Excerpt For Forbidden Path

Tracy snapped her fingers and waved her hand in front of Nicole’s face. Earth to Nicole...

I’m sorry. What?

I said...Do you think Rave misses 1812?

I don’t know. Nicole shrugged as she recalled all the times she caught him staring into space as if he were a million miles away. When she asked him if he wanted to talk, he shrugged it off as nothing. I only hope he doesn’t hate me one day.

Hate you? Tracy hissed like an angry teapot. I don’t mean to be judgmental here, but that man adores you.

Sure, he does...now. But, what about in a couple years? I just wish I could have given him a choice before bringing him almost two centuries into the future. Talk about a culture shock.

Don’t be ridiculous. You’re together. That’s all that matters.

Nicole stared at the floor, not sharing her optimism. All I know is, if he stays here, he’ll never become the Chief he was meant to be.

THE FORBIDDEN PATH

Second eBook Edition

Copyright © Tammy Tate 2020

Cover Design by Tammy Tate

First eBook Edition published 2016

Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from the author, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any person, living or dead, any place, events or occurrences, is purely coincidental. The characters and story lines are created from the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously.

DEDICATION

To my husband, Lary. Your love and support gives me the strength and courage to achieve my dreams. You are truly my inspiration.

Chapter 1

1997, North Texas

Nicole never dreamed six months ago that a doorway would open granting her access to the past. Or that she would return home with a handsome Sioux warrior. His identity was a well-guarded secret. Living in the country allowed her to keep it that way. But, was he trapped in her world forever? She asked herself that question every day.

While in 1812, she wondered what he might look like in the twentieth century. And, damn!

Blue jeans hung dangerously low on his hips as he braced against the oak tree, bare-chested and laughing. Even in the shade, his bronzed chest glistened like melted butter. Only a hand full of people knew the long, black braid trailing down his back heightened his ability to protect loved ones and that an eagle feather held sentimental value. She was one of them.

He’s come a long way, huh? Tracy asked, shifting in her lawn chair.

Nicole nodded as Rave belted out another round of laughter and she laughed with him. Smoke spiraled up from the grill as Michael seared their steaks to perfection. The light summer breeze carried the mouth-watering aroma downwind to the porch. Her stomach growled in response.

Tracy snickered. You’re blushing.

Damn her for noticing.

Paints chips scattered under her foot as she set the porch swing in motion. Her skin felt exceptionally warm today under the thin cotton sundress which was in direct contrast to her usual jeans and cowboy boots. Only, her discomfort wasn’t entirely from the humidity. Rave staggered sideways. It was from watching him.

Michael must be telling another joke.

Her best friend shook her head. I love that boy to death, but he can’t get a punchline right to save his life.

That’s what makes it funny. He spends thirty minutes trying to get it right.

Thunder rumbled in the distance. The weatherman forecasted another storm but said it would most likely go around them. Wouldn’t be the first time he got it wrong. Probably wouldn’t be the last. Even if by some miracle it did rain...it wouldn’t resurrect the brown spots on the lawn.

The sun momentarily slid behind a gray cloud resembling a cotton ball dipped in muddy water. She took another breath, this time of honeysuckle and Bermuda grass, as opposed to the exhaust fumes and smog associated with living in the city.

Tracy wrinkled the bridge of her nose. Rave...fits him, huh?

Remember when I called him Flaming Arrow in the grocery store? That poor woman almost dropped her pickle jar in the middle of the aisle.

Tracy frowned. Niki, you can call him Rumpelstiltskin if you like. Face it. The man’s hot. He could double as a dang Chippendale dancer, for Christ’s sake.

He could, couldn’t he? Nicole said, feeling heat build in her neck and work its way up to her face.

Tracy grinned from ear to ear but said nothing.

Nicole quickly came to Michael’s defense. Hey, your husband’s not so bad either.

Oh, I’m not complaining, Tracy replied, wiggling her eyebrows.

Her friend did what she did best. She changed the subject. Niki, you look happy.

