Dare to Dream Read Online Free PDF Page A

Friday.”
    Lincoln nodded.
    “Are you okay, Mr. D.? You seem so out of it lately.”
    He chuckled. “Naw, I’m okay. Didn’t know it was that obvious.”
    She tipped her head to the side and smiled. “You’re pretty lousy at hiding your feelings, Mr. D.”
    “Guess I have to work on that.” He tapped the desk and walked toward the door. “See you later.”
    Driving always had a way of relaxing him, he thought, as he trotted down the four steps to the driveway and got behind the wheel of his black-on-black Lincoln Navigator. He had to do something to keep his mind off of Desiree’s impending visit. More than once, he’d thought about leaving The Port and staying at his place in Manhattan until he was sure she was gone. But he realized the only purpose it would serve would be to delay the inevitable. He always believed that at some point in life he and Desiree would meet again and be forced to confront their demons. That it would be here and now meant that the time had come.
    He took a turn onto the main two-lane road to be met by a speeding car that came right at him. He swerved violently to the right and onto the shoulder to avoid a head-on collision. Squealing to a stop, he looked in his rearview mirror. The tan Volvo continued down the road and turned off onto the same road he’d come from as if nothing nearly disastrous had just occurred.
    Lincoln spat out a string of expletives before pulling himself together and getting back onto the road.
    “Some people need to have their licenses taken away,” he grumbled.
    * * *
    “Idiot!” Rachel yelled.
    Desiree held her hand to her chest. “Jeez, Rae. That was close.”
    “It’s obvious that whoever was behind the wheel doesn’t practice any road courtesy,” she huffed, attempting to hide how shaken she was behind a blast of bravado. She gripped the steering wheel.
    “Well, just relax. It can’t be too much farther.”
    Desiree peeked into the passenger-side mirror and watched the magnificent black stallion of a ride disappear as Rachel turned onto the next road. An unsettling sensation floated upward from her belly and gripped her heart. She suddenly felt hot and cold as if something had passed over or through her. Her heart beat a little faster but she was no longer sure if it was a result of their recent scare…or something else. She glanced in the mirror again and saw nothing but road and trees. She took a deep, cleansing breath and pushed the odd feelings aside.

Chapter 6
    R achel pulled up to the main house of The Port, an imposing white structure, reminiscent of mansions in the old South, complete with pillars, a wraparound balcony and an enclosed porch all embraced by towering willows that swayed gently in the light breeze off the water.
    “Impressive,” Rachel said, easing the car to a stop.
    “Very nice.” Desiree opened her door and stepped out. She looked around and immediately felt a sense of ease and tranquility move through her.
    Terri opened the front door, came out onto the porch and waved. “Welcome to The Port,” she said, approaching the duo. “Did you have a good trip?”
    “Yes, except for a near mishap on the road,” Rachel grumbled.
    “Sorry about that. I’m Terri,” she said, extending her hand to Rachel and then Desiree.
    “Rachel Givens.”
    “Desiree Armstrong.”
    “Oh, Ms. Armstrong.” Terri smiled. “I know you’ll enjoy your stay with us.”
    “I’m sure I will.”
    “Leave your bags. I’ll have someone come and get them. If you’ll follow me, I’ll get you all checked in and set you up with your cabin.”
    They followed her inside. Rachel filled out all the appropriate forms.
    “Will you be needing special meals or anything, Ms. Armstrong?”
    “No, not at all. I’m easy.”
    “We have breakfast here in the main house in the dining room from seven to ten. Lunch is on your own. But the fridge is always stocked, so feel free to fix whatever you like. We offer dinner as well, but many of our guests