Dream of Me: A Sweet Contemporary Romance Read Online Free PDF Page B

own time.” Aubrey glanced toward the window. “I’ve never lived so close to the ocean,” she added wistfully and then laughed self-consciously when she met the look in his eyes. “I know that doesn’t excuse my behavior, but I couldn’t help myself. I expect that sounds silly to you.”
    “Not silly, just young. I’m not so far gone that I can’t remember the feeling.” Corbin moved to the door. “Take care of that sunburn; it would be a shame to damage such lovely skin.” He was gone before she could reply.
    For a moment, Aubrey sat staring at the door trying to figure out what had just happened. Corbin had shown a different side of himself; one that made him almost likeable. It was unfortunate they hadn’t hit it off, but maybe things would improve. No one possessing a smile like that could be all bad.
* * * *
    Since sun-bathing in the afternoons during the week wasn’t an option, Aubrey resumed her evening walks. These were some of her most enjoyable moments. She never tired of the beautiful sunsets, the outline of the lighthouse in the background and the magnificent star-filled sky. Only on rare occasions did Corbin join her. She surmised a woman was the reason for his late hours. A man with his looks would have no problem finding someone to share his free time.
    One evening her absorption in her surroundings was so complete that she failed to notice the person approaching from the opposite direction. As they drew closer, the man, who appeared to be as preoccupied as Aubrey, finally turned his head in her direction. A faint smile chased the frown from his face and he stopped, waiting for her to draw level with him.
    “I’ve been wondering if we would meet again.”
    Aubrey was about to deny ever meeting him when she recognized him. “Was that your idea of a meeting?”
    “No, but sleeping within a few feet of each other must count for something.”
    “I suppose so. Do you live here?”
    He nodded. “For now. I’m thinking of changing that. Anyway, I’m Richard Meadows.”
    “It’s nice to meet you, Richard. I’m Aubrey Sommers. Why do you want to leave?”
    “Do you really need to ask? This place is dead.”
    “It’s quiet and peaceful. I like it.”
    “Give it time, and you’ll be just as anxious to go. You work for Corbin, don’t you?”
    “News travels fast around here,” she commented with a faint smile.
    “This island is too small for anonymity. When someone new comes along, we all know about it.”
    “And talk about it, too, I suppose,” she said wryly.
    “Certainly. What else is there to do?” He watched her for a moment with narrowed eyes. “You know, with that long hair, you remind me of a mermaid.”
    “Don’t mermaids usually have light hair?”
    “I hope not. Blondes are very overrated.”
    “Are you serious?” she asked with a laugh.
    “Sure am - blondes just don’t do it for me.”
    “This is a strange conversation,” murmured Aubrey.
    “We’re breaking the ice, so to speak. Do you like working for the island workaholic?”
    “I don’t know yet - it’s different from anything I’ve done before.”
    Richard smiled at this. “I’m surprised he hired someone like you.”
    “Is that a warning that my stay here might be short?”
    “As long as you don’t fall in love with him, you’ll be fine.”
    Aubrey laughed with real amusement. “I won’t be doing that.”
    “How can you be sure?”
    “For lots of reasons, but mainly because we’re too different.” 
    Richard chuckled. “You sound as if you don’t like your new boss.”
    “That’s not a requirement, is it?”
    “No, but it’s surprising. Every woman within fifty miles of this place is a little in love with him. I think they invent work to be done on their houses just to spend time with him.”
    Aubrey had been so preoccupied with her companion that she hadn’t noticed the setting of the sun. “I better start back, or I’ll be walking in the dark.”
    “There’s a full moon –