Dream of Me: A Sweet Contemporary Romance (17 page)

As she emerged from the walk-in pantry, the neatly arranged shelves testimony to her efforts, Aubrey saw them. They must have been walking on the beach when she came home, but were now sitting side by side on the deck. Corbin was smiling, his attention wholly on his companion. Wearing an orange bikini consisting of very little actual material, Mandy epitomized everything a man could desire.

The fear that she might be caught staring at them was the only thing that drove Aubrey away from her position at the window. As she watched Horace push his way through the door of the kitchen, she wondered how two people who’d parted in such dramatic fashion could talk so amicably now.

In answer to his grumbling, Aubrey grabbed Horace, his bowl, some food and went upstairs. She had no desire to be hanging around downstairs should the happy couple decided to meander inside. Besides, a good cry would probably make her feel better, and her room was the place for that. Before she could indulge in this activity, her phone rang. By the time she finished listening to Phoebe vent about a problem at work, she was over the initial shock of what she’d seen. She was also famished. How could she be hungry when her heart was breaking?

Corbin and Mandy were nowhere in sight when she arrived in the kitchen. Drawing a ragged sigh of relief, she reached into the refrigerator for the eggs.

She never heard Corbin come in and halt just inside the door. A sense of peace settled over him as he watched her. Her hair wasn’t in its usual braid, but flowed loose down her back, swaying attractively with every movement.
Who wouldn’t find comfort in being around someone so uncomplicated?
There was no hidden agenda with Aubrey. The man who earned her love would never know a moment’s doubt. He came further into the room and touched her lightly on the shoulder.

Aubrey jumped and turned toward him with a frown. “You love creeping up on people. I can’t imagine why.”

“I never knew I possessed so many annoying habits until you moved in. What are you fixing?”

“An omelet with cheese and mushrooms. Would you like one?”

“I’d love one; what can I do to help?”

“You can put the fruit salad into bowls and set the table.” Aubrey hid a smile. Here she was talking about food when all she wanted to do was throw herself into Corbin’s arms and beg him to forget Mandy and take her instead. It was amazing the level to which one would cheerfully go for the sake of love.

During lunch, Corbin talked of the looming trip to Maine and everything else under the sun except Mandy. His silence on that subject wasn’t a surprise, but it irritated her. He’d poked his handsome nose into her business often enough. But then again, maybe she was better off not knowing the details of an event that ended any faint hopes she had.

Corbin carried his plate to the sink and then turned to her with a smile. “You make a good omelet.”

“Thank you; I thought they were okay. My mom could make really good ones. They just melted in your mouth. Of course, she used a ton of butter, so I’m not sure how healthy they were.”

“You’re in the South – we don’t cook anything without butter.”

“And you can’t get along without your sweet tea.”

He laughed. “The world would be a dark, dismal place without sweet tea.”

“Oh, I know. I’m hooked on it now.”

“By the way, I won’t be here for dinner tonight.”

She kept her eyes glued to the glass she was washing, a nod her only indication that she heard him.
So, here they were – the words she’d been expecting.
It hadn’t taken Mandy long to reinsert herself into Corbin’s life. The reunion was off and running.

“Don’t you want to know what I’m doing?” he asked in a mild voice.

Aubrey looked at him then, her eyes darkening, whether in anger or hurt he didn’t know. “You’re not usually so anxious to tell me your plans,” she countered.

“Aren’t I? Well, this time I want you to know. I’m going out with Mandy.”

She must act normal no matter what it cost her.
Running from the room wasn’t an option unless she wanted to give herself away completely. “How did that come about?”

“I was taking a break from going over those worthless blueprints Mike sent me. I walked toward the lighthouse and there she was. What could I do but forgive and forget, right?”

He stopped, waiting for some kind of response, but Aubrey didn’t have one. Every coherent thought left her mind.
Had he really said ‘forgive and forget’ in that lighthearted way? Was he human?
This was the woman who’d betrayed his love. His attitude defied description. With a start, she realized Corbin had resumed talking.