Nicole stared down the front of her new dress, then bashfully blinked away as she recalled the way Rave’s eyes lit up this morning when she put it on. He’s different than Eric, she said, making a face. Even after six months, her ex-boyfriend’s name left a sour taste in her mouth.

Tracy puffed her chest. I still can’t believe he walked out on you.

I can, Nicole replied. He said he wanted space. I hope he found it.

Personally, I think he’s a jerk.

It just worries me that I can’t control this time travel thing. What if next time I send us to two separate parts of the universe?

Tracy blinked, seemingly horrified at the idea. Will you stop?

Stop what? Nicole replied in a much lower voice. Being practical?

Tracy’s pink cowboy boots scuffed the weathered planks as she stepped to the edge of the porch. She turned around and leaned her butt comfortably against the rail. It’s been six months. You heard Sam. The doorway is closed. Besides, if you ask me, destiny brought him here.

I thought you didn’t believe in destiny?

Tracy gave her a condescending shrug. There was a time I didn’t believe in time travel either.

You really think it’s closed?

Yes. I do, Tracy replied and then paused. If not, we’d still be traipsing the universe dodging arrows...and flirting with cute cowboys.

Nicole wagged her finger. "Hey. You’re the one that flirted with Luke in 1812, not me."

As usual, Tracy appeared to be searching for a snappy comeback.

In the past, she tried everything to convince the girl there were moral issues involved. But until now, reasoning with her was akin to talking to a brick wall. She stopped short of taking her by the shoulders and rattling her teeth.

Tracy folded her arms protectively across her chest.

That means trouble.

I don’t get it, Tracy said. How could I cheat on a man who hadn’t been born yet?

Nicole threw her hands up. Suddenly, a light bulb flipped on inside her head. Why hadn’t she thought of it sooner? She got up and shuffled past her friend to the edge of the porch then hovered over the banister. Let’s see if Michael agrees.

Tracy blinked like she was caught in a sandstorm without goggles. No. You wouldn’t.

Despite her friend glaring, Nicole called out to her husband anyway. Hey, Michael!

Immediately, Michael’s head shot up. She couldn’t bring herself to ruin his day so she rethought her strategy. Are the steaks almost ready?

He gave her a quick nod.

I can’t believe you did that. Tracy’s nostrils flared.

Nicole expected any minute fire would shoot out of both sides of her nose, scorching the banister which was already in need of a coat of paint. I’m only trying to protect your virtue.

Nicole meandered back to the swing. Tracy followed and plopped down beside her. For a whole ten seconds, she felt victorious but not overly confident the subject wouldn’t resurface.

The last time she traveled to 1812, she didn’t intend to take Tracy along, but unfortunately, her friend was inside the ten-foot perimeter. It was horrible. When they woke up, they were in the back of Luke and Sarah’s wagon, Apaches swarming outside firing arrows and setting everything in sight on fire. Even now, she wondered if Luke and Sarah ever made it to the settlement to start a new life. Traveling across the barren prairie by wagon made her appreciate having a car.

A much bigger concern emerged. What about Rave’s parents? The only word she could think of to describe what they must be feeling was...devastation.

Tracy snapped her fingers and waved her hand in front of Nicole’s face. Earth to Nicole...

I’m sorry. What?

I said...Do you think Rave misses 1812?

I don’t know. Nicole shrugged as she recalled all the times she caught him staring into space as if he were a million miles away. When she asked him if he wanted to talk, he shrugged it off as nothing. I only hope he doesn’t hate me one day.

Hate you? Tracy hissed like an angry teapot. I don’t mean to be judgmental here, but that man adores you.

Sure, he does...now. But, what about in a couple years? I just wish I could have given him a choice before bringing him almost two centuries into the future. Talk about a culture shock.

Don’t be ridiculous. You’re together. That’s all that matters.

Nicole stared at the floor, not sharing her optimism. All I know is, if he stays here, he’ll never become the Chief he was meant to be.

