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

returned irritably. “That boy wears too many hats. He’s working himself to death.”
    Carly had punched out Brand’s number so many times by the end of the afternoon that she could have done it in her sleep. At five-thirty she straightened the top of her desk and removed her purse from the bottom drawer. George was talking to a mechanic when she stepped outside to tell him she hadn’t been able to reach Brand.
    “I never did get hold of St. Clair.” The brisk wind whipped her shoulder-length hair about her face until it stung her cheeks.
    George glanced at Carly with a smile of chagrin. “Since it isn’t out of your way, would you mind stopping off at his office and leaving a message on the door?”
    Carly swallowed tightly. “Sure.”
    “Tell him I’ve got a couple of jobs for him next week and ask him to give me a call.”
    “Consider it done.” She turned before he could see her reaction. She didn’t object to doing George a favor. What she wanted was to avoid Brand. If someone were to see her and tell him she’d been by, he could misinterpret her coming.
    The portion of the airfield that housed Brand’s office was only a mile or so from Alaska Freight Forwarding. As Carly eased her vehicle into the space nearest his office, she noticed him walking toward her from the airfield. He’d obviously returned from a flight and had just finished securing his aircraft. Carly groaned inwardly and climbed out of her car.
    Six days had passed since she’d last seen him, but time had done little to wipe out the pure physical impact of seeing him again. His glance was dry, emotionless, as he moved closer,his face lean and weathered from the sun. Mature.
    “Hello.” He stopped in front of her, revealing none of his feelings. The least he could do was look pleased to see her!
    “George sent me over with a message.” It was important that he understand she hadn’t come of her own accord.
    His nod was curt.
    “He wanted me to tell you he has work for you next week if you’re interested.” She prayed the slight breathlessness in her voice would go undetected.
    “I’m interested.”
    A shiver skipped over her skin at the lazy, sensual way he studied her. Carly had the crazy sensation that his interest wasn’t in the flying jobs.
    “You’re on your way home?” he asked her unexpectedly.
    Her eyes refused to meet his. “Yes. It’s been a long week.” Goodness, she shouldn’t have said that. He might think she’d been waiting for his call.
    “Have you got time to stop someplace for a drink?”
    “No.” The word slipped out with the rising swell of panic that threatened to engulf her.
    “Why not?” he demanded.
    “Let’s just say that I consider married men off-limits. Even widowers. Especially widowers who have eyes that say, ‘I loved my wife.’ ”
    “I can’t argue with you about that,” Brand agreed easily. “I did love Sandra.”
    “That’s the way it’s supposed to be.” Carly was sincere. She couldn’t imagine Brand not having loved … Sandra. Her mind had difficulty forming the name. It was easier to think of Brand’s wife as a nonentity. “Well, it was nice seeing you again.” She fumbled in her purse for her keys.
    “Do you have anything against friendship?” Brand’s features suggested a wealth of pride and strength. In the shadows of early afternoon, they appeared more pronounced.
    “Everyone needs somebody.” Reluctantly, she turned back. She was thinking about Diana, the only true friend she’d ever had.
    “Are we capable of that, Carly?” He refused to release her gaze.
    Unable to find the words to answer him, she shrugged.
    “Surely a drink between friends wouldn’t be so bad.”
    She remained unsure. “I won’t date you, Brand.” Making that much clear was important.
    “Not to worry.” He beamed her a dazzling smile. “This isn’t a date. Friends?” He extended his hand to her.
    Her mind was yelling at her, telling her this wouldn’t work. But it