“She couldn’t stay long, so I asked her to have dinner with me. Why didn’t you come out and say hello? It’s not like you’ve never met her.”

Aubrey found a lump in her throat. “I thought you might want to be alone.”

“Being alone with Mandy has led me into trouble before.”

Aubrey smiled, but it was a feeble attempt. She was holding on to her composure by the thinnest of threads. “Where are you taking her?”

He looked at her speculatively through half-closed eyes. “I’m not sure yet, but it will have to be somewhere off the island. If people see us together, it will be front page news around here.”

“You’re right about that. I hope you have a nice time.”

* * * *

Aubrey spent most of the afternoon in her room. She was still there when she heard Corbin leave. Coming downstairs a few minutes later, she caught sight of Horace, who having followed the one he considered his master to the front door, had stationed himself there to await his return.

“I know how you feel, but you better get used to it. He’s not going to have time for us anymore.” Scooping up the reluctant feline, she carried him into Corbin’s office and was soon immersed in her work.

When the doorbell rang later in the evening, Aubrey got up slowly, stretching stiff muscles. Swinging open the front door, she saw Richard, with Chloe hiding behind his legs.

“Hello, mermaid. Can we come in and play?”

Aubrey smiled despite her somber mood. “Is this your date for the evening?” She bent down and held out her hand. “It’s nice to see you again, Chloe. How’s your head?”

“Oh, it’s all healed. Uncle Rich and I are going for ice cream later. Do you want to come?”

“That sounds like fun. Count me in. Would you like to play with Horace?”

“Who’s Horace?” Chloe asked excitedly.

“My kitten. He’s in the laundry room. Let’s go wake him from his nap.”

Richard followed the other two, watching with amusement as Chloe whispered softly into Horace’s ears and squealed with delight when the kitten stretched and yawned. They carried him into the living room, and Aubrey showed Chloe how to get him to chase a ball of string. Once the child was fully occupied, Aubrey joined Richard on the couch.

“Uncle Rich, huh? I didn’t know you were Chloe’s uncle.”

“Tammy is my sister. She told me about meeting you.”

“So, you’re babysitting tonight. You have unexpected depths.”

“I told her not to count on this happening too often,” he said with a teasing grin. “I have other things to do with my free time.” His eyes went to Chloe’s bright head and he added softly, “I thought you might need some company tonight.”

Aubrey felt her face grow warm. “Why is that? Corbin is often away from home in the evenings.”

“True, but he’s not often in the company of Mandy Martens.”

“Can anyone make a move around here without everyone knowing about it?” she asked in an annoyed tone.

“Not really, but in this instance, I was in the right place at the right time. I had some more papers for Mandy to sign. When I dropped them off this afternoon, we got to talking about our plans for the weekend. She mentioned having dinner with Corbin. I know how upset you’ve been about her coming back so when I heard that, I decided to come by and see how you’re doing.”

“That was sweet of you, Richard, but unnecessary.”

He reached for one of her hands. “I doubt he’ll risk getting hurt again.”

“I think the opposite,” she said grimly. “I just hope she sticks around this time. He deserves to be happy.”

“Don’t we all?” he asked flippantly. “But if the man can’t see what’s right under his nose, he deserves what he gets.”

“He apparently likes what he sees. And who can blame him?”

Richard squeezed the hand he held. “I was referring to you. You’re the one under his nose.”

Aubrey’s eyebrows went up. “You’re joking, right?”

“I think the man’s an idiot. You’re worth a hundred of Mandy.”

“This must be the new Richard talking,” she said teasingly. “You didn’t think I was so wonderful before.”

He shrugged. “Even I can tell quality when I see it.”

“Thanks, Richard.”

“So what’s your plan? You love him, don’t you? What are you going to do about it?”

She didn’t attempt to deny it. “I’m not going to do anything; I would die if he found out.”

“That’s a strange attitude – I’m doing everything I can to let your sister know how I feel about her.”

“So I’ve heard. I hardly recognize the man she describes to me on the phone.”

