Dream of Me: A Sweet Contemporary Romance by Delaney Cameron Read Free Book Online Page A

town.”
    She didn’t notice the speculative glance Richard sent her way.
    “In that case, let me take you out tonight. Do you like lobster?”
    “That’s very nice of you, and yes, I love all types of seafood. What time should I be ready?”
    “I’ll pick you up at seven.” Richard came around the desk. He pointed to the kitten which had tired of playing with Aubrey’s braid and was chewing vigorously on her fingers. “Horace is a lucky guy.”
    “I better get going so I’ll have time to get Horace settled before you arrive.”
    Distracted by the unexpected turn of events with Richard, Aubrey was half way home before she realized she had nothing whatsoever for the care of a cat. Mentally kicking herself, she stopped at a convenience store to ask directions to the nearest pet shop. Luck was with her; there was a place a short distance away. Hurrying through the aisles a few minutes later with an indignant feline under her arm, she threw food, bowls, and toys indiscriminately into the cart.
    As she stood in the check-out line, two things occurred to her. She was choosing to extend her acquaintance with the person Corbin had advised her to avoid, and she was introducing a pet into his household without his permission. Inwardly shuddering at the possible ramifications of these latest attacks on Corbin’s limited patience, Aubrey made her way back to the beach house. Little did she know at the time, but Horace would prove to be the least of her problems.
     

Chapter Three
    Aubrey was ready and waiting when Richard arrived. His all-encompassing glance took in the silky blouse and pants before settling on the hair flowing loosely over one shoulder. His, “You look lovely,” had just enough sincerity to make Aubrey blush. It was fortunate she couldn’t read his mind. Her attractive, but unexciting appearance merely confirmed his earlier impression. He wondered why he’d bothered to ask her out.
    “You look nice yourself,” she countered as he escorted her to a sporty silver convertible.
    “Have you been to the Sand Point Inn?” When she shook her head, he went on. “It’s famous for its locally caught seafood. I think you’ll like it.”
    The restaurant was built over the water, its weather-beaten exterior a testimony to its passage through many storms. Inside the atmosphere was decidedly romantic with small, candlelit tables spreading out like tiny islands. Under the influence of a man who could be charming enough when it suited him, Aubrey lost most of the reserve she possessed.
    Richard put the top down on the car for the drive home, allowing Aubrey the enjoyment of an inky night sky. For the first time since her parents’ death, she felt a rush of anticipation; a feeling that life was good again and full of possibilities. Her eyes found their way to Richard’s profile and she smiled. Her companion didn’t know it, but tonight she’d taken an important step in her return to normalcy.
    As the purr of the engine died away, Richard looked in her direction. Her enjoyment in the evening had been genuine enough to pique what little conscience he had. His invitation to dinner had been issued on a whim with the intervening time spent regretting such an uncharacteristic impulse. He’d known from their first meeting that Aubrey wasn’t his type, and nothing in her behavior thus far had altered his opinion. So why didn’t he kiss her goodnight and chalk this one up as a failure? Was it because he didn’t want to admit he’d made a mistake?
    By the light of a sliver of moon, they meandered slowly along the shoreline, meeting no one and their conversation never reaching the comfort level of the restaurant. Aubrey was wracking her brain for something to say that would break the silence when Richard suddenly stopped. She glanced at him in surprise, any words she would have spoken dying on her lips as she felt his fingers moving through her hair.
    “You should always wear your hair loose like this,” he