Dream of Me: A Sweet Contemporary Romance (15 page)

“Actually, I don’t follow fashion very much.”

“Well, you’ll probably run into her soon enough. She won’t be content to stay hidden for long. We should go; there are people waiting for this table.”

The drive home was silent, and Aubrey wasn’t surprised when Corbin left her in the hall after murmuring a quiet goodnight. She knew he hated telling her something so personal. Added to this was the irritation of knowing that with Mandy’s return an embarrassing and hurtful episode in his life was going to be rehashed again and again over the coming days and weeks.

It wasn’t until she was in bed that Aubrey remembered the meeting with Phillip early in the morning. Sitting up, she set the alarm on her phone, and then realized she better find Corbin and let him know her plans. As she tightened the robe around her waist, she wondered where to look first.

Knowing he stayed up late, she bypassed going to his bedroom and made her way downstairs. As she neared Corbin’s office, she heard music. He was playing the piano. She’d seen the magnificent instrument in the small room next door, but had never heard him play until tonight.

Every thought flew from Aubrey’s mind as she listened to the haunting strains. She crept slowly down the hall and stood just inside the door. The piano faced the windows, and Corbin was looking out into the dark night. Though she couldn’t see his face, the music was melancholy enough to gauge his mood. Feeling like an intruder, she turned to leave. Corbin must have caught the reflection of her movement in the window because the playing stopped abruptly and he turned to face her.

“What is it, Aubrey?” he asked quietly.

The misery reflected in his face made her want to cry. This wasn’t the reaction of a man who’d been able to forget the woman who walked out on him. Corbin still loved Mandy in spite of everything she’d done.

“You play beautifully. Why haven’t I heard you before?”

“I’ve been too busy. Did my playing wake you or did you need something?”

“I only wanted to tell you that I have plans for first thing in the morning.”

He smiled faintly. “Kind of early for a date, isn’t it?”

“It’s not a date. I’m just meeting Phillip.” She didn’t want to confess Phillip’s desire to take pictures of her.

Corbin began to look amused. “I wonder if Phillip thinks it’s a date.”

“I may not be back before you leave.”

“Don’t let that worry you. I’m capable of fixing a bowl of cereal.”

“That isn’t what I meant,” she said with a frown.

“I don’t think Phillip will give you any trouble. Just don’t be too nice to him at first. Your charm is deadly.”

“How would you know?” she asked flippantly.

He laughed shortly. “Who would know better than I? I’m exposed to it every day.”

“I haven’t noticed any signs of exposure.”

“Come here, Aubrey.”

“Why?” she asked warily, confused by a certain look in his eyes.

“Because I want to show you something,” he answered softly. A slow smile pulled at his mouth, and she felt her heart start to pound in her chest.

It was then Aubrey became aware of an insistent rubbing against her leg and playful paws encircling her ankles. Sanity returned. Blushing furiously, she bent to pick up Horace.

“Saved by the cat?” Corbin asked silkily.

As he listened to her footsteps walking swiftly down the hall, his smile faded. He ran his fingers gently over the keys and then closed the lid. Beethoven and Mozart hadn’t been enough to soothe the restlessness growing inside him. He was beginning to believe only one person was capable of doing that.

Chapter Eight

Phillip focused the camera on the figure sitting so still a few feet away. After a moment, he moved aside and looked at Aubrey. “Stop trying so hard. Relax!”

She moved to another position. “I told you I wouldn’t know what to do!”

“Just be yourself; forget about me and the camera. Sit back and enjoy this magnificent sunrise. If it helps, pretend some hot guy is sitting next to you.”

She rolled her eyes. “That won’t help me relax.”

“Okay, then, tell me what you think about Tybee.”

“I love it; this place is so different from where I grew up. It’s wonderful to be able to walk on the beach whenever I feel like it. I’m still getting used to the fact that everybody knows everybody’s business, but there’s also a sense of security in being part of a small community.”

“Do you like it enough to stay? I got the impression from Phoebe that this is a temporary position.”

