Island for Dreams Read Online Free PDF Page A

this was different. And there was nothing worse than falling in love with a man who had openly confessed to her that he had no intention of marrying ever. Even so, Nora had the feeling that she would never run fast enough or far enough to get away from him, and there was not a thing she could do about it. Running away from Juan Cregeen would make no difference at all to her feelings for him.
    She washed her sea-soaked clothes, then washed her hair and had a bath. As she towelled herself dry misery tore a jagged edge through her emotions. The feeling was all too familiar since losing her parents, a kind of self-pity. It was a state of mind she had to shake herself out of.
    Lying in bed, accommodating her slight figure to the comfort of fresh silky sheets and the soft caress of her gossamer nightdress on her limbs, Nora tried to empty her mind of the day ’ s happenings. Pushing back her hair, baby-soft from washing, she closed her eyes until the soft wash of the tide outside her window lulled her to sleep.

 
    CHAPTER TWO
    Nora had strolled out for the morning newspaper and was surprised to find a small packet on the floor of the tiny hall on her return. Someone had obviously dropped it through her letter box while she had been out.
    Inside were the keys to a car which was in garage number three on the ground floor below the flats. There was a note enclosed by her lawyer along with the keys, explaining that the new car went with the flat and was the personal bequest of Jed Kelly. It was hers without reservations.
    Nora had her breakfast and prepared to go out. Unlocking the garage, she found herself gazing at a gleaming cream Morris car with seat upholstered in pri mr ose.
    The car was cheerful, it was merry, and Nora viewed it with delight. She liked the standard radio, the tinted glass, the fog lights, and the alloy wheels. The interior was just as pleasing, with plenty of stowage place and a carpet-lined spacious trunk.
    ‘ Very nice! ’
    She swung round to see Juan Cregeen strolling towards her. She was aware of his glance sliding over her slim shoulders, trim waist and long legs in green slacks. Then the dark eyes were on her face, mocking her rising colour as they studied the cut of her delicate nose before lingering on her pink lips.
    There was a young untouched look about her stressed by the crisp cotton top she wore. He liked the proud tilt to her chin, the way her brows arched and straightened upwards emphasising the high cheekbones.
    ‘ Glad you like it, ’ she answered pointedly.
    ‘ Who wouldn ’ t? ’ His grin was unabashed. ‘ I like the chassis. ’
    The soft colour sped under her clear skin and she lowered her lashes.
    ‘ A present from my benefactor, ’ she said coolly, feeling anything but. ‘ I suppose you ’ ve come for your clothes. I have them ready. ’
    He stuck his hands in his pockets. ‘ Do I look the kind of guy who ’ s short of a sweater and pants? ’ His mouth twisted in a sardonic smile. ‘ Go easy on the roads, won ’ t you, we have quite a few blind corners on the island. ’
    She said frankly, ‘ That ’ s what I ’ m afraid of. I ’ d like to have someone with me for an outing or two, until I get the feel of the road. ’
    He shrugged. ‘ You ’ ll soon get into it, since you ’ ll practically be going over the same road many times. You can ’ t go wrong if you read the signs. Done much driving? ’
    ‘ Oh yes. I can find my way about everywhere in England. But this is a strange island. ’
    ‘ Don ’ t look so nervous, ’ he teased, ‘ or I ’ m going to hate meeting you on the highway. ’
    Nora was silent for a few moments, the sunlight on her face. Then she said, ‘ I don ’ t suppose you ’ d care to come out with me for a trial run? ’
    His keen eyes flashed over her face before looking the car over.
    ‘ If that ’ s what you want, ’ he answered. ‘ You want to go now, right away? ’
    ‘ Yes, please, ’ was Nora ’ s instant and