Dream of Me: A Sweet Contemporary Romance (22 page)

“That’s something else I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

“You’ve kissed me before, Corbin.”

“I kissed you one time, and it has haunted me every day and night since.”

She smiled. “Is that why you told me ‘once was enough’?”

“That was to reassure you and warn me. But in reality, it was too late. I was already lost. I have something to show you.” He reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a photograph. Aubrey found herself gazing at her own likeness. The picture was one of the set taken by Phillip down on the beach.

“Where did you get this?” she asked incredulously.

“I took it or to be strictly truthful, I stole it.”

“Why?”

“I couldn’t resist having something of you with me all the time.”

“No one would have known it.”

His hand went to her head and gently stroked her hair. “I was afraid. I once thought myself well on the way to marital bliss, and you know how that turned out.”

“What made you put it to the test tonight?” she asked curiously.

“The way you looked at me in the restaurant. It was as if you finally let your guard down, and all the things I’d hoped to see in your eyes were finally there.”

“It’s hard to be near the one you love and not be able to express it.”

He laughed softly. “There were times when it took everything I had to stay away from you. I was so jealous of Richard. I couldn’t stand the thought of him touching you.”

She laid her head on his chest, content to listen to the steady beating of his heart. “Phoebe will give him all he can handle, but I do feel sorry for Mandy. I can’t imagine losing you twice.”

“I would feel more sympathy for her if I thought she loved me, but I’m not sure she knows what love is.”

“Things will be awkward in the morning.”

“No, they won’t. She has an early flight, and Mike volunteered to take her to the airport. If you sleep in, you won’t see her.”

“In that case, I’ll sleep in.”

“As much as I want to stay, I need to go. I was supposed to check the temperature of the upstairs rooms and then return to help Mike work on the furnace. Otherwise, we’re all going to freeze.”

“I’m surprised he hasn’t come looking for you.”

Corbin grinned wickedly. “I’m sure he’s figured out what’s keeping me.” He stood up and pulled her to her feet. “I’m not too thrilled about long engagements and big weddings, but if you won’t feel married without them, I can make myself be patient.”

“I’m thinking short engagement and small wedding.” She took his hand and lifted it to her lips. “Or if you prefer, we can elope. I’ve never been caught up in how it happens.”

“I won’t ask you to give up your special day, but I can’t deny that I’ll be holding my breath until I see you walking down the aisle.”

Words seemed inadequate then. There were better ways to assure Corbin how little he needed to worry about such things. With a soft sigh, Aubrey melted into the strong arms drawing her close and thrilled to the touch of his lips on hers. Together they would erase the nightmares of the past and build new dreams of tomorrow.

The End

I hope you enjoyed reading Aubrey and Corbin’s story as much as I enjoyed writing it. I’m a big believer in second chances. If you liked this book, please consider leaving a review. Thank you very much!