Free Borrowed Dreams (Debbie Macomber Classics) by Debbie Macomber Page A

abstract creations, but a friend told her that they supposedly had a lot more meaning than met the eye. Rereading that part of the letter caused Carly to smile. Of course, the friend had been Diana, and the comment was typical of Diana’s sense of humor.
    Carly closed the letter by asking Jutta to send more information about her other paintings. As she took a stamp from the kitchen drawer, she caught sight of a single carnation that had remained on top of the counter next to the sink. She paused with the stamp raised halfway to her tongue. The carnation looked forlorn and dejected. Feeling bad about the way she’d treated Brand, she opened the cupboard beneath the sink and pulled the bouquet from the can. Shegently brushed the coffee grounds from the pink and white petals. Having no vase, Carly placed them in the center of the table in the empty olive jar, which served admirably as a holder.
    She regretted what she’d said to him. There were better ways of expressing her feelings. But hindsight was twenty-twenty. That was another of Diana’s favorite witticisms. Dear heaven, how she missed her friend.
    After a restless evening in which her mind refused to concentrate on any project, Carly realized that she wouldn’t feel right about anything until she’d apologized. Humble pie had never been her specialty, but, as she recalled, though the initial bite was bitter, the aftertaste was generally sweet. At least she’d be able to go on with the rest of her day. And the sooner the apology was made, the better. To take the easy way out and phone him tempted her, but Carly resisted. Instead, she donned a thick cable-knit sweater and drove the distance to Brand’s apartment.
    *  *  *
    Her knock on his door was loud and hard. She waited long enough to wonder if he was home. His truck was outside, but that didn’t mean much. She finally heard movement inside the apartment and placed a pink carnation between her teeth before the door was opened. “Peace?” she offered.
    “Carly.” He frowned, as if she was the last person he expected to see. His expression clouded before he said, “Come in.”
    Carly removed the flower and attempted to spit out the taste of the stem and leaves as she moved inside. “Well?” she questioned.
    Brand moved a hand over his face, as if he thought she might be an apparition. “Well, what?”
    “Am I forgiven for my cavalier attitude?”
    He looked at her blankly, as if he still didn’t understand what she was asking. “You mean about the flowers?”
    Carly tipped her head to one side. Brand had obviously been asleep and she’d woken him. Things were quickly going from bad to worse. “I’m sorry, I … I didn’t know you were in bed.”
    “Care to join me?” Brand teased softly, and pulled her into his arms. He inhaled, as if to take in the fresh scent of her. “It’s been a long time since I had someone warm to cuddle.”
    Carly tried to remain stiff, but the instant she was in his arms, she melted against him. He smiled down on her, and his finger traced the smooth line of her jaw. His touch had the power to weaken her resolve. This was bad, and it was getting worse. To complicate matters even more, Brand could see exactly how she felt.
    He chuckled softly, and his breath tingled the side of her neck as he leaned forward to nuzzle the curve between her neck and shoulder. “Why don’t you put on some coffee while I grab a shirt and shoes?” He reluctantly moved away.
    Carly released a sigh of relief when he left her. Not knowing what to do with herself, she wandered into his kitchen. Her back was to Brand when he entered the room a few moments later. “My coming today was a gesture of friendship,” she began, and smiled tightly as she turned to face him. “I felt bad about what happened at my place. My attitude was all wrong. You were being kind and I …”
    “Friendship.” Brand repeated the word as if he found it distasteful. “I think it’s time you woke up to the