What makes you think he’d choose greatness over you?

Nicole blinked. Seriously? If that statement had come from anyone else, she would have taken it personally. But, considering the source, she let it slide. His father’s a chief. It only stands to reason he would follow in his footsteps.

Tracy palmed her thighs. Have you heard from Sam?

Not since she announced she was Rave’s third generation granddaughter. I know she has a life of her own. I only wish she didn’t live in Montana.

I thought she wanted to move to Texas to be closer to Rave?

I get the feeling she doesn’t want to leave the reservation.

Tracy nibbled her bottom lip and looked away. How much do you want to bet there’s a man involved?

She did mention a friend...

I knew it! Tracy slapped her thigh like she’d won the lottery. Well, if he was my grandfather, I’d spend as much time with him as possible.

Even if it meant leaving Michael behind?

Tracy lifted her chin. Oh, trust me, he’d come along.

What makes you think he’d leave his veterinarian practice? What about his clients?

Remember how upset he got when we went to 1812? We were gone for days. Although, if memory serves me right, I didn’t have a choice either.

Like Rave, Tracy was taken without her approval because she was in the suck zone during take-off.

Tracy gave her a compassionate smile. I would have gone regardless. Only, I would have chosen a safer spot to land. An Indian raid? That was a bit extreme, don’t you think?

Nicole cringed as she recalled the war cries and sobbing women. The hair on her arms rose like it was yesterday. She hugged her body to ward off the chill it left behind.

Tracy removed her ponytail holder, bent over, and finger-combed her hair. Did I tell you I was related to Jesse James?

Nicole chuckled at her upside down somber expression. No, you didn’t.

Yeah. He’s like a third cousin on my mother’s side.

Nicole huffed. Well, that explains it.

What?

Why you’re rebellious with an outlaw spirit.

Tracy stood with her hands on her hips. If you ever figure this time travel thing out, maybe we can plan a day trip and pay my cousin Jesse a visit.

Absolutely, not, Nicole said, shaking her head.

Why not?

You were shot with an arrow in 1812. I’m not going to 1866 to rob banks and trains. That isn’t my idea of fun and it shouldn’t be yours either.

Tracy grinned like she didn’t share her view on the matter.

Nicole winced at the thought of riding beside Frank and Jesse James. Or dodging the Pinkertons who were hired to stop them. Besides, Jesse died of a gunshot wound.

Tracy stared out across the lawn. That’s what they want you to believe. It’s not true. Jesse died of old age in an underground cavern.

Nicole chuckled at how quickly her friend could rewrite history. You don’t say?

Tracy nodded over her shoulder.

How do you know that? Nicole asked.

My great-great-aunt Lulu took care of him in his golden years. Anyway, that’s what the old letter says in our family Bible.

Nicole stared in awe. What if the historians got it wrong? She glanced up at Tracy, who appeared to be a million miles away. Probably prematurely planning a trip to 1866.

Chapter 2

The phone rang. Nicole went inside to get it. As she shoved the cordless device to the side of her face, she stared down at the flashing red light on the answering machine. She wrinkled her nose, wondering why she didn’t let it pick up. After all, the one person who called the most was outside. Convinced it was probably another solicitor, she prepared to end the call as quickly as possible.

Hello? After a moment of silence, she was about to hang up when the caller decided to speak.

Nicole?

Yes? Her eyes nervously darted around the room. Who’s this?

I know I should have called sooner. But you can’t tell me you don’t recognize my voice.

Her bottom lip quivered. No! It couldn’t be.

Eric?

Damn, girl. You still have the sexiest phone voice in the whole state of Texas.

She pictured her ex-boyfriend grinning at the other end. But then again, he smiled at everything. She dismissed the intimate memories that surfaced and pretended hearing from him after six months was no big deal. I’m good, and you?

He rambled on about a job in New York and a fabulous apartment he’d leased overlooking Times Square. You remember Simon and Simon? he asked.

