Dream of Me: A Sweet Contemporary Romance (14 page)

Into this uncomfortable scene strolled Phoebe. Her hand went to her mouth when she caught sight of Aubrey. “Am I interrupting something? Or shouldn’t I ask?”

“You shouldn’t ask,” Corbin replied shortly.

Aubrey frowned in Connor’s direction. “You’re not interrupting anything. I came in here looking for Horace.”

“Horace? Oh, your kitten. I saw him sitting on the kitchen table. You’re going to have to train him better, Brey.”

Aubrey walked to the door. “He’s hungry. I forgot to feed him in the rush of getting dinner together.”

“You must have had someone else on your mind,” suggested Corbin.

Aubrey didn’t bother to answer him; she slipped past Phoebe and went to collect her intrepid feline.

“Is everything okay between the two of you?” Phoebe asked with a faint smile.

Corbin slipped an arm around her shoulders. “Why do you ask?”

“The atmosphere seemed strained.”

“Something expected of two people with strong opinions. Go to bed, Phoebe, and stop worrying.”

He watched her go and then with a heavy sigh, strolled into the kitchen. Here he found Aubrey sitting on the floor watching Horace lap up his food. “Afraid he’ll run off again?”

“No, I love watching him eat.”

Corbin couldn’t stop himself from chuckling. She was the most curious mixture of woman he’d ever run across. She also possessed the gift of making ordinary activities exciting. Fighting the urge to stay and keep her company, he managed a subdued goodnight and escaped.

Aubrey turned off the light and with due regard for his full stomach, cradled Horace carefully in her arms. As she made her way upstairs, she kept thinking about the return of Mandy Martens and what it might mean for Corbin.

It could mean everything and nothing. They could meet any day or go months without seeing each other. It was like waiting for something that might never happen, and if it did, probably wouldn’t be anything close to what you expected.

Her last thought before closing her eyes was the wish that Mandy would catch the first flight back to wherever successful models lived. That would solve the whole problem!

Chapter Seven

When Aubrey arrived downstairs the next morning, Corbin was already in the kitchen making coffee. His quick glance noted the dark circles under her eyes.

“Bad dreams, again?”

“No, I just couldn’t fall asleep.”

Neither could he.
“Do you and Phoebe have any plans for today?”

“Nothing specific. She’ll want to sunbathe. I might join her for a while, but I’ll finish the notes from the home builder’s meeting.”

She set a large mixing bowl on the counter and disappeared into the pantry. When she returned, arms full of ingredients for muffins, Corbin was on the deck preparing to leave for his morning jog. She watched him in silence until he disappeared and then went back to work.

The aroma of baking filled the kitchen. Corbin sniffed appreciably as he reentered the house. He lifted the towel and peeked at the contents of the basket.

“You can have one,” Aubrey said as she came in from the hallway.

He threw her a slow smile that sent a wave of feeling right down to her toes. “Just one? I could eat them all.”

“Phoebe might not appreciate that.”

“Then she needs to get up early like the rest of us. I’m going to take a shower.”

Aubrey was reading the newspaper when Phoebe sauntered in looking lovely even with her hair in a ponytail and no makeup.

“I made blueberry muffins.”

“That almost makes it worth getting out of bed.” Phoebe took a seat at the table and helped herself to one.

“Coffee or orange juice?” asked Aubrey.

“Coffee, please. I need the caffeine.”

Before Aubrey could query this, the doorbell rang. “I better see who that is. You’ll have to get your coffee.”

Phoebe heard the door open and an attractive voice exclaim, “Good morning, mermaid. Blue is definitely your color.”

“It’s too early in the morning for your nonsense, and it’s too early to drop in unannounced.” Aubrey lowered her voice. “This island won’t be big enough for the two of us if you do anything to hurt Phoebe.”

Richard grinned and didn’t bother to lower his own voice. “I give you my word that none of the alarming thoughts running around in your head have a chance of coming true. This is the only time I have today; tomorrow I have to go out of town. How much harm can I do in such a short time?”

Aubrey shrugged and closed the door behind him. “You’ve been warned.”

