Red Dust Dreaming Read Online Free PDF Page A

face.
    A blush stole its way along her skin at the abruptness of his words. He didn’t like her and he didn’t even know her. “I don’t know. As long as it takes I guess,” she answered awkwardly.
    â€œAs long as what takes?” Luke asked.
    â€œNever you mind,” said Thelma as she flicked Caden’s shoulder with her tea towel. “Miss Langtree is a guest in this house and will stay as long as she likes.”
    Elizabeth smiled with relief and gratitude. “Please call me Elizabeth.”
    â€œShall I show you to your room, Elizabeth? I’m sure you must want to unpack and settle in after your long journey.” Thelma returned her smile.
    â€œSure, that would be great.” She rose leaving half her scone untouched aware of both Caden’s and Luke’s eyes upon her.
    â€œUnpack? Take until tomorrow with that lot.” She heard Caden mutter as she followed Thelma from the room.
    Her room was simple, a sprawling bed with an iron bedhead taking pride of place. Her luggage was lined up against the wall higgledy piggledy which was more than she’d expected. Caden Carlyle had made his feelings about her perfectly clear especially on the subject of her luggage.
    She dragged one of the cases over to the bed. Heaving it up she opened the lid and began to dig out the endless presents her parents had sent Luke. Each gift was carefully wrapped and represented a missed birthday or Christmas. She had no idea what was in any of them and hoped her mother had selected well. Knowing Sylvia she would have researched the latest trends for five year-olds and bought accordingly. Or had her personal assistant do the job. Would a high tech toy translate from New York to this strange land? She didn’t know the answer to that question but hoped the gifts would break the ice with Luke.
    Once she had finished unpacking the first case Elizabeth kicked off her shoes and stretched out on the bed. The white broderie anglaise counterpane looked so inviting and her head thumped with exhaustion, both physical and emotional. She stretched revelling in the sensation of her muscles lengthening and contracting. Above her head a ceiling fan did lazy laps for show while an air conditioner did the hard work over in the corner, humming soothingly.
    Closing her eyes she listened for other sounds in the house. The murmur of voices from the kitchen was the only other sound. I bet they’re talking about me, she thought. How she wished Angela was here so they could curl up together on the bed and gossip like they did when they were kids. She’d ask Angela about Caden, about why he didn’t like her, and about why she couldn’t help but like him even though she was trying really hard not to. She yawned and rolled over on to her side. Angela would tell her all of Caden’s secrets if only she were here.

Chapter 4
    Elizabeth awoke to thick shadows creeping across the bedroom floor. How long had she been asleep? She rubbed her itchy eyes before stretching languidly. Sleep hadn’t been on her agenda. Her intention had been to have a little rest before tackling chez Carlyle again. Caden was one tough customer. At least this time she’d be bearing gifts which might go some way to softening the man’s hard attitude.
    She rolled over on to her stomach, and propped her chin on her hands. Angela used to sleep in this room, dream in this room. Had she missed her family? Her eyes roved over the pile of presents sitting on the floor. The past played out like an old movie in her mind’s eye. She could think of a dozen times when Angela had defied their parents, always quick to rail against the restrictions they imposed. The last straw had been Angela’s marriage to a man her mother deemed socially unacceptable.
    Elizabeth pushed back until she was sitting upright. If this had been Angela’s room then there would be photos somewhere surely. She swung her legs off the bed and