First a Dream (Dreams Come True #1) Read Online Free

dropped Konnor off with her neighbor who ran an in-home daycare and then she drove to work. Fridays were always busy at the studio and she relished the activity. With any luck, she and Kristofer wouldn’t even have a chance to talk.
    After parking in her usual spot behind the studio, she took one final look at her face in the rear view mirror. Her brown eyes were tired looking, which made perfect sense as she’d had little sleep the night before. Her honey brown hair had been pulled up into a ponytail. Isabella should’ve done more than her usual powder for shine and lip gloss, but she couldn’t seem to find the energy to do so. She practiced smiling a few times. Satisfied with the results, she stepped out of the vehicle and walked carefully to the front door.
    “We really need to salt the sidewalk,” Isabella commented as she walked through the door, determined to keep busy. “I’ll get right on that.” She started for the utility room in the back.
    “Morning, gorgeous!” Kristofer greeted her as he looked up from the computer. His broad smile faded. “Oh. Rough night?”
    “Salt.” She spoke firmly and pointed to indicate she was on a mission.
    “Fine. Of course, you know you’ll be telling me eventually, right?” Kristofer stood up from the desk and crossed his arms over his chest as he stared at her. “Go salt, then I’ll fixing your face. I can’t have you scaring away business.” He smirked and gestured for her to go about her business.
    Isabella opened her mouth to protest, but knew better. He was the boss and she couldn’t afford to lose this job, especially now. Even more, she’d never do anything to disappoint her professor, Dr. Pam, who had recommended her. “Okay,” she mumbled as she left the room.
    It only took a few minutes to take care of the sidewalk, not nearly enough time to pull herself together. Feeling even glummer than when she left the mall the night before, Isabella slowly walked back into the building to face the inquisition. Maybe it didn’t have to be that bad. Maybe she should be proactive. A smirk played at the corner of her mouth as she imagined Kristofer’s reaction. Throwing her shoulders back, she pulled open the door and marched directly to the desk where he worked.
    “So, last night…” Isabella waited for him to turn and face her. It didn’t take long. Immediately, he whipped around and faced her.
    ‘Yes?” His face was a combination of interest and concern. His hands were clasped tightly in front of him.
    “I took your advice and it backfired in the worst way.” She took a deep breath as she saw all hope drain from Kristofer’s face.
    “Oh, doll. I’m sorry. What do I know about relationships?  I haven’t been with a man in...I don’t know how long. You should never listen to me.” He reached to give her a hug.
    Isabella held a hand up between them. “Wait. I have to get this out. I haven’t told anyone yet. Not even the kids.” She remembered how she rushed them out of the house before they could even ask about their father and her hands started shaking so she tucked them in her pants pockets. “I caught Jack in the back room of the toy store fooling around with my sister.”
    His hand shot up and covered his mouth as he gasped. Then Kristofer sat down hard in his chair. “Well, you could just knock me over with a feather.” His brows knit together. “Why are you even here?  Go home!” He stood and tried to push her toward the door.
    Shaking her head, Isabella struggled to explain. “No. I need the hours. Especially now. And I need to feel normal. And and...I don’t want to deal with it. I’ll have all weekend for that. Please let me stay. I’ll be fine. I promise.” She whipped around to face him, hands clasped under her chin.
    “Oh, baby girl, whatever you need.” He pulled her into a hug. “If you ever need a day, you just let me know. Got it?” Kristofer lifted her chin with his forefinger as he studied her face. “Now your