Phoebe was intrigued. Was this the man Corbin had mentioned? Where had Aubrey met him? She waited with anticipation for the pair to walk into the kitchen. Aubrey performed the introductions with an ironic gleam in her eyes.

“Richard, this is my sister, Phoebe. Phoebe, this is Richard Meadows.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Phoebe. Aubrey’s description didn’t do you justice.”

Phoebe tried to hide the shock she felt. She hadn’t expected such wickedly fantastic looks. This man would be a menace to any woman and wasn’t the type to fall for quiet females like Aubrey, charming though she was. Her glance went quickly to her sister and then back to Richard.

“Same here,” she murmured in her soft voice. “Aubrey has been remarkably silent about you, and I think I know why.”

Richard’s smile grew. “Do you really?”

“Have a seat, Richard and a muffin, too, if you like.” This was Aubrey, ever practical.

He nodded absently, but wasn’t slow to sit down next to Phoebe or take the cup of coffee she offered. As Aubrey washed dishes, she listened with growing amazement to the conversation taking place behind her. She couldn’t decide who was doing a better job of flirting since they were both so accomplished at it.

With a murmured excuse that was absently acknowledged, Aubrey slipped into the hall and stood for a minute with a wry look on her face. Corbin came down the last few stairs and halted at the sight of her.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Oh, nothing. Do you think flirting is a gift? Either you have it or you don’t?”

“I’ve never thought about it. Can we discuss this over breakfast?”

Corbin moved past her and entered the kitchen. Aubrey didn’t bother to follow him. She would hear his opinion on this latest development soon enough. She went into the office and sat down at her desk. She wasn’t left alone very long.

“I hope you weren’t too attached to Richard because from all appearances, you may have lost him.”

Aubrey ignored this. “Aren’t you going to be late? The building inspector isn’t going to wait around for you to show up.”

“I can see you’re anxious for me to go so you can drown your sorrow in work. You do have one thing in your favor; Phoebe doesn’t live here.”

She turned her back on him; a gesture which was wasted since he hadn’t waited to witness her reaction. With a long sigh, she decided to rejoin the other two. If they weren’t well acquainted by now, they weren’t trying very hard.

“How long will you be here?” Richard was asking as Aubrey entered the room.

“I was planning on staying a few more days, but my office called begging me to come back early.”

“Can’t you put them off?” he asked with a frown.

Phoebe laughed and shook her head. “I need to leave today, but they’ll be other trips. I have to keep an eye on Aubrey.”

“That’s a good idea. We can’t have her getting involved with the wrong people,” Richard added with a wink in Aubrey’s direction.

“Like you, for example?”

Richard laughed softly. “Your sister has her own methods for dealing with people like me.”

“Phoebe, if you must leave today, I suggest you get moving.” Aubrey’s tone suggested her dislike of being discussed in this manner. “You’ve got a long drive ahead of you.”

Richard glanced at his watch. “I have to be going, too.” He held out his hand to Phoebe. “I’m glad I was able to meet you. Reality is so much more satisfying than imagination.”

* * * *

Upstairs in the guest room, Aubrey gathered piles of clothes from the bed and folded them neatly only to watch Phoebe throw them every which way into her suitcase. Not able to stand it any longer, she gently pushed Phoebe aside with a smile and took over the packing herself.

“Your Richard seems interesting,” Phoebe commented as she sat down in front of the mirror and reapplied lipstick to already glistening red lips.

“He’s not
my
Richard.”

“His actions say otherwise.”

“Oh, Phoebe; not you too! I’ve already endured this from Corbin.”

“Does Corbin object to you seeing Richard?” she asked in surprise.

“Yes, but it’s none of his business who I spend time with.”

Phoebe glanced at her sister with dawning respect. “I’m glad to hear you say so.” Getting up, she grabbed her purse and one of the suitcases while Aubrey followed her with the other one.

After they loaded the luggage in the trunk, Phoebe said, “Phillip mentioned wanting to photograph you, and I think it’s a great idea. Let me know how it goes. I also expect to be kept informed on Richard.”

“There won’t be much to tell. I’m glad you came, Phoebe.” She gave her sister a quick hug.