How could she forget? He spoke of the law firm almost daily when they were together. She covered her mouth to silence a chuckle working its way into her throat. Yes. I remember.

They hired me.

Congratulations, Eric—

He didn’t let her finish. Apparently, he still believed the world revolved around him. I just won my first court case. It aired nationwide. Did you see me on TV?

No. She laughed at his enthusiasm. But, it seemed trivial in comparison to her newly-acquired time travel ability, which he knew nothing about.

Is that why he called? To share his celebrity status?

I told them I needed time off. To take care of personal business—

Wonderful, Eric, she spoke with more cynicism then intended. You sound happy.

I’m not, Nicole.

A crystal-clear image of him drying off in the shower flashed in her head. He said he needed space. Now, he had the audacity to say he wasn’t happy.

Eric, you got what you wanted—

I don’t have you... His voice cracked with emotion.

She eased into the swivel chair at her desk. You walked out on me, remember?

I know, baby...and I’ve regretted that decision every day for the last six months. I was confused. I’m sorry. Is that what you want to hear? He said it again, this time louder. I’m sorry!

What was he apologizing for? Leaving?

Truthfully, it doesn’t matter anymore...and please don’t call me baby. The insensitivity in her voice surprised even her.

We need to talk.

We are talking—

I mean in person. Just say the word. I’ll catch the next flight—

No. She panicked at the thought of him hailing a cab to the airport.

Nicole, please don’t do this—

Tension gripped her chest like a vice squeezing the life out of her. She forced air back into her lungs. The last thing she wanted was Eric sneaking around. What if he found out about Rave and that he was from 1812? Or worse, used that information against her to keep Rave’s identity a secret?

Eric’s voice vibrated in her head while he continued to argue his case. His next comment stunned her the most.

"Nicole, I’ve missed you. Don’t throw our future away."

Her gaze drifted toward the door. Any minute Tracy could walk in. She lowered her voice. What future, Eric?

Our...future?

Was he delusional?

Any possible future they might have had, he extinguished six months ago. For the first time ever, she prayed for bad phone service. Static, a hiss, anything to give her an excuse to hang up.

Unfortunately, he rambled on with pristine clarity. Say something.

She gnawed at her bottom lip, fighting the urge to say the hell with it and hang up anyway. There’s nothing to say, Eric.

Please...Nicole. He sounded like a five-year-old asking permission to keep a puppy.

As cute as it was, she refused to give in. Not this time. Eric, I’m not even upset that we broke up. What does that tell you? She glanced out a narrow window beside the door. Tracy fidgeted in her chair and looked as if she was about to stand up. Eric, I need to go. Tracy and Michael are here.

Wait. He sounded hurt, even desperate. You’ve met someone, haven’t you?

Even if I have, it’s none of your business.

I deserve that. He chuckled. If there’s someone in your life, I understand. I don’t mind competition.

Competition? She shook her head to fight back the urge to laugh. Eric, you’re not competing. You’re not even in the game.

I need to know something. He hesitated for what felt like forever. Do you love him?

Even though she knew the impact her answer would have, she said it anyway. Yes.

Quite the contrary, laughter roared in her ear as if he didn’t believe her. Or maybe he did and chose to ignore it.

Do I know him? he asked.

No, she huffed.

How do you know that if you haven’t even told me his name? Just like Eric. Back in lawyer mode, confident and in control.

Because he’s not from around here. She rolled her eyes knowing Rave’s wasn’t even from this century, but she wasn’t at liberty to say. Not without raising suspicion anyway.

Nicole, your voice drives me insane. I’ve missed that.

Don’t blame your insanity on me.

I’m glad you still have a sense of humor—

She could barely hear him over what sounded like a loudspeaker in the background.

Wait. Loudspeaker?

Her lips trembled. "Eric?

Yeah?

Where are you?

The subway station. I’m on my way home. Why?

She exhaled roughly and felt relieved he was still in New York.

You thought I was at the airport, didn’t you?

