Falling Awake

recital and several birthdays because he was too busy doing his big business deals or traveling to meet with politicians and lobbyists. We never took vacations with Dad. He’s been married twice since the divorce, both times to women who are younger than I am. Do you really think I wanted to marry a man like that?”
    The great weight that had been crushing him for the past several months lifted so suddenly he thought he might actually be able to fly.
    “I didn’t understand,” he whispered, dazed.
    “No, I can see that.” She loosened her grip on his shirt and raised her fingertips to his face. “I suppose that’s my fault for not making it clear. I just assumed you understood.”
    He pulled her close against him. “Maybe we should both sign up for one of those Kyler Method seminars on communication skills.”
    She smiled tremulously. “Oh, Farrell.” She put her head on his shoulder. “I’ve been so scared. So desperate.”
    “So have I,” he said into her hair. “But not any longer. I can handle anything if I know you’re with me.”
    “Always.”
    They stood together for a long time. After a while Leila stirred in his arms.
    “We should probably go back to the office,” she said reluctantly.“This is reception evening, after all. There will be a million and one little details. There always are.”
    “Tamsyn and the others can handle them.”
    “But . . .”
    He framed her face and smiled down into her eyes. “You and I have other priorities.”
    “Such as?”
    “What do you say we get started on that family we plan to have?”
    Joy lit up her face. “You’re right. That sounds a lot more important than the weekly reception.”
    He picked her up in his arms and carried her down the hall to the bedroom.

36
    t he good-looking man with the neatly trimmed beard was waiting for her in the hall outside her small office.
    “Ron Chapman.” He gave her a friendly smile. “I’m enrolled in the seminar series this week. Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your class on creative dreaming this morning.”
    Isabel’s spirits, which had been at low ebb since the debacle, immediately skyrocketed. Nothing like a little positive feedback.
    “Thank you. I’m afraid a lot of the students found it pretty dull.”
    “You could have fooled me. You sure know your subject.”
    “Well, I’ve worked in the field of dream research for some time,” she said, trying to come across as both modest and authoritative. “But I must admit that teaching other people how to get creative inspiration from their dreams is a real challenge.”

    “You did great this morning. I’m looking forward to the next class.” He checked his watch. “Uh-oh. Looks like I’m running late for the session on time management. Probably not a good sign, huh?”
    She laughed. “Enjoy the class.”
    “I’m sure I will. See you at the reception this evening.”
    “I’ll be there.”
    Tamsyn emerged from the ladies’ room just as Ron went past on his way down the hall. She gave him one of her vivacious smiles.
    “Mr. Chapman,” she murmured.
    He paused. “Please, call me Ron. I understand we’re all on a first-name basis while we’re here at Kyler headquarters.”
    “That’s right.” She indicated her name tag. “I’m Tamsyn. I’m on the staff.”
    “It’s a pleasure, Tamsyn.”
    Isabel could almost see the sparks flickering between the pair. Instant attraction in action.
    Tamsyn waited until Ron Chapman had disappeared around the corner. Then she winked at Isabel.
    “Hmm,” she said. “Nice. Very nice.”
    Isabel raised her brows. “I’ll bet there’s a rule against fraternizing with the seminar attendees.”
    “Sure.” She rubbed her hands together. “But there isn’t any rule about dating one of the students after he’s finished the program. Don’t you think he’s attractive?”
    “Who? Chapman? He seems nice enough.”

    Tamsyn glanced back down the hall, looking thoughtful. “Actually, I would have said he’s your type. Sort of academic-looking, polite. Well mannered.”
    “That’s it? You think he’s my type because he comes across as intelligent and well mannered?”
    Tamsyn made a face. “Okay, maybe he seems like your type because he’s not intimidating.”
    “Aha, now we get to the real issue.” Isabel peered at Tamsyn over the rims of her glasses. “I take it you find Ellis intimidating?”
    “Well, yeah. Sort of.” Tamsyn cleared her throat. “Interesting but