“So am I. It’s good to have the old Aubrey back.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean – you’ve come to terms with things. I miss Mom and Dad, too, but we can’t stop living because their gone. I know you didn’t like me putting the house up for sale, but it had to be done.”

“I just wanted some time to grieve, Phoebe. I’m not like you. Getting rid of the house was like turning my back on them.”

“Do you think I wanted to sell the home I grew up in? I had no choice. Neither of us had the money to pay the mortgage, and the life insurance Dad had barely paid for their funeral.”

“I know it was difficult for you, too, but you always were the strong one. How else could you have bullied me into coming here?”

“It was a good move for you, Brey, and it’s only the beginning. There’s a world of opportunity out there waiting.”

Aubrey laughed. “Are you encouraging me to leave a job I just started?”

Phoebe opened the car door and dropped her purse onto the seat. “I can’t see you being Corbin’s assistant forever, can you?” She leaned over to kiss Aubrey’s cheek. “I’ll call you when I get home.”

* * * *

Aubrey worked steadily for the remainder of the morning. After feeding Horace his lunch and fixing a sandwich for hers, she decided some housekeeping was in order. Corbin had engaged a maid service to do the heavier stuff, but the lady only came once a week.

She was vacuuming when Corbin arrived. His touch on her arm caused her to jump a mile. His swift grin at her reaction did nothing to improve her mood. Glaring at him, she switched off the vacuum.

“Sorry, but I couldn’t think of any other way to get your attention.” His eyes roved over her, taking in the dust clinging to her clothes and the gleam of perspiration on her face. “I noticed how nice everything looked when I came in. Paul better watch out; you might do him out of a job.”

“I could never replace him.”

“Finish in here and take a break for today. I’ll treat you to dinner at one of my favorite places.”

“I have to get cleaned up first. I’m kind of messy.”

He tucked some loose strands of hair behind her ear. “Take as long as you need.”

During the drive to the restaurant, Aubrey kept stealing glances at Corbin’s stern profile. His jovial mood had certainly evaporated. The almost silent meal that followed wasn’t unexpected, but it did make Aubrey wish they’d stayed home. Corbin didn’t emerge from his moody silence until the waiter cleared their plates and placed coffee at their elbows.

“You know, one can only escape the skeletons in the closet for so long.”

“Whose skeletons are we talking about?”

“Mine, of course. I know you don’t have any,” he murmured.

Aubrey’s mouth went dry. Had he already seen Mandy? Was that why he was looking so disturbed?

“Apparently, my skeleton decided to return to Tybee. Knowing the tendency for gossip on this island, there’s no doubt you’re going to hear several versions of what happened. I’d prefer you know the right one.”

He paused as if to gather his thoughts. Aubrey wondered what Corbin would say if he knew Richard had already told her about Mandy.

“I moved here seven years ago. In a matter of weeks I met a woman while jogging on the beach. We dated for almost a year before getting engaged. Our biggest argument was over the actual wedding. In the end, it didn’t matter because she didn’t stick around long enough to enjoy the day we’d planned so carefully.” He stopped abruptly, turning his face away.

“You mean she broke up with you right before the wedding?”

Corbin smiled, but it wasn’t a nice one. “A message was delivered to me at the church. In a few words, she professed to have fallen in love with someone else. She was sure I would understand.” He moved restlessly. “It sounds like something from a soap opera, doesn’t it?”

“Oh, Corbin! I’m so sorry!” Tears filled her eyes. She couldn’t imagine how he must have felt being jilted so publicly.

His hand moved across the table to cover hers. “This is the second time I’ve made you cry.”

“I can’t help it. How could she do such a thing?” she asked in a whisper.

Corbin shrugged. “She didn’t love me. That being so, I should be glad she didn’t go through with our wedding. I heard later that she married an investment banker who lived in New York City. Her time with him was short-lived, however. He was killed in a freak bicycling accident not long after they married.”

“And you haven’t seen her since?” she asked softly, her gray eyes full of sympathy.

“Not in person, but I’ve seen her in magazines and on television. You’ve probably heard of Mandy Martens.”