Aubrey drew her fingers through the sand. “Phoebe is always looking ahead to the next step. For now, I’m content to be here. I’ll know when it’s time to leave.” And it could be soon, Aubrey thought, but didn’t say. Mandy’s return was undoubtedly going to change everything. Corbin’s aversion to marriage proved he hadn’t been able to forget the woman who hurt him. If he was able to have a second chance with her, perhaps he could be happy again.

She hardly registered the grunt of satisfaction from her companion as he took picture after picture trying to capture the changing emotions moving across her face. It seemed only a few minutes before he was pulling her to her feet.

“I have all the pictures I need. If all my models listened and obeyed as well as you, my job would be easy.”

“Will it hurt your feelings if I say I’m glad it’s over? I didn’t have time for breakfast.”

Phillip looked up from packing his equipment. “Me, either.”

“You’re welcome to join me.”

“I should get going; I have a preliminary meeting with my models at ten. If I’m late, they still get paid.”

“It’s up to you, but you’ll be missing chocolate chip pancakes.”

“That’s a tempting offer.” He hesitated a moment, looking uncomfortable. “Will Corbin mind me barging in?”

“Why would he mind? Anyway, he probably left already.”

* * * *

Aubrey was wrong about Corbin; she had underestimated his level of interest in her acquaintance with Phillip. Purposely hanging around the house instead of leaving early as was his custom, he easily observed all that had taken place on the beach. The lack of anything resembling romance had given him a measure of comfort that alternatively made him happy and irritable.

Aubrey left Phillip in the kitchen, dutifully helping out by making coffee, while she ran upstairs to change clothes. Not expecting Corbin to be home, she almost ran him down coming around the corner at the top of the stairway.

“What’s your hurry?” he asked. “Has another man sent you to your room in tears?”

“That only happened one time. I need to change into something more suitable for cooking breakfast.”

Corbin looked her over slowly. “I’ve not seen this before – very nice, Aubrey. I’ve always liked dresses that show a woman’s back.”

She felt her cheeks flame. “Thank you. I don’t get to wear it much; it’s too formal for most occasions.”

“Did you have a nice time?”

“Yes, but I need to get going. He’s waiting for me in the kitchen.”

“Is he really? Maybe Phoebe knew what she was doing after all.”

“Don’t start that again!”

He chuckled. “I’ll keep him entertained for you.”

Entering the kitchen a few minutes later, Aubrey found the two men sitting in the breakfast room discussing digital cameras. Once she flipped the first set of golden brown pancakes, the men broke off talking, and Phillip turned to watch her at the stove.

Over his shoulder, he asked Corbin, “Does she cook for you like this every morning?”

Corbin knew Aubrey could hear them, though she was doing a splendid job of acting otherwise. “Not usually. It must be your influence.”

“I wouldn’t mind that being the case.”

Aubrey placed the pancakes, butter and syrup on the table, refilled their coffee cups, and took the seat opposite Phillip. They ate in silence until Corbin, looking at his watch, declared he needed to go. After complimenting Aubrey on the meal with an ironic gleam in his eye, he left them in peace.

“Thanks for the pancakes; they were delicious.” Phillip carried his plate to the sink. “I hate to leave you with all this mess.”

“Everything goes right into the dishwasher.”

“I’ll call you when the pictures are ready.”

“I hope you won’t be disappointed; I’m not model material.”

“You may be surprised; you’ll appear different in black and white film.”

“Phillip, do you have any pictures of Mandy Martens?” At his startled glance, she continued. “I’ve never seen her, and I was wondering what she looks like.”

“I probably have some in the car. I guess you’ve heard the rumors about her and Corbin.”

She nodded. “Have you ever worked with her?”

“No, but I’m going to be meeting her tomorrow. From a professional standpoint, this is a wonderful opportunity for me. She’s at the top of the modeling world. This could be the break I’ve been waiting for.”

“In that case, I hope she’s even lovelier than advertised so your pictures will make you famous.”

“I wouldn’t complain about that. Let’s go see about that picture of Mandy.”

