Borrowed Dreams (Debbie Macomber Classics) Read Online Free Page A

untouched, beautiful.”
    “That’s not the way I heard it,” Diana said, and released a frustrated sigh. “How’s the job and the mysterious George Hamlyn?”
    “We’ve had a few minor clashes, but all in all everything’s working out great.”
    “After all I did to convince you to stay in Seattle, you wouldn’t admit anything else,” Diana chided. “How’s the apartment?”
    “Adequate. I’m looking into buying a condo.”
    “I knew it.” Diana didn’t bother to disguise her friendly censure. “I wondered how long you’d last in a
used
apartment.”
    “It’s not that old,” Carly responded with a dry smile. Her friend knew her too well.
    “When are you going to get over this quirk of yours?”
    “Quirk?” Carly feigned ignorance, not wanting to argue.
    “No, it’s become more than that.” The teasing quality left Diana’s voice. “It’s an obsession.”
    “Just because I happen to prefer new things doesn’t make me obsessive. I can afford the condominium.” But barely. The payments would eat a huge hole in her monthly paycheck.
    “How’s Barney?” Carly quickly changed the subject. “Have you got a ring through hisnose yet?”
    Diana’s laugh sounded forced. “So-so. If I’m going to marry again, you can bet that this time I’m going to be sure.”
    “I’ve heard love is better the third time around.”
    “Love maybe, marriage never. Besides, that’s supposed to be the
second
time around.”
    “In your case I had to improvise.”
    Diana gave a weak snort. “I don’t know why I put up with you.”
    “I do,” Carly supplied, with the confidence of many years of friendship. “I’m the little girl you’ve always wanted to mother. Problem is, I’m only six years younger than you.”
    “I’m feeling every minute of thirty-one. Why’d you bring that up?”
    “Good friend, I guess.”
    “Too good. Listen, sweetie, I’m worried about you. Don’t let your pride stand in the way if you want out of that godforsaken igloo.”
    “Honestly.” Carly released an exasperated breath. “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. So straighten up, crack the whip over Barney’s head, and quit being such a worrier. I’m doing fine on my own.”
    “True. You don’t need me to louse up your life, especially since I’ve done such a bang-up job of screwing up my own. You’ll keep in touch, won’t you?”
    “A letter’s already in the mail,” Carly assured her.
    “I suppose I should go.”
    “It’s good to hear your voice, my friend.”
    Diana sighed softly. “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. Take care of yourself and let me know when you’ve come to your senses and want to head home.”
    “I will,” Carly promised. But she wouldn’t be moving back to Seattle. In fact, she doubted that she ever would. Alaska felt
right
. In a few short weeks it seemed more like she thought a home should be than anything she’d known as a child.
    *  *  *
    Late Friday afternoon, as Carly was working on a claim, George sauntered into the office, an oily pink rag dangling from his back pocket. He’d been working with a mechanic. It hadn’t takenCarly long to discover that George was a man of many talents.
    “Get Brand St. Clair on the line for me,” he said on his way to the coffeepot.
    Carly’s fingers tightened around the pencil she held. As much as she’d fought against it, Brand had remained on her mind all week.
    Flipping through the pages of the telephone directory, Carly located Brand’s number and punched the buttons of the phone with the tip of her eraser. She would be polite but distant, she decided. He hadn’t made any attempt to contact her this week, so apparently he was aware of her feelings toward him.
    With the receiver cradled against her shoulder, Carly continued working on the claim.
    “No answer,” she told her employer, hoping the relief in her voice was well disguised.
    “Leave a voice mail and try again in five minutes,” George