Free Dreams, Part 2 by Unknown Page A

common in the corporate world.“ Diana shrugged unconcernedly. “You learn to deal
    with them. Are you going to tell me either species is unknown in the publishing world?“
    Colby sighed. “No. We’ve got our share. But at least I don’t have to take orders from them from nine to five, day in
    and day out. I only deal with them occasionally. The rest of the time they leave me alone so that I can write.“
    “Unfortunately, in my world they’re a little harder to avoid.“
    “You can avoid that particular turkey easily enough. Don’t go back to work for him. How did he happen to show
    up here tonight, anyway?“
    Diana shrugged. “This is one of his favorite restaurants.“
    “I see.“ Colby’s gray gaze was chillier than ever. “Did you two come here a lot in the old days?“
    Diana’s head came up in surprise as she caught the blatant male jealousy in his voice. “We had a few business
    meals here, but that’s all. I’ve told you that Aaron and I are professional colleagues, not… not anything else.“
    “Why aren’t you anything more than professional colleagues?“ Colby was clearly spoiling for another fight. “He
    looks like the type who’d sleep with one of his women managers if he got the chance.“
    Diana grinned slowly. “I don’t date turkeys.“
    Colby relaxed. His mouth twitched at the corner. “You just work for them, huh?“
    “As I said, sometimes it’s unavoidable.“
    SPECTER WAS WATTING when Diana turned the key in the lock of her downtown apartment door. The dog’s
    heavy tail wagged affectionately as he greeted her. He leaned heavily against her leg while he gave Colby a
    half-hearted glare.
    “He’s losing his cutting edge,“ Colby said as he stripped off his jacket. “Doesn’t even show his teeth to me
    anymore.“
    “I told you he’s beginning to like you.“
    “Sure he is.“ Colby slung his jacket on a hanger in the closet. “And if you believe that, I’ve got a nice bridge…“
    Whatever he was going to say next was cut off by the ringing of the red phone on the black lacquer table near the
    window.
    Diana walked across the gleaming hardwood floor and picked up the receiver. She stood in front of the full-length
    windows, admiring her precious view of the Willamette River as she spoke into the phone. “Hello?“
    “Diana? This is Brandon. I’m at Dad’s apartment. Sorry to bother you two at this time of night, but I’ve been trying
    to get hold of Dad. Is he there?“
    “He’s here. He’s busy insulting my dog, as usual. Ill get him for you. By the way, how are things going at the
    restaurant where you’re working?“
    “Fine. I don’t think I’d want to wait tables the rest of my life, but it’s not bad for a summer job.“ There was a pause.
    “I saw Robyn yesterday.“
    “Did you?“ Diana’s eyes flicked to Colby’s face, and then she looked away. “Is she all right?“
    “Yeah. Guess I didn’t exactly break her heart after all. She’s dating some preppy type she met at her parents’
    country club.“
    “What about you?“
    “Me? I’ve sworn off women for at least another week.“
    Diana laughed. “Ill get your father.“ She held out the phone to Colby who took it with a raised eyebrow.
    “Yeah, Brandon?“
    Diana listened to the one-sided conversation as she slipped out of her high heels and went into the kitchen to find
    a snack for Specter.
    “Okay, I guess that’ll work. Put one scratch on the Jeep, though, and I’ll nail your hide to an outhouse door. Right.
    Well see you in the morning.“ Colby tossed the receiver back into the cradle.
    “What was that all about?“ Diana asked from the kitchen.
    “Brandon wants to borrow the Jeep for a few days. He and some buddies from the restaurant want to take it over to
    the coast and do some off-roading. We’re getting the Mazda for the week. Hell drive the Jeep up to Fulbrook Corners
    on his next day off and switch back.“
    “Sounds complicated.“
    “Teenagers and cars