Aubrey gazed at the woman displayed on the glossy pages of the magazine Phillip had produced from the depths of his car trunk. Wavy, red hair framed a face made sensational by very large, emerald-green eyes surrounded by long, thick lashes and full lips. Closing the magazine with a snap, she handed it back to Phillip in silence, unable to think of anything but how this beautiful woman’s return would affect Corbin.

“Thanks for showing me.” For the life of her, she couldn’t think of anything else to say.

Phillip tossed the magazine into the trunk and slammed it shut. “Are you okay?” he asked gently.

“I’m fine. You better go. I don’t want to be the reason you’re late for your meeting.”

Phillip patted her shoulder awkwardly. “Thanks for everything, Aubrey; you know, for letting me take the pictures and for cooking my breakfast. I’m a little jealous of Corbin.”

Aubrey winced, but Phillip had already turned away and was getting into his car. She waved until he was out of sight before slowly turning around and going into the house. The mess she found waiting for her in Corbin’s office temporarily diverted her thoughts. As she picked up the scattered papers from the floor and sorted them into neat piles, she surmised Horace had been playing on Corbin’s desk again. Order restored, Aubrey went to her own desk and turned on the computer.

* * * *

The doorbell rang while she was fixing herself a late lunch. She hoped it wasn’t another salesman trying to interest her solar panels. There wasn’t anything objectionable about them, but since she didn’t own the house, it was a waste of time to hear how great they were. With that in mind, she took the precaution of looking through the peephole. A distorted image of Richard appeared. From what she could tell, he was shirtless and wearing swimming trunks.

She opened the door. “I thought you were going out of town today.”

“My meeting was cancelled. I came to drag you away from your desk, and it’s a good thing I did. You look like you could use a break.”

“Thanks a lot, Richard. Do I look that awful?”

“You look stressed. Has it been a bad morning?”

“Kind of. I guess I could take a short break. Just let me finish my lunch.” She led the way to the kitchen. “Would you like something?”

“No, thanks. Is that all you’re going to eat?” he asked as she added dressing to her salad. “No wonder you look like a puff of wind could blow you away.” He followed her into the sun-filled breakfast room, where he watched her eat in silence.

“I’m glad you stopped by because I have something to ask you,” Aubrey said after a moment. “How’s the house hunting going for Mandy Martens?”

“We signed the contract this morning. I’m going to make a nice profit off that deal.” He noticed her frown. “What’s wrong with me making a little money?”

“Nothing; I just wish she’d stayed in New York.”

“Because of Corbin? It’s not like this happened last month or even last year. He’s moved on.”

“The fact that he’s had a few girlfriends doesn’t prove anything.” She carried her plate into the kitchen, with Richard following more slowly behind.

“You worry too much. Corbin can take care of himself. Go get changed.” He turned her around and gave her a playful push in the back.

Against Richard’s protests, Aubrey left the water and dropped down on her towel. He followed after a few minutes. “Corbin’s got you trained, doesn’t he? You said a half hour and that’s what you meant.”

She ignored this. “When is she moving in?”

Richard threw her a quick glance. “Do you mean Mandy? I have no idea, but you’re taking all this too seriously. Mandy and Corbin are going to meet again, if they haven’t already. Who knows, this time everything might work out for them.”

“How could she come back here after what she did to him?”

Richard chuckled. “What
she
did? As you once pointed out to me, it takes two people to have a disagreement. Only those two know what really happened. And if Corbin still loves her, he might want a second chance.”

Aubrey had already said too much. Richard didn’t know the whole story, and it wasn’t her place to tell him. She jumped to her feet and jerked up her towel, sending sand flying in all directions. “I need to get back to the house. I still have a few things to finish before Corbin gets home.”

As he watched her retreating form, Richard’s face grew serious. Something had just become obvious, something he should have realized before. Aubrey had done exactly what he thought her too sensible to do. She’d fallen for Corbin. As he strolled slowly toward his cottage, he wondered what, if anything, he could do to help her.

* * * *