabul
ous.

  I expected to feel guilt, regret, sadness … but I felt none of that. The fact there wasn’t alcohol involved spoke volumes as to the legitimacy of the act.

  It was a big moment, it was ‘D’ day.

  Drifting through time day.

  Dinosaur day.

  Dash … day.

  Giggle.

  Even though I was a coffee person my energy level didn’t need it. Forgoing the pot in my room, I ventured down to the common area for my coffee and hopes to see Dash. More than likely Dash must have told them all about taking me back in time to see my parents, I thanked them as I walked by and made my way to the coffee station.

  Tony was there, filling a mug.

  “Morning,” I said pleasantly and smiled.

  He turned my way but didn’t look at me, he just walked off.

  Did something happen? Why was he mad at me?

  “Morning,” Herb said behind me

  His voice made me jump and I faced him. “Did you notice that?”

  “I did.”

  “Tony is mad at me. I wonder why?”

  “Maybe … he uh, saw things happen between you and Dash.”

  “Was it that obvious?”

  “Oh, boy.”

  “We have that chemistry. I feel really bad.”

  “So, Paige, you are a smart educated girl, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Just checking. See you at the meeting.” Herb walked off.

  People were being odd. It had to be the excitement of the day.

  My plate and coffee in hand, I opted to have them in my room and headed back. To my surprise Hedlin was knocking on my door.

  “Hedlin.”

  “Paige,” he smiled. “I was just coming to see you.”

  “What can I do for you?” I opened the door.

  He made the sound of a smirk. “I am actually here for a business proposition.”

  “Really.” I opened the door. “Come on in.”

  “Thank you.”

  I sipped my coffee and placed my plate on the table.

  “Paige, you know, I look at you and I see … I see a woman who isn’t afraid to get on her hands and knees to get the job done.”

  “If you want me to scrub your floors, I have to say no.”

  Hedlin stepped to me. “Allow me to share something with you.”

  “Sure.”

  “I have this fantasy. Staring out the window of the time chamber, my manhood bold and strong …”

  “Stop.” I held up my hand. “Should you be telling me this?”

  “Oh, yes,” he stepped closer. “I want to stare into the eyes of a T-Rex while, grasping your hips and making mad passionate sex with you.”

  “I don’t think that will happen.” I walked toward the door. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, this is entirely inappropriate …”

  “It’s very appropriate.”

  “No, Hedlin, it isn’t. It won’t happen.”

  “Ah, but it will. Back in time and back at home. "Paige,” he walked to me. “You can give me a little sneak peek now and I won’t mind.”

  “Leave, before I tell Dash.”

  “Dash.” He folded his arms. “That’s right. You two are quite the pair. Romantic I believe.”

  “I like to believe so.”

  “How convenient for you. The study. Dash Winters.”

  “Hedlin …”

  “You will give into my desires if you want to keep your relationship with Dash.”

  I laughed. “As if you have any control over that.”

  “More than you think. I am going to have you Paige. I will. You will do as I say, or I will tell Dash that you have been sleeping with his Uncle Henry.”

  Hearing him say that startled me, and I stepped back.

  “Wait. That sounds too romantic,” Hedlin said. “You are more like a high price prostitute. How would Dash like to know that not only are you sleeping with his Uncle, but getting paid to do it?” He reached into his pocket. “In case you want to lie about it to Dash.”

  He showed me a picture on his phone. Instantly I felt dirty, ashamed as I looked at the picture of me in a very compromising position. The mirror on the wall showed Henry’s reflection as he took the photo of us being intimate.

  I pushed it away and closed my eyes. “Please don’t tell Dash.”

  “Oh, I won’t. I won’t say a word as long as this …” he held up the picture again. “Is you and me. I won’t pay you all that money Paige. I want it free. You do it or I tell Dash about your little call girl stint and … that you never got a degree as a paleontologist.”

  I gasped in shock. “No.”

  “Yes. Now …” He reached to the waist of his pants. “I’m feeling a little frisky …”

  There was a knock at my door.

  “Paige,” Dash called from the other side. “Are you awake?”

  “Yes.” I rushed to the door, gave a smug look to Hedlin and opened it. “Dash.”

  “Good morning Sunshine,” his eyes shifted to Hedlin. “Everything alright?”

  “It is now,” I said.

  “Yes,” Hedlin walked to the door. “I was making her a business proposition. Hopefully she’ll take me up on it.”

  “Whatever it is,” Dash said. “I am sure she will exceed your expectations.”

  “I know she will. See you at the chamber.” Hedlin saw himself out.

  I guess I was staring.

  “Paige? Hello.” Dash snapped his fingers. “That must be some proposition.”

  “It is.”

  “You don’t sound excited.”

  “It’s not for me.” I snapped out of it and smiled. “What brings you to see me?”

  “I wanted to walk with you to the Chamber. But you aren’t ready I see.”

  “No, not yet. I will be. Can you give me a few minutes?”

  “Yes, I’ll wait.” Dash took a seat.

  Dash didn’t realize how happy I was to see him. Even though at that moment he was no less than a hero in my eyes, the truth was if I wanted to keep him I had to be honest. It was a double edge sword, because when I did tell him the truth about my degree and of course, Henry, chances where he would not want me anymore.

  I didn’t know what to do, except hope that at eighty-some years old the time trip would be too much for Hedlin and he would pass away.

  Somehow, I doubted that would happen. What were the odds of someone dying on the trip?

  DASH

 

  If I were going to make a list of my top ten favorite people, Frog would be on the list. When we arrived at the chamber, before we all went inside, Frog stood before a long table with a row of tan, canvas backpacks. Standing next to him was Sheena.

  “Here are your survival packs,” Frog said. “Inside you will find everything you will need for jungle survival. Bug spray, netting, a can of oxygen and a can of cool air. Trust me you’ll need that.”

  “And in the front pocket.” Sheena pointed. “You will find your emergency medical kits.”

  “Did everyone see my list?” asked Frog. “It said to pack a change of clothes and roll it in your sleeping rolls.”

  Paige raised her hand. “Frog, I’m sorry. But if we are traveling back in time and only viewing it from a parallel dimension, why do we need jungle survival stuff?”

  “You never know,” Frog said. “You just never know.”

  You never know. Hearing him say that made me smile. I was glad we had him. In fact, I was glad we had the whole team.

  I wanted to steal a moment with Paige, but I knew I had to take flight, press the go button and soar back in time.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to make history,” I announced when everyone was ready. They had stowed away their items, grabbed a beverage and anxiously waited. “This is exciting, and I cannot wait for this. If we get too excited, experience heart palpitations, we have Sheena. And it may get a little rough being cooped up here, so should you have any problems coping see Frog. And with that, let’s go see the past.”

  I took a deep breath and prepared myself. I felt like Captain Kirk, commanding the Enterprise.

  I did another look over. The system was in order. I lifted the plastic case that covered the quantum bar. A simple two foot golden bar with all the information and components, it was our GPS, our return ticket back. For something so big, going back so far, it was needed. I shifted the quantum bar in place, and the second it was engaged we were off and running.