Dream Trysts: A Sleeping Beauty Story (Passion-Filled FairyTales Book 4) by Rosetta Bloom Page B

prince’s “new friend.”
    Rose and James left in good spirits, James snaking her through the manicured castle grounds and out the gates to a nearby forest. Rose took in the lush greenery and trees, marveling at how beautiful his kingdom was, as they walked, talked, and laughed.
    Rose let James lead the way, but after a bit, things looked familiar. The foliage, pretty white flowers hanging from the treetops had a quality that seemed comforting. “What is this place called?” Rose asked. “It’s so beautiful.”
    James, the picnic basket tucked in his hand, stopped and turned his head, taking in the entire area. “You know,” he said, turning back to the area they’d just come from. “I don’t think I’ve ever been here before.” His eyebrows squished together, and he set the basket down and walked over to the trees where a white flower hung. He picked one and handed it to Rose with a smile. “Still, it feels like I’ve visited here before.”
    Rose took the flower, gently nestled it in her hair and smiled. “I know,” she said. “It feels a bit like home.” She peeked ahead, to a narrow path through the trees, a shady path that looked like it opened up into an area of light. “Let’s go this way,” she said as she darted down the path, not waiting for James’ response.
    The foliage was thick and overgrown on the narrow path, with vines and tendrils snaking onto the trail.  Soon, though, Rose burst from the path and into a clearing. Her legs slowed to a halt as she took in the sight that left her awed. There was a pleasant grassy knoll, and at its center, a pond. Not just any pond, but a beautiful, clear, crystalline pond whose waters shimmered beneath the afternoon sun.
    She heard the crunch of sticks on the ground and heavy breathing behind her and turned to see James coming from the path and into the clearing. His annoyed scowl gave way to the awe the pond seemed to induce. Recognition filled his eyes as he looked to Rose, then the pond, then back at her again.
    “It’s just like the pond in our dreams,” James said.
    He’d spoken what she’d been thinking. And as he did, she realized where they were. “Of course,” Rose said, as she looked around. “It’s a crystal pond.”
    James dropped their picnic basket in the grass, squinted curiously, and walked toward her, taking her hand. “A crystal pond?” 
    “Yes. They’re entrances from the fairy realm to the human world. There’s usually one in each kingdom and they look very similar. But humans can’t find them.” Rose raised a hand to her chin in thought. Then she giggled. “At least, most humans can’t. Hilly says they can only be found by fairies and lovers.”
    “Fairies and lovers?” James asked, moving toward Rose, slipping an arm around her waist and pulling her close to him. His strong chest pressed against her bosom, and she could smell his earthy, clean scent as he slid his hands down her back, causing tingles to shimmy down her spine. “Is that why we found it today — because we’re lovers?” he asked as he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.
    He tasted of berries, and his kiss took her breath away. Her hands caressed his back as she lingered in his arms. She pulled free for air and grinned at him. “Yes, I believe we are lovers,” she said, looking into his entrancing blue eyes. They seemed to sparkle here, as if he was meant for her.
    A light breeze came along and rustled her hair. James leaned forward; his warm breath caressed her neck, and she shivered with joy. The thrill of that moist, heated breath on her neck was ecstasy. More pleasure came as his mouth gently swooped upon her neck, kissing along her collarbone, tracing her neck and then up to her earlobe, where he gently suckled the tip. She let out a breath as her body came to life, every sense suddenly awakened by his touch.
    It was so much stronger than any sensations she had felt in her dreamscape. Real. Yes, he was real, and this was real. Real