No. She tried to work out the tension forming in the back of her neck with her fingers. Well, maybe...

Hey, the airport’s only a few miles away. If I leave now, I can be on your doorstep tonight. I don’t know about you, but I could use a hug.

A hug? I’m pretty sure there are  plenty of women in New York—

"I don’t want just anyone! His voice cracked. I want you."

She pressed her hand to her forehead.

Great, he said with a hint of sarcasm.

What?

Everyone within twenty feet knows how much you mean to me.

It sounds like a party in progress. Are those people...cheering?

Yes. He raised his voice to be heard. I think they have a soft spot for pathetic losers.

You told them about us?

Not directly. But, when youʼre shoulder to shoulder, subways don’t offer much privacy. You’ll be happy to know they seem to be on your side.

She cringed at the thought of strangers watching their lives play out in a theatrical performance. Am I on speakerphone?

No, baby. You’re not on speaker phone.

She rolled her eyes at his choice of words. "I asked you not to call me that."

Even as he chipped away at the force field she’d surrounded herself with, she refused to allow him to think a reconciliation was possible. Yet deep down, she knew if she hadn’t met Rave, she would probably have given him another chance. Who knew, perhaps in time things could have worked out. But that was before Rave. He was her soulmate. Nothing would ever change that.

Bye, Eric.

Don’t go. He sounded like he was clenching his teeth. I swear to you. I’ll be on the next plane to Texas.

She placed the phone back to her ear. Is that a threat?

Don’t be ridiculous... This time, his demeanor was more like the Eric she knew and once cared for, but didn’t love. You know I’d never do anything to hurt you.

What she knew...was that she needed to end the conversation before he thought he could salvage their relationship.

Too late...

Eric said, I can’t turn back the hands of time— Suddenly, he paused. Wait. Are you saying you used to love me?

Leave it to Eric to interpret it that way. He was a master at twisting things for his own personal gain. She forced her chin up and her shoulders back. You’re a smart guy. Don’t confuse love with infatuation.

I actually thought you’d be happy to hear from me.

I am. You have a wonderful job and a great apartment!

That’s not what I mean...

Come on, Eric, you still have Simon and Simon.

Yeah, he muttered then suggested something she never saw coming. Can we, at least, say goodbye in person? For old times’ sake?

The words bad idea flashed before her like a neon sign on the Las Vegas strip. She shook her head. Eric—

We can meet in public.

How ʼbout we don’t, she replied bluntly.

Okay. Private is fine too—

No. Inside her head, the response came across as a shrill cry. It’ll just make saying goodbye harder.

Harder? I doubt that...

She recalled his favorite motto in vivid detail. He always said a good attorney could find a double meaning in any given situation. She let out a heavy sigh. Am I on trial?

I get it. It’s over. All I’m asking for is lunch. That’s harmless, isn’t it?

There’s nothing harmless about being in the same room with you.

I knew it. The crowd behind him roared, drowning him out.

She wanted to grab the remote and hit rewind as she watched all the ground she’d gain slip away.

You’re afraid, aren’t you? he said.

Afraid of what?

To see me in person...

That’s absurd. She wiped her clammy palm down the front of her dress.

Your body knows you better than you do. Now, his voice was deep.

Ha. Don’t flatter yourself!

Lunch?

No...

What about that Italian restaurant? You know...the one around the corner you love so much. What’s it called? Gino’s?

Eric, I don’t want lunch—

Dinner then?

I don’t want dinner.

Don’t be ridiculous. You have to eat.

Thanks to you, I’ve lost my appetite.

Once again, voices harmonized in the background. Gino’s! Gino’s!

Bye, Eric. She slammed the phone down.

Suddenly, she remembered the photo that for some unknown reason was still in her possession. She lunged to the table along the back of the sofa. The drawer refused to budge. Finally, wood scraped against wood like fingernails on a chalkboard. She gazed down at the photo of her and Eric embracing. The starburst in his hazel-colored eyes reminded her why she was drawn