Illusions Of Truth

The midnight sky ripped apart with flames as Jake Reynold's world erupted with sound and light. Bright claws of red and gold reached every direction, destroying everything in their path. Caroline Morgan awoke with a start, realizing this wasn't a dream but a true nightmare. Jake's home was engulfed in flames! Grabbing the first covering she could find, an old trench coat, she hurried into the night. She had been in Jake's living room only hours before, placing the beautiful antique furniture, giving life to his eyes she had never seen there. Now it was all being destroyed bit by bit as the fire raced through the structure. Where was Jake? Was he alive? The heat was unbearable but Caroline pushed forward until she could go no further. Still she waited, paced, cried, and prayed for his safety. Time stood still. Jake stepped out of the fire chief's car into the cold night. He wrapped the blanket he had been given tighter around his shoulders. It was all gone. The home he had finally allowed himself with his mother's belongings was destroyed. He had nothing left. Suddenly, he heard someone screaming his name! Caroline appeared out of the night, running through the darkness and throwing her arms around him. Jake absorbed the heat of her body. His arms wrapped around the coarse fabric of the coat while his body was only aware of her softness. Satin, bare skin and Caroline. His head reared back! She was barely covered! He yanked the trench coat together. "What the hell are you wearing?"