His cheeks colored slightly. “Phoebe has had an unusual effect on me. I never believed love could so alter my outlook.”

“It alters everything, Richard.”

The conversation ended there as Chloe popped up behind them suddenly. “Uncle Rich, I’m thirsty.”

“I can take care of that, sweetheart,” Aubrey assured her.

Richard trailed the pair into the kitchen with the comment that they should leave to get the ice cream since it was getting close to bedtime. This comment galvanized everyone into action. They piled into Richard’s car and were soon enjoying their icy treats.

* * * *

After her guests departed, Aubrey was reluctant to face the quietness of the house. She made her way to the edge of the water and sat down on the sand. As she watched the tiny crystals sift slowly through her fingers, she thought of how her own time on the island was slowly slipping away. How much longer did she have?

From there her mind winged its way to Corbin. How could he let Mandy back into his life so easily? For pride’s sake alone, he should have shown some measure of reluctance. The fact that he displayed none at all was surely an indication he still loved her. Aubrey could think of no other explanation for his attitude toward a woman who’d treated him so cruelly.

With an impatient movement, she stood and made her way back into the house. She kept busy taking a long bath, washing her hair and trying to read. Anything was better than going to bed with all the wild thoughts going round and round in her head. She would never rest until she heard the sound of his footsteps in the hallway.

When the book in her hand no longer held her interest, she pulled down the duvet, thumped the pillows savagely and climbed into bed. After tossing and turning for several minutes, she realized Horace wasn’t in his usual spot. Glad to have a reason to get up, she made her way downstairs.

When she arrived in the living room, the sight of the full moon hanging in the sky like a glowing pendant drew Aubrey to the windows at the far side. She was joined there by none other than Horace, making his presence known by rubbing his head against her legs.

“Did you forget me, too? Come on, let’s go to bed.”

A slight sound sent a shaft of fear through her body. It had come from the part of the room in shadow.
Someone was in the house!
Aubrey grabbed Horace and bolted toward the door, thinking only of escape. In her haste, she didn’t see the duffle bag resting next to the couch. Tripping over it, she fell heavily, her cry of pain sounding loud in the silence of the room. A shadow moved toward her, and she nearly screamed again.

“Aubrey, for heaven’s sake, are you trying to kill yourself?” Corbin asked in exasperation.

“You! Why didn’t you say something? I thought someone had broken into the house,” she answered indignantly.

He helped her up, hearing her gasp of pain when she tried to walk. “I didn’t think I needed to say anything. I live here, remember. Are you hurt?”

“It’s my ankle.”

His sigh was heartfelt. “What is it with your feet? I’ve never known someone who has so much trouble walking.” Corbin steered her to the couch and turned on the lamp. “You look very cozy.”

Aubrey glanced down at her flannel pajamas. “I was cold.”

“If I were to be asked my preference, the purple outfit with all the lace comes to mind.”

“I would never have walked around like that if I’d known you were home.”

“Obviously. It was your loss and my gain.”

Corbin bent down in front of her, taking her injured foot in his hands. “Just like the rest of you, ridiculously tiny.” He poked and prodded a few minutes in silence. “I think you’ve once again escaped serious injury. Let’s get you to bed.” Straightening up, he swung her effortlessly into his arms. “I feel like the Big Bad Wolf carrying off Little Red Riding Hood.”

Aubrey smiled feebly, aware only of being held close to him. She had a fleeting wish to stay there forever. Once in her room, he set her on the bed, a faint smile pulling at his lips.

“What’s so funny?” she asked suspiciously.

“I was just thinking of how uneventful my life was until you came along. Hardly a day goes by that I’m not called into action for something.”

“That’s an exaggeration; and anyway, in this case, it was your bag I tripped over.”

“I take full responsibility for tonight’s injury. I made the noise you heard. I’d been in the living room for some time before you came in.”

“Why were you sitting in the dark?”

“I’ll answer that if you tell me what you meant when you asked Horace if he’d forgotten you, too.”

Aubrey plucked nervously at the sheets on the bed. “I don’